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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
Cycle from the sea to the flanks of the highest point in Australia on this exciting cycle journey that takes you from the seaside town of Tathra to Koscuiszko National Park. While there are some steep and sustained sections during the route, you'll be both exhilarated and excited by the many varied experiences along the way. Offering an incredible diversity of scenery and passing through some of the prettiest towns in NSW, this is an epic cycle route you'll remember for years to come. From the beautiful Sapphire Coast you'll cycle through the outskirts of Bega with its many dairy farms and meander pretty forest tracts to Wyndham. Continuing on over Mount Darrah you'll enter the Monaro region with its historic properties and rolling hills where you'll likely see kangaroos, anteaters and a variety of birds as you pedal along. Reaching the alpine zone adds a further dimension to this scenic journey. At Jindabyne you'll settle into the mountain culture and prepare for the last push to either cycle or hike to to the top of Koscuiszko (2,228 metres) for a fitting conclusion to this uplifting sea to summit experience.
28kg of CO2-e PP per day
(199kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Jindabyne, transfer to Tathra, afternoon at leisure
On arrival in Jindabyne, you will be transferred to the start of the cycle in the seaside town of Tathra, located on the NSW south coast (journey time around 3hrs). After checking into your hotel you are free to explore this area, there are some nice walks along with the Mimosa Rocks and Bournda National Parks surrounding the town. You may wish to taste some of the freshest oysters you are likely to ever come across!
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle to South Wolumla (37km, +473m, -353m)
After a relaxing breakfast you start the day's cycle, one of the more gentler stages of the trip. A little climb then downhill run greets us as we exit Tathra following the dedicated cycle route for about 5km to Kalaru. Our route takes us to the outskirts of Bega before we join the main highway for a short stint. The rest of the route is on delightful backroads passing by dairy farms and grazing countryside. A final stage of approximately 4km takes us along a dirt road with the views and scents typical of the idyllic countryside. Our destination is a beautifully restored school house which is now a B&B. Alternatively a farm stay in a delightful location near Candelo (discount applies). Either way, dinner tonight will be a lovely home-cooked meal, overlooking some beautiful countryside. There are plenty of birds and rambling grounds to roam in. Check in is from 3pm. Bega Alternative Route If you are starting from Bega you have a few options today. You can take a long route (66km, +909m, -805m - challenging) along an unsealed road which meets up with the coast road and takes you into Tathra beach from the north. The route then continues from Tathra beach and follows the route above. A shorter option is to cycle directly from Bega (28.6km) whilst another option is to cycle to Tathra beach and return the same route to continue your cycle to South Wolumla (55.6km).
Meals: D
Day 3
Cycle through forests to Wyndham (36km, +642m, -526m)
A breakfast with all the trimmings awaits you this morning. We pass through the cute little town of Candelo – they have a terrific café and general store, so if you want to refill your water bottle, or get an excellent coffee, then it’s worth the stop. We then head up over Myrtle Mountain. This mountainous section of the road passes through beautiful thick forest with palms lining the sides of the road. Once we reach the top it's all downhill here to tonight's stop near the town of Wyndham, located in the Bega Shire.
Meals: B
Day 4
Cycle over Mount Darragh and on to Bombala (57km, +888m, -453m)
This morning we will be heading up over Mount Darragh. It’s a long climb, not too steep a gradient but it’ll be a while before you are free-wheeling again. While the ascent is long, the sounds of the forest birds will keep you going. There are a few points along the way to stop for a breather. Descending through the forest and into open farmland, the next stop is the little village of Cathcart, where the main general store is a nice place to get an ice-cream and re hydrate (opening hours can vary). The rest of the ride from here is relatively straightforward along the Mount Darragh Road to the town of Bombala located on the Bombala River. The name Bombala derives from an Aboriginal word meaning "Meeting of the waters". If you get here early enough, a great stop is the Bombala Platypus Reserve. It’s 4.2km from the centre of town, but it’s well worth the visit. There is a raised platform which provides great viewing, and late afternoon (or early morning) is the best time to see them. Alternatively, wander along the riverside walk next to town on the Bombala River where it is relatively common to see a platypus at dusk and dawn.
Day 5
Continue to Maffra (55km, +759m, -571m)
There are two options for the first section of your cycle today. Either along the Monaro Highway or along a quiet back road with 14 kms of unsurfaced road. In good weather we recommend the latter. Heading out from Bombala on a beautifully quiet road takes us past sheep and cattle stations. Along the way the road transitions from bitumen to gravel. There are a number of cattle grids, so be careful crossing these. Dismounting would be the wise option. You will be riding with sheep and cattle around to keep you company. Reaching the Snowy River Way, the route ascends to a wind farm before a gradual descent to our farm stay accommodation – you will be able to cook on the BBQ and enjoy the fabulous views.
Day 6
Cycle to Jindabyne (51km, +733m, -699m)
The route today takes you firstly to the crossroads town of Dalgety set on the mighty Snowy River. Stop for a refreshment at the pub or general store before continuing on the alternative route to Jindabyne. There are a couple of climbs before you see the lake. The main one being quite steep – it’s Beloka Hill, and is bound to give the lungs a bit of a workout. With its gradient being quite tough, its common for cyclists to walk some sections, unless you are on an e-bike which will have you at the top in no time. Once you get to the top of Beloka, you have a nice descent, then a couple of climbs before you descend to Lake Jindabyne and your lakeside accommodation.
Meals: B,L
Day 7
Cycle to the top of Australia, fun descent back to Jindabyne (83km, +1485m, -1485m)
You have the challenge today of riding your bike as high as Charlotte Pass. An early start is advised. It has an elevation of 1,837 metres, and is as high as you can ride your bike on a public road in Australia. It’s a long steady climb, not too steep, and you will pass through Smiggins Hole and Perisher Valley villages en route. These are good places to refill your water bottle and have a snack. Once you reach the top, you have the option to continue by bike (mountain bike or hybrid bike only) to Rawsons pass, a further 400m of ascent over 7.6km and then continue on foot to the top of Mt Kosciuszko (2228m), a further 1.4km walk. Returning to Charlotte Pass, it’s a fun descent back down the mountain, with only a couple of bumps to wake the legs before you arrive back in Jindabyne. If you prefer not to make the cycle up to Charlotte's Pass, we can arrange a transfer for you and your bike which would make the ascent of Kosciuszko much more achievable. Speak to us for details. (Note: the Thredbo Valley Track is only open between November and May, weather permitting).
Day 8
Trip concludes in Jindabyne
The trip concludes this morning after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
You’ll spend 5 nights in clean and comfortable 2-3 star motels, inns and cottage-style B&Bs. The rooms are spacious, clean, double/twin rooms with ensuite facilities. The accommodation we use is usually located close to the cycling route.
On two nights you stay in charming cottages in whisper quiet locations.
One night is spent at a charming B&B with 3 course dinner and breakfast (subject to availability)
This self guided trip involves 6 days of cycling over mountainous terrain. Daily activity is usually between 5 and 7 hours but some days might be longer depending on your overall pace. Being a self guided trip you determine the pace and schedule. You will need an excellent level of fitness and good health and be a very confident and capable cyclist to complete the distances. You will be ascending close to 5000m during the 6 days of cycling (if you elect to cycle to Charlotte Pass). Daily ascents range from 473m to 1485m, with descents of up to 699m each day. The maximum gradient is 15.4% on the Beloka Hill ascent although average for this ascent is 9.4% over 3km - the average gradient for the trip as a whole is around 1-3%. There are many good ascents and descents every day. While the vast majority of the route is on sealed roads there is a 14km stretch on a dirt road with cattle grids, and a few shorter sections on dirt roads (2 and 4km). Care needs to be taken when cycling on the dirt roads, particularly on wet days. We recommend dismounting and walking your bike over the cattle grids. 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 time than when the wind is behind you. You will need to be comfortable and confident cycling on the road. High visibility clothing is essential. If you use an electric bike, the grading on this trip is moderate.
Per Person, Twin Share
We usually recommend that people use a hybrid bike or an electric bike on this trip, but it is possible with a road bike.
The itinerary for day 7 between Charlotte Pass and Rawsons Pass is only suitable for mountain bikes. We can organise hire of a mountain bike for this day, or it’s possible to look at alternate cycle options and/or walking to Rawsons Pass instead.
The rest of the trip is generally fine on a road bike.
The vast majority of the route cycle is on sealed roads but there is a 14km stretch on a dirt road with cattle grids, and a few shorter sections on dirt roads (2 and 4km). If the area has a lot of rain this could be muddy and difficult on a road bike.
Most breakfasts and 2 dinners are included on the trip. On the nights when dinner is not included you will be able to purchase this locally except when staying at Warrawee Cottages outside of Wyndham. Warrawee Cottages is self catering and no food is provided. We suggest packing food for dinner/breakfast in your luggage so that it can be transferred to Warrawee Cottages. Or if you speak to us in advance, we can arrange for the staff to purchase you some groceries for your stay (to be paid locally in cash).
The easiest way to get to Jindabyne is by car. The drive from Sydney is 5 hours, from Melbourne it takes 6 hours, and 2 hours from Canberra.
At the end of the trip we will transfer you back to Jindabyne, so you can return to you car.
Yes - please view the Kosciuszko to the Sea Supported Cycle or Kosciuszko to the Sea Self Guided Cycle tour.
Yes, if you prefer you can drive straight to Tathra to join the trip. We can then arrange the transfer from Jindabyne to Tathra to be on the last day of the trip instead. Please speak with our staff for further details.
Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. You will cover up to 58km in a day, often in hilly or mountainous areas, and you will need to be confident cycling on roads. Most of the cycling for this trip is on the road, with speeds ranging from 60 to 100km. There is a 4km stretch on the Princes Highway (on the verge) whilst the rest of the trip is on low traffic routes. There is also an optional cycle up Mount Kosciuszko which is an 83km cycle and a challenging day on the bike.
While most of the trip is cycled on the road, there are a couple of stints on dirt roads - 14km and two lots of 4km. Care needs to be taken when cycling on the dirt roads, particularly on wet days. There are also sections where you will need to pass cattle grids. We recommend dismounting and walking your bike over the cattle grids.
You will be ascending close to 5000m during the 6 days of cycling (if you elect to cycle to Charlotte Pass). Daily ascents range from 473m to 1485m, with descents of up to 699m each day. The maximum gradient is 15.4% on the Beloka Hill ascent although average for this ascent is 9.4% over 3km - the average gradient for the trip as a whole is around 1-3%. There are many good ascents and descents every day.
No, bike hire is not included in the trip cost. Please let us know if you would like to hire a standard or electric bike. A supplement will apply, prices depending on the bike type hired but it is generally over $1200 per bike.
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.
8Days
Moderate to Challenging
7Days
4Days
Moderate
3Days
Introductory to Moderate