DESCRIPTION
Ride the iconic Great Victorian Rail Trail from end to end on an exclusive guided tour over the Labor Day long weekend. Take all the stress out of your bike holiday and ride in the comfort of knowing you are fully supported throughout your trip. Bikes, transfers, accommodation, unique dining experiences, luggage moves and of course the support of our expert local guide. All you need to do is ride, admire the views and soak in the relaxed country ambience on this wonderful long weekend getaway.
Highlights & Inclusions
- Enjoy hassle‑free cycling on the dedicated cycle path on the Great Victorian Rail Trail
- Rolling views of mountains, lakes and rivers
- Services of a local experienced cycling guide plus support vehicle throughout
- Sample the excellent local foods and wines of North East Victoria
- Enjoy 3 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners & 1 Lunch
- 3 Night accommodation (3-3.5* motel or boutique style hotels with ensuites)
- Visit historic towns and villages and enjoy the charm of Mansfield
- Cycle through Victoria’s longest rail trail tunnel, the historic Cheviot Tunnel
- Tour kit with maps, printed itinerary, luggage tags
- Environmentally friendly cycling water bottle
- Fair trade lightweight cycling t-shirt
- Bikes available for hire: Trek FX 27 gears or Velectrix Urban E-bikes (step through and cross bar)
Day 1 – Arrival & ride to Bonnie Doon (21km)
Make your own way to Mansfield. Nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps and surrounded by grazing land and mountain forests, Mansfield has a number of interesting historical buildings dating back to its time as a stock route camp and gold mining town. Ask us about booking an extra night here before your tour!
Once in Mansfield, you will meet with your guide and fellow travelers at Mansfield Visitor Information Centre (175 High Street) for 12pm. After getting acquainted with your bikes and a briefing from your guide, we start our journey with a nice easy ride to Bonnie Doon. You will pass through the small town of Maindample and a quick stop at the Maindample Whistle Stop, a resting place in a local couple’s garden that offers cold drinks and shelter out of the sun. Cycle across the impressive 385 metre bridge over Lake Eildon. Bonnie Doon was immortalized in the hilarious Australian classic movie “The Castle” and is a cute lakeside town. Tonight, make sure you save room for dinner as we enjoy the Asian Fusion dining experience on offer at Bounty Bonnie Doon. Using locally sourced produced on their 8-course set menu, this is a culinary highlight of High Country Victoria.
Meals: Dinner at a local restaurant
Day 2 – Cycling to Alexandra (58kms)
Today you set off through farming country, cycling past rock outcrops, livestock and open farmlands. You will pass by the Merton service station, 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 we will stop for lunch. Continuing the ride there is one more gentle climb before we head into the scenic country town of Alexandra which recently celebrated its’ 150 year anniversary.
Meals: Light breakfast
Day 3 – Cycling to Yea via Cheviote Tunnel (37kms)
After a cooked breakfast, today we head to the historic and thriving town of Yea, this area is a 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-meter 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. Enjoy a group dinner tonight at your accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast at local Café. Dinner Peppercorn Hotel.
Day 4 – Cycling to Tallarook (39kms)
Today’s ride follows the Goulburn River to Tallarook. After breakfast, included at your accommodation. We will ride next to the heritage-classified Goulburn River, passing through the Trawool valley. This is a region that has been 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, we will complete the ride into the quiet town of Tallarook, nestled at the foot of the magnificent Tallarook Ranges. The cycling ends upon arrival in Tallarook. Here we will transfer towards Mansfield, but not before lunch at the stunning Delatite Winery. On arrival back to Mansfield collect your luggage before your onward journey!
Meals: Breakfast and Winery Lunch.
Support
Your Great Victorian Rail Trail tour includes services of a local experienced cycling guide plus support vehicle throughout. If using our hire bikes this includes repair and/or replace service so that your ride isn’t interrupted. Any purchases you make are also collected and included in your luggage transfers. Luggage tags are provided.
