With bushfires causing damage and closures to large parts of the Victorian High Country, they’re well and truly open for business, and it’s time to #RollOnBack and support the regions that need us.
Here is the official word from Ride High Country:
Victoria’s High Country has long been known by cyclists as one of the most well-rounded destinations for a cycling holiday. With Australia’s largest rail-trail network, seven mountain bike parks, the toughest road climbs in the country and more gravel grinding than you could ride in a lifetime, this part of Victoria has something for every cyclist, no matter their ability or preferred riding style. And did we mention the incredible scenery, a bevy of local producers of beer, wine, cider plus the regional produce and food it is top-notch.
The High Country was devastated by bushfires that traversed the region. But whilst their key cycling towns including Bright, Beechworth, Mansfield, Mt Buller and Falls Creek have not been physically damaged the economic damage is unparalleled.
Why not heed Ride High Country’s request to #RollOnBack and start planning a cycling holiday to this incredible pocket of Australia, which is home to the largest rail-trail network in the Southern Hemisphere. The extensive network covers close to 300kms of easy to ride cycle-specific paths with three signature rail trails to explore. Only the High Country Rail Trail has sustained physical damage.
- The longest continuous trail in Victoria at 134kms is The Great Victorian Rail Trail. From Tallarook through Yea to Mansfield, ride through the Cheviot Tunnel, explore the Trawool Valley and enjoy the stunning scenery on offer.
- The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is Australia’s longest sealed rail trail and the High Country’s most popular. Winding through the stunning Ovens Valley from Wangaratta to Bright, it also has a number including offshoots to Beechworth, Wandiligong and around Rutherglen. The ‘M2M’, as the locals call it, passes right past cafes, cellar doors, breweries and local farm produce gates.
- The unaffected section of High Country Rail Trail runs for 44kms from Wodonga to Old Tallangatta hugging the shoreline of Lake Hume, crossing the spectacular Sandy Creek Bridge.
Experience the High Country’s historic towns, gourmet food and wine, spectacular scenery and local events all by bike. Farmers markets, festivals and cycling events mean you will never be short of things to see and do when you Ride High Country.
The region is also host to several major cycling events, kicking off this week with the Jayco Herald Sun Tour, the Peaks Challenge Falls Creek – Australia’s #1 ranked gran fondo, the Australian MTB National Champs in Bright as well as the High Country Women’s Cycling Festival, returning from 20 – 22 March.