AUSTRALIAN HIGH COUNTRY (N.E. VICTORIA) GRAND TOUR

GUIDED

This unique 340 km itinerary delivers you some of the most enjoyable Australian cycle touring in the foothills of the Australian Alps and across fertile plains stretching out to the Murray River. Soak up the region with a rich agricultural tradition including the growing of hops, chestnuts and walnuts, apples and wine grapes.

Enjoy its strong wine and food culture with an ever-increasing range of gourmet options you’ll uncover. This is also Ned Kelly and gold country, with towns such as Rutherglen, Beechworth and Yackandandah providing a wonderful architectural reflection of the prosperity of the 1800’s.

Average 50kms per day with over 2/3’s of the journey on rail trails incl. the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Plenty of time to relax as you spend two nights in each of three towns: explore the quaint towns and talk with the locals. Stay in three comfortable 3 -5 star properties. For the two middle nights you stay in 5 star B & B accommodation central to Beechworth’s interesting array of shops, cafes, restaurants and cultural attractions.

“Most enjoyable cycling tour through picturesque N.E. Victoria. Our guide did an amazing job organizing the tour providing a hassle free holiday. Can’t wait for the next tour!!”

— Leanne J. April 2020

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6 Nights / 7 Days
Supported
Tour distance 340 kms
Ascent and descent both 1,680 m

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Tour Highlights Include

Exploring Bright and Wandiligong with its vivid Autumn colours or its fresh Spring radiance
Enjoy meeting with organic produce growers and sixth generation Rutherglen winemakers
Cycle over 220 kms on dedicated rail and bike trails including the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail
Learn more of the regions rich gold and bushranger history incl. Beechworth history tour
Savour morning teas and road side picnics with evening meals at some of the regions most well rated restaurants
Relax for two nights at each of three comfortable accommodation venues: all centrally located and all rooms with ensuites
Experience a unique cycling route that includes majestic River Red Gum and dry sclerophyll Iron Bark forests
Re-assurance with support vehicle/trailer/bike racks and and an experienced driver/guide with local knowledge.

Tour Route and Timings

Depart Wangaratta Sunday 9.30am and return Wangaratta Saturday approx. 12.30pm. Tour distance 340 kms. Ascent and descent both 1,680 m. Circular cycle route including two nights each in the towns of scenic Bright and historic Beechworth and Rutherglen.

Tour Route

Elevation

Ascent 1,680 m. Descent 1,680 m. Max. Elevation 594 m.

Day 1 Wangaratta to Bright 87 kms
Dept. Wangaratta on the rail trail for Bright via Myrtleford though the picturesque Ovens River. The trail is sealed and offers a most relaxing cycling experience. You ride though open farmland and and dry sclerophyll forest with morning tea and a leisurely lunch and winery visit on-route. The back-up vehicle is ‘on the ready’ should one decide not to ride the full distance. Centrally accommodation and a well earned dinner await at the end of a rewarding day’s cycling.
Day 2 Bright - Wandiligong - Bright 22 kms
A relaxing morning to soak up the beauty of Bright and its attractive retail centre. A very pleasant bike trail ride though the picturesque Wandiligong Valley balances out yesterday’s bigger ride. (Excellent additional rides are also on offer). Sample fresh apples and meet the grower followed by a leisurely lunch in a beautiful garden setting. Dinner at a carefully selected restaurant.
Day 3 Bright to Beechworth 77 kms
An earlier start for the rail trail ride that includes a steady 360 m ascent into historic Beechworth with its wide open streets and strong Victorian era architecture. Morning tea and a picnic lunch on-route. With two nights in centrally located accommodation there is plenty of time to sock up the rich ambiance of the town and to enjoy the local food and wine at a well-regarded local restaurant.
Day 4 Beechworth and Town Ride 10 kms
After a leisurely breakfast enjoy a late morning tour of the Old Beechworth Jail highlighting the story of Ned Kelly and his lasting Australian legacy. Option for a very pleasant afternoon ride takes in a number of the cultural, historic and natural attractions in and around Beechworth’s striking granite landscape. (Further riding opportunities if desired). A choice of recommended dining options.
Day 5: Beechworth to Rutherglen via Yackandandah 78 kms
Excellent cycling on both rail trails and predominantly quiet country roads awaits. Highlights include soaking up the main street ambiance of Yackandandah and the long descent through the scenic Indigo Valley. Lunch within the grounds of a National Trust property in historic Chiltern before you ride through the striking Iron-bark Forest; home to the very rare Regent Honeyeater. Two nights’ accommodation at the very comfortable Tuileries Rutherglen located within the winery and easy walking distance to the towns retail precinct. Dinner both nights in Rutherglen are at well-regarded restaurants.
Day 6 Rutherglen Wineries 22 kms
After a leisurely breakfast time to explore Rutherglen built on its rich gold, wine and farming foundations. A relaxed day of 22 kms cycling the Rutherglen wineries and meeting the winemakers with a leisurely coffee break and lunch at the historic All Saints Winery. The support vehicle is on hand to carry your purchases. Your final night’s dinner is always a very relaxed and most enjoyable affair with grand tour tales true and exaggerated shared over a glass or two of famous Rutherglen wine.
Day 7 Rutherglen to Wangaratta 47 kms
Post a hearty breakfast it’s onto quiet roadways to enjoy one’s cycling fitness built up over the week to and power the peddles back onto the rail trail and into Wangaratta. Arrive by 1 pm to conclude the N.E. Victorian Grand Tour.

Tour Dates

2025

Sun 27 Apr / Sat 3 May (Tour 215)

Sun 4 May / Sat 10 May (Tour 216)

Spring TBA

Note: additional dates available for groups 6-10

Tour Costs and Inclusions to 31 March 2026

Per head, double or twin share $2,970

Single Supplement $680

Inclusions

6 nights on-suite accom., 4 breakfasts, 4 morning teas, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, support driver & luggage vehicle/bike rack and select tours/openings/visits. Detailed tour notes incl. Strava maps. On street parking available at the location of the start of the tour. The specific address of the Wangaratta departure point will be confirmed on booking.