AUST. ORANGE REGIONAL DISCOVERY
SUPPORTED
Experience a stimulating circular tour departing and returning to the regional food and wine hub of Orange. You cycle on average 55kms per day. This allows time to relax; meet with a range of stimulating ‘locals’ and to peel back the many layers of the region: be they artistic, geographic, cultural, historic, agricultural or of the gourmet variety. An optional extra is to take a hot air balloon flight at Australia’s ballooning capital of Canowindra. Stay in a mix of country accommodation styles and celebrate the end of the journey with dinner at one of Orange’s renowned restaurants. 75% of the route is on quiet bitumen back-roads; 20% on quiet gravel roads and the balance on busier main roads.
“A great trip with Bespoke to Orange and surrounds. Spectacular scenery, big skies and lovely cycling. Interesting people to meet and experiences to take away. Smooth and seamless organisation.”
“Wow what an awesome 6 days. Can’t fault any part of the trip - well organised and the stops along the way were all fantastic. The accommodation was 5+ stars and the food 5+ stars. Would recommend this trip.”
“What a fabulous week around Orange! Of course the food and wine were great but we also met some really interesting local people with tales about the region. Colin organised everything perfectly. This tour is more than just biking!”
Read this blogpost written by a recent tour participant.
6 Nights / 6 Days
Supported (or see our Self-Guided Tour)
Tour distance 322 kms
Ascent and descent 3,563m
Tour Highlights Include
Meeting artisans producing high quality art and craft, learning the complexities of grading wool; riding though rolling countryside farmed for cattle and crops; savouring excellent pinot noir and tapas at the Slow Wine Co, a night in a former convent exuding history and quirkiness; wondering through the beautiful Japanese Gardens in Cowra, grazing from a regional tasting plate within an organic winery; visiting an iconic regional farming property, savouring quality coffee over relaxed breakfasts at carefully selected cafes and riding across the highly fertile basaltic soils around Mt Canobolas; famous for orchards, wineries and other intensive agriculture.
Tour Route and Timings
Dept. Orange Sunday 11.30am and return Friday afternoon to overnight at Mercure Orange or similar with tour concluding at Sat. am check-out. Tour distance 322 kms. Ascent and descent both 3,563 m. Circular cycle route with nights in the towns/villages of Millthorpe, Carcoar, Cowra, Canowindra, Cudal and Orange.
Tour Route
Elevation
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Day 1 Orange to Millthorpe 36 kms
A late morning departure for historic Millthorpe and 10 kms into the journey savour a delightful lunch in the home of the wine-maker. Enjoy pleasant cycling across the fertile countryside Overnight at the Millthorpe Motel or similar and relax over dinner at leisure at the local hotel.
Day 2 Millthorpe to Carcoar 60 kms
Cycle down to the historic village of Carcoar via Blayney for morning coffee at the Iron Bark Espresso. Enjoy the rolling countryside with relaxed cycling before a picnic lunch at the sleepy hollow of Barry. The ride into Carcoar is particularly appealing with a continually changing landscape. Accommodation at the local hotel or other options depending on group size. Dinner in-house.
Day 3 Carcoar to Cowra 72 kms
The cycling today includes some exhilarating descents through more rolling countryside. After a picnic lunch the day’s riding concludes with a wonderful descent into Cowra. Time also to stroll through the beautiful and expansive Japanese Gardens. Cowra is a prosperous regional town and stay at centrally located, well rated motel. Dinner is at leisure with recommended pub or Indian options.
Day 4 Cowra to Canowindra 41 kms
After a leisurely cafe breakfast you ride the back-roads across the plains to Canowindra with its attractive streetscape and relaxed townsfolk. The lunch stop is at an charming organic farm and winery run by a most friendly family committed to their farming ideals. The regional tasting plate luncheon is a delight. Overnight accommodation at a centrally located Guest House with a dinner at a selected local pub or similar.
Day 5: Canowindra to Cudal 55 kms
An early morning hot air ballooning option is available. After breakfast meet with a very talented artist displaying a bold mix of eastern and western influences. Option to visit the Ages of Fishes Museum and see the bizarre looking ancient fishes that frequented the region before the dinosaurs. A most insightful talk with the owner/operators of a wool grading facility is one of the tour highlights. The day’s cycling is mainly on a mix of quiet grave land sealed roads before heading to the Platypus Inn for the night. An inspection of a nearby historic farming property with the engaging owners, when they are on-site, is an added treat before dinner at leisure.
Day 6 Cudal to Orange 58 kms
After a hearty Platypus Cafe breakfast, the final day includes a 15 km ascent rewarded by lunch at a picturesque vineyard. You arrive back in Orange by mid-afternoon with time to relax and partake in some retail therapy if so inclined. Overnight accommodation is at a central most comfortable motel. Dinner is at one of Orange’s quality restaurants with time to reflect on the adventure and celebrate with friends at the conclusion of the tour.
Day 7 Orange – tours ends with Hotel check out
Tour Dates
2027
Sun 4 Apr/Sat 10 Apr (Tour 121)
Sun 11 Apr/Sat 17 Apr (Tour 122)
Note: additional dates available for groups 6-10.
Also see self guided tours and choose your own dates.
View departure dates for all of our tours.
Tour Costs and Inclusions to 31 March 2027
Per head, double or twin share AU$2,780
Single Supplement AU$550
Inclusions
6 nights accom., 3 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners, support & luggage vehicle /bike rack/qualified support driver, and 7 select tours/openings/visits. Detailed Tour Notes. Strava or similar GPS route maps. Off street parking available at the location of the start of the tour.
Optional Inclusions
Exclusions
Meals not included, drinks, bicycle (unless hired), admissions to some attractions, hot air ballooning, travel insurance.
FAQs
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You’ll cycle mainly on quiet sealed country roads (75%), unsealed gravel back-roads (20%) and the balance on busier main roads. Gradients are generally moderate (1–5%), with gently rolling hills and plenty of flat/un-undulating stretches to recover.
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Daily distances average about 55 km per day over the 6 riding days, with shorter or easier days mixed in so riders have time to rest or explore local towns.
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Spring (September-November) and autumn (March -early May) offer pleasant temperatures (between ~10-25°C), crisp mornings, fewer bugs, and beautiful bloom or autumn foliage. Summers can be hot and winters cold, especially in early mornings.
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You’ll ride through farmlands, rolling pastoral landscapes, historic gold-rush villages, vistas across valleys, vineyards, orchards and scenic lookout points like those near Mount Canobolas. Towns and villages like Millthorpe, Carcoar, Cowra and Canowindra offer quaint architecture, country hospitality and chances to sample local produce.
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The tour offers mechanical backup, rest stops with snacks and drinks and a support vehicle so you can take a break or skip ahead when needed. The slower, hillier sections are balanced by flatter, easier rides to help with recovery.
Need more information? Please contact BCT or see our FAQ page.
