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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
The Great Victoria Rail Trail passes through charming towns and diverse countryside. The dedicated cycle way meanders next to the heritage classified Goulburn River, crossing Lake Eildon before entering the pretty Trawool Valley. Between 1883 and 1970 the Mansfield Line passed through the Cheviot Tunnel, a historic structure constructed with over a million hand made clay bricks. With the rail line decommissioned in 1978 the now cycle trail affords inspiring views of the Victorian High country foothills,and come evening, you'll settle into a local atmospheric hotel to enjoy the regions exceptional food and wine set in iconic country towns. 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 of this special corner of regional Victoria.
29kg of CO2-e PP per day
(87kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive in Mansfield, collect bike, followed by an easy ride to Bonnie Doon (21km)
This morning you will need to make your own way to Mansfield, due to logistics you will need to arrive by 11am. The easiest way to do this is to take the bus from Melbourne. Mansfield is nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps and surrounded by grazing land and mountain forests. The city has a number of interesting historical buildings dating back to its time as a stock route camp and gold mining town. Once in Mansfield you will meet with our bike provider who will conduct a specialised bike fitting and provide you with your bike, helmet and pannier. They will also collect your luggage and transfer it to your next hotel. Your journey starts with a nice easy ride into Bonnie Doon today. We stay on the east side of the lake, but if you want to visit the centre of town today you will cross the impressive 385 metre bridge over Lake Eildon. Bonnie Doon was immortalised in the hilarious Australian classic movie "The Castle". This afternoon you can explore and feel the serenity for yourself! Overnight in Bonnie Doon. Cycling distance: 21km, ascent: 105m, descent: 141m *We can book a pre-night of accommodation in Mansfield if you would like to arrive the day before the trip starts. Ask our staff for details.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle to Alexandra, enjoying spectacular views from Merton Gap en route (58km)
Today you set off through farming country, cycling past rock outcrops, livestock and open farmlands. You will pass by the Merton service-station, where you may wish to get a cold drink or ice-cream before the gentle ascent to Merton Gap. This is the highest point on the trail, and the spectacular views from the top are well worth the climb. From here it's a nice, long gentle descent all the way to Yarck, where you can stop for a lunch break. Continuing the ride there is one more gentle climb before you head into the scenic country town of Alexandra which recently celebrated it's 150 year anniversary. We recommend visiting Grant Street Grocer (100 Grant Street) if you're after a well deserved treat, or there are a number of pubs worth a visit. Overnight in Alexandra. Cycling distance: 58km, ascent: 348m, descent: 429m
Day 3
Travel through Victoria's longest rail trail tunnel to Yea (37km)
Today you head to the historic and thriving town of Yea. This area is rich pastoral and dairying area with the Yea River flowing around the town. There are a couple of small climbs this morning out of Alexandra for which you are rewarded at Eglington Gap, which has outstanding views back over Alexandra and the hinterland. From here you have a nice long gentle descent to Molesworth. Further along you will come to the 201 metre long Cheviot Tunnel, the longest trail tunnel in Victoria. It was made from 675,000 bricks which were handcrafted on site with local clay in 1889. The town has many historical buildings from the 19th century in good condition and worth a visit. Dinner is recommended in the Peppercorn Hotel (Thursday-Sunday only) or at the Royal Mail Hotel (7 days). Overnight in Yea. Cycling distance: 37km, ascent: 279m, descent: 320m
Day 4
Follow the Goulburn River to Tallarook (39km)
For your final day of cycling you may wish to fuel up at Marmalades Café, which serves great breakfasts and coffees. Today you will ride next to the heritage-classified Goulburn River, passing through the Trawool valley. This is a region which was painted by many of the famous Australian painters in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in particular Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin. Towards the end of the route there are particularly fine views, and it is worthy of a stop to enjoy the beautiful Goulburn River. You will ride into the quiet town of Tallarook, nestled at the foot of the magnificent Tallarook Ranges. A great place to get a celebratory coffee for your last day is Tallarook General Store, or you may prefer a cold drink at the Tallarook Hotel (closed Monday and Tuesday). The trip ends on your arrival in Tallarook. Here you can leave your bike for collection, pick up your luggage and catch the train back to Melbourne. Alternatively we can organise a return transfer to Mansfield (included in the trip cost). The bike collection is 1pm in Tallarook. If you take the return transfer this is also booked with a 1pm meeting time. Cycling distance: 39km, ascent: 285m, descent: 282m
What's included
What's not included
The bicycles we provide are high quality hybrid bikes. The bikes are available in a range of sizes, and a specialized bike fitting service is included. Pannier and helmet hire is also included.
Electric Bikes are available for hire at an additional cost. The Electric Bikes are available in a range of sizes, and a specialized bike fitting service is included. Pannier and helmet hire is also included. The electric bikes are Merida eSPRESSO Hybrid ebikes. If you would like a stepthrough frame, this can be provided. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Bikes for children are available in 20 and 24 inch frames. Tag-a-long bikes and kids trailers are also available and can only be used in conjunction with hired bikes.
The route is on the Great Victorian Rail Trail and is separate from the road. The trail surface is best suited for mountain, hybrid or touring bikes.
You’ll spend 3 nights in clean and comfortable 2-3 star hotels. The rooms are spacious, clean, double/twin rooms, most of which have ensuite facilities. The hotels are well located, close to town and the bike path.
This self guided trip involves 4 days of mostly flat, well maintained cycling trails. Daily cycling distance varies from 21km to 55km, with the average being 37km per day. 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 (chert) or granitic sand. The trail is best suited to mountain, hybrid or touring bikes - we provide hybrid bikes.
Per Person, Twin Share
Mansfield is approximately 192 kilometres from Melbourne at the eastern end of the trail. The drive will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. If you are driving you can leave your car in Mansfield and we will transfer you back to Mansfield from Tallarook on the last cycle day.
Alternatively, there are buses that run several times a day between Melbourne Southern Cross Coach terminal and Mansfield. The journey is around 3 hours. See the V/Line website for timetables: https://www.vline.com.au/
If you are using public transport you can take the bus to Mansfield and the train back to Melbourne from Tallarook.
A transfer between Tallarook and Mansfield is included in the trip cost. Our partners will meet you in Tallarook in the early afternoon and drive you back to Mansfield.
If you prefer to leave the trip in Tallarook that can be arranged. A small discount will apply. Our local partner will still meet you in Tallarook to handover your luggage and collect the hire bikes.
If you are arriving in Mansfield on day 1 you will need to arrive at the bike shop by 11am so that your luggage can be collected in time for the day's luggage transfer.
Yes, you can. We are happy to assist with this or you can book your own accommodation in town.
At the end of the trip you can take a bus or a train back to Melbourne from Tallarook.
If you need to return to Mansfield, we can arrange a transfer between Tallarook and Mansfield. The cost of this transfer is included in the trip cost. This transfer takes around 1.5 hours and usually departs Tallarook at 1.00pm.
Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. You will cover up to 55km 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.
There is plenty of street parking where you can park your car in Mansfield.
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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