Erin and Luke took their young family on their first multi-day cycle adventure in Victoria. They were keen to cycle Victoria's High Country and chose the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail as their bike route. Being a self-guided bike tour, they were free to pedal at their own pace and stop off at the many various attractions along the way. Of the 4 ways to cycle the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail with Australian Cycle Tours, they decided to ride the Downhill Edition tour, partly because they were towing a child bike trailer, and partly because why not! The opportunity to coast downhill was too good to pass up.

 

View their cycle journey along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail via their great photos interspersed with the tour itinerary below.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

This morning you will collect your bike from the bike shop in Beechworth. The focus for today is getting a taste of the fine produce of the region on a scenic day cycle as you get used to your bike. 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. 

 

 

We pass by the general store in Everton, which is a good excuse to stretch the legs and get an ice cream. You then make your way to the Milawa Cheese Company, 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. 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, 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 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. Overnight in Beechworth. Cycling distance: 33km, ascent: 32m, descent: 416m

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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, which do all sorts of amazing things with pumpkin seeds. Further along the track you will come to the Buffalo Berry Farm, who sell ice cream as well jam, coffee and berry pie. 

 

 

After a gentle cycle through bushland you can stop for lunch at Ringer Reef winery, 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. Your bike and gear will be picked up from your hotel this afternoon. Cycling distance: 31km, ascent: 153m, descent: 48m.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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There are 4 bike tour options to cycle the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail:

Or view and compare all 4 Murray to Mountains cycling options here.