Day 1: Beechworth

Welcome to historic Beechworth. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight. You can arrive at any time before this as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Beechworth is a character-filled and well-preserved gold rush town full of Australian history and stories, museums, heritage architecture and one of the finest bakeries in Australia. The region is also home to the legends of Ned Kelly legend and Australia's first native-born Governor-General. For those arriving early, there is a wealth of things to explore, such as the Burke Museum, Gun Powder Magazine, and what was once known as the Beechworth Lunatic Asylum. For the more avid cyclist, you can book a half-day guided tour of the local (and excellent) gravel trails. If you’re feeling peckish the renowned Beechworth Bakery is always a highlight (try the ‘official’ Ned Kelly pie or famous Lemon Slice) but there are plenty of other options that all featuring that famous Beechworth hospitality. After the welcome meeting take a walk through the Historic Centre, with your tour leader pointing out the main points of interest along the way. Why not go out for an evening meal and get to know the rest of your riding group before the cycling begins tomorrow.

Optional Activities

• Beechworth - Beechworth Asylum guided ghost tour - AUD40
• Beechworth - Old Beechworth Gaol guided tour - AUD15
• Beechwoth - Half-day guided gravel cycling tour - AUD180

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

There is no included cycling today. It’s very important that you attend the 5 pm welcome meeting as we will be collecting emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your booking agent or hotel reception know. If you are bringing your own bicycle with you on the trip, you need to assemble it to check for any damage in transit before the welcome meeting. If you have arranged for the hire of a bicycle, your leader will assist you in preparing the bike before your first cycling activity. If you are planning to stay on after the trip and require a bicycle please discuss this with your tour leader today.

Day 2: Myrtleford

After breakfast this morning your cycling adventure begins. After getting acquainted with your bike you’ll get the chance to further explore this beautiful town on a guided ride through the town and surrounding area before joining the Myrtleford-Everton Rail Trail for 33 enjoyable (and mostly slightly downhill) kilometres. You’ll then get your first taste of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, which follows the route of the former Bright railway line. The Rail Trail is a joy to ride with the surface mostly sealed, just a few compacted gravel sections and of course no traffic apart from fellow cyclists and the occasional walker. There’ll be the chance for a mid-ride treat along the way with a stop at a winery to sample a few drops of the local vintages. Today’s ride takes you along mostly flat and gently undulating terrain, past numerous vineyards and pastoral land all the way to your base for the evening, Myrtleford.

Accommodation

• Guesthouse (1 night)

Included Activities

• Murray to Mountains Rail Trail guided ride
• 3 days Bicycle Hire

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Special Information

Today's riding distance is approximately 55 kilometres.

Day 3: Bright

After breakfast, begin cycling, following the mostly flat contours of the meandering Ovens river as the Rail Trail quietly winds its way alongside the Great Alpine Road and through the small communities of Ovens, Eurobin, and Porepunkah and past vineyards, hops producers, orchards and groves. Your cycling leader will point out all the attractions along the way including the old tobacco kilns, a unique piece of High Country history. In the near distance, the towering Mount Buffalo dominates the skyline all the way into the Alpine hub of Bright. There may be another chance to stop at a winery en route to sample some of the local’s finest. When you arrive at Bright there will be time for a quick ride around town to get acquainted, before finding a quiet and shady spot beside the river to relax and rest the legs prior to checking in to tonight’s accommodation. As the so-called capital of the High Country and base for exploring the nearby mountains the popular town of Bright has an amazing array of activities – from fishing to a pampering spa – to enjoy, as well as many local cafes and restaurants. If you’re lucky enough to be here in autumn the fall foliage is second to none. This evening experience a unique insight into the brewing of local craft beer with a behind-the-scenes tour of the renowned Bright Brewery (and included tasting paddle) before settling in for an optional final night dinner with your riding companions.

Included Activities

• Bright - Brewery Tour & tasting paddle

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Special Information

Today's riding distance is approximately 30 kilometres.

Day 4: Bright

Optional Activities

• Mystic Mountain Bike Park ebike hire - from - AUD140

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Special Information

Today's riding distance is approximately 36 kilometres if choosing the optional morning tide. This is flat for the first 5 kilometres, a climb of 13 kilometres, followed by a 13-kilometre descent. If you'd like to stay on longer additional accommodation can be arranged, or a transfer back to Beechworth can be booked on request. This transfer leaves Bright at approx. 5.30pm. Please enquire with your booking agent at the time of booking.