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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
On this 7 day itinerary you’ll experience the best that East Gippsland has to offer. From cycling on the East Gippsland Rail Trail, visiting local wineries, walking through a koala haven, cruising along the river to Lakes Entrance, and soaking in geothermal hot springs, this trip really has it all.
This is a fully supported cycle meaning you get to experience the freedoms of a self guided bike tour with the social aspects that come with a small group tour. Along for the adventure is your driver and escort who will meet you for lunch and stops along the way, and who will also offer their local knowledge of the route each day.
Over the week you will have ample opportunity to take in the varied scenery and history of the stunning East Gippsland region. The cycling will be mostly on the Rail Trail, through undulating farmland and temperature rainforest, along winding rivers, and across historic timber railway bridges. Each night you’ll sample delicious local food and produce, and you’ll have the chance to sample local wines and honey. This cycle journey opens up a whole new way to appreciate the natural beauty and local produce of this special corner of regional Victoria.
37kg of CO2-e PP per day
(221kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive in Orbost, meet at 12pm for group transfer to Bairnsdale
Today you will make your own way to Orbost. Please ensure you arrive by midday in order to join the 12.30pm transfer to Bairnsdale. The drive will take just over one hour. Please arrive by 12pm. When you arrive in Bairnsdale you will check in to your accommodation for tonight, before heading out on a tour of Raymond Island. Gippsland Lakes Reserve, situated on Raymond Island on Tatungalung Country, is highly significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage. Raymond Island is a haven for wildlife, including a large koala population. While on the island we will do a walk and see how many koalas we can spot! Returning to Bairnsdale we will have our first dinner together as a group. Overnight in Bairnsdale.
Meals: D
Day 2
Cycle to Nicholson River Winery and on to Bruthen (36km), transfer to Bairnsdale
Today is your first cycle day, and you will enjoy lake and bushland views for most of the day. The 8km section to Nicholson is asphalt and features a restored timber and steel trestle bridge over the Nicholson River. We'll then head out to the Nicholson River Winery for a wine tasting with a view out over the river. Continue on to Bruthen, where the rest of the trail for today is on hard-packed gravel. Bruthen is a scenic town and we'll enjoy lunch and a spot of honey tasting at Tambo Valley Honey. In the afternoon a transfer will bring us back Bairnsdale. Overnight Bairnsdale. Cycling distance: 36km
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Cycle via the Discovery Trail to Lakes Entrance (36km)
After breakfast this morning we'll start the day with a transfer back to Bruthen. From there we'll be back on the saddle as we head towards Wyanga Park Winery. We'll enjoy lunch at this family owned and operated winery, set amongst classic bushland. After lunch we will cruise down to Lakes Entrance, relaxing and enjoying the view along the way. Tonight we take full advantage of the local seafood and cuisine, dining out at Sodafish a charming restaurant located right on the harbour. Overnight: Lakes Entrance. Cycling distance: 36km
Day 4
Rest day, with optional walks and a visit to Metung Hot Springs
Today we take a relaxing break from our bikes. After breakfast we will take a morning walk down to The Entrance (5km return). If we're lucky we will spot some local seals as we walk along the coast. A short drive will bring us to Metung, a village on the shores of Bancroft Bay, for lunch. After lunch, the true rest begins at Metung Hot Springs. Here we will immerse ourselves in the geothermal baths and experience the serenity of the Hilltop Escarpment. From there we will visit Griffiths Sea Shell Museum and Marine Display before returning to our hotel. We'll have dinner and stay overnight again at Lakes Entrance.
Day 5
Continue on the rail trail to Tostaree (52km)
Today you cycle back towards the East Gippsland Rail Trail, heading towards Tostaree. Much of the cycling today will be on hard packed gravel, heading through bushland. The cycle to Nowa Nowa is 41km, but if you would like to make the cycling day shorter there are options to be transferred either 8km or 16km to the trail). We'll stop for lunch together at Nowa Nowa, then continue with a shorter cycle to Tostaree. Enjoy the tranquility this evening when you check in to your rustic farmstay accommodation. You will stay in a cottage and be looked after by your friendly hosts who will cook you up a tasty dinner tonight. Overnight: Tostaree. Cycling distance: 52km
Day 6
Cycle to Orbost (31km), afternoon tour of Cape Conran, overnight Marlo
It's back on the bike for your final day on the rail trail. Today's ride is shaded and you will cross over three major wooden trestle bridges. The trail surface today is fine compacted gravel which is easily managed, but you will need some strength in the legs as there are a few steep sections. The rail trail ends at Newmerella, but continues 2km to end at Orbost via a shared pathway that begins at Burn Road. Once we finish cycling in Orbost we will drive to Marlo (self-drive if you drove to Orbost, or you will be transferred if you arrived by public transport) and check into our accommodation before we head out for an afternoon tour of Cape Conran. The Coastal Park at Cape Conran is home to a range of wildlife, including lace monitors, wombats, southern brown bandicoots, potoroos and plenty of birds. Overnight: Marlo Cycling distance: 31km
Day 7
Trip concludes
The trip concludes this morning in Marlo.
Meals: B
Arrive Orbost, cycle Orbost to Tostaree (25km)
Today you will make your own way to Orbost. Please ensure you arrive by midday in order to join the group lunch. After lunch we will hop on the bikes for our first cycle on the Rail Trail, cycling from Orbost to Tostaree. This afternoon we will visit the Lemon Hill Gallery before dinner. Overnight: Orbost.
Meals: L,D
Cycle via the Discovery Trail to Lakes Entrance (50km)
Today we will join the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail as we cycle towards Lakes Entrance. We'll finish the ride at Wyanga Park Winery, a family owned and operated winery set amongst classic bushland. This afternoon we will cruise down to Lakes Entrance, relaxing and enjoying the view along the way. Tonight we take full advantage of the local seafood and cuisine with dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight: Lakes Entrance
Rest day and a chance to relax and recharge
Today we take a relaxing break from our bikes. A short drive will bring us to the Metung Hot Springs. Here we will immerse ourselves in the geothermal baths and experience the serenity of the Hilltop Escarpment. From there we will visit Nyerimilang Heritage Park. The afternoon will be free to relax, explore the town, or enjoy the local shops and cafes. We'll have dinner and stay overnight again at Lakes Entrance. Overnight: Lakes Entrance
Cycle to Bruthen and on to Bairnsdale (40km-65)
We start this morning's ride on Bruce's Road as we head back to the Rail Trail. About 40km of cycling will bring us to Bruthen where we will have morning tea. We'll then head out to the Nicholson River Winery for a wine tasting and lunch with a view out over the river. We'll then continue with a shorter cycle this afternoon as we cycle to Bairnsdale (approx 20km). Overnight: Bairnsdale.
Cycle the Silt Jetties and visit Raymond Island
Today is dedicated to the waterways and wildlife of the Gippsland region. We'll start the morning with a 5km river cycle before driving to Paynesville. Getting back on the bikes we will cycle along the Silt Jetties. We'll finish the day with a visit to Raymond Island. Raymond Island is a haven for wildlife, including a large koala population. While on the island we will do a walk and see how many koalas we can spot! Overnight: Paynesville
A day discovering the coast around Orbost
After breakfast we will drive back to Orbost and enjoy lunch at the Sailor's Grave. We'll then head out for an afternoon tour of Cape Conran. The Coastal Park at Cape Conran is home to a range of wildlife, including lace monitors, wombats, southern brown bandicoots, potoroos and plenty of birds. There is an optional Estuary Walk before we enjoy our final group dinner together. Overnight: Oborst
We will have breakfast together this morning before check-out at 10am. The trip will conclude this morning in Orbost.
What's included
What's not included
Electric Bikes are provided on this trip. The Electric Bikes are available in a range of sizes. Pannier and helmet hire is also included. The electric bikes we use are Lafree E+ bikes, with a powerful battery that will last you the whole day.
The route is on the East Gippsland Rail Trail. The Rail Trail path is shared between walkers and horse riders, but is free from road traffic. The rail trail occasionally crosses the highway or quiet roads. You will cycle on roads in and out of the towns where we stay, but this is only for short distances each day. The trail surface is made up of either compacted gravel, fine gravel, compacted earth, and some sealed sections. The trail is best suited to mountain, hybrid or touring bikes - we provide electric bikes suited to the terrain.
You’ll spend 6 nights in clean and comfortable accommodation. You will stay in a range of accommodations, including a boutique hotel, motel style accommodation, and one night at a rustic farmstay style cottage. The rooms are spacious, clean, double/twin rooms, which have ensuite facilities. The hotels are generally well located, close to town and the bike path.
This trip involves 4 days of undulating, well maintained cycling trails. Daily cycling distance varies from 31km to 52km. The Rail Trail is mostly gentle, with a few longer ascents that on completion you are rewarded with stunning views. The Rail Trail path is shared between walkers and horse riders, but is free from road traffic. The rail trail occasionally crosses the highway or quiet roads. You will cycle on roads in and out of the towns where we stay, but this is only for short distances each day. The trail surface is made up of either compacted gravel, fine gravel, compacted earth, and some sealed sections. The trail is best suited to mountain, hybrid or touring bikes - we provide electric bikes suited to the terrain.
Per Person, Twin Share
Orbost is about 370km from Melbourne, or about a 4.5 hour drive. From Canberra it is about a 4 hour drive. If you're coming from Sydney the drive will take around 7 hours. You can reach Orbost by train and V-Line bus from Melbourne. Depending on connections the journey time is around 6 hours.
If you arriving in Orbost on day 1 you will need to arrive in time for the 12.30pm transfer to Bairnsdale. We suggest arriving before midday. You can leave your car in Orbost as you will return here at the end of the trip.
On the last day of the trip the group cycles to Orbost. If you have driven you can then collect your car and drive it to the last night of accommodation in Marlo.
Yes, you can. We are happy to assist with this or you can book your own accommodation in town.
Yes, you can leave your car in Orbost for the duration of the trip. For the last day of the trip we will cycle to Orbost and then drive to Marlo. If you drove to the trip you will self-drive to Marlo so that you have your car for the end of the trip.
Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. You will cover up to 36km in a day. Most of the cycling is along the dedicated cycle path, and you will only need to cycle on the road while you are in town for meals or getting to your accommodation.
Yes, you can use your own bike if you prefer. Let us know at the time of booking and a small discount will be applied. If you are electing to bring your own bike, it is important that you have a bike fit for purpose.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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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.
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.
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.
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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