On arrival in Jindabyne, you will be transferred to the start of the cycle in the seaside town of Tathra, located on the NSW south coast (journey time around 3hrs). After checking into your hotel you are free to explore this area, there are some nice walks along with the Mimosa Rocks and Bournda National Parks surrounding the town. You may wish to taste some of the freshest oysters you are likely to ever come across!

Meals:  Nil

After a relaxing breakfast you start the day's cycle, one of the more gentler stages of the trip. A little climb then downhill run greets us as we exit Tathra following the dedicated cycle route for about 5km to Kalaru. Our route takes us to the outskirts of Bega before we join the main highway for a short stint. The rest of the route is on delightful backroads passing by dairy farms and grazing countryside. A final stage of approximately 4km takes us along a dirt road with the views and scents typical of the idyllic countryside. Our destination is a beautifully restored school house which is now a B&B. Alternatively a farm stay in a delightful location near Candelo (discount applies). Either way, dinner tonight will be a lovely home-cooked meal, overlooking some beautiful countryside. There are plenty of birds and rambling grounds to roam in. Check in is from 3pm. Bega Alternative Route If you are starting from Bega you have a few options today. You can take a long route (66km, +909m, -805m - challenging) along an unsealed road which meets up with the coast road and takes you into Tathra beach from the north. The route then continues from Tathra beach and follows the route above. A shorter option is to cycle directly from Bega (28.6km) whilst another option is to cycle to Tathra beach and return the same route to continue your cycle to South Wolumla/Candelo (55.6km).

Meals:  D

A breakfast with all the trimmings awaits you this morning. We pass through the cute little town of Candelo – they have a terrific café and general store, so if you want to refill your water bottle, or get an excellent coffee, then it’s worth the stop. We then head up over Myrtle Mountain. This mountainous section of the road passes through beautiful thick forest with palms lining the sides of the road. Once we reach the top it's all downhill here to tonight's stop near the town of Wyndham, located in the Bega Shire.

Meals:  B

This morning we will be heading up over Mount Darragh. It’s a long climb, not too steep a gradient but it’ll be a while before you are free-wheeling again. While the ascent is long, the sounds of the forest birds will keep you going. There are a few points along the way to stop for a breather. Descending through the forest and into open farmland, the next stop is the little village of Cathcart, where the main general store is a nice place to get an ice-cream and re hydrate (opening hours can vary). The rest of the ride from here is relatively straightforward along the Mount Darragh Road to the town of Bombala located on the Bombala River. The name Bombala derives from an Aboriginal word meaning "Meeting of the waters". If you get here early enough, a great stop is the Bombala Platypus Reserve. It’s 4.2km from the centre of town, but it’s well worth the visit. There is a raised platform which provides great viewing, and late afternoon (or early morning) is the best time to see them. Alternatively, wander along the riverside walk next to town on the Bombala River where it is relatively common to see a platypus at dusk and dawn.

Meals:  B

There are two options for the first section of your cycle today. Either along the Monaro Highway or along a quiet back road with 14 kms of unsurfaced road. In good weather we recommend the latter. Heading out from Bombala on a beautifully quiet road takes us past sheep and cattle stations. Along the way the road transitions from bitumen to gravel. There are a number of cattle grids, so be careful crossing these. Dismounting would be the wise option. You will be riding with sheep and cattle around to keep you company. Reaching the Snowy River Way, the route ascends to a wind farm before a gradual descent to our farm stay accommodation – you will be able to cook on the BBQ and enjoy the fabulous views.

Meals:  B,D

The route today takes you firstly to the crossroads town of Dalgety set on the mighty Snowy River. Stop for a refreshment at the pub or general store before continuing on the alternative route to Jindabyne. There are a couple of climbs before you see the lake. The main one being quite steep – it’s Beloka Hill, and is bound to give the lungs a bit of a workout. With its gradient being quite tough, its common for cyclists to walk some sections, unless you are on an e-bike which will have you at the top in no time. Once you get to the top of Beloka, you have a nice descent, then a couple of climbs before you descend to Lake Jindabyne and your lakeside accommodation.

Meals:  B

You have the challenge today of riding your bike as high as Charlotte Pass. An early start is advised. It has an elevation of 1,837 metres, and is as high as you can ride your bike on a public road in Australia. It’s a long steady climb, not too steep, and you will pass through Smiggins Hole and Perisher Valley villages en route. These are good places to refill your water bottle and have a snack. Once you reach the top, you have the option to continue by bike (mountain bike or hybrid bike only) to Rawsons pass, a further 400m of ascent over 7.6km and then continue on foot to the top of Mt Kosciuszko (2228m), a further 1.4km walk. Returning to Charlotte Pass, it’s a fun descent back down the mountain, with only a couple of bumps to wake the legs before you arrive back in Jindabyne. If you prefer not to make the cycle up to Charlotte's Pass, we can arrange a transfer for you and your bike which would make the ascent of Kosciuszko much more achievable. Speak to us for details. (Note: the Thredbo Valley Track is only open between November and May, weather permitting).

Meals:  B

The trip concludes this morning after breakfast.

Meals:  B