Take a different approach, and explore Victoria's diverse regions on a cycle ride.
With Victoria’s crazy weather slowly getting warmer, the rain slowly stopping, and the days getting longer, there’s nothing better than spending some time out and about biking around our great state.
Today we’re taking a journey around regional Vic in the discovery of some of our best bike tracks – there’s something for all types of riders, from those who’ve just dusted off their bikes from the shed to those who dream of joining the Tour De France one day.
Beechworth to Myrtleford Bike Track
This track gets visitors from all over Australia, the stunning scenery throughout needs to be seen to be believed.
The track is jam-packed with shrubs and bushland, you get jaw-dropping views of Beechworth’s stunning mountain landscape, it’s bound to get you calm and ready for family get-togethers over the holidays.
You’ll start biking from the now-defunct Beechworth station, the perfect spot for you to start the journey. Before you get going, take some time to check out the stunning old school spots in Beechworth, there are many historic landmarks and beautiful areas. The bike track follows the train line, making sure you see lots of cool views as you make your way to Myrtleford.
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Looking for more? Explore eleven of regional Victoria’s best-hidden hikes here.
Bass Coast Rail Trail
Now it’s time to go bike track hunting in the wonderful Gippsland region, and you’ll find the stunning Bass Coast Rail trail.
It’s full of farmland, so no doubt you’ll spot some of the popular Gippsland cows, and apparently also see a bunch of Phillip Island’s hugely popular Kangaroos, the ones that people travel from all over the world to visit.
You’ll also get a glimpse of some of Phillip Island’s beautiful views as the track starts at the little town of Anderson, a stone’s throw from Phillip Island, and it ends up in Wonthaggi, an easy drive from Inverloch.
This ride is one of the easiest on the list, at 17km, it’s the perfect kind of trip to kill some hours over an afternoon, things are nice and flat throughout the almost 20kms as well, so you can take it slow.
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Goldfields Track
Coming in at a whopping 210kms, the Goldfields bike track is definitely not for the faint of heart. But if you’re keen, it takes you through some of the most beautiful areas across not only the state but the country.
It kicks off in Mt Buninyong, and makes its way to Bendigo, covering many towns in between, Ballarat, Daylesford and Castlemaine to name a few. The Goldfields Track is actually three shorter tracks put into one, so there are options for less experienced riders too – it starts off with the Wallaby Track, which is the longest of the three at around 90km, and that starts at Mt Buninyong and makes its way to Daylesford.
Next is the Dry Diggings Track, which is around 60km, which goes from Daylesford to Castlemaine, and it finished with a track called the Leanganook Track, and that’s around 60 km as well, and heads from Castlemaine to Bendigo.
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Bellarine Rail Trail
The beautiful Bellarine region has its own track aptly titled the Bellarine rail trail. Starting in the South Geelong area, you’ll be hopping on your bike among some of the state’s most beautiful lands. The track trails around 30 kms, making it another track on this list that most will be able to conquer.
After you’ve trailed the 30kms and ended up in Queenscliff, make sure you have your phone at the ready, there are many photo-worthy spaces as you ride into the town.
Even if you reach Queenscliff and can’t be bothered making your way back, jump on the ferry and return to Geelong. There’s no reason you shouldn’t head on this trail – once you’re in Queenscliff, grab a meal, head to the beach, there’s a heap of stuff to do.
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Murray to Mountains
Probably the most stunning bike track on this list is called the Murray to Mountains, it covers some of the most ornate areas of the country.
It begins around 250kms north of Melbourne, in the popular regional hub town of Wangaratta, it then trails around 100km of the state and concludes in the hidden gem of Bright. It’s a pretty long track, but it’s suitable for all types of bike riders.
Unlike other tracks on this list, the Murray to Mountains is suited for all types of weather, you can ride this trail all year round, it’s always beautiful, and you’ll always be able to grab pictures that are worthy of the ‘Gram.
If you’re keen to stretch your legs before the ride back, veer off the path and end up in Beechworth for a journey through some of Australia best wine and food purveyors and feel satisfied for the trek home.
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High Country Rail Trail
Over in the high country, meander for 30 kilometres along the foreshore of Lake Hume on one of the most spectacular rail trails in Australia. Along this historic railway line running from Wodonga through to Old Tallangatta and out to Shelley, no two days, nor two seasons, are the same. The diverse birdlife of the Kiewa River woodlands contrasts with crystal clear reflections from Lake Hume.
You can join the trail at Wodonga or pick it up anywhere along the way from Bandiana South, Ebden and Old Tallangatta to Koetong and Shelley. Sections of the trail also exist in Corryong. For those that are feeling at little adventurous, check out the climb between Darbyshire and Shelley Station, which was once Victoria’s highest railway station. Some parts of the trail less accessible than others, be sure to choose an itinerary that suits your fitness level and bike type.
Along the way, learn about the significant heritage of this area at the Army Museum, Bonegilla Migrant Experience and the Lake Hume Village.
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Great Victorian Rail Trail
The Great Victorian Rail Trail is serene multi-use trail, offering close proximity to heritage classified rivers, majestic valleys, lakes and mountains on two wheels.
Dubbed Victoria’s longest rail trail, you’ll find yourself winding through the idyllic countryside between Tallarook and Mansfield in the foothills of the Victorian Alps. Along the way, the trail takes you from the banks of the beautiful Goulburn River and up the Goulburn Valley, past granite-boulder strewn hillsides and through numerous small towns where you can stop for food and drink.
Pass some impressive infrastructure, including the long, dark Cheviot Tunnel and the Bonnie Doon Bridge over Lake Eildon, and then on through rich farmland brimming with birdlife and scattered with magnificent stands of ancient red gums. The final destination is Mansfield, which is packed with eating and drinking options.
Most people start from Tallarook and finish at Mansfield, though you can tackle the trail in any direction.
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