itinerary grand gippsland cycle tour express 19d 18n...taurants. the motel is surrounded by...
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Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Tour Overview
Cycle from the centre of Melbourne along the iconic
Beach Road, through the Mornington Peninsula, by ferry
to Phillip Island.
Love cycling along the amazing wild beaches and
coastline of the Bunurong Coastal Park.
Then its time to cycle through the rolling emerald green
countryside of Gippsland, through temperate rain
forests and wide open plains.
Enjoy the East Gippsland Rail Trail looking out for native
animals and the huge trestle bridges that loom out of
the bush.
Explore popular Lakes Entrance one of our favourite
beachside holiday locations.
Finish at Marlo where the Snowy River meets the sea.
Summary:
• 790km; Av 44km/day; Max 60km/day.
• 19 Days/18 nights
• 16 cycling days, 2 Off bike days, 1 travel day
• Bikes and cycling equipment included
• Luggage transfers
• Accommodation with a hearty breakfast every day
• Maps, local tips and Cyclewayz App Electronic Navigation.
• Roadside assist
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour Express 19D 18N
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day One Night One
Port Melbourne to Frankston - 57km Cycle
The Ride
• Cycle out of Melbourne on Beach Rd along
Port Phillip Bay, which has a very good cycle
path. This is Melbourne's premier cycle route.
• Visit the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes,
see the Spirit of Tasmania waiting at the docks
and many other points of interest along the
way.
• The ride today is quite flat so you will have lots
of time for sightseeing.
We Love
• Taking photos of the small boats at Mordialloc
and cycling through the hinterland to see the
little ponies and wetlands birds.
Food
• On the way to Frankston there are many
places to eat until you get to Mordialloc. There
are not too many cafes after Mordialloc so
make sure you have water and food for the
Mordialloc to Frankston section.
Fun Fact
• Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes are one of the
most photographed and iconic places in
Melbourne. Each bathing box is painted bright
colours by their owners.
• Brighton is one of Melbourne’s wealthiest
suburbs—the record selling price for a single
bathing box was $337,000 in 2018.
Your Frankston Accommodation
Quest Frankston
377 Nepean Highway Frankston Vic
8796 1000
https://www.questapartments.com.au/
properties/vic/frankston/quest-frankston/hotel
Tonight you will be staying at Quest Frank-
ston. The well-appointed Quest Frankston is
flooded with natural light, and provides a styl-
ish, open-plan space to unwind and relax.
The complex has Foxtel and high-speed in-
ternet access. There is also a swimming pool
and alfresco BBQ area.
At Quest Frankston you will be within walking
distance of quality cafes. There is also a
kitchenette in your rooms should you wish to
cook instead of dining out.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Two Night Two
Frankston to Cowes - 35km (61km with side
trip)
The Ride
• The ride today is almost flat. You’ll cycle from
Frankston on cycle paths towards Stony Point.
There is one short section of busy road with a
good verge. If you want to skip this section you
can take the train.
• Cycle across the hinterland and then through
the mangroves. Look out for the many birds in
the mangroves. Catch the ferry from Stony
Point to Cowes. We will provide you with a fer-
ry timetable.
Side Trip
• OPTION: At stony Point you have the option to
do a 26km return side trip to beautiful Coolarts
homestead before catching the ferry to Cowes.
Food
• On the way to Stony Point there are many
places to eat and find water including Has-
tings, Mornington, Tyabb and more.
• There is no food on the side trip to the home-
stead so be sure to stock up before you go.
Fun Fact
• Phillip island is home to a large colony of little
penguins. In summer the Penguins fish all day
and return home at sunset. This is known as
the ‘Penguin Parade.’
• We can book a tour for you to see the pen-
guins. Just let us know if you are interested
and we can arrange it for you.
Your Cowes Accommodation
Kaloha Resort
Cnr Steele & Chapel Streets, Cowes
5952 2179
http://kaloha.com.au/
Tonight you will be staying at Kaloha Resort.
centrally nestled in one of the best locations in
Cowes.
Kaloha has absolute beach frontage and is less
than a 5 minute walk to shops, cafes and res-
taurants. The motel is surrounded by beautiful
tropical palms, with a large salt water swimming
pool and hot spa under a Bali thatched gazebo.
The motel is very close to a safe swimming
beach. A walk along the beach is a great way to
stretch the legs and enjoy the sunset.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Three Night Three
Cowes to Kilcunda - 35km Cycle
The Ride
• Todays ride is almost completely on cycle
paths. It starts quietly with a lovely cycle along
Lovers Walk and through the Roberts Reserve
home to many wallabies, birds and sometimes
koalas.
• After cycling the quiet bay beaches, Cross the
Narrows on the Phillip Island bridge and stop
for a snack or fish and chips at San Remo.
• Then take in the wonderful Westernport views
as you cycle across to Anderson and the Bass
Coast Rail Trail. From Anderson it is a short
ride into Kilcunda, a small town with wild ocean
views.
We Love
• Cycling past the Chicory and Oast houses.
Chicory is a crop used as a coffee substitute
and grows well on Phillip Island. The old brick
kilns are interesting to see.
Food
• Near Cowes we recommend the historic Silver-
leaves Café.
• Further on, San Remo is a great spot for cafe’s
and fish and chips.
Fun Fact
• Cape Wollomai is a popular surf spot with lo-
cals. It is also home to 1million shearwater
birds. Each year they nest in Australia before
flying north to islands off the Alaskan coast. A
distance of over 16,000km.
Your Kilcunda Accommodation
Kilcunda Oceanview Retreat
3560 Bass Highway, Kilcunda 3995
5678 7260
http://kilcundaoceanview.com.au/
Tonight you will be staying at Kilcunda
Oceanview Retreat.
Kilcunda Oceanview retreat is a simply stun-
ning clifftop villa overlooking the Kilcunda
coast.
This accommodation is especially fantastic at
sunset as the sun sets over Bass Strait. The
beach is a clifftop staircase away from your
villa.
The Kilcunda Oceanview retreat is across
the road from the Kilcunda pub for dinner
and the Killy general store for breakfast. Kil-
cunda is a small town and so there are not a
lot of options to purchase groceries.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Four Night Four
Your Kilcunda Accommodation
Kilcunda Oceanview Retreat
3560 Bass Highway, Kilcunda 3995
5678 7260
http://kilcundaoceanview.com.au/
Tonight you will be staying at Kilcunda
Oceanview Retreat.
Kilcunda Oceanview retreat is a simply stunning
clifftop villa overlooking the Kilcunda coast. This
accommodation is especially fantastic at sunset
as the sun sets over Bass Strait. The beach is a
clifftop staircase away from your villa.
The Kilcunda Oceanview retreat is across the
road from the Kilcunda pub for dinner and the Kil-
ly general store for breakfast. Kilcunda is a small
town and so there are not a lot of options to pur-
chase groceries.
Day 4 Kilcunda Off Bike Day- 7km each way
George Bass Coastal Walk optional
The Walk
• Today you can have a rest or walk the spectacular
George Bass Coastal walk which starts right here on
Kilcunda. It is a 14km return headlands walk.
• Walk the clifftop path high above the Bass Strait surf
and beautiful secluded beaches below. Follow the
route of George Bass' coastal discovery voyage over
200 years ago on this popular walk, stretching from
the outskirts of San Remo at Punchbowl Road to the
Bass Highway (just opposite the hall at Peppermint
Road) in Kilcunda.
We Love
• The amazing views, lunch at the Killy General Store,
a walk along the beach, watching the surfers or read-
ing a book or two!
Food
• Take your lunch and water as there is no food or wa-
ter along the way and you will need to return by foot.
Fun Fact
• In 1797, George Bass sailed from Sydney Cove in an
8.7 metre whale boat to prove the existence of a
strait between Tasmania and New South Wales. Dur-
ing this epic voyage George Bass discovered and
named the first natural harbour on the southern main-
land coast, Westernport Bay, after he passed by Kil-
cunda
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Five Night Five
Kilcunda to Inverloch - 45km Cycle
The Ride
• Start on the rail trail across the Kilcunda bridge
and its headlands. Cycle through the wetlands
to Wonthaggi.
• After Wonthaggi ride towards Harmers Haven a
small Hamlet right on the beach. Then it’s onto
Cape Paterson where you can enjoy the start of
the spectacular Bunurong Coast.
• Cape Paterson to Inverloch is a stunning ride
with views across cliffy headlands and small
bays. Take care along this stretch as it is a little
hilly and cars do use this road. However
outside of the months of January February it is
usually quiet.
We Love
• Going for a walk at Eagles Nest and looking for
dinosaur fossils that can be found here.
Food
• Stock up before you go for food in Wonthaggi.
There is a small corner store in Cape
Patterson, but not a lot of food. Inverloch has
many cafes and supermarkets.
Fun Fact
• In Inverloch, take a leisurely walk around Screw
Creek. This is a beautiful, easy walk with great
views across the sea. A hermit once spent 17
years searching for hidden treasure here—he
was convinced it was worth £220million.
Your Inverloch Accommodation
Motel on A’Beckett
24 A'Beckett Street, Inverloch VIC 3996
5674 1311
http://www.motelonabeckett.com.au/
Tonight you will be staying at Motel on
A’Beckett in Inverloch. Inverloch is a charm-
ing hamlet by the sea. A great place to relax
and unwind walking along beaches and
through the township.
Motel on A’Beckett is within walking distance
of Hotels, Cafes & Restaurants, Town Facili-
ties and Beaches.
The motel has free Wireless NBN Broadband
and a wonderful indoor solar heated swim-
ming pool. There is a BBQ/alfresco area with
inviting courtyard.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Six Night Six
Inverloch to Leongatha - 38km Cycle
The Ride
• Today you will cycle through lovely rolling coun-
try side on back roads to Leongatha.
• You’ll head out into dairy country on a mix of
sealed and unsealed roads and Rail Trails with
lovely views of the southern Strzelecki Ranges.
• Leongatha is an interesting town with its wide
streets, old buildings and interesting art gallery.
We Love
• Taking a break at the Outtrim Reserve and the
nearby historic cemetery, all that remains of the
once thriving township of Outtrim.
• You can have a picnic here. Watch out for the
colourful Rosellas, Cockatoos and Major Mitch-
ell Galahs. See if you can spot a Koala
Food
• There is no food or water today so be prepared
and have some on onboard. Leongatha has
restaurants, cafes and several large supermar-
kets.
Fun Fact
• There is a statue in Leongatha of 9 year old
Lennie Gwyther riding his pony ‘spot’. In 19 he
rode all the way to Sydney on his own to wit-
ness the opening of the Sydney Harbour
Bridge.
Your Leongatha Accommodation
Alkira Leongatha
90 McCartin Street Leongatha
0467 274 872
https://alkira-garden-studio-accommodation-
leongatha.business.site/
Tonight you will be staying at Alkira Leonga-
tha. Alkira Leongatha are comfy garden stu-
dios located close to the town centre. Free
WiFi. Each studio has a kitchenette suitable
for tea and coffee making facilities.
The Leongatha township has a big Coles,
Woolworths and Aldi should you need to
shop. There are also restaurants and cafes
for breakfast lunch and dinner.
The Gardens are lush and vibrant. There is a
BBQ area and also a firepit if you would like
to sit outside with a cool afternoon beverage
and toast marshmallows!
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Seven Night Seven
Leongatha to Foster - 48km Cycle
The Ride
• Today you have plenty of time to cycle to
Foster so enjoy your lovely breakfast and
then head out towards Fish Creek.
• Today you’ll pass through the highest point
of the Great Southern Rail Trail. This is a
very pretty part of the trail and has sweeping
views to Wilsons Promontory National Park
and the Strezlecki Ranges
We Love
• The giant fish (Mullet) on the top of the Fish
Creek pub. Definitely a unique feature of the
town!
Food
• Today you’ll pass through several towns with
great food. First up is Koonwarra which is
home to the slow food movement.
Koonwarra has a general store packed with
homemade local produce.
• Meeniyan is home to the annual Garlic
Festival and has a local community garden
as well as cafes and restaurants.
• Fish Creek has several delicious cafes to
enjoy. There are also art galleries and craft
shops to explore.
Fun Fact
• Alison Lester is a well known Australian
children’s author. She has a shop filled with
her books and illustrations in Fish Creek.
Your Foster Accommodation
Litchfield Lodge B&B
12 Hoddle Road Foster
5682 1760
Tonight you will be staying at Litchfield Lodge.
Litchfield Lodge is a charming, refurbished 1930's
home set in 3/4 acre established garden opposite
the high school in Foster.
You can enjoy the comfort of bedrooms with en-
suites, guest lounge and breakfast room with tea/
coffee making facilities.
Meg and Buck are your friendly hosts at Litchfield.
Meg is a good cook and regularly bakes slices
and cakes for guests to enjoy with a cup of tea.
Colourful Australian birds play on the deck just
outside the dining room at breakfast.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Eight Night Eight
Foster to Yarram - 60km Cycle
The Ride
• Today is a challenging ride with no food,
water or toilets for the last 50km. You should
start early so you have plenty of time. As
always we are on hand to assist if required.
• Your first stop will be Toora. It is an easy
10km cycle from Foster to Toora and a nice
warm up! Toora is a great town with
interesting old buildings and some tasty
cafes
• From Toora you will climb the hills through
Creamery Valley Road to Woorarra Road. It
is beautiful, if hilly, country. Have a break at
Binginwarri Cricket Ground. Then it is a
straight flat ride to Yarram.
We Love
• Walking through Yarram with its many
historic buildings.
Food
• 10km along from Foster is Toora. Stop here
and pack some lunch and fill your water
bottles. Make sure you have enough to get
through to Yarram. The last 50km today
(after Toora) has no food, water or toilets.
Fun Fact
• The Binginwarri cricket ground is home to the
Binginwarri warriors. It is thought the name
Binginwarri comes from an Aboriginal word
meaning hungry stomach!
Your Yarram Accommodation
Yarram Cottage
32 Rodgers Street, Yarram, VIC
http://www.snorehere.com.au/
Tonight you will be staying at Yarram Cot-
tage. Self contained cottage accommodation.
There are three bedrooms. Two with queen-
sized beds and one with two single beds.
There is a kitchen, dining room, lounge room
and a bathroom.
Yarram cottage is a wonderful base in the
heart of the town - only a few minutes walk to
Yarram's shops, services and bikepath.
The cottage has a charming feel with original
features and character. This includes
pressed metal ceilings and original Baltic
pine floorboards.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Nine Night Nine
Yarram to Balook - 30km Cycle
The Ride
• You have two choices today. You can cycle
to Balook and enjoy the steep hill up to the
Tarra Bulga Guesthouse. It is a short-ish,
steep, but beautiful ride and we highly
recommend it.
We Love
• Alternatively if you wish to have a lift up the
hill to Balook with your luggage (after your
busy ride yesterday) you can do a short
return ride to Port Albert which is a lovely old
seaside fishing village.
• At Balook there is some lovely walking
through the temperate rain forests of the
Tarra Bulga National Park.
Food
• Start your cycle across the flats to Ferndale
and enjoy a scone and cream high tea. This
is the oldest Tourist Park in Victoria
• Then climb up to the ridge through the Tarra
River valley on a small narrow sealed road
which has truly spectacular old growth forest.
Look out for Lyrebirds, wombats, echidnas
and wallabies.
Fun Fact
• Stop at Tarra Valley Picnic Area to do the
Cyathea Falls walk.
• Finish along the Grand Ridge Road with
great views and stunning forests.
Your Balook Accommodation
Tarra Bulga Guest House
1885 Grand Ridge Road, Balook, VIC 3971
5196 6141
http://www.tarra-bulga.com/
Tonight you will be staying at Tarra Bulga
Guest House.
The Tarra-Bulga Guest House and Lyrebird
Café are situated in Balook – a unique loca-
tion adjacent to the cool, temperate rainfor-
ests of the Tarra-Bulga National Park and
surrounds.
The guest house is a wonderful place to en-
joy a delicious home-cooked meal and a
restful night’s sleep.
It is the perfect getaway spot for relaxation
and rejuvenation. Nina and Torben and their
Son Thomas will be your hosts throughout
your stay and have a special ability to make
you feel right at home.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Ten Night Ten
Balook to Rosedale - 50km Cycle
The ride
• This is a great ride down the hills to Rosedale.
• After you reach the sign to Mt Tassie you will
be at the top of your ride. Then its downhill. The
first part of the road is dirt and a little rough but
the ride is fun and spectacular with sweeping
views to the coast
• Then it’s a great sealed run on a quiet country
road down the hill and through the farms to
Rosedale.
We love
• Tarra-Bulga National Park. Admiring the giant
Mountain Ash trees, beautiful fern gullies and
ancient myrtle beeches. Wondering at some of
the best examples of original cool temperate
rainforests of the Strzelecki Ranges.
Food
• No food or water along the way today– make
sure you carry it with you. Eat an extra
delicious breakfast at the guest house!
Fun Fact
• At Tarra Bulga National Park there is a walk
through the rainforest. Gorgeous spot to take
photos dwarfed by the ancient ferns and
mountain ash trees. There is also a magnificent
swing bridge that hangs over the forest. It was
originally built in 1938 for tourism, and re-built
by the army in 1982.
Transfer - Rosedale to Traralgon
When you reach Rosedale we will come and
collect you to transfer you to Traralgon. This
is where you will be staying tonight.
Give us a call when you reach Rosedale so
we can collect you.
Your Traralgon Accommodation
Bridges on Argyle
84-90 Argyle Street, Traralgon Vic 3844
5116 7800
http://www.bridgesonargyle.com.au/
Tonight you will be staying at Bridges on
Argyle.
Bridges on Argyle is the only 4 star accom-
modation offering unmatched style and so-
phistication in Traralgon’s CBD.
The Motel is located just 500m away from
the Traralgon’s main street. The rooms fea-
ture modern amenities including separate
work station, individually controlled reverse
cycle heating and cooling, large flat screen
televisions with free pay TV and Wi-F in eve-
ry room. All rooms have sound proof win-
dows. With all highway facing rooms
equipped with shutters for a quiet and relax-
ing sleep.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Eleven Night Eleven
Traralgon to Maffra - 60km Cycle
The Ride
• Today is a lovely country cycle. Before you
leave Rosedale visit the bakery with its wood
carvings and do the Rosedale historical walk.
• Today you’ll cycle through Cowwarr. Which
is a small, arty town with an award winning
art house and the Cowwarr Cricket Club
Hotel perfectly placed for lunch or high tea.
• From here you will cycle on the Gippsland
Plains Rail Trail to Heyfield. Enjoy the
wetlands park and memorial park in town.
• The last part of your day takes you on a
pretty ride along the marshes and rivers into
Tinamba.
Side Trip
• OPTION 1: Take a side trip to Sandy Point at
Lake Glenmaggie which is a boaties
paradise. It is also a popular fishing spot for
trout, redfin and bass.
Food
• Cowwarr Cricket Club hotel is perfectly
placed for lunch or high tea.
• Heyfield also has several restaurants and
cafes to choose from.
Fun Fact
• Aboriginal people used to cut into the side of
living trees to build their canoes. There is a
tree with a canoe ‘scar’ in Rosedale.
Your Maffra Accommodation
Maffra Motor Inn
184 Johnson Street Maffra Victoria
5147 2111
http://www.mafframotorinn.com.au/
Tonight you will be staying at Maffra Motor Inn with
modern furnishings, and well-appointed rooms. The
motel is a family-run Motel, focused on offering a per-
sonalized, friendly and efficient service.
The Motor Inn has free high speed WiFi and there is
also an outdoor pool.
Maffra Motor Inn is located within short walking dis-
tance to cafes, pubs and restaurants with the Maffra
Community Sports Club, a four minute walk away,
offering a full bar and excellent dinners.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Twelve Night Twelve
Your Stratford Accommodation
Stratford on the River Tourist Park
16 McMillan Street, Stratford Victoria 3862
5145 6588
https://www.stratfordontheriver.com.au/
Tonight you will be staying at Stratford Tourist Park.
The amenities are immaculately clean, and enhanced
by a well- appointed camp-kitchen complete with tele-
vision, microwave, fridge and heater which adds
warmth in the cooler evenings and laundry facilities.
The undercover barbecue and eating area together
with a number of open fireplaces make wonderful
meeting areas. The park is next door to the local
swimming pool.
It’s a 5 minute walk to the delights of Stratford which
includes the local bakery, butchers, café’s, gift shops.
Maffra to Stratford - 57km Cycle
The Ride
• Today is a lovely flat cycle through the small
towns of central Gippsland
• The small roads wind through the fields of
vegetables, vinyards and dairy farms that make
up this region.
• After Briagolong you will cycle to Stratford along
the Llowallong road—a lovely quiet little back
road quite a favorite with local cyclists.
• When you reach Stratford you can cycle out to
Knob Reserve a well known meeting place for
Aboriginal tribes from all of Gippsland.
We Love
• Briagolong home to the bush band and wonderful
art galleries.
• The Boisdale workers cottages, Boisdale stable
and hall.
• The Avon River that flows through this region
Food
• Briagolong has the pub and general store and
Local Fact
• The name of Briagolong is taken from the name
of the Aboriginal tribe, the Braiakaulung, who
occupied the area. Members of this tribe were
removed to Ramahyuck Mission Station in
1864. You will ride past there tomorrow.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Thirteen Night Thirteen
Stratford to Bairnsdale - 60km Cycle
The Ride
• Your ride today is almost completely on road,
taking you through dairy and beef cattle
country from Stratford to Bairnsdale through
Bengworden, Meerlieu and Perry's bridge.
• At Meerlieu you will see a typical country
Cricket Pitch and old school. Perry Bridge
gives you a typical old Church.
• Take a break at the Bengworden Hall, play the
piano and imagine the activity on and off the
tennis court.
• In Bairnsdale take a look at St Marys Catholic
church with its beautiful murals painted during
the depression.
We Love
• Cycling through the typical Australian farmland
countryside. We love cycling with lots of space
and rolling country and the backdrop of the
Great Divide.
Food
• There is no food or water - but we will be on
hand with lunch and a drink along your way.
Fun Fact
• If you are lucky the Roulettes might be
practising – they are our Airforce
Acrobatic Flying team and take their
planes high in the sky to stall them, fly
upside down and do loop the loops.
Your Bairnsdale Accommodation
The Riversleigh
1 Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale, VIC 3875
5152 6966
https://www.riversleigh.com.au/
Tonight you will be staying at The Riversleigh Bed and
Breakfast. Personalised, attentive service and a sense
of tranquil relaxation are among the hallmarks of a stay
at The Riversleigh.
Located in the heart of Bairnsdale on a quiet street
over-looking the Mitchell River, The Riversleigh fea-
tures elegant period fittings with tastefully-appointed
modern rooms, providing a unique and very high quali-
ty accommodation experience to their guests.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Fourteen Night Fourteen
Your Bairnsdale Accommodation
The Riversleigh
1 Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale, VIC 3875
5152 6966
https://www.riversleigh.com.au/
Tonight you will be staying at The Riversleigh
Bed and Breakfast.
Bairnsdale Day off Bikes or 45km of
cycling
The Ride
• Today you have a rest day and Snowy River
Cycling will take you on a tour to visit the Silt
Jetties and the wild Koalas at Raymond Island
• The Silt Jetties, always of interest to scientists
and visitors alike, are an unusual natural
feature rarely seen in this size the world over.
Raymond Island is a short ferry ride from
Paynesville on the Gippsland Lakes, here you
can see koalas in treetops above the houses.
The koalas were introduced to Raymond Island
in 1953 as a safeguard against extinction when
32 of them were sent from Phillip Island. There
are more than 200 there now.
We Love
• Seeing wild Koalas sitting in the trees.
• Cycling out along the silt jetties. .
Food
• Bairnsdale has lots of lovely food options.
Fun Fact
• The silt jetties are a form of delta known as
“digitate” or “finger-delta” and are some of the
finest examples to be found anywhere in the
world. Since the destruction of the silt jetties on
the Mississippi River in the Gulf of Mexico by
hurricane “Katrina” in 2005, they are now
claimed as the longest in the world. It is
fascinating that the Mitchell River, which is so
small by comparison, should have such fine
and lengthy silt jetties at its mouth.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Fifteen Night Fifteen
Bairnsdale to Bruthen - 30km Cycle
The Ride
• Today is a relaxing easy ride to Bruthen along
the East Gippsland Rail Trail.
• Crossing the Mitchell river at Nicholson, there is
a small boats mooring area which is very pretty.
• Bruthen is a lovely historic town with a number
of speciality shops, a general store (built in
1860) and the historic post office (built in 1890).
Shady gardens with a rotunda and picnic areas
are situated beside the town's main street
We Love
• Relaxing by the Tambo River in Bruthen. There
are lots of places to walk and meander among
the shady trees.
Food
• The Bullant Brewery in Bruthen is a great spot
for lunch or beer tastings.
• The old Bruthen Hotel makes a lovely place for
dinner with great views.
Fun Fact
• In 1958 an RAAF fighter jet crashed on the
outskirts of Bruthen. The plane was travelling
from NSW to Sale when the engine ‘flamed
out’.
• The pilot, Ralph Oborn hit the eject button and
Your Bruthen Accommodation
Bruthen Cottage
39 Great Alpine Rd, Bruthen 3885, Victoria.
0428 556 088
http://www.bruthencottage.com.au/
Tonight you will be staying at Bruthen Cottage.
Bruthen cottage is a comfortable three bedroom
timber cottage in the country village of Bruthen.
The front verandah overlooks the lush farmland
of the Tambo River valley, while the spacious
back patio looks into the large private garden.
The freshly renovated cottage has a calm, wel-
coming feel with polished timber floorboards,
contemporary furniture, large living room with
fireplace, huge kitchen/ dining room 2 bath-
rooms, separate toilet and three bedrooms.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Sixteen Night Sixteen
Bruthen to Lakes Entrance - 38km Cycle
The Ride
• Today you will ride from Bruthen to Lakes
Entrance on the East Gippsland Rail Trail
and the Lakes Discovery Trail. It is a lovely
ride through shady forests.
• The Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail, which
takes you into Lakes Entrance, is a lovely
bush trail that follows an old tramway
following the Mississippi Ck.
• It has remains of old cuttings, including rail
and sleepers. There are also the remains of
an old marble quarry along the way.
• Lakes Entrance is a popular tourist
destination.
Side Trip
• OPTION 1: Lakes Entrance has a 5 km return
walk across the popular landmark footbridge,
which crosses Cunninghame Arm, links the
town centre with the sand dunes and coastline
of Bass Strait.
Food
• Lakes Entrance has lots of food, cafes and
supermarkets. There is no food on the way
so stock up in Bruthen before you go.
Fun Fact
• Trees are often planted in country towns to
remember soldiers lost at war. On the Lakes
Entrance esplanade, there are several large
tree carvings depicting people from WW1.
Your Lakes Entrance Accommodation
Bellevue on the Lakes
201 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance, VIC, 3909
5155 3055
https://www.bellevuelakes.com.au/
Tonight you will be staying at Bellevue on the Lakes.
Resort facilities, right in the heart of Lakes Entrance.
Bellevue on the lakes has modern, comfortable ac-
commodation with water views.
The motel has Foxtel, free WiFi, sauna, indoor and
outdoor pools, playground, BBQ facilities and guest
laundry.
It is an easy walking distance to quality restaurants,
clubs and town facilities.
Bellevue on the lakes is a great base to explore one
of Gippsland’s most popular seaside towns.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Seventeen Night Seventeen
Lakes Entrance to Tostaree - 48km Cycle
The Ride
• Today you will cycle along the eastern side of
Mississippi creek to Colquhoun where you will
once again meet up with the East Gippsland
Rail Trail.
• Cycle quietly and you will see wallabies,
wombats and other native animals. This ride is
quite remote, wild and very enjoyable.
• Ride past the amazing trestle bridges that
loom out of the forests.
We Love
• Being intrigued by the artwork of Nowa Nowa’s
arts community. In Nowa Nowa there is a
constantly evolving sculpture walk. Other
artworks are the Ramsdell Collection at
Mingling Waters Café and the famous Nowa
Nowa nudes which are now just a memory!
Food
• Nowa Nowa is a little town that is evolving to
be very interesting. With an original Petrol
Station, now a gift shop and café, and the new
cafes in town it is a good spot to stop for lunch.
Fun Fact
• Tonight you will stay at Tostaree built on the
site of an old stage coach inn. There were fruit
trees (orange and apples) and flowers to see.
Tostaree Railway Station was opened on
Monday 10 April 1916 as part of the Orbost
Railway Line. The station closed in 1987.
Your Tostaree Accommodation
Tostaree Cottages Farm Stay
51 Jonsons Road Tostaree
5155 7254
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/
Bed-and-Breakfast/TosTaree-Cottages-
323941736181/
Tonight you will be staying at Tostaree Farm
Stay.
At Tostaree Cottages you be staying on a
working farm, surrounded by animals and
wild life. The cottages are a perfect place to
enjoy the peace and quiet with loved ones.
All cottages are self contained including
kitchen and BBQ. We provide dinner and
breakfast. Tostaree Cottages also have a
entertainment room that has Karaoke, bar,
pool table and a lovely fireplace to sit and
enjoy during your stay.
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Day Eighteen Night Eighteen
Tostaree to Orbost - 34km Cycle
The Ride
• Today you will head towards the end of the
East Gippsland Rail Trail. This section has no
water or food but is a lovely ride through the
bush and gives you areal appreciation of how
far away from Melbourne you are.
We Love
• Cycling into Orbost and crossing the Snowy
River. The Snowy is an iconic Australian River
which starts high in the Snowy Mountains.
There is a very famous poem by Banjo
Paterson called the man From Snowy River.
• The Snowy River Hydro Scheme, upstream in
NSW, is the largest engineering project to be
undertaken in Australia.
Food
• There is no food along the way today. Orbost
is a reasonable sized town with lots of tasty
cafes and bakeries to enjoy.
Fun Fact
• Orbost was first settled in 1842 and originally
used for cattle grazing. A township began to
develop in the 1870s and it eventually became
an important service centre for what has
developed into a major cattle and agricultural
district.
• In Orbost you can visit the historical Slab Hut –
an original 1872 pioneer hut relocated from the
upper Snowy River.
Your Marlo Accommodation
Marlo Hotel
19 Argyle Parade, Marlo VIC 3888,
5154 8201
https://marlohotel.com.au/
Tonight you will be staying at Marlo Hotel.
At the heart of the town sits the Marlo Hotel,
perched on the hill, overlooking the estuaries
and entrance.
The Marlo Hotel, established in 1886, has
been operating for over 120 years, offering
accommodation, private function areas, good
food, cold beverages, clean ocean air and a
friendly pub atmosphere. Go to sleep with
the sound of breaking surf in one of the gen-
erous rooms at the Marlo Hotel.
All rooms are equipped with tea, coffee and
toast making facilities and a small fridge with
a Continental Breakfast pack is supplied dai-
ly to each room.
Transfer - Orbost to Marlo
When you arrive in Orbost you will meet the
Snowy River Team who will transfer you to
Marlo. Marlo is where the Snowy River
meets the sea. It is a tranquil seaside resort
and fishing town with beautiful river and
seaside views. Enjoy!
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Train Details
Travelling from Bairnsdale to Melbourne
Bairnsdale is in East Gippsland. The train timeta-
bles are as specified in the following link. Trains
leave for Melbourne at 1245pm and 614pm.
https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/1823
What is included
• All adult bike hire includes maps, ride notes, bicycles and helmets if required, locks, handle-bar panniers, extra rear pannier if required and water bottles.
• All Accommodation, luggage transfers, road-side assist, breakfasts, water bottles and some ferries/tours/dinners/lunches/transfers as speci-fied are included.
What to Bring
• Wear shorts or comfortable trousers, t-shirt and covered shoes for cycling.
• Sunscreen, sun-glasses and wet-weather gear.
• Cycling gloves are recommended.
• A jumper for winter; swimmers and small towel for warmer months.
• A small camera, phone, wallet and snacks which can fit into the front panniers.
• Money for lunches, dinner and snacks; money for train fare to Melbourne (allow $40.00 per person, although fares may be cheaper on the day); money for any attractions and incidental expenses.
• Clothes and accessories for the week. Luggage is limited to 1 bag per person, maximum 20kg.
Day Nineteen
Transfer - Marlo to Bairnsdale then Train to
Melbourne
• We hope you slept very well on your last night
by the sea!
• Well done on your 760km cycle from the city
centre of Melbourne all the way to the coastal
tranquillity of Marlo, where the Snowy River
meets the sea.
• Today after your breakfast Snowy River Cycling
will meet you and transfer you back to
Bairnsdale for your journey by train back to
Melbourne.
• We hope you have enjoyed your cycle – we
have loved being a part of the journey!
Grand Gippsland Cycle Tour
Itinerary
Deferral, Cancellation & Refunds Policy If you are unable to proceed with the tour as booked, you have the
following choices:
1. You may choose to defer your tour to a later date. In this case,
the following conditions apply:
• Notification must be given to Australian Cycling Holidays at
least 7 days prior to the tour start date.
• The tour can be deferred for up to 1 year from the original
start date of the tour.
• Bookings for deferred tours are subject to availability.
• A deferral fee of $60 applies each time a tour is deferred.
2. You may choose not to proceed with your tour. In this case, a
refund may be made which depends on how much warning you
give us prior to the tour start date.
• More than 30 days prior: 90% of the tour price will be refunded.
• 7 days to 30 days prior: 65% of the tour price will be refunded.
• Less than 7 days prior: no money will be refunded.
• No refunds will be provided once tour commences.
Other Information Australian Cycling Holidays acts solely as the agent for securing
accommodation and transfers and shall not be held liable in the
event of the failure of any person or company to render transfers,
accommodation or other service. Australian Cycling Holidays shall not
be held liable for any damage, expense or inconvenience outside of
its control, such as late arrival, industrial disputes, breakdowns,
inclement weather, road closures or Acts of God.
Cycling is a recreational activity which can be dangerous and by
agreeing to the Terms and Conditions, participants accept the risks
inherent in participating in a cycling tour. Participants must abide by
applicable road rules and regulations at all times during the cycling
tour.
All participants must be physically healthy to participate in the Tour.
By agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant warrants
that they have no medical or other condition which suggests that any
participant should not participate in the cycling tour. Australian
Cycling Holidays strongly recommends participants have full
insurance covering any injury they might suffer, including evacuation
costs and medical and hospital treatment.
All cycling participants must be able to ride a bicycle without training
wheels, and must be familiar and competent with the use of
handlebar brakes. Australian Cycling Holidays reserves the right to
refuse service without refund if any cycling participant is unable to
demonstrate the ability to cycle proficiently.
Participants are responsible for any damage (other than ordinary
wear and tear) to or loss of the bikes and equipment sustained
during the tour. Participants should inspect the equipment provided
for the tour, and should not participate in the tour unless they are
satisfied with the adequacy and condition of the equipment.
Every effort is made to ensure that the information provided in the
maps and ride notes is accurate at the time of printing. Details may
change without warning, and where possible will be advised to you.
Terms and Conditions The following Terms and Conditions apply for all bookings and tours
with Australian Cycling Holidays and are applicable to all partici-
pants.
Bookings Once we receive your booking request, the following conditions apply:
• Your booking is not confirmed until a deposit of 30% is receipt-ed.
• Payment in full is required at least 30 days prior to departure. If full payment is not received by the due date, the booking will be automatically cancelled and our Deferrals, Cancellations and Refunds Policy will apply.
• If you are making a booking less than 30 days prior to depar-
ture, full payment is required at the time of booking.