Great Victorian Rail Trail Short Break

Cycle through sections of the Great Victorian Rail Trail which are currently open

The historic Cheviot Tunnel is a key feature of the Tallarook to Mansfield Rail Line | Robert Blackburn

Leaving Mansfield on the Great Victorian Rail Trail | Kate Baker

Cycling the Great Victorian Rail Trail near Olivers Road | Rail Trails Australia

Great Victorian Rail Trail | Kate Baker

The former Mansfield Station is now home to the Mansfield Historical Society | Rail Trails Australia

At 397m, Merton Gap is the highest point on the Great Victorian Rail Trail | Rail Trails Australia

The historic Cheviot Tunnel is a key feature of the Tallarook to Mansfield Rail Line | Robert Blackburn

Leaving Mansfield on the Great Victorian Rail Trail | Kate Baker

Cycling the Great Victorian Rail Trail near Olivers Road | Rail Trails Australia

Great Victorian Rail Trail | Kate Baker

The former Mansfield Station is now home to the Mansfield Historical Society | Rail Trails Australia

At 397m, Merton Gap is the highest point on the Great Victorian Rail Trail | Rail Trails Australia

Introductory to Moderate

Activities

3 days self guided cycle

Accommodation

2 nights hotel/inn accommodation

Price

3 daysfrom

$1560AUD

View Inclusions

Trip Code: GVM

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Great Victorian Rail Trail Trip highlights

Cycle on the open sections of the Great Victorian Rail Trail
Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
Hassle-free cycling on the dedicated cycle path on the Great Victorian Rail Trail
Appreciate the views of mountains, lakes and rivers
Sample the excellent local foods and wines of North Victoria
Visit historic towns and villages
Cycle through Victoria's longest rail trail tunnel, the historic Cheviot Tunnel

The Great Victoria Rail Trail was unfortunately impacted by bushfires in January 2026. The middle two sections are currently closed for repair. For those who still wish to cycle part of the route we have put together this temporary itinerary, which includes transfers around the closed sections.

The Great Victorian Rail Trail is a dedicated cycle way that passes through charming towns and diverse countryside. Between 1883 and 1970 the Mansfield Line passed through the Cheviot Tunnel, a historic structure constructed with over a million handmade clay bricks. The rail line was decommissioned in 1978 and is now a cycle trail that affords inspiring views of the Victorian High country foothills. Each evening you'll settle into a local atmospheric hotel to enjoy the regions exceptional food and wine set in iconic country towns. With the ease of our luggage transfer service, an app to guide you each day and your accommodation all taken care of, this cycle journey opens up a whole new way to appreciate the natural beauty of this special corner of regional Victoria.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive in Mansfield, collect bike, followed by an easy ride to Bonnie Doon (21km)

This morning you will need to make your own way to Mansfield, due to logistics you will need to arrive by 11am. The easiest way to do this is to take the bus from Melbourne. Mansfield is nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps and surrounded by grazing land and mountain forests. The city has a number of interesting historical buildings dating back to its time as a stock route camp and gold mining town. Once in Mansfield you will meet with our bike provider who will conduct a specialised bike fitting and provide you with your bike, helmet and pannier. They will also collect your luggage and transfer it to your next hotel. Your journey starts with a nice easy ride into Bonnie Doon today. We stay on the east side of the lake, but if you want to visit the centre of town today you will cross the impressive 385 metre bridge over Lake Eildon. Bonnie Doon was immortalised in the hilarious Australian classic movie "The Castle". This afternoon you can explore and feel the serenity for yourself! Overnight in Bonnie Doon. Cycling distance: 21km, ascent: 105m, descent: 141m *We can book a pre-night of accommodation in Mansfield if you would like to arrive the day before the trip starts. Ask our staff for details.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cycle to Alexandra, enjoying spectacular views from Merton Gap en route (58km)

Today you set off through farming country, cycling past rock outcrops, livestock and open farmlands. You will cycle to Merton, the highest point on the rail trail, and then meet with our local partner at 11am for your transfer to Yea. On arrival in Yea you can have lunch in town before beginning your out-and-back cycle to the Cheviot Tunnel. The Cheviot Tunnel is 201 metres long and is the longest trail tunnel in Victoria. It was made from 675,000 bricks which were handcrafted on site with local clay in 1889. Dinner is recommended in the Peppercorn Hotel (Thursday-Sunday only) or at the Royal Mail Hotel (7 days). Overnight in Yea. Cycling distance: 37km, ascent: 279m, descent: 320m

Meals: Nil

Day 3
Follow the Goulburn River to Tallarook (39km)

For your final day of cycling you may wish to fuel up at Marmalades Café, which serves great breakfasts and coffees. Today you will ride next to the heritage-classified Goulburn River, passing through the Trawool valley. This is a region which was painted by many of the famous Australian painters in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in particular Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin. Towards the end of the route there are particularly fine views, and it is worthy of a stop to enjoy the beautiful Goulburn River. You will ride into the quiet town of Tallarook, nestled at the foot of the magnificent Tallarook Ranges. A great place to get a celebratory coffee for your last day is Tallarook General Store, or you may prefer a cold drink at the Tallarook Hotel (closed Monday and Tuesday). The trip ends on your arrival in Tallarook. Here you can leave your bike for collection, pick up your luggage and catch the train back to Melbourne. Alternatively we can organise a return transfer to Mansfield (included in the trip cost). The bike collection is 1pm in Tallarook. If you take the return transfer this is also booked with a 1pm meeting time. Cycling distance: 39km, ascent: 285m, descent: 282m

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

What's included

2 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with private facilities on most nights
Hybrid bicycle hire including a helmet, pannier and a specialized bike fitting service (electric bikes can be hired for an additional supplement, we can also provide tag-a-long bikes and kids trailers)
Transfers around the closed sections of the Rail Trail
Luggage transfers
Route notes & maps available to download and use on your phone through our navigation app
GPS information
Transfer from Tallarook back to Mansfield on day 3

What's not included

Travel to/from Mansfield
Accommodation before or after the trip
Travel insurance
Meals
Phone handlebar mount

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

The bicycles we provide are high quality hybrid bikes. The bikes are available in a range of sizes, and a specialized bike fitting service is included. Pannier and helmet hire is also included.

Electric Bike

Electric Bikes are available for hire at an additional cost. The Electric Bikes are available in a range of sizes, and a specialized bike fitting service is included. Pannier and helmet hire is also included. The electric bikes are Merida eSPRESSO Hybrid ebikes. If you would like a stepthrough frame, this can be provided. Please let us know at the time of booking.

Child Bike

Bikes for children are available in 20 and 24 inch frames. Tag-a-long bikes and kids trailers are also available and can only be used in conjunction with hired bikes.

Trail Surface

Cycle Path

The route is on the Great Victorian Rail Trail and is separate from the road. The trail surface is best suited for mountain, hybrid or touring bikes.

Accommodation

Comfortable Accommodation

You’ll spend 2 nights in clean and comfortable 2-3 star hotels. The rooms are spacious, clean, double/twin rooms, most of which have ensuite facilities. The hotels are well located, close to town and the bike path.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

This self guided trip involves 3 days of mostly flat, well maintained cycling trails. Daily cycling distance varies from 21km to 55km. 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 (chert) or granitic sand. The trail is best suited to mountain, hybrid or touring bikes - we provide hybrid bikes.

Departure dates

Daily (except Sunday) departures from September to May

Notes

DN1

If you are travelling over a National Public Holiday a small supplement will apply, this covers the additional surcharge for your luggage transfer on the day. Please speak with our staff for price details.

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

$1560AUD

Options & Supplements*

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Great Victorian Rail Trail Short Break 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

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?Why can't I cycle the full Great Victorian Rail Trail?

Due to extensive bushfire damage, sections of the Great Victorian Rail Trail are currently closed. It is not currently known when these middle two sections will re-open. For those who would like to still visit the region and cycle on the sections that are open we have put together this temporary itinerary.

?How do I get to Mansfield?

Mansfield is approximately 192 kilometres from Melbourne at the eastern end of the trail. The drive will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. If you are driving you can leave your car in Mansfield and we will transfer you back to Mansfield from Tallarook on the last cycle day.

Alternatively, there are buses that run several times a day between Melbourne Southern Cross Coach terminal and Mansfield. The journey is around 3 hours. See the V/Line website for timetables: https://www.vline.com.au/

If you are using public transport you can take the bus to Mansfield and the train back to Melbourne from Tallarook.

?How do I get back to Mansfield at the end of the trip?

A transfer between Tallarook and Mansfield is included in the trip cost. Our partners will meet you in Tallarook in the early afternoon and drive you back to Mansfield.

If you prefer to leave the trip in Tallarook that can be arranged. A small discount will apply. Our local partner will still meet you in Tallarook to handover your luggage and collect the hire bikes.

?What time do I need to arrive in Mansfield?

If you are arriving in Mansfield on day 1 you will need to arrive at the bike shop by 11am so that your luggage can be collected in time for the day's luggage transfer.

?Can I book a night of pre-tour accommodation in Mansfield?

Yes, you can. We are happy to assist with this or you can book your own accommodation in town.

?How do I get back at the end of the trip?

At the end of the trip you can take a bus or a train back to Melbourne from Tallarook.

If you need to return to Mansfield, we can arrange a transfer between Tallarook and Mansfield. The cost of this transfer is included in the trip cost. This transfer takes around 1.5 hours and usually departs Tallarook at 1.00pm.

?Do I need to be a capable cyclist?

Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. You will cover up to 55km 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.

?Can I bring my own bike?

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.

?If I drive, where can I leave my car?

There is plenty of street parking where you can park your car in Mansfield.

Great Victorian Rail Trail Videos

Great Victorian Rail Trail

Great Victorian Rail Trail 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.