Melbourne dates from 1835 and was built on the wealth of the gold rush; it is a very cycle friendly city with an excellent network of cycleways. We leave the city on a cycle way that follows the Yarra River and head for the Victorian Alps where we bike for a day on a dedicated cycle way as we make our way to Mt Buffalo. Nearby Bright, in the Ovens Valley at the foothills of the Alps is where we have a rest day. Beechworth, our next stop, is a living legacy of the goldrush days with many fine granite buildings. From nearby Rutherglen we drive to Bendigo with its fine Victorian era architecture. Here you can either depart for home or continue on our Victorian Goldfields tour.
DAY 1 MELBOURNE.
There is much to see and do in Melbourne; there is an excellent bike path to South Melbourne and from here along the coast to St Kilda.
Day 2 NARBETHONG.
Leave busy Melbourne on the 33.5km Yarra Bike trail following the river and through several parks to Westerfolds Park, then by back roads to the wine growing region of Yarra Glen for lunch. Finish the day with a challenging climb up over the Black Spur in the Yarra Ranges national park.
Day 3 MANSFIELD.
A day winding through the open Victorian farmland.
Day 4 WANGARATTA.
A lovely climb on a quiet road up the edge of the alpine range before a long gentle descent beside the King River to Wangaratta.
Day 5 + 6 BRIGHT.
A unique day’s riding entirely on a sealed rail trail though magnificent countryside.
On your rest day take an optional trip to Mt Buffalo. We will take you to the top of Mt Buffalo and leave you to enjoy the 30 km descent by bike.
Day 7 BEECHWORTH.
The day starts with an 8 km climb to Tawonga Gap (895m) with rewarding views of Mt Beauty followed by a superb descent into the scenic Kiewa valley before more gentle climbing to the quaint old gold town of Yackandandah.
Day 8 BENDIGO.
Downhill all the way to Chiltern for a quick coffee, then an easy flat ride to Rutherglen for wine tasting. Meet at the Rutherglen Information Centre and drive to Bendigo
Day 9 DEPART.
Express trains depart from Bendigo to Melbourne.
The style varies from comfortable motels to boutique hotels and chalets in a vineyard
