Cycle a Rail TrailView trips
6
Moderate to Challenging

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 6 days self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights hotel/inn accommodation

Price

8 daysfrom

$2860AUD

 
 
Trip Code: KTP

Cycle Kosciuszko to the Sea Trip highlights


  • Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
  • Cycle through picturesque countryside in southern NSW
  • Climb to the highest point in Australia then cycle to the ocean for a great sense of achievement
  • Discover some of the prettiest scenery in NSW

There are few journeys which offer the opportunity to travel under your own steam from the highest point of the country to the lowest, through vast alpine landscapes, quiet country roads and peaceful forests. This journey comes with a sense of achievement, rewarded by first views of the sparkling Saphire coast. Beginning from the swish alpine village of Thredbo or the highest road at Charlotte Pass, the journey starts with an ascent on foot to the top of Australia, Mount Koscuiszko (2,228 metres), followed by a mostly downhill cycle to the shores of Lake Jindabyne. Continuing through 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. Enroute to the coast, your journey takes you through the Monaro region and the Snowy Mountains national park. Here, historic properties and rolling hills abound as you pedal from the alpine zone where you will be joined at points by herds of Kangaroo, a variety of birds, emus and wombats. Nearing the beautiful Sapphire Coast you'll cycle past dairy farms and meander pretty forest tracts. At night stay in rural retreats, a first class B&B, heritage properties and alpine and beachside accommodation where your hosts are friendly and willing to impart their vast knowledge of the region. Diving into the ocean at Tathra is a fitting conclusion to this ultimate cycle experience.

Itinerary

In the Snowy Mountains overlooking Lake Jindabyne, the town of Jindabyne is perfectly positioned to access the Kosciuszko National Park, location of the highest point in Australia, Mt Kosciuszko (2228m). The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the town and visit the lakeshore.

Meals:  Nil

An early start is in order today which promises to be an epic start to your journey. After a hot breakfast, you are transferred to Thredbo with your bike. Ascend the chairlift and walk the 13km round trip to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Descend to Thredbo and hop on your bike to cycle along the valley trail to Bullocks Flat before joining the Alpine Way all the way to Jindabyne and your lakeside hotel.* Alternatively, you can elect to transfer to Charlotte Pass, the highest point you can reach by road in Australia. You then cycle up the summit track to Rawsons Pass and walk the rest of the way to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Returning to Rawsons Pass, you cycle mostly downhill all the way back to Jindabyne. *note that the track from Charlotte Pass to Rawson Pass is only suitable for mountain bikes. We also recommend a hybrid or mountain bike for the valley trail to Bullocks Flat, if cycling from Thredbo. Alternatively, you can take the Alpine Way from Thredbo all the way to Jindabyne using a road bike. (Note: the Thredbo Valley Track is only open between November and May, weather permitting).

Meals:  B

You may feel it in your legs this morning as you begin your cycle with a sustained ascent to the top of Beloka Hill. Enroute pass by classic alpine countryside scenes with wildflowers lining the roadside. The descent of Beloka Hill will have you gripping tightly to the brakes as you wind down the mountainside. Continue over undulating terrain to Dalgety where a pub lunch on the verandah will be just rewards for your efforts so far. From Dalgety join the Snowy River Way to Maffra Station and your overnight accommodation. We have a farm stay tonight – you will be able to cook on the BBQ and enjoy the fabulous views.

Meals:  B,D

We return to the Snowy River Way and cycle alongside grazing land with rolling hills. Ascending to the wind farm the views are panoramic. Leaving the paved road behind, we take an unsurfaced 16km road that takes us past cattle and sheep properties. There are a number of cattle grids, so be careful crossing these. Dismounting would be the wise option. Continue to the country 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.

Meals:  B

The ride begins along the Mount Darragh Road leading out of Bombala. The focus today is Mount Darragh. A gradual ascent takes us to the little village of Cathcart, where the main general store is a nice place to get an ice-cream and re hydrate. Continuing to the summit of Mt Darragh there is a lookout and view at the top and this is an ideal place to have a picnic lunch should you chose to. It’s a long free wheeling descent, not too steep a gradient before the terrain flattens out as you make your way to Wyndham in the Bega Shire. Our overnight stop is in a cottage on a farm deep in the countryside.

Meals:  B

Our cycle route takes us out of Wyndham on a 10km ascent all the way to the top of Myrtle Mountain. This mountainous section of the road passes through beautiful thick forest lining the sides of the road. Descend to 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 pass through diary farms and grazing countryside through rolling hills this area is famous for. 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.

Meals:  B,D

After a superb breakfast begin your final stage to Tathra Beach. The route begins on delightful backroads passing by dairy farms and grazing countryside. A short unavoidable stage of approximately 4km takes us along the highway before again joining a backroad. The last 4km of the route is on a dedicated cycle way with a last big hill before you reach Tathra beach offering panoramic views. Head down to the beach for a swim and celebrate your epic journey from the top of Australia to the Pacific Coast.

Meals:  B

The trip concludes this morning with a transfer back to Jindabyne. The preferred pick up time in Tathra is 10am. (This can be arranged for later but higher costs will incur if an earlier time is required).

Meals:  Nil


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 6 breakfasts - continental (hot breakfast on at least 3 days), 2 dinners
  • 7 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with private facilities on most nights
  • Luggage transfers
  • Navigational App and route maps
  • Transfer from Tathra to Jindabyne on day 8

  • Travel to and from Jindabyne
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, car parking, towel etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Bike rental
  • Kosciuszko National Park Entry Fee - $6.60pp (subject to change)
  • Scenic chairlift pass Thredbo (from $45) - if applicable

Trail Surface


Accommodation


Grading

Moderate to Challenging  
6

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 around 2850m during the 6 days of cycling, despite this essentially travelling from the top of Australia to the sea. Daily ascents range from 239m to 699m each day, with descents of up to 888m. The maximum gradient is 15.4% on the Beloka Hill descent although on this descent the average is 9.4% over 3km - mainly the average gradient is around 1-3%. 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). 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.


Departure dates

Daily from 10 Oct to 20 Apr

Notes

Note:
A high season supplement applies during school holidays and Christmas/New Years period. Please contact us for details as the rates vary with availablility. Trip price does not include bike hire. Please note, when we book your accommodation some hotels may request a deposit/full payment to secure your booking. This amount will be payable, in addition to the Australian Cycle Tours deposit. Any extra payments, along with the $400 AUD deposit, are non-refundable.
DN2
This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tour suggestions.
DN3
Early and late season departures may encounter snow or ice on the alpine section of the route. Accommodation upgrade options are available on some nights. Please ask your reservations consultant for details. A twin share supplement may apply on some nights.
DN4
This cycle trip can be done in reverse. See our trip Sea to Kosciuszko Self Guided Cycle (STK)

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events or just tailoring a trip to suit your own needs - learn how you can tailor your own Customised Tour.

Priceper person from

$2860AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Kosciuszko to the Sea Self Guided Cycle trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Frequently Asked Questions

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.

A transfer between Tathra and Jindabyne is included on the last day of the trip.

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. There is lots of cycling on the road in this trip. There is also an optional cycle up Mount Kosciuszko which is an 83km cycle and a challenging day on the bike.

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.

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 2 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).

Yes - please view the Kosciuszko to the Sea Supported Cycle or Sea to Kosciuszko Self Guided Cycle tours.


Cycle Kosciuszko to the Sea Trip reviews


Why cycle with us

SELF GUIDED EXPERTS

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.

TRUSTED LOCAL ADVICE

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.

Quality services

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.


Positive Impact Travel

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.

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