Cycling Capertee Valley: Photo Diary

cyclist leaving Glen Davis in the Capertee Valley | Ross Baker
cyclist leaving Glen Davis in the Capertee Valley | Ross Baker

Cycling Capertee Valley: Photo Diary

 
There's a lot to be discovered on the Capertee Valley in Comfort Self Guided Cycle tour. Starting with the little known fact that the Capertee Valley is the world's widest and longest enclosed valley - 1km wider than the Grand Canyon - you start to get an idea of the gorgeous nature this bike holiday contains. Admire the scenery of the World Heritage-listed wilderness, which includes the Wolemi and the Gardens of Stone National Parks. It's not only flora, however; keep your eyes peeled to spot the endangered Regent Honeyeater as you pedal through this Important Bird Area (IBA). Take a look at some of the glorious photos from a recent cycling trip through the Capertee Valley.
 

Day 1: Arrive in Mudgee

Make your own way to Mudgee and check in to your boutique 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. Return to your hotel for overnight accommodation.

A charming cellar door in Mudgee |  <i>Bruce Baker</i>

Enjoy Mudgee's many dining options, such as Alby & Esthers |  <i>Mudgee Region Tourism</i>

Clock tower in Mudgee |  <i>Mudgee Region Tourism</i>

Mudgee New South Wales Self Guided Cycling |  <i>Sue Badyari</i>

Day 2: Transfer to Capertee, cycle through the Capertee Valley (57/67km)

This morning you will be met by our representative and fitted with an e-bike, then transferred to the small village of Capertee. Surrounded by the World Heritage listed wilderness of the Wollemi, the Capertee Valley is the world's second largest canyon. Dominating the vistas are dramatic sandstone cliffs which form the perimeter of the canyon and add to the pleasure of cycling in this valley with a rich birdlife and picturesque rural landscape. 

Cycling into the valley, the quiet road is ideal for listening out for bird song while catching glimpses of the outstanding views including the Gardens of Stone National Park where Pantoneys Crown stands as a sentinel rising to a flat tabletop. Descending further into the valley, the canyon widens dramatically and flattens out, as you cycle past grazing land. There is an option to cycle to Glen Davis, a former shale oil mining town which, at its peak, had over 2000 residents. There is evidence of the past with shopfronts showcasing goods available last century, while the setting is impressive literally surrounded by the canyon walls. A picnic area is ideal for taking a rest break. 

 

The Capertee Valley is a gorgeous hidden gem that's so close to Sydney. The best way to experience the Capertee Valley is on a self-guided cycle holiday with Australian Cycle Tours.  View the trip: https://www.australiancycletours.com.au/new-south-wales/country-nsw/self-guided/capertee-valley-in-comfort-self-guided-cycle  #CaperteeValley #VisitNSW #AustralianCycleTours  ABOUT THE CAPERTEE VALLEY CYCLE TOUR  Surrounded by World Heritage listed wilderness such as the Wollemi and the Gardens of Stone National Parks, the Capertee Valley is the world's widest and longest enclosed valley - 1km wider than the Grand Canyon.   Entering the canyon by bike, the spectacular views of the impressive Pantoneys Crown, standing proudly alone, and the rocky escarpment framing the canyon are ample reward for your pedalling efforts. This view inspired Henry Lawson who wrote about the valley in his poem, “Song of the Old Bullock Driver”. Along with the escarpment, the timeless beauty of the valley is punctuated by interesting rock formations including conical volcanic peaks like Tyan Pic.   The Capertee Valley is recognised internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a habitat of the endangered Regent Honeyeater. Capertee is within the traditional country of the Wirrdjuri people. It was discovered by Europeans seeking fortunes in the mining of shale oil. The abandoned town of Glen Davis paints the history of that time and is a worthy diversion on the cycle route.  Leaving the valley behind the route takes you through Kandos, whose limestone became the basis for a booming cement factory in the 20th Century. Continuing on to Rylstone, the pretty main street has gourmet food options, while the nearby vineyards offer opportunity for the tasting of premium wines. The last leg of the cycle is along a quiet, undulating road through classic rural scenes all the way to Mudgee where the trip concludes.   At night stay in hand picked premium B&B's for two nights, and a boutique hotel in Mudgee. The accommodation is a highlight of the trip with friendly hosts and great views, ensuring cyclists are well looked after. With your luggage transferred, all you need to do is pedal your e-bike, listen to the birdsong in the air and take in the outstanding scenery.  ABOUT AUSTRALIAN CYCLE TOURS  Australian Cycle Tours specialise in high quality #selfguided and supported cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.   We are the people within Australia's first ever adventure travel company, World Expeditions, which was established in 1975.  Our team love to discover the world on two wheels. Putting our passion and knowledge of cycling, as well as active self guided tours, to great use, we’re proudly putting Australia and its premier destinations on your doorstep with our range of active #cycletours, both guided and self guided.  With our extensive knowledge of the destinations and of all things cycling, this means you get the very best advice, every time. While safety is core to how we operate, we’re focused on the fun factor and suitably challenging you to reach that great sensation of personal achievement through these immersive experiences.  You don't have to be a keen #cyclist to join one of our Australian cycling trips. You just need a sense of #adventure and a love of the #outdoors.  We invite you to explore Australia at handlebar level with us.  See the full range of #bike holidays: https://www.australiancycletours.com.au  Join the Australian Cycle Tours community: https://www.australiancycletours.com.au/eNewsletter  Thanks to Tim Charody an Elsewhere Productions for the film.

 

Continuing on the road becomes dirt for some stages (though road work could change this imminently). With the rocky peaks high above the scenery never gets dull as you make your way to your deluxe B&B with a friendly host awaiting. Watch the sun go down from your terrace and take in the night skies before enjoying a gourmet meal.

Cyc;ling the Glen Davis Road in the Capertee Valley |  <i>Ross Baker</i>

Cycling along a shaded road on the Capertee Valley Cycle |  <i>Ross Baker</i>

Cycling out of Glen Davis |  <i>Ross Baker</i>

Cyclist viewing the impressive walls of the Capertee Valley |  <i>Ross Baker</i>

Cyclist on the Glen Alice Road in the Capertee Valley |  <i>Ross Baker</i>

Deluxe B and B in the Capertee Valley |  <i>Ross Baker</i>

Day 3: Cycle to Rylstone (35km)

This morning takes you on a mixture of sealed and dirt roads, quite potholed so care is required. The route gradually ascends out of the valley before a fabulous stretch taking you all the way to the wide roads of Kandos, set beneath Cumber Melon Mountain. The town was established in the early 1900s around the production of cement, said to be the foundation of Sydney's building boom. 

From here you follow a dedicated cycle route all the way to the town of Rylstone with its excellent restaurants, wineries and interesting shops. Visit Naked Lady Vineyard and the De Beaurepaire Vineyard just outside Rylstone and sample their award-winning wines. Overnight Rylstone.

Bridge in the Capertee Valley enroute to Kandos |  <i>Ross Baker</i>

Cyclists in Kandos |  <i>Ross Baker</i>

Cyclists at the Rylstone Olive Press |  <i>Ross Baker</i>

Day 4: Cycle to Mudgee, trip concludes (52km)

Today takes you along a sealed backroad all the way to Mudgee. Along the route, the rolling countryside will offer a distraction from the small hills you encounter, while the town of Lue is a great midway rest stop, with its classic country pub and soon to be cafe. 

As you get closer to Mudgee, the farming changes to vineyards, before you roll into the centre of this charming town, where the trip concludes. Please ask us about overnight options if you are planning to extend your stay.

Autumn colours on the road to Rylstone, Capertee Valley |  <i>Katy Taylor</i>

Cyclists in Lue half way between Mudgee and Rylstone |  <i>Ross Baker</i>

The Lue hotel, a great halfway rest stop between Mudgee and Rylstone |  <i>Ross Baker</i>

Cycling the Lue Road to Mudgee |  <i>Ross Baker</i>

Cyclists in the vines at the Moothi Estate in Mudgee |  <i>Ross Baker</i>


>> Would you like to experience the Capertee Valley in Comfort Self Guided Cycle tour? Take a look at the trip page or give our friendly team a call on 1300 114 966. 

Are you keen to explore the Capertee Valley? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

 

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