ABOUT Boolarra
Nestled in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges, Boolarra takes its name from the Kurnai word meaning ‘plenty’. Surrounded by farmland and bush, the town has a strong community spirit.
The Post Office opened on 1st September 1884 prior to the railway arriving in 1885 which was instrumental in the development of the town. Logging and the dairy industry was important to local residents and still is today as is the Boolarra Fish Farm whose 60 acres of ponds supply goldfish to the Australian whole sale market.
Boolarra services its residents and visitors with a post office, café and popular community owned hotel. There is a lovely park in the centre of town, primary school, historical museum and sporting facilities.
The Boolarra Folk Festival is held every year in March and attracts music lovers from around Australia and the world. The festival is known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere and fantastic live music. An art, craft and food market provides visitors with the opportunity to discover the work of many local artisans.
The town is at one end of the Grand Ridge Rail Trail, which meanders through temperate rainforest and bush in the Strzelecki Ranges. The original railway branch line from Morwell to Boolarra was opened on 10 April 1885, with the last train being run in 1974. The railway was constructed through difficult hilly terrain requiring construction of massive embankments and numerous bridges. Now, the old railway line welcomes walkers and cyclists along the 13 kilometre path to Mirboo North.
