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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
This itinerary combines both the East Gippsland Rail Trail and the popular side trip, The Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail, giving you ample opportunity to take in the varied scenery and history of the stunning East Gippsland region. This version of the itinerary starts with a transfer from Bairnsdale and is aimed at those driving or coming by train from Melbourne. The tour is a loop tour so you will finish in Bairnsdale, where your car will be waiting or where you can easily jump on a train back to Melbourne.
On the East Gippsland Rail Trail you cycle through undulating farmland and temperature rainforest, along winding rivers, and across historic timber railway bridges. The Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail takes you down to Lakes Entrance, following a trail through forest, past a historic quarry, then follows a creekside tramway alignment. There are ample opportunities to stop in the many towns along the trail, where you can sample fresh berries, enjoy home baked bread, sample micro brewed beer, or an award-winning Chardonnay.
With the ease of our luggage transfer service, an app to guide you each day and your accommodation all taken care of, this cycle journey opens up a whole new way to appreciate the natural beauty and local produce of this special corner of regional Victoria.
Day 1
Arrive in Bairnsdale, 1pm transfer to Orbost
Today you will make your own way to Bairnsdale. Please ensure you arrive in time to join the 1pm transfer to Orbost. The drive will take just over one hour. When you arrive in Orbost you will check in to your accommodation for tonight. You are then free to explore the town. Overnight in Orbost.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle to Tostaree (31km)
After breakfast you'll hop on your bike and head out on your first cycle. Today's ride is shaded and you will cross over three major wooden trestle bridges. The trail surface today is fine compacted gravel which is easily managed, but you will need some strength in the legs as there are a few steep sections. The first 2km will be on a shared pathway out of Orbost before joining the rail trail in Newmerella. The route today doesn't pass through any towns or villages so make sure you pack a lunch and plenty of water! Enjoy the tranquility this evening when you check in to your rustic farmstay accommodation. You will stay in a cottage and be looked after by your friendly hosts who will cook you up a tasty dinner tonight. Overnight: Tostaree Cycling distance: 31km, ascent: 224m, descent -203m
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Cycle via the Discovery Trail to Lakes Entrance (51km)
Today you join the side trip on the Gippsland Lakes Discover Trail. This trail connects the Gippslands Lakes with the East Gippsland Rail Trail. Much of the cycling today will be on hard packed gravel, heading through bushland towards the coast. If you have energy after the cycle you can take a 2km stroll along the sand dunes on The Entrance Walk. Overnight: Lakes Entrance. Cycling distance: 51km, ascent: 429m, descent -470m
Day 4
Continue via the Discovery Trail to Bruthen (36km)
After breakfast this morning it's back in the saddle where continue on the Gippsland Lakes Discover Trail. A significant length of the trail today follows an old tramway alongside the Mississippi Creek. You'll spend much of today cycling through bush, spotting goannas and listening to bird calls. The area is home to lyrebirds, wombats, wallabies and possums, so be sure to keep an eye out. Bruthen is a scenic town and you can enjoy a late lunch or afternoon drink at Bullant Brewery, taking in the riverside views from their deck. Overnight: Bruthen. Cycling distance: 36km, ascent: 345m, descent: -326m
Meals: B
Day 5
Cycle to Bairnsdale (31km)
Today is your last cycle day, and you will enjoy lake and bushland views for most of the day. You'll start the day cycling on hard-packed gravel. The last 8km section to Nicholson is asphalt and features a restored timber and steel trestle bridge over the Nicholson River. You can take a side trip to Nicholson River Winery (4km return) which is highly recommended. You'll arrive in Bairnsdale where you can visit the East Gippsland Art Gallery, walk down to the Mitchell River, or sample some of the local produce. Overnight Bairnsdale. Cycling distance: 31km, ascent: 166m, descent -178m
Day 6
Trip concludes
The trip concludes this morning in Bairnsdale.
What's included
What's not included
Electric Bikes are provided on this trip. The Electric Bikes are available in a range of sizes. Pannier and helmet hire is also included. The electric bikes we use are Lafree E+ bikes, with a powerful battery that will last you the whole day.
For a small discount we can provide high quality hybrid bikes. The bikes are available in a range of sizes, and are suited to the terrain. Pannier and helmet hire is also included.
The route is on the East Gippsland Rail Trail. The Rail Trail path is shared between walkers and horse riders, but is free from road traffic. The rail trail occasionally crosses the highway or quiet roads. You will cycle on roads in and out of the towns where we stay, but this is only for short distances each day. The trail surface is made up of either compacted gravel, fine gravel, compacted earth, and some sealed sections. The trail is best suited to mountain, hybrid or touring bikes - we provide electric bikes suited to the terrain.
You’ll spend 5 nights in clean and comfortable accommodation. You will stay in a range of accommodations, including a boutique hotel, motel style accommodation, and one night at a rustic farmstay style cottage. The rooms are spacious, clean, double/twin rooms, which usually have ensuite facilities (if you require a room with two separate beds you will have one night with shared facilities in Bruthen). The hotels are generally well located, close to town and the bike path.
Check in is usually at 2pm. If you arrive earlier than 2pm you may not be able to check in to your room early.
This self guided trip involves 4 days of undulating, well maintained cycling trails. Daily cycling distance varies from 25km to 51km. The Rail Trail is mostly gentle, with a few longer ascents that on completion you are rewarded with stunning views. The Rail Trail path is shared between walkers and horse riders, but is free from road traffic. The rail trail occasionally crosses the highway or quiet roads. You will cycle on roads in and out of the towns where we stay, but this is only for short distances each day. The trail surface is made up of either compacted gravel, fine gravel, compacted earth, and some sealed sections. The trail is best suited to mountain, hybrid or touring bikes - we provide electric bikes suited to the terrain.
Per Person, Twin Share
Bairnsdale is about 280km from Melbourne, or about a 3.5 hour drive. If you are driving to Bairnsdale you can leave your car in the carpark of the hotel in Bairnsdale. You can also reach Bairnsdale by train from Melbourne. Depending on connections the journey time is around 4 hours.
If you arriving in Bairnsdale on day 1 you will need to arrive in time for the 1pm transfer to Orbost. We suggest arriving around midday. You can leave your car in Bairnsdale as you will return here at the end of the trip.
Yes, you can. We are happy to assist with this or you can book your own accommodation in town.
Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. You will cover up to 36km in a day. Most of the cycling is along the dedicated cycle path, and you will only need to cycle on the road while you are in town for meals or getting to your accommodation.
Yes, you can use your own bike if you prefer. Let us know at the time of booking and a small discount will be applied. If you are electing to bring your own bike, it is important that you have a bike fit for purpose.
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.
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