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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is a unique and exciting way to explore Victoria's beautiful North East region. From hidden valleys and stunning mountains to outstanding wineries and restaurants with world class local produce, there's something spectacular around every corner.
On this extended version you can cycle each section of the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail, with the inclusion of some longer cycle days to really stretch the legs. You’ll spend the first three nights in Beechworth, with a cycle on the newest section to Yackandandah, as well as a long day out to Wangaratta and Milawa. Then cycle along the classic route to Myrtleford and Bright. In Bright you have one final, longer, day on the bike with a loop cycle to Harrietville.
Along the way you can sample the incredible local produce such as olives, pumpkins, berries, mustards and cheese, and of course sampling a variety of wines at some of the region’s best wineries. We’ll look after all of the arrangements for you, so you can cycle at your own pace while discovering the best of the region. This is a great edition for keen cyclists.
25kg of CO2-e PP per day
(149kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Beechworth, afternoon to explore this historical town
Today make your own way to the historical town of Beechworth located in the North East of Victoria. After checking into your hotel you are then free to explore this charming town, set in one of Victoria’s ultimate wine and food destinations. Beechworth was a popular gold mining town in the mid 19th century and has many well preserved buildings to explore. You may wish to take a tour of the fascinating Beechworth Gaol, where the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly was incarcerated or sample the wonderful local produce at one of the local cafes or restaurants. Overnight in Beechworth.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle to Yackandandah, then transfer back to Beechworth (30-40km)
This morning you will collect your bike from the bike shop in Beechworth. Today you will cycle on the newest section of the Rail Trail, heading out towards Yackandandah. Yackandandah is a historical town with several options for lunch. You can continue on to Osbornes Flat to the very end of the trail. There is not much beside a public toilet here. Return to Yackandandah for the afternoon transfer back to Beechworth. The Osbornes Flat section will add an extra 10km to the route. You will be collected at 2pm in Yackandandah for your transfer back to Beechworth. Cycling distance: 30km, ascent: 284m, descent: 553m
Day 3
Cycle past farmland and eucalyptus to Wangaratta and Milawa (63km), transfer to Beechworth
Heading off from Beechworth you will enjoy a fun descent along the rail trail towards Everton Station. Beautiful eucalyptus trees and verdant farmland line the road creating that classic Australian bush smell, making it a lovely days ride. From here you will continue to Bowser and Wangaratta. From here continue on the trail to Milawa. You then make your way to the Milawa Cheese Company (open daily), set in the historic Milawa Butter Factory. They have a wide range of cheeses you can try, and a gift store with some interesting items for sale. It’s then back on the bikes and onto Milawa Mustards (open daily). It’s well worth the stop here to taste the many mustards on offer, catering to everyone's taste from mild to hot. You then head off to Brown Brothers (cellar door open daily; restaurant only open Friday to Monday) the recommended lunch destination. Brown Brothers have been making wines since 1889 and is still a family owned winery. There is a welcoming tasting room where you can sample the varieties and beautiful food for lunch (Thursday to Monday only) which you can enjoy in the air conditioned dining room or outside in the sun. After lunch you will be picked up and transferred back to your accommodation in Beechworth, with the transfer usually booked for 3pm. Overnight in Beechworth. Cycling distance: 63km, ascent: 36m, descent: 421m
Day 4
Cycle past old stations and wineries, on gum tree lined trails to Myrtleford (43km)
Today's ride starts with a short downhill cycle along quiet roads before rejoining the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. The countryside is classic Australian bushlands with Gum Trees lining the trail and rows of vines lining up to the hills, We cycle onwards past Brookfield and Bowman Stations as the trail gently climbs to Taylors Gap, before evening off for a nice easy ride to Gapsted Winery (open Thursday to Monday). The Victorian Alps create a wonderful backdrop for a tasting and relaxing lunch at this cool climate award winning winery. After lunch it’s a short, gentle ride into picturesque Myrtleford town. Overnight in Myrtleford. Cycling distance: 43km, ascent: 205m, descent: 544m
Day 5
Visit fine produce stores and wineries en route to Bright (31km)
Today is an easy ride into Bright, with many opportunities along the way to stop and sample the world class local produce. Starting this mornings cycle along the rail trail the first stop is The Pumpkin Seed and Oil Store (open daily), which do all sorts of amazing things with pumpkin seeds. After a gentle cycle through bushland you can stop for lunch at Ringer Reef Winery (closed Wednesday Oct to May, closed Tues to Thurs from June to Sep, and most public holidays), along with a wine tasting of course. Then it’s onwards to the beautiful town of Bright, where you can explore its many great cafes and restaurants along with the nearby National Parks. Overnight in Bright. Cycling distance: 31km, ascent: 153m, descent: 48m
Day 6
Loop cycle to Harrietville, returning to Bright (56km)
Today's loop cycle trail follows the Ovens River and explores the beautiful valley between Bright and Harrietville. The trail is flat and fully sealed, suitable for both road bikes and mountain bikes. Follow the rail trail from the center of Bright towards the Tawonga Gap turnoff and then wind your way through eucalypts and our spectacular valley to arrive in Harrietville where you can find refreshments at a range of local cafes. Return to Bright along the same route. Your bike and gear will be picked up from your hotel this afternoon. Overnight in Bright. Cycling distance: 56km, ascent: 304m, descent: -295m
Day 7
Trip concludes in Bright
This morning concludes your cycling adventure along the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail! You are then free to explore beautiful Bright at your own pace. We are able to assist with booking a return transfer to Beechworth (departing at either 12:00-12:30pm or 4:30-5:00pm - additional costs apply).
What's included
What's not included
The bikes we provide are high quality Avanti Discovery 3 touring bikes or similar with 27-speed gears for on-demand, quick gear change across a wide gear range. Bike hire includes a helmet, repair kit, front handlebar bag, drink bottle holder, rear carrier and a waterproof pannier.
Electric bikes can be hired at an additional cost. The electric bikes we provide are high quality 9 speed bikes with a step-through frame. Bike hire includes a helmet, repair kit, front handlebar bag, drink bottle holder, rear carrier and a waterproof pannier.
You’ll spend 6 nights in clean and comfortable 2-3 star hotels. The rooms are spacious, clean, double/twin rooms, and have ensuite facilities. The hotels are well located, close to town and the bike path.
This self guided trip involves 5 days of cycling on a sealed trail surface with some gentle descents. On average you will cycle between 35 to 63km per day, with plenty of opportunities to stop and rest while sampling local produce and wines. Being a self guided trip you determine the pace and schedule. You will need to be in good health and be a confident and 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 effort than when the wind is behind you. Most of the cycling during the trip will be on the Rail Trail, where you cycle separate from the road. You will need to cycle through the towns to get to your hotels each day.
Per Person, Twin Share
Yes. You will cover up to 63km in a day, and although most of the cycling is downhill and on a dedicated cycling path you do still need to be a capable cyclist.
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.
You can drive to Beechworth and park your car in town. Alternatively you can catch a train from Melbourne to Wangaratta and then a connecting bus to Beechworth. The total journey time will be around 4 hours.
There is plenty of street parking in Beechworth. If you leave your car in Beechworth you will need to return from Bright at the end of the trip.
Alternatively you can drive to Bright on day 1, leave your car near your hotel, then catch the bus or take a transfer to Beechworth that afternoon (must be booked in advance - additional cost applies). When you return to Bright at the end of the trip, your car will be there ready for you to depart.
At the end of the trip we can arrange a transfer from Bright to Beechworth, or you can take the bus (around 40 minutes).
The transfer is a shuttle that departs Bright at 12:00/12:30pm or 4:30/5:00pm. This must be booked in advance and additional costs apply.
To return to Melbourne you can take the bus. You will need to catch a bus from Bright to Wangaratta, then a connecting train or bus to Melbourne.
The buses in the area are operated by V-Line and if you are travelling with your own bike, they require that bikes are boxed.
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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