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

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.

You’ll move through a tapestry of landscapes — from vine-clad plains around Rutherglen, dry sclerophyll forests near Beechworth, lush farmland through the fertile Ovens Valley and high-country ridgelines framed by winter snow-touched peaks. Views constantly shift, creating that rewarding mix of gentleness and drama.

Expect meals to be a highlight: boutique wineries and cellar doors, and gourmet local producers abound. Rutherglen and Beechworth regions offer exceptional wine and olive oil; the Ovens Valley is famous for its nut and apple orchards. Savour fresh seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, fruit orchards, and farm-gate fare which will enrich both picnic and dinner moments.

While much of the route follows river valleys with some rolling countryside, there are segments of rail trail gradient ascents: the longest a steady 10 km climb into Beechworth. The climbs are manageable at your own pace and with a steady rhythm: there is always a reward for effort.

Many of the towns you pass through are gems of Victoria’s heritage: well-preserved gold rush architecture, courthouse buildings, artisan galleries, museums and local markets. Beechworth, Yackandandah, Rutherglen and Chiltern are bucket list 1850’s gold-rush towns with significant Victorian architecture. Bright is famous for its sub-alpine setting and beautiful spring and autumn colours. There’s always time built in to wander, explore local craft shops or simply enjoy a coffee on an historic veranda.

Yes — the itinerary balances more ambitious days with gentler stretches, rest stops and opportunities to linger where you wish. The longer rides of days 1, 3 and 5 are followed by much shorter rides days 2, 4 and 6. The support vehicle is there to assist if you want a shorter ride, enjoy more time in a winery or simply rest. Evening stays are in comfortable lodgings with relaxing amenities and an easy walk to all town attractions.