Cycling the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail: Photo Diary

Erin and Luke took their young family on their first multi-day cycling adventure in Victoria. Keen to explore the High Country, they chose the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and opted for the Downhill Edition, partly because they were towing a child bike trailer and partly because the opportunity to coast downhill was simply too good to pass up.

Being a self-guided tour, they were free to pedal at their own pace and stop off at the many attractions along the way. View their journey via the photos and itinerary below.

Day 1: Arrive in Beechworth

Make your own way to the historic town of Beechworth in Victoria's North East. After checking in, you are free to explore this charming town, set in one of Victoria's finest food and wine regions. Beechworth was a popular gold mining town in the mid-19th century and has many well-preserved buildings to discover. You may wish to take a tour of the fascinating Beechworth Gaol, where the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly was once held, or sample the wonderful local produce at one of the town's cafes and restaurants.

Day 2: Beechworth to Milawa (33km)

Collect your bike from the shop in Beechworth this morning. Today is all about getting a feel for the trail and sampling the exceptional local produce along the way. Heading out from Beechworth, you will enjoy a fun descent along the rail trail toward Everton Station, with beautiful eucalyptus trees and verdant farmland lining the route.

The general store in Everton makes for a great leg stretch and ice cream stop, before continuing to the Milawa Cheese Company, set in the historic Milawa Butter Factory, where a wide range of local cheeses can be sampled. Next stop is Milawa Mustards, well worth a visit to taste the many varieties on offer. Lunch is at Brown Brothers winery, a family-owned operation making wine since 1889, with a welcoming tasting room and excellent food. After lunch you will be transferred back to your accommodation in Beechworth.

Cycling distance: 33km | Ascent: 32m | Descent: 416m

Day 3: Milawa to Myrtleford (43km)

Today's ride begins with a short downhill stretch along quiet roads before rejoining the rail trail. The countryside is classic Australian bushland, with gum trees lining the trail and rows of vines running up to the hills. The route passes Brookfield and Bowman Stations as it gently climbs to Taylors Gap, before levelling off for an easy ride to Gapsted Winery, where the Victorian Alps provide a spectacular backdrop for a tasting and a relaxed lunch. After lunch, a short, gentle ride brings you into picturesque Myrtleford.

Cycling distance: 43km | Ascent: 205m | Descent: 544m

Day 4: Myrtleford to Bright (31km)

An easy ride into Bright, with plenty of opportunities to stop and sample outstanding local produce along the way. The first stop is The Pumpkin Seed and Oil Store, followed by the Buffalo Berry Farm, where ice cream, jam, coffee and berry pie await. After a gentle ride through bushland, lunch is at Ringer Reef Winery, with a wine tasting included. From there it is a short ride into the beautiful town of Bright, where excellent cafes, restaurants and nearby national parks are waiting to be explored. Your bike and gear will be collected from your hotel this afternoon.

Cycling distance: 31km | Ascent: 153m | Descent: 48m

Day 5: Trip Concludes in Bright

Your cycling adventure along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail comes to a close this morning. You are free to spend the day exploring beautiful Bright at your own pace.

There are four ways to cycle the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail with Australian Cycle Tours:

• Murray to Mountains Classic Cycle
• Murray to Mountains Extended Edition
• Murray to Mountains Short Break
• Murray to Mountains Downhill Edition

>> View and compare all Murray to Mountains cycling options

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