Cycle a Rail TrailView trips
4
Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 3 days self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 4 nights hotel/inn accommodation

Price

5 daysfrom

$1300AUD

 
 
Trip Code: MUE

Mudgee Explorer Trip highlights


  • Enjoy the independence of self guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
  • Experience three day cycle journeys exploring the stunning winery region
  • Delight in the local wines and food of the Mudgee region
  • Cycle through the countryside, passing vineyards and farms en route
  • Visit Henry Lawson memorial
  • Cycle along quiet country roads

What better way to enjoy the wines, food and countryside of Mudgee, than by bike. On this self guided cycle you are free to set your own pace, with time to enjoy a long lunch, sample local cheeses or stop for a wine tasting en route. The choice is yours. We have a number of routes for you mapped out, each of which gives you ample time to appreciate the produce of this region. You'll stay in Mudgee for 4 nights, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the delights of the town. With countless wineries, renowned restaurants and lovely cafes, you'll be spoiled for choice for a well-earned gourmet treat after spending the day cycling through the countryside.

Itinerary

Make your own way to Mudgee and check in to your accommodation. You can spend the afternoon strolling through the charming streets of town. Mudgee is known for its old world charm, colonial buildings and many fine wineries surrounding the town. It is a wonderful place to explore before your cycling starts tomorrow. Overnight Mudgee.

Meals:  Nil

The focus for today is on exploring the wineries of the region and the stunning local produce. You pick up your bike this morning and then head north out of Mudgee along the Ulan Road. Shortly after leaving, you can stop and taste some fine, locally produced cheeses. Upon turning onto Henry Lawson drive we recommend you stop at Petersons Winery. They have a number of outstanding wines for tasting set in nice surrounds. You can also visit nearby Pieter van Gent winery for another tasting. As you continue cycling you'll pass Mansfield wines and di Lusso Estate, both are worth a visit as they specialise in Mediterranean and Italian styles respectively. This is the beauty of a self guided cycling holiday, you get to chose where you stop and for how long depending on your tastes. Later you arrive at Lowe Winery, which is our recommended lunch stop. They have platters which are generously sized and a nice outdoor area. If you are here on a Saturday or Monday, then they an incredible degustation lunch at Zin House (attached to the winery) – let us know if you wish us to book this for you. Saturday is a 6-course lunch. Monday is a 3-course lunch. After lunch, it’s back on the bike and a short cycle to Craigmoor wines. They have an art gallery, and a large selection of wines to taste. From there it's just 6km back to Mudgee, with a few more wineries en route, if you get the urge. All of today's cycle is on bitumen. The roads are quiet, with the exception of the start which heads along Ulan Road, which can get some traffic to the mines. There is a cycleway adjacent, so please use this. Overnight Mudgee. Cycling distance: 22.4km, ascent: 153m, descent: 156m

Meals:  Nil

This is an easy ride suitable for all ages. The views are pleasant and it's relatively flat. At the almost halfway point, you'll come to Moothi Estate on your left hand side. They have a restaurant, lovely wines to taste and a great view. It’s the perfect place for lunch. You have great surrounding district views from the verandah. After lunch, head down the driveway back to Rocky Waterhole Road, and continue your ride, ending up back in Mudgee. Most of this route is on very quiet roads. It’s worth keeping in mind that there can be trucks from the coal mines on any of the roads, so it does pay to be vigilant. All of this ride is on bitumen. Overnight in Mudgee. Cycling distance: 18km, ascent: 92m, descent: 86m

Meals:  Nil

Today's day ride heads north towards the Henry Lawson Memorial. Henry Lawson is one of Australia’s most famous writers and poets, and the memorial is at the site of his childhood home. There's a long gentle climb along Henry Lawson Drive, before a nice descent and then another climb up to Lowes Peak. From here you will see large granite tors, and there are fine views to the south. We recommend having lunch at di Lusso Estate – which is at the 29km marker. The di Lusso Estate specialises in Italian varietals. They have a great restaurant, and on Thursday-Sunday they fire up the pizza oven (and every day in school holidays). If you need refreshment before lunch, you will be passing Petersons Winery and Pieter van Gent wineries. This is a straightforward ride, but further than the first 2 cycling days. It heads further north than our Winery Explorer and has a couple of climbs to test the legs. All of this ride is on bitumen. Overnight Mudgee. Cycling distance: 36km, ascent: 351m, descent: 345m

Meals:  Nil

The trip concludes this morning in Mudgee. Check out is at 10am. If you would like to do some further exploring on your way home (or if the weather is inclement on one of the cycle days) you can drive 30 minutes up Ulan Road to a lovely place called 'The Drip'. There is a park and a walk along a stream, past overhanging 'dripping' rocks, beautiful bush and small caves. Pack a snack and enjoy the solitude. There are toilets and a map at the start of the walk, which will take about an hour return.

Meals:  Nil


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 4 nights accommodation in a boutique hotel in Mudgee on a twin share basis with private facilities
  • 3 days of electric bike hire including helmet and front basket
  • Navigational app with route book and maps
  • GPX tracks

  • Travel to Mudgee
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, car parking, towel etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals
  • Phone handlebar mount

Bike information


Accommodation


Grading

Introductory to Moderate  
4

This self guided trip involves 3 days of cycling, generally on bitumen and quiet roads. Some sections of the daily cycles may have traffic, including trucks travelling to/from the nearby mines. Daily activity is usually between 2 and 4 hours but some days might be longer depending on your overall pace on riding a bike. Being a self guided trip you determine the pace and schedule. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health and be a capable cyclist. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions which can also add to the timing and comfort of a trip, for example riding into a head wind will take more time than when the wind is behind you.


Departure dates

Daily departures

Notes

Note:
Start date supplements apply if you start your trip on Tuesday to Saturday. Price based in standard category room. Upgraded rooms will attract a supplement.
DN2
Please note, when we book your accommodation some hotels may request a deposit/full payment to secure your booking. This amount will be payable, in addition to the Australian Cycle Tours deposit. Any extra payments, along with the $400 AUD deposit, are non-refundable.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events or just tailoring a trip to suit your own needs - learn how you can tailor your own Customised Tour.

Priceper person from

$1300AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount to remove bike hireAUD$-200
  • Start Date Supplement - Starting Tues or SatAUD$50
  • Start Date Supplement - Starting Wed, Thurs or FriAUD$100
  • Single Supplement - Starting Sun or MonAUD$750
  • Single Supplement - Starting Tues or SatAUD$800
  • Single Supplement - Starting Wed, Thur or FriAUD$850
*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Mudgee Self Guided Cycle Explorer trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Frequently Asked Questions

The easiest way to get to Mudgee is to drive. Not all of the hotels that we use have parking on site, but there is untimed parking available on Perry Street in central Mudgee. If you are coming from Sydney the drive will take 3.5 to 4 hours.

It's also possible to take public transport from Sydney. You will need to catch the train to Lithgow, then a coach to Mudgee. More information can be viewed here: http://www.nswtrainlink.info/ This will take between 5 to 7 hours.

Yes, you can bring your own bike if you prefer and a small discount will be provided. Ask our staff for more details.

Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. You will cover around 20-40km in a day and you will need to be confident cycling on roads. Some sections are along cycle paths but they do not cover the whole route.

Yes. It is highly recommended (and essential in many places) that you book your visit in advance. Mudgee is currently very busy and pre-booking allows the local businesses to stay Covid-Safe.


Mudgee Explorer Videos

Mudgee Bike Tour | Central West | Australian Cycle Tours

Mudgee Explorer Trip reviews


Why cycle with us

SELF GUIDED EXPERTS

As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Australia you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.

TRUSTED LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about cycling and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for you.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. We've sourced the highest quality bikes and most authentic accommodations so you can enjoy a stress free cycling trip.


Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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