Cycle a Rail TrailView trips
4
Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 5 days self-guided cycling
Accommodation
  • 4 nights hotels/ inns

Price

5 daysfrom

$2040AUD

 
 
Trip Code: CWH

Central West Cycle Trail Highlights Trip highlights


  • Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
  • Cycle through the picturesque pasturelands of Central West NSW
  • Uncover the region's 19th century gold rush history in Gulgong
  • Discover charming rural towns and settlements.
  • begin and end the trip in Mudgee with its thriving food and wine scene

The newly established 400km long Central West Trail takes cyclists on a loop through New South Wales' Central West Region. There is everything you would expect from the rural Australia including sweeping views, lonely roads and charming towns packed with character. The route traverses the territory of the Wiradjuri people, the first nations people of this area. It is also an area significant to Australia's more recent past, as it is within these vast landscapes that the burgeoning colony's prosperity was built, first with gold, then upon the sheep's back. Today, relics of this areas lucrative pioneering history remain in the many interesting towns and villages that exude the laconic humour, charm, and hospitality for which rural Australia is famous. While the aesthetic may not have changed much in the last 100 years the region has adapted, playing to its strengths, with an abundance of food, drink and accommodation options that are big on quality but low on pretence. During the five day trip, you will be supported with e-bike rental and luggage transfers between towns, giving you the freedom to cycle at a relaxed pace and taken in the ever-changing landscape of grazing country, vineyards, national park' and reserves. We have handpicked accommodation in a combination of country pubs with shared bathrooms and family run motels with private facilities, with friendly hosts and tasty food options. The sense of achievement as you roll into Gulgong on the last cycle day is a true highlight on this groundbreaking cycle trail.

Itinerary

This morning you will need to drive to our bike provider's home depot, just outside of Mudgee. After meeting our representative in Mudgee (8:30am), who will provide you with your e-bike for the trip, you will be transferred to the tiny hamlet of Goolma, the start point of your self-guided cycle journey through the Central West. As is the case for much of the route, you will pass through picturesque pastoral country where serenity understates the importance of the history, and modern prosperity, of Australia. These lands provided the stage for the establishment and success of the Australian wool industry, a commodity long referred to as the 'Golden Fleece' on account of its value. The route is a steady ascent for the first part of the day until you reach Mt Bodangora and following that the afternoon is mainly freewheeling, with a few small ascents, all the way to Wellington. Set upon the banks of the Macquarie River, the township of Wellington was an important colonial settlement for Christian missionaries, pastoralists and those seeking their fortune on the nearby gold fields. ascent:463m, descent: 364m

Meals:  Nil

Before setting out this morning, we recommend purchasing lunch supplies for following day (Ballimore to Mendooran) as there are no lunch options cycling through the Goonoo Forest to Mendooran. A longer cycle today so an early start is recommended. The route this morning out of Wellington starts with a solid climb (you'll appreciate your e-bike) via Mount Arthur Reserve following quiet back roads, that loosely follow the course of the Macquarie River, to the town of Geurie the only town on route where lunch is available. The route continues to Wongarbon, a great place to stop for coffee and fresh scones (bookings required). The route from Wongarbon to Ballimore passes through prime agricultural and pastoral country where, depending on the time of year and water available, you many encounter fields full of crops such as canola, wheat, oats or other cereals. The area is also popular for livestock farming. Today's destination of Ballimore is a small town of less than 200 people and a great example of the settlements that sprang up around the railway sidings along this crucial piece of economic infrastructure. ascent: 465m descent: 456m

Meals:  Nil

Shortly after departing Ballimore this morning you will enter the Goonoo Conservation Area. Made up of mainly box-ironbark-callitris woodland with patches of mallee, it is designated as an 'Important Bird Area' supporting an isolated population of the vulnerable malleefowl as well as populations of diamond firetails and painted honeyeaters. Also keep an eye and an ear out for glossy black-cockatoos, Gilbert's whistlers, and the easternmost population of yellow-plumed honeyeaters. The route through the conservation area is sandy in patches and can be very muddy after rain. Caution is recommended. Emerging from the forest you will soon arrive in Mendooran, a small rural village and the oldest town on the Castlereagh River. Murals are dotted around town (an opportunity to explore on foot) which depict the history of the area. If you fancy something a little different and time is on your side why not take a trip out to the Black Gate Distillery, on the southern side of town, to sample their whiskeys and rum (by appointment only). ascent: 291m descent: 250m

Meals:  B

After a local breakfast and picking up a packed lunch to take on your way, you set out this morning towards Dunedoo. After the initial section, there are two options of route with the alternate route heading south towards Cobbora while the primary route arcs north via the historic Dilgah Station. Both have sections on dirt roads, although the alternate route is rougher and longer. Before European settlement, Dunedoo and the surrounding area was occupied by the Gamilaroi and Wiradjuri peoples and the town’s name is derived from a local Aboriginal word for ‘swan’ which are common in the area's lagoons. On rolling into the town, be sure to take a look at the towns newest attraction, some "Silo Art". Painted on the towns old grain storages is a larger than life mural of the champion race horse Winx and her jockey, local Hugh Bowman. ascent: 234/360m descent: -281m/-335m

Meals:  B

Today's route takes you to the historic town of Gulgong, the Wiradjuri word for deep waterhole. On route to Gulgong the road is generally well graded with some excellent sweeping rural views, good shade and bird life such as flocks of Galahs, Choughs and Magpies. Shortly after the tiny settlement of Birrawa, stop for morning tea or lunch, hosted at the lovely Mayfield Farm (by appointment- cash only) before pushing on to your destination. The town of Gulgong really emerged after gold was discovered at Red Hill in 1870. For a brief time the town blossomed and this heritage has remained intrinsic to the town’s identity. On arrival, take some time to stroll around the characterful town centre and visit the numerous listed buildings and museums. Not to be missed is the Holtermann Museum’s UNESCO listed photo collection, which provides visitors a fascinating visual insight into the region’s early colonial history. The Pioneer Museum is also highly recommended, hosting an enormous, well presented collection of items providing insight into days of old. 5pm transfer to Mudgee where the trip concludes. ascent: 220m descent: - 202m

Meals:  B


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 in twinshare accommodation - motels with private bathrooms (1 night) and simple hotels with shared bathroom (3 nights)
  • 3 breakfasts - basic continental style
  • E-bike hire with panniers and phone holder and repair kit
  • Navigational App and route maps
  • Transfer from Mudgee to Goolma on day 1 and from Gulgong to Mudgee on day 5
  • daily luggage transfers

  • Travel to/ from Mudgee
  • Accommodation before or after the trip in Mudgee
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, car parking, towel etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not listed as included

Bike information


Trail Surface


Accommodation


Grading

Introductory to Moderate  
4

This self guided trip involves 5 days of cycling, generally on bitumen or well graded dirt roads with daily ascents of 172m to 463m. Some sections of the daily cycles may have traffic, including trucks. Daily activity is usually between 4 and 6 hours but some days might be longer depending on your overall pace on riding an e-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. If you decided to bring your own bike and it is not an e-bike, the overall grading of the trip changes to moderate. Please ensure that your bike is fit for purpose - road bikes are not suitable for this trip unless they have been fitted with wider tread tyres. The best bike is a hybrid or a gravel bike.


Departure dates

Daily departures from Mar to Nov, except Tuesdays and Saturdays

Notes

DN1
Luggage transfer is included in the cost of the trip. A discount is provided if you would like to carrry your own gear in the panniers provided.
DN2
This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tour suggestions.

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

$2040AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount to remove bike hireAUD$-188
  • Additional day bike hireAUD$90
  • Single SupplementAUD$320
*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Central West Cycle Trail Highlights 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 by car. The drive from Sydney is 3.5 hours. You can leave your car at our bike provider's home depot for the duration of the trip.

Breakfasts when provided are simple continental style - think cereal and toast. There is usually a cafe nearby to purchase a more substantial breakfast with good coffee. You will need to carry your lunch with you during the cycling day as there are usually no towns with shops available enroute. You can source lunch supplies from the local store and plan to have snacks with you. There is a store, cafe or bakery to purchase supplies at each overnight stop except in Ballmore. You will need to purchase two days of lunch supplies in Dubbo to cover your lunch for the next day - alternatively the pub in Ballimore will usually assist with providing a packed lunch (you will need to request the night before). Store opening hours tend to be shorter trading hours than city stores. For the evening meal, this is usually taken at the pub restaurant when staying in a pub or at a restaurant in town when staying in larger centres.

Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. You will cover up to 78km in a day, across undulating terrain, and you will need to be confident cycling on roads. There is lots of cycling on the road in this trip. There are also some stages on well graded dirt roads where there may be soft sections to look out for. Excessive rain will always require more cares while cycling whatever the surface and there may be times when you will need to walk your bike for short stages if the road is difficult to navigate due to the conditions (eg. heavily rutted or muddy).

Yes, e-bike hire is included in this trip cost. Please let us know if you would like to hire a standard bike. A supplement may apply.


Central West Cycle Trail Highlights Videos

Central West Cycle Trail: Best Way To Explore Country Australia By Bike

Central West Cycle Trail Highlights 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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