News Trails to Roam or Ride

Anderson - Wonthaggi | 16km one way

As Victoria’s only coastal rail trail, the journey sets high expectations, which are surpassed with an ovation-worthy ride at the meeting of land and sea.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Journey through bucolic farmland until the panorama opens out across the roaring ocean.
• Replenish your energy reserves at one of Kilcunda’s warm cafes or the the iconic Killy Pub (bookings only).
• Marvel at the heritage listed Kilcunda Trestle Bridge and enjoy the views towards rocky outcrops.
• Enjoy a well-deserved meal at at one of Wonthaggi’s home-away-from-home cafes.

Bairnsdale to Orbost | 96km one way

Cycle from Bairnsdale to Newmerella through frolicking hills and the whispering Colquhoun Forest, taking in grand old trestle bridges.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Delight in historic bridge crosses across the Nicholson River, the majestic Stony Creek Trestle Bridge and wooden trestle bridges near Newmerella.
• Enjoy a picturesque lunch from Bullant Brewery (bookings only) on the generous and breezy deck, where regionally-sourced food is paired with the brews made onsite.
• Visit the artsy town of Nowa Nowa and check out the sculpture trail or pop into welcoming Mingling Waters (bookings and takeaway), a three-in-one cafe, accommodation and gallery joint.

Traralgon - Stratford | 63km one way

This journey weaves through the idyllic countryside with handsome mountain vistas of the Great Dividing Range, punctuated by warm and quirky villages. Make your way over gently lulling plains dipping through patches of native vegetation, taking in river crossings and old railway relics.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• This is almost as much of a foodie journey as it is a bike ride, with the knockout destination restaurant, Tinamba Hotel (reopening from 24 June), warm cafes at Heyfield and Stratford, and Vines on Avon (reopening from 4 Jul for weekends) all en route.
• Immerse yourself in quirky Maffra exploring the Gippsland Vehicle Collection with its ever-changing display of unique and vintage cars.
• Discover green spaces, wetlands and water at Cowwarr Weir, Heyfield Wetlands and Dawson Flora Reserve.
• Get your culture fix in Stratford by wandering the Shakespeare-themed Stratford Arts Trail.

Leongatha - Port Welshpool | 72km one way

This epic trail passes by South Gippsland’s infamous verdant hills, with 360 degree panoramas interrupted only by welcoming villages. This trail can easily be achieved in shorter sections if you don’t fancy the whole slog, with ample access points along the route.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Warm village feels are easy to come by with humming cafes, galleries and streets worth wandering at Koonwarra, Meeniyan and Fish Creek.
• While you may need to give your thighs a pep talk, the climb through the Hoddle Range is rewarded with magnificent ocean views towards Wilsons Promontory on the descent and a visit to nearby Gurneys Cider (currently open for takeaway sales) helps the recovery effort.
• The section between Toora and Port Welshpool is a family favourite due to the short and very flat 5km ride.
• Take a cruise from Port Welshpool to see the wondrous Wilsons Promontory.

Mirboo North - Boolarra | 13km one way

Swing through enchanting hilly countryside and eucalypt forest with a background track of birdsong. This gently descending trail, complete with two arch bridges, makes for a scenic bushland ride.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Start your journey filling your energy reserves at one of Mirboo North’s warm country kitchens. Admire the colourful murals adorning the town’s heritage buildings or browse the fashion, craft, textiles and jewellery at the butter factory-turned-gift store, The ARTSpace.
• Marvel at the Big Tree at Darlimurla, a remnant of the exquisite tall trees that used to grow in the area.
• Cycle through emerald green bush that has rebounded in lush abundance after the 2009 bushfires.
• Celebrate your arrival in Boolarra with a cheeky treat from the bakery or a visit to the rustic pub (open for dinner Fri - Sun, bookings only).