Itinerary
Key Highlights
~ Beautiful autumn and sub-alpine views whilst cycling;
~ Fascinating local history and geography;
~ Stay in the historic Mayday Hills Village;
~ Cycle on the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail, a cyclist and walkers only pathway;
~ Visit Bright, one of Victoria’s most charming and bike-friendly villages;
~ Prosecco tasting in Whitfield;
~ Visit to Powers Lookout, the hideout of Ned Kelly’s mentor Harry Power.
Day 1 Arrive Albury, transfer to Wangaratta
Welcome to Albury, Australia! You will be met at Albury airport before being driven as a group to Wangaratta where the ride starts tomorrow. After checking into your hotel, bike and helmet check before dinner (own expenses).
Group transfer leaves Albury Airport at 1.30 PM.
Meals: Nil
Day 2 Wangaratta to Beechworth
Start of the day by joining the famous Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail and ride to Beechworth. Along the way, pass through serene natural bush and striking tall gums with abundant birdlife cheering you as you pass.
The afternoon is free to explore the many interesting aspects of Beechworth from historical buildings and gardens to the local brewery and famous Pennyweight Winery. Tonight, stay in the historic Mayday Hills Village – a refurbished art deco building with exceptional gardens and a fascinating story to tell.
Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea
Cycling Distance: 43km Cycling Terrain: Gradual climb on sealed (tar) rail trail at some sections
Day 3 Beechworth to Bright
Cycle from Beechworth to Bright through a mix of settled land and impressive areas of natural beauty with striking views. Begin with a short climb to Stanley through magnificent countryside before the long scenic downhill run through Mount Stanley Scenic Reserve. Journey alongside picturesque Barwidgee Creek all the way into Myrtleford.
Within view of several alpine peaks, cycle up scenic Ovens Valley, close to the Ovens River, on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Stop at the Australian Pumpkin Seed Company, visit the delightful towns of Everton and Porepunkah, and then make our way into Bright, one of Victoria’s most charming and bike-friendly villages.
Meals: Breakfast, Morning & Afternoon Tea
Cycling Distance: 69km Cycling Terrain: Undulating sealed road climb at some sections
Day 4 Bright
Bright has so much to offer that we will be spending the entire day here. Enjoy the chance to wander through town, indulge in the local café and food culture, visit the boutique brewery, and immerse yourself in the town’s fascinating mining history.
** Optional **
If you are feeling energetic, perhaps you may want to cycle either to the top of Mt Buffalo, one of Australia’s most satisfying alpine climbs, or take an easier ride along the gorgeous Buckland Valley. Our support vehicle is on hand to provide guidance and assistance according to the main group’s decision. You may also choose to ride on your own to explore the nearby surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: Varies (between 42km and 70km)
Day 5 Bright to Milawa
Cycle back to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail to enjoy the mostly downhill ride into Myrtleford where we will stop for lunch (own expense).
Continue on the rail trail passing through Gapsted before turning onto peaceful country back roads at Everton, which will take us to the Milawa Gourmet Region.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 73km Cycling Terrain: Undulating sealed rail trail and road
Day 6 Milawa to Whitfield
Leave the Milawa Gourmet Region and head along the King Valley and the famed Prosecco Road; a little slice of Italy in Victoria’s High Country.
After a short break in Mohyu, arrive at Whitfield for a late lunch (own expense). Prepare your palate for introduction to prosecco with Dal Zotto Wines, then enjoy a late afternoon visit to Powers Lookout, the hideout of Ned Kelly’s mentor Harry Power.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance 44 km Cycling Terrain:Flat sealed rail trail and nearly flat road
Day 7 Whitfield to Albury Airport
Today marks the end of your cycling journey. After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Albury airport in time for you to catch your flight home. Group transfer arrives Albury Airport at 8.00 AM.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
~ return airport transfer to/from Albury Airport at scheduled timings;
~ 6 nights accommodation;
~ 6 breakfasts;
~ 3 x morning / afternoon teas;
~ usage of 9 speed triple crank set Specialized hybrid bicycles;
~ usage of Specialized Align helmets (approved for use in Australia);
~ provision of support vehicle with snack and drink during cycling days;
~ luggage transfer between your accommodation;
~ service of an English-speaking Lead Cyclist Guide, Support Cyclist(s).
Exclusions
~ flights to Albury, Australia;
~ travel insurance (highly recommended);
~ tourist visa to Australia (if applicable);
~ any expenses of personal nature.
Important Notes
~ A non-refundable deposit of 10% if required at the time of booking. Balance payment will be collected 60 days prior to departure.
~ Should you require a visa to enter Australia, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure.
~ Purchase your air tickets to Albury Australia only after you have been informed on the trip confirmation.
~ All cyclists need to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered cycling shoes). Cyclists may be denied cycling if not dressed appropriately.
~ Bicycle rental is included in the trip cost. If you wish to bring your own bicycle, you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs. Travel Wander and our local partner can only offer limited support as we only carry spare components that are compatible with the hire bikes. There will be no reduction in trip price for bringing your own bicycle.
~ Cycling helmet will be provided on this trip. If you wish to bring your own helmet, your helmet must comply with Australian standard AS/NZS 2063: 2008 as it is not legal under Australian Road Rules to use bicycle helmets that do not comply with this safety standard. We will not permit anyone to ride with a helmet that does not have an Australian standard AS/NZS 2063: 2008 sticker. There will be no reduction in trip price for bringing your own helmet.
~ Because cycling requires certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for members with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Members must ensure they are medically and physically able to cycle.
~ Trip grading is an indication on the difficulty of the activities included. There are no trips that are not suitable for anybody if you prepare for it. As is always the case, engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. Often it is a journey of self-discovery. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.
~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip takes place during the proposed autumn colours period, however the extensive of colours are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variation which is not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see the autumn colours, we cannot guarantee the sightings.
~ If circumstances (such as bad weather for example) beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to make change to the inclusion of the itinerary and to substitute hotels. There will not be refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.
~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander and the Co-ordinator. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.
~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.
~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.
~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.
~ Because cycling requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for cyclists with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Cyclists must ensure they are medically and physically able to cycle.
~ If cyclist presents difficulty in completing the ride of the day, we strongly discourage the cyclist from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the cyclist (and travel companions) in mind. The cyclist can fast track to the next accommodation making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at cyclist’s own expense. Cyclists can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.
~ Cyclist may choose to terminate the ride early during any time of the planned cycling day or make it a rest day, and fast track to the next accommodation by making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at cyclist’s own expense. Should the cyclist wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the cyclist’s own expense. Cyclists can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.
~ There is no refund for uncompleted cycling distances or missed inclusions.
~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.
~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.
