This morning you will be met at your pre-tour hotel in Mudgee. After meeting our representative in Mudgee (8:30am), who will provide you with your e-bike for the trip, you will be transferred to the tiny hamlet of Goolma, the start point of your self-guided cycle journey through the Central West. As is the case for much of the route, you will pass through picturesque pastoral country where serenity understates the importance of the history, and modern prosperity, of Australia. These lands provided the stage for the establishment and success of the Australian wool industry, a commodity long referred to as the 'Golden Fleece' on account of its value. The route is a steady ascent for the first part of the day until you reach Mt Bodangora and following that the afternoon is mainly freewheeling, with a few small ascents, all the way to Wellington. Set upon the banks of the Macquarie River, the township of Wellington was an important colonial settlement for Christian missionaries, pastoralists and those seeking their fortune on the nearby gold fields. ascent:463m, descent: 364m

Meals:  Nil

Before setting out this morning, we recommend purchasing lunch supplies for following day (Ballimore to Mendooran) as there are no lunch options cycling through the Goonoo Forest to Mendooran. A longer cycle today so an early start is recommended. The route this morning out of Wellington starts with a solid climb (you'll appreciate your e-bike) via Mount Arthur Reserve following quiet back roads, that loosely follow the course of the Macquarie River, to the town of Geurie the only town on route where lunch is available. The route continues to Wongarbon, a great place to stop for coffee and fresh scones (bookings required). The route from Wongarbon to Ballimore passes through prime agricultural and pastoral country where, depending on the time of year and water available, you many encounter fields full of crops such as canola, wheat, oats or other cereals. The area is also popular for livestock farming. Today's destination of Ballimore is a small town of less than 200 people and a great example of the settlements that sprang up around the railway sidings along this crucial piece of economic infrastructure. ascent: 465m descent: 456m

Meals:  Nil

Shortly after departing Ballimore this morning you will enter the Goonoo Conservation Area. Made up of mainly box-ironbark-callitris woodland with patches of mallee, it is designated as an 'Important Bird Area' supporting an isolated population of the vulnerable malleefowl as well as populations of diamond firetails and painted honeyeaters. Also keep an eye and an ear out for glossy black-cockatoos, Gilbert's whistlers, and the easternmost population of yellow-plumed honeyeaters. The route through the conservation area is sandy in patches and can be very muddy after rain. Caution is recommended. Emerging from the forest you will soon arrive in Mendooran, a small rural village and the oldest town on the Castlereagh River. Murals are dotted around town (an opportunity to explore on foot) which depict the history of the area. If you fancy something a little different and time is on your side why not take a trip out to the Black Gate Distillery, on the southern side of town, to sample their whiskeys and rum (by appointment only). ascent: 291m descent: 250m

Meals:  B

After a local breakfast and picking up a packed lunch to take on your way, you set out this morning towards Dunedoo. After the initial section, there are two options of route with the alternate route heading south towards Cobbora while the primary route arcs north via the historic Dilgah Station. Both have sections on dirt roads, although the alternate route is rougher and longer. Before European settlement, Dunedoo and the surrounding area was occupied by the Gamilaroi and Wiradjuri peoples and the town’s name is derived from a local Aboriginal word for ‘swan’ which are common in the area's lagoons. On rolling into the town, be sure to take a look at the towns newest attraction, some "Silo Art". Painted on the towns old grain storages is a larger than life mural of the champion race horse Winx and her jockey, local Hugh Bowman. ascent: 234/360m descent: -281m/-335m

Meals:  B

Today's route takes you to the historic town of Gulgong, the Wiradjuri word for deep waterhole. On route to Gulgong the road is generally well graded with some excellent sweeping rural views, good shade and bird life such as flocks of Galahs, Choughs and Magpies. Shortly after the tiny settlement of Birrawa, stop for morning tea or lunch, hosted at the lovely Mayfield Farm (by appointment- cash only) before pushing on to your destination. The town of Gulgong really emerged after gold was discovered at Red Hill in 1870. For a brief time the town blossomed and this heritage has remained intrinsic to the town’s identity. On arrival, take some time to stroll around the characterful town centre and visit the numerous listed buildings and museums. Not to be missed is the Holtermann Museum’s UNESCO listed photo collection, which provides visitors a fascinating visual insight into the region’s early colonial history. The Pioneer Museum is also highly recommended, hosting an enormous, well presented collection of items providing insight into days of old. 5pm transfer to Mudgee where the trip concludes. ascent: 220m descent: - 202m

Meals:  B