There are many bush camping opportunities, with some particularly nice spots on the banks of the Tambo River between Ensay and Bruthen.
#Alpine mtb ride free#
There is free camping with toilets at JB Plain (near Dinner Plain, km143), and at Victoria Falls (km167) Bright, Hotham Village and Dinner Plain are pretty expensive, but The Golden Age Hotel, a grand old art-deco building on the main street of Omeo, is charming and great value-fifty bucks will get you a basic room and an all-you-can-eat breakfast which includes bacon and eggs! Mountain bike trails and road cycling side trips in the Bright areaĪccommodation and services are available in most towns en route. The high country gourmet region (there are three breweries en route-in Bright, Dinner Plain and Bruthen) Some of the country's best road riding: gut-busting climbs, thrilling descents, epic scenery Taking the rail trail cuts out a couple of climbs and avoids traffic-this last section to Bairnsdale is the busiest of the whole ride. The surface is mainly gravel and a bit patchy but can be done on a road bike. About 1km after Bruthen the East Gippsland Rail Trail crosses the road (there is a sign marking it), and if you take a left onto it, it will take you all the way to Bairnsdale. Note that there is a fairly long stretch between Swifts Creek (km215) and Bruthen (km284) where no supplies are available. The rolling ride along the Tambo is quite scenic, and there are a number of opportunities to bush camp or go for a swim along here. Omeo to Bairnsdale (122km)-You'll get some long downhill runs through open farm country before the road joins the Tambo River after Ensay (km233). On this section supplies can only be obtained at Hotham Village (km133) and Dinner Plain (km145). Overall though, it's a gruelling section, so allow plenty of time and take lots of water and snacks. The good news is that you'll be treated to some amazing views, and once you reach Hotham Village there is a fair bit of downhill to the town of Omeo. The Climbing Cyclist website has a detailed breakdown of the climb. Harrietville to Omeo (86km)-The road up Mt Hotham is one of Australia's hardest and most iconic climbs, so be prepared for pain. This section can also be done largely off road by following the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, which roughly parallels the Great Alpine Road between Wangaratta and Bright. There are many local goumet delights (wineries, breweries, cheeseries, etc), and many cycling side trips on offer, such as the climb up Mt Buffalo, the climb up Tawonga Gap, and a fantastic mountain bike trail network just outside of Bright. This region is worth lingering in due to the number of things you can do there. Wangaratta to Harrietville (102km)-this mainly flat ride takes you through the Ovens Valley, past the towns of Myrtleford, Bright and Harrietville. The ride can be divided roughly into three sections: One of Australia's highest roads, and an iconic Victorian ride, the Great Alpine Road is a challenge for anyone, but will reward you with some sensational high mountain scenery and a solid sense of accomplishment.