Kate and Ross rode the Kosciuszko to the Sea cycle tour over the 2020/21 new year period. They had mostly blue sky days, with only their final hurrah into Tathra being overcast. However nothing could dampen the smiles on their faces during their unforgettable 6 day self guided adventure.  Here is their epic cycling trip in photos.

 

There are now 3 ways to experience the Kosciuszko to the Sea trip:

> Kosciuszko to the Sea Self-Guided Cycle

> Kosciuszko to the Sea Supported Cycle

> Sea to Kosciuszko Self-Guided Cycle

Day 1 - Arrive in Jindabyne.

In the Snowy Mountains overlooking Lake Jindabyne, the town of Jindabyne is perfectly positioned to access the Kosciuszko National Park, location of the highest point in Australia, Mt Kosciuszko (2228m). Your bikes can be collected today. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the town and visit the lakeshore.

Day 2 - Walk to the top of Australia, then ride into Jindabyne

An early start is in order today which promises to be an epic start to your journey. After a hot breakfast, you are transferred to Thredbo with your bike. Ascend the chairlift and walk the 13km round trip to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Descend to Thredbo and hop on your bike to cycle along the valley trail to Bullocks Flat before joining the Alpine Way all the way to Jindabyne and your lakeside hotel. Alternatively, you can elect to transfer to Charlotte Pass, the highest point you can reach by road in Australia. You then cycle up the summit track to Rawsons Pass and walk the rest of the way to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Returning to Rawsons Pass, you cycle mostly downhill all the way back to Jindabyne.

Day 3 - Cycle via Dalgety along the mighty Snowy River to Maffra

You may feel it in your legs this morning as you begin your cycle with a sustained ascent to the top of Beloka Hill. Enroute pass by classic alpine countryside scenes with wildflowers lining the roadside. The descent of Beloka Hill will have you gripping tightly to the brakes as you wind down the mountainside. Continue over undulating terrain to Dalgety where a pub lunch on the verandah will be just rewards for your efforts so far. From Dalgety join the Snowy River Way to Maffra Station and your overnight accommodation. We have a farm stay tonight – you will be able to cook on the BBQ and enjoy the fabulous views.

 

Day 4 - Continue to Bombala

We return to the Snowy River Way and cycle alongside grazing land with rolling hills. Ascending to the wind farm the views are panoramic. Leaving the paved road behind, we take an unsurfaced 16km road that takes us past cattle and sheep properties. There are a number of cattle grids, so be careful crossing these. Dismounting would be the wise option. Continue to the country 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.

 

Day 5 - Cycle over Mount Darragh and over to Wyndham

The ride begins along the Mount Darragh Road leading out of Bombala. The focus today is Mount Darragh. A gradual ascent takes us to the little village of Cathcart, where the main general store is a nice place to get an ice-cream and re hydrate. Continuing to the summit of Mt Darragh there is a lookout and view at the top and this is an ideal place to have a picnic lunch should you chose to. It’s a long free wheeling descent, not too steep a gradient before the terrain flattens out as you make your way to Wyndham in the Bega Shire. Our overnight stop is in a cottage on a farm deep in the countryside.

Day 6 - Cycle through forests to South Wolumla

Our cycle route takes us out of Wyndham on a 10km ascent all the way to the top of Myrtle Mountain. This mountainous section of the road passes through beautiful thick forest lining the sides of the road. Descend to 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 pass through diary farms and grazing countryside through rolling hills this area is famous for. Our destination is a beautiful restored school house which is now a B&B. Think 4-poster beds and chocolates on the pillow. Dinner tonight will be a lovely home-cooked meal, overlooking some beautiful countryside. There are plenty of birds and lovely grounds to roam in.

> Learn more about our charming accommodation in South Wolumla here.

 

After a superb breakfast begin your final stage to Tathra Beach. The route begins on delightful backroads passing by dairy farms and grazing countryside. A short unavoidable stage of approximately 4km takes us along the highway before again joining a backroad. The last 4km of the route is on a dedicated cycle way with a last big hill before you reach Tathra beach offering panoramic views. Head down to the beach for a swim and celebrate your epic journey from the top of Australia to the Pacific Coast.

The trip concludes this morning with a transfer back to Jindabyne.

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Would you like to experience the Kosciuszko to the Sea cycling tour? If you have any questions feel free to give our friendly team a call on 1300 114 966. It's also possible to ride in the opposite direction on the Sea to Kosciuszko cycling holiday. 

Are you up for riding from the top of Australia to the coast? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.