N.E. VICTORIAN 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.