Australia

This tour includes the scenic highlights of Victoria's high country, vineyards, old gold mining towns, the Grampians and the Great Ocean Road.

Accommodation includes vineyard lodge, character hotels and magnificent oceanside locations.

Idyllic countryside

The Victoria 18 day tour is in two sections,

• Victorian Alps 8 days
• Victorian Goldfields 11 days

Victoria 18 Day Inn Trip

Departure Dates

2007/2008 SEASON
AV01 08 Nov. - 25 Nov. 07
A further tour may be run in March if demand exists.

If you pay a deposit before May 2007, you will only pay the current prices as above.

US Dollar Prices are an indication only; tours will be charged in Australian dollars

(Includes 17 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 13 dinners)

Meet: Noon in Melbourne
Trip End: After breakfast in Melbourne

Route rating: Moderate

 
The Rail Trail to Bright 

Itinerary  

DAY 1 MELBOURNE.
There is much to see and do in Melbourne; there is an excellent bike path to South Melbourne and from here along the coast to St Kilda.

Day 2 MARYSVILLE.
Leave busy Melbourne on the 33.5km Yarra Bike trail following the river and through several parks to Westerfolds Park, then by back roads to the wine growing region of Yarra Glen for lunch. Finish the day with a challenging climb up over the Black Spur in the Yarra Ranges national park then up to peaceful Marysville village.

Day 3 MANSFIELD.
A day winding through the open Victorian farmland.

Day 4 WANGARATTA.
A lovely climb on a quiet road up the edge of the alpine range before a long gentle descent beside the King River to Wangaratta.

Day 5 + 6 BRIGHT.
A unique day's riding entirely on a sealed rail trail though magnificent countryside.

On your rest day take an optional trip to Mt Buffalo. We will take you to the top of Mt Buffalo and leave you to enjoy the 30 km descent by bike.

Day 7 BEECHWORTH.
The day starts with an 8 km climb to Tawonga Gap (895m) with rewarding views of Mt Beauty followed by a superb descent into the scenic Kiewa valley before more gentle climbing to the quaint old gold town of Yackandandah.

Day 8 BENDIGO.
Downhill all the way to Chiltern for a quick coffee, then an easy flat ride to Rutherglen for wine tasting. Meet at the Rutherglen Information Centre for the approx. 270km van ride to Bendigo.

Day 9 MOONABEL.
A long but relatively easy ride though ironbark gum lined rural roads with several old very attractive goldmining towns for refreshment on route.

Day 10 HALLS GAP.
Pleasant rural countryside to Stawell then a wooded flat road with ever nearing views of the Grampians.

Day 11 DUNKELD.
This morning we take a walk in the Grampians Wonderland and visit the Brambuck Aboriginal Centre.

We descend along the Wannon River valley giving spectacular views of the Serra and Mt William ranges and Mt Abrupt.

Day 12 + 13 PORT FAIRY.
Ride over the open countryside on tiny back roads through sheep and cattle country to the historic seaside town of Port Fairy.

Day 14 PORT CAMPBELL.
The day starts with a magnificent ride on a coastal bike path across the dunes, and finishes with a stunning cliff top ride into Port Campbell. Along the way we will take a quiet back road to the attractive Childers Cove Bay for a morning break.

Day 15 APOLLO BAY.
We travel through a wide variety on scenery ranging from majestic coastal rock formations to the rain forest of the Otway National Parks ranges. A hilly but very rewarding day.

Day 16 SORRENTO.
Drive from Anglesea to Queenscliff and take the 30 minute ferry ride to Sorrento.  The epitome of an ocean road. Any closer and you would be riding in the surf. Magnificent coastal riding and beaches.

Day 17 + 18  MELBOURNE.
You may wish to swim with dolphins or seals before cycling part way, or driving in to Melbourne.  There are superb coastal and city views and a cycle lane for most of the way.