Australia’s Victoria State is home to many trails showcasing its natural beauty
AS the weather warms up, cycling season kicks into gear in Victoria, Australia.
Cyclists of all persuasions jump on their bikes and ride their way around the state’s coastal roads, mountain trails, family-friendly tracks and gourmet cycling escapes.
Victoria is home to many different trails showcasing the natural beauty of Victoria’s regions and thus the options are endless.
Melbourne has always been popular with foodies, wine lovers and art enthusiasts but also for its outdoor activities too.
Here are some of great cycling trails in Melbourne.
For further details, visit visitmelbourne.com.
1. MURRAY TO MOUNTAINS RAIL TRAIL
With its gentle, short rides, The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is ideal for people new to cycling, and longer rides for the more ambitious.
For foodies and wine lovers, the vineyards, orchards and groves of the High Country provide a picturesque backdrop for a cycling jaunt in nature.
Whether cyclists stop for a picnic in a meadow or ride right into a microbrewery for lunch, this corner of Victoria has every food, wine and beer base covered.
Visit www.victoriashighcountry.com.au/murray-to-mountains-rail-trail.
2. GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL TRAIL
This trail gives cyclists a chance to be immersed in nature. It provides plenty of opportunities for bird-watching and native animal-spotting.
From impressive tree ferns to iconic gumtree glades, the trail is also home to a wide range of botanical life.
Thelong ride can be broken up into smaller sections, making the trail more manageable for children or beginners.†
Visit www.railtrails.org.au/trail?view=trail&id=144 for details.
3. BELLARINE RAIL TRAIL
A favourite with locals and a popular weekend destination for Melbourn residents, the trail is home to wineries, beaches and beautiful landscapes — all visible from the trail itself.
From families with young children to lycra-clad veterans, all types of bike riders can be found enjoying this popular trail.
Visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/parks/paths/article/item/8cc9e1ca0578791.aspx.
4. BALLARAT-SKIPTON RAIL TRAIL
The Goldfield’s Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail has been resurfaced and upgraded for cyclists, walkers and runners.
With farmland, bushland, rest stops and small, heritage-filled towns dotted along the way, cyclists of all experience levels can take their time on the trail, going at a pace that suits them, stopping where and when they like.
With plenty of accommodation and dining options along the way, it’s ideal for a multi-day cycling adventure.
Visit http://ballaratskiptonrailtrail.com for details.
5. GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Wih a long history, the Great Ocean Road spans over 243 kilometres along the stunning coastline of Victoria’s south-west alongside one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives!
It is located in the Great Ocean Road region between Apollo Bay and the iconic Twelve Apostles. The melding of rugged beauty and a fascinating history make it a thrilling sojourn for new visitors to Victoria.
Visit www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Great-Ocean-Road.
6. SEVEN PEAKS RIDE
The Seven Peaks Ride is known as Australia’s ultimate alpine ascent challenge. It is an at-your-own pace cycling challenge for experienced mountain bikers unafraid of a physical challenge.
With some of Victoria’s most infamous peaks on the challenge list including Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Lake Mountain, participants are given a little over five months to tick off the peaks they climb in their official Seven Peaks Passport.
Visit www.7peaks.com.au.