Ride the iconic Great Victorian Rail Trail at your own pace with all the logistics taken care of for you. E-Bikes, transfers, 3 nights accommodation, luggage moves and on call support are all included.

All you need to do is ride, admire the views and soak in the relaxed country ambience on this wonderful getaway. Take all the stress out of your bike holiday and ride in the comfort of knowing you are fully supported throughout your trip.

This 3-night/4-day cycling package is self guided and fully supported. Ride at your own pace without a care and enjoy the wonderful Great Victorian Rail Trail from end to end.

Day 1 – Arrival & Ride to Bonnie Doon

Make your own way to Mansfield. Mansfield is nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps and surrounded by grazing land and mountain forests. The city has a number of interesting historical buildings dating back to its time as a stock route camp and gold mining town. Once in Mansfield you will meet with our concierge who will provide you with your bike and helmet (or BYO) and answer any questions you may still have. We will collect your luggage and transfer to the next hotel. Your journey starts with a nice easy ride to Bonnie Doon today. You will pass through the small town of Maindample where you may wish to stop at the Maindample Whistle Stop, a resting place in a local couple’s garden that offers cold drinks and shelter out of the sun. Cycle across the impressive 385 metre bridge over Lake Eildon. Bonnie Doon was immortalised in the hilarious Australian classic movie “The Castle” and is a cute lakeside town.

Cycling distance: 21km, ascent: 105m, descent: 141m

Day 2 – Cycling to Alexandra

Today you set off through farming country, cycling past rock outcrops, livestock and open farmlands. You will pass by the Merton service station, where you may wish to get a cold drink or ice-cream before the gentle ascent to Merton Gap. This is the highest point on the trail, and the spectacular views from the top are well worth the climb. From here it’s a nice, long gentle descent all the way to Yarck, where you can stop for a lunch break. Continuing the ride there is one more gentle climb before you head into the scenic country town of Alexandra which recently celebrated its’ 150 year anniversary.

Cycling distance: 58km, ascent: 348m, descent: 429m

Day 3 – Cycling to Yea via Cheviote Tunnel

Today you head to the historic and thriving town of Yea. This area is rich pastoral and dairying area with the Yea River flowing around the town. There are a couple of small climbs this morning out of Alexandra for which you are rewarded at Eglington Gap, which has outstanding views back over Alexandra and the hinterland. From here you have a nice long gentle descent to Molesworth. Further along you will come to the 201 metre long Cheviote Tunnel the longest trail tunnel in Victoria. It was made from 675,000 bricks, which were handcrafted on site with local clay in 1889. We stay at the quaint and beautiful Peppercorn Hotel in Yea. The town has many historical buildings from the 19th century in good condition and worth a visit. Dinner is recommended in the hotel (Wednesday-Sunday only).

Cycling distance: 37km, ascent: 279m, descent: 320m

Day 4 – Cycling to Tallarook

Today’s ride follows the Goulburn River to Tallarook. Fuel up at Marmalades Café, which serves great breakfasts and coffees. Today you will ride next to the heritage-classified Goulburn River, passing through the Trawool valley. This is a region that has been painted by many of the famous Australian painters in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in particular Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin. Towards the end of the route there are particularly fine views, and it is worthy of a stop to enjoy the beautiful Goulburn River. You will ride into the quiet town of Tallarook, nestled at the foot of the magnificent Tallarook Ranges. The trip ends on your arrival in Tallarook. A stop at the Tallarook Hotel is well worth it to celebrate your ride. Leave your bike for collection, pick up your luggage and catch the train back to Melbourne.

Cycling distance: 39km, ascent: 285m, descent: 282m

 

Your Escape Includes:

*3 nights accommodation in comfortable 2-3* hotels (Bonnie Doon: Bonnie Doon Hotel/Motel or similar, Alexandra: The Corner Hotel or similar, Yea: Peppercorn Hotel or similar

*3 breakfasts (with coffee/tea)

*Lunch at the stunning Trawool Estate

*Velectrix Urban E-bike Hire (step through or cross bar)

(Bike delivery and collection if required (for hire bikes including e-bikes)

*Meet and greet on arrival

*Daily luggage transfers and any purchases collected

*On Call support throughout

*Tour kit with maps, printed itinerary, luggage tags and regional booklet

*Environmentally friendly cycling water bottle

*Fair trade lightweight cycling t-shirt

 

$2,390 AUD for 2 (based on twin share)

$1,490 AUD for 1 (based on sole occupancy)

*Add a Tallarook to Mansfield transfer at the end for $150 AUD per person

 

Getting To Mansfield:

Drive: The charming town of Mansfield is 2 ½ hours drive from Melbourne. Follow the Hume Freeway (M31) north until you see the Mansfield sign turnoff.

Train: There is a VLine service to Tallarook from Melbourne and back, from there Tour de Vines can transfer you to Mansfield

Bus: There are buses that run several times a day between Melbourne Southern Cross Coach terminal all the way to Mansfield. The journey is around 3 hours. See the V/Line website for timetables.

Ask us about return transfers from Tallarook back to Mansfield at the end of your cycling.

 

*Valid Until 31st May 2022

Terms and Conditions for all Mini Breaks can be found at the bottom of the following page