Charming open spaces nestled in the coastal fringe of the Strzelecki ranges

The Village Square is your starting point for exploring the village. The now deserted railway station on the western end and the still very active General Store just opposite the square were featured in the popular ABC series Something in the Air. With the adjacent Toby’s Paddock (aka Nyora Community Railway Park), it forms a striking and pretty open space, visible from both roads into town (Lang Lang-Poowong Road and Davis Street from the South Gippsland Highway). A convenient carpark in the north-east end of the square gives you access to the 129km multipurpose Great Southern Railtrail for walking and cycling. Also to the V-line buses if you want a trip to the big smoke without the hassle of driving. On the eastern end, the Nyora Hub – with it’s own carpark at the back – houses a cafe, the Post Office, Medical Centre and Pharmacy.

Inside the Square is one the two regional Skate bowl/Skate parks (the other is at Loch); a childrens’ playground; a large covered gazebo with table, seat benches with a free barbecue; shade trees and walkways.

The Park is a wonderful example of community effort. It was funded, developed and is maintained by community individuals and organisations. Council has recognised the need to provide amenities for younger people, and has installed the Skate bowl.

Nyora is proud of its pivotal starting point for the RailTrail. In fact, some of the prettiest sections on the entire Trail are between Nyora and Bena. From Nyora, the Rail Trail goes to Loch over the Bass River and Allsop Creek bridges (5.5km), up the beautiful gorge to Hilda Falls and then native bushland to Jeetho (5km); through farmland and valley views to Bena (plus 5km), Korumburra (plus 5.4km), then Leongatha and further north-east through Foster to Yarram.

The Nyora Recreation Reserve is the venue for most of the organised sport and recreation activities in Nyora. It’s also a great place to wander around, link up with the Rail Trail or just admire the very well manicured greenness of the footy/cricket oval. Access to the Reserve is via Grundy Street past the School. Contacts for the Reserve are Greg Carrigy or Dave Chippett or email Nyorareserve@bigpond.

Several groups lease space from the Reserve Committee or use it as a base:

• Aussie Footy (6 months each year). Nyora Football Netball Club actively promotes all ages and genders plus has an active Facebook presence.

• Cricket (6 months), oval plus hidden practice nets past tennis courts at north east of Reserve. Very active through various age groups and sometimes able to use the sheltered area at Nyora School. FB is Nyora Cricket Club Inc

• Netball (2x courts)

• Tennis (2x courts); locked gates but open to public – key at Post Office) contact via phone. Encourages social membership, juniors and casual play

• Nyora Mens Shed (see below)

• Nyora Raceway (see below

• A walking group uses the Reserve as a start point for their regular rambles

• A darts group is setting itself up for more regular activities, so watch out on the Nyora Community Facebook for details.

The cricket club actively promotes family, women and juniors, and welcomes newcomers to its regular social Saturday meal nights in season. Women’s contact is Krystin Wurzbacher.

The northern end of the Reserve precinct is run by the Nyora Raceway/Nyora Speedway. The excitement machines! It’s promoted as a safe, family friendly environment – and racetrack. It’s alcohol free by the way! It began in 1960 as a safe place for a group of local teenage boys to drive their old beat-up bombs, and now conducts around 10 impressive events each year. These days, bigger boys and women join the action. Club contact via phone or email Trish Dyke at nyoraspeedway@yahoo.com.au.

Nyora Public Hall is around the corner in Hendley Street, and is available for hire. Email contact is Nyorahall3987@outlook.com.au.

The Nyora Progress Association meets at the Public Hall. It’'s a new organisation and lacking membership at this stage, so doesn’'t meet on a regular but on an as-needed basis. Interested? You're invited to contact Denise Stringer or Malcolm Brown or email.

The Nyora Community Op Shop is also in Henley Street Nyora Public Hall. It is usually open between 10:00am and 1:00pm on Wednesday through to Saturday. It’s volunteer-run so opening hours vary and its friendly local staff know almost anything local!

Ishinryu Nyora Karate is a great way to exercise mind and body. It’s especially suitable for kids. Classes operate from the Nyora Public Hall in Henley Street on Monday for ages 6 years to adults. Contact Robert Wiseman.

Nyora Mens Shed has a vibrant membership, and well-maintained carpentry and some metal-working equipment for hobby craftsmen. The Mens Shed also provides counselling, support and companionship to men in the Poowong, Nyora, Loch, Jeetho, Krowera and Lang Lang Region. It helps sustain Men's Health and welfare while providing projects and services to the local communities. The Shed is open Tuesdays and Fridays 9am until 12:00 noon. It’s situated within the Recreation Reserve off Grundy Street. Best contact is Charlie Tagliaferro via Nyora Community Notice board Facebook, or phone Ray.

Loch Nyora Pony Club holds rallies on the first Sunday of each month except January. It’s at 27-41 McDonalds Track. Pony riding classes and lessons for kids include grooming, care, cross country, dressage and show jumping (FB is Loch Nyora Pony Club).

South Gippsland Horse Trail Riding Club holds regular Sunday rides, weather permitting. See Facebook or contact Jenny Downs or email sghtrc@gmail.com.

Nyora Cemetery is well worth a visit! It’s always interesting to explore old cemeteries. Buried treasures in a beautiful manicured cemetery with over 400 internments, and gardens on one third of the 15 acre plot. Contact is Daryl Smith at at the Nyora Cemetery Trust.

Nyora Primary School. Contact is Karen Farbus@education.viv.gov.au

Loch/Nyora Landcare is one of three Landcare groups in the region. Best contact is an email to Malcolm Brown.

Nyora Connect is a drop-in opportunity operating out of the Baptist Church in Grundy Avenue, most Wednesdays. Contact is Joy Foot, best through the Nyora Community Facebook.

Local Ward Councillor (SG Shire Council) is Mike Felton, a Nyora resident. Mike is always happy to assist with representing community matters to Council. Contact via phone.

Opening hours for businesses and shopfronts will vary throughout the year depending on the season and staff availability – many businesses are owner operated.

The Nyora Hub is a real Hub. Pick up your mail and have a coffee from the delightful little cafe, while you're waiting for your prescription, or the doctor. Outside, there’s a covered and heated seating area. Oh, and ten bike racks for Rail Trail enthusiasts in the large carpark. During commercial hours, the “ Hub” includes the Medical Centre, Nyora Post Office and Pharmacy with associated cafe and outdoor seating. It’s a popular information and community centre, pivotally situated right on the corner of Davis Street and Grundy Avenue. All four amenities are connected internally, with the Medical Centre also being accessible from Davis Street.  So, a real one-stop hub and a five-stop shop!

Nyora Medical Centre is the only Medical Centre within the three village triangle. Three doctors, (two female). Does Covid and flu vaccines, and other vaccinations with booked appointments. Accessible from 42 Davis St, or via Nyora Hub at 46 Davis St. Open 5 days Monday to Friday 9.00am-1.00pm; 2.00pm-5.00pm. Contact 5659 0070.

Nyora Pharmacy is a fully stocked pharmacy, with free once a month prescriptions delivery in the area from Poowong, Loch and even Korumburra. Free blister packs available. Offers Covid and flu vaccinations and other immunisations – booked appointments. Good parking at 42 Davis Street. Hours 9:00am-5:30pm Mon-Fri and 9:00am-1:00pm Saturday. Contact 5659 0169.

Nyora Post Office. Village residents don’t have household mail deliveries, so the Post Office has both Post Office boxes and/or a pickup facility within the hub. Post Office hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Closed Saturday. Contact for Post Office and other hub members is 5659 0169.

The Hub cafe is perfect for a snack and chat. A place to drop in or arrange a get-together with friends. Order a toastie or cake with your standard coffee or Chai Latte! Sit outside in a lovely all-weather heated and protected area. Nyora is the start of the Rail Trail, so fuel up before you go. Open Mon-Fri from 8:30am to 4:30pm and Saturday 8:30am to 2:00pm. Phone 5659 0169.

Nyora Pizza and Takeaway. A popular takeaway place for evening meals – no dine-in. A modest shopfront, but a very diverse and budget minded menu. Pizzas are the big deal, but fish and chips and the grill for souvlaki, various burgers are usually available. Lyn is very active on Facebook, so well worth a look to see the latest offerings. Usual trading hours are Wednesday and Thursday 4pm to 8pm, Friday and Saturday 12noon to 8:30pm, Sunday 12noon to 8pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Contact 5659 0081.

Nyora General Store (also Foodworks) is located on a lovely old building just opposite the Village Square in Mitchell Street. With a general range of groceries and a bottleshop, it’s a useful everyday shop. If you’re looking for a snack, or hot food (including Indian!!) during the day, then a great place to try. Kash is the owner and Indian food is the speciality. Open 7 days! Mon-Fri hours are 7:00am until 6:30pm; Saturday 7:30am to 6:30pm; Sunday 7:30am to 5:00pm. Phone 5659 6303.

Bowny Automotive is a very well stocked and staffed autoworkshop at 9 Davis Street. Bowny does all automotive work – servicing, maintenance and repairs for all makes and models. Courtesy car available and can arrange pick up and drop-off services as well. Contact Bowny on 5607 2719 or via email on admin@bownyautomotive.com.au

Levey Engineering at 24 Watts Road provides a wide range of services and products for farming, mining, construction and motor vehicle industry including playground equipment. Its CNC Lathes, milling machines and welding bay can handle a variety of projects. Contact Pete at 5659 0218.

Wallies Firewood, in Grundy Ave is a local supplier of red gum for winter warmth. FB, or contact Wallie.

Nyora is part of the government V-Line Yarram to Melbourne, with pick-up and drop-off at the carpark at the northern end of the Village square on Davis Street. Five daily departures to Melbourne start at 6:16 am, with last return at 7:16pm. See the “Other services ” section for extra detail and trip ideas.