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East Gippsland Rail Trail Supported Cycle

Experience the best of East Gippsland including cycling the Rail Trail, visiting wineries, a hot spring and a koala walk

Enjoy cycling in Gippsland & the Snowy River National Park

Vineyard with a view in East Gippsland

Enjoy cycling in Gippsland & the Snowy River National Park

View over the Lakes Entrance, East Gippsland

The East Gippsland Rail Trail in Victoria | Jessica Shapiro

Wine tasting in East Gippsland

Enjoy cycling in Gippsland & the Snowy River National Park

Enjoy gentle cycling along rail trails in Victoria | Ride High Country

The East Gippsland Art Gallery | Everyday Nicky

Enjoy cycling in Gippsland & the Snowy River National Park

Vineyard with a view in East Gippsland

Enjoy cycling in Gippsland & the Snowy River National Park

View over the Lakes Entrance, East Gippsland

The East Gippsland Rail Trail in Victoria | Jessica Shapiro

Wine tasting in East Gippsland

Enjoy cycling in Gippsland & the Snowy River National Park

Enjoy gentle cycling along rail trails in Victoria | Ride High Country

The East Gippsland Art Gallery | Everyday Nicky

10 Epic Australian Cycling DestinationsView list

Introductory to Moderate

Activities

5 days cycling

Accommodation

6 nights hotel/inn accommodation

Price

7 daysfrom

$2990AUD

View Inclusions

Trip Code: EGS

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East Gippsland Rail Trail Supported Cycle Trip highlights

Spot a koala on a koala walk on Raymond Island
Take a boat cruise to Lakes Entrance
Appreciate the camaraderie of the cycle with a group of like minded traveller
Sample the excellent local foods and wines of East Victoria
Enjoy the independence of cycling and navigating the route, with a support vehicle as backup

On this 7 day itinerary you’ll experience the best that East Gippsland has to offer. From cycling on the East Gippsland Rail Trail, visiting local wineries, walking through a koala haven, cruising along the river to Lakes Entrance, and soaking in geothermal hot springs, this trip really has it all.

This is a fully supported cycle meaning you get to experience the freedoms of a self guided bike tour with the social aspects that come with a small group tour. Along for the adventure is your driver and escort who will meet you for lunch and stops along the way, and who will also offer their local knowledge of the route each day.

Over the week you will have ample opportunity to take in the varied scenery and history of the stunning East Gippsland region. The cycling will be mostly on the Rail Trail, through undulating farmland and temperature rainforest, along winding rivers, and across historic timber railway bridges. Each night you’ll sample delicious local food and produce, and you’ll have the chance to sample local wines and honey. This cycle journey opens up a whole new way to appreciate the natural beauty and local produce of this special corner of regional Victoria.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive in Orbost, 12.30pm transfer to Bairnsdale

Today you will make your own way to Orbost. Please ensure you arrive in time to join the 12.30pm transfer to Bairnsdale. The drive will take just over one hour. When you arrive in Bairnsdale you will check in to your accommodation for tonight, before heading out on a tour of Raymond Island. Gippsland Lakes Reserve, situated on Raymond Island on Tatungalung Country, is highly significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage. Raymond Island is a haven for wildlife, including a large koala population. While on the island we will do a walk and see how many koalas we can spot! Returning to Bairnsdale we will have our first dinner together as a group. Overnight in Bairnsdale.

Meals: D

Day 2
Cycle to Nicholson River Winery and on to Bruthen (36km), transfer to Lakes Entrance

Today is your first cycle day, and you will enjoy lake and bushland views for most of the day. The 8km section to Nicholson is asphalt and features a restored timber and steel trestle bridge over the Nicholson River. We'll then head out to the Nicholson River Winery for a wine tasting with a view out over the river. Continue on to Bruthen, where the rest of the trail for today is on hard-packed gravel. Bruthen is a scenic town and we'll enjoy lunch and a spot of honey tasting at Tambo Valley Honey. In the afternoon a transfer will bring us to the scenic Jemmy's Lookout and on to the fascinating Shell Museum in Lakes Entrance. Overnight Lakes Entrance. Cycling distance: 36km

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Cycle via the Discovery Trail to Lakes Entrance (36km)

After breakfast this morning we'll start the day with a transfer back to Bruthen. From there we'll be back on the saddle as we head towards Wyanga Park Winery. We'll enjoy lunch at this family owned and operated winery, set amongst classic bushland. After lunch we will cruise down to Lakes Entrance, relaxing and enjoying the view along the way. Tonight we take full advantage of the local seafood and cuisine, dining out at Sodafish a charming restaurant located right on the harbour. Overnight: Lakes Entrance. Cycling distance: 36km

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Rest day, with optional walks and a visit to Metung Hot Springs

Today we take a relaxing break from our bikes. After breakfast we will take a morning walk down to The Entrance (5km return). If we're lucky we will spot some local seals as we walk along the coast. A short drive will bring us to Metung, a village on the shores of Bancroft Bay, for lunch. After lunch, the true rest begins at Metung Hot Springs. Here we will immerse ourselves in the geothermal baths and experience the serenity of the Hilltop Escarpment. We'll have dinner and stay overnight again at Lakes Entrance.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Continue on the rail trail to Tostaree (52km)

Today you cycle back towards the East Gippsland Rail Trail, heading towards Tostaree. Much of the cycling today will be on hard packed gravel, heading through bushland. The cycle to Nowa Nowa is 41km, but if you would like to make the cycling day shorter there are options to be transferred either 8km or 16km to the trail). We'll stop for lunch together at Nowa Nowa, then continue with a shorter cycle to Tostaree. Enjoy the tranquility this evening when you check in to your rustic farmstay accommodation. You will stay in a cottage and be looked after by your friendly hosts who will cook you up a tasty dinner tonight. Overnight: Tostaree. Cycling distance: 52km

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Cycle to Orbost (31km), afternoon tour of Cape Conran, overnight Marlo

It's back on the bike for your final day on the rail trail. Today's ride is shaded and you will cross over three major wooden trestle bridges. The trail surface today is fine compacted gravel which is easily managed, but you will need some strength in the legs as there are a few steep sections. The rail trail ends at Newmerella, but continues 2km to end at Orbost via a shared pathway that begins at Burn Road. We'll drive to Marlo and check into our accommodation before we head out for an afternoon tour of Cape Conran. The Coastal Park at Cape Conran is home to a range of wildlife, including lace monitors, wombats, southern brown bandicoots, potoroos and plenty of birds. Overnight: Marlo Cycling distance: 31km

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Trip concludes

The trip concludes this morning in Marlo.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

6 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with private facilities
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
Electric bicycle hire including a helmet and pannier
Luggage transfers, maximum weight is 12kg per person
Route notes & maps available to download and use on your phone through our navigation app
GPS information
Boat cruise to Lakes Entrance
Wine tasting
Tranquil bathing at Metung Hot Springs
Escort driver who provides daily briefings, assists cyclists along the route, prepares picnic lunches and provides daily safety checks

What's not included

Travel to/from Orbost
Accommodation before or after the trip
Travel insurance
Meals not noted as included
Phone handlebar mount

Bike information

Electric Bike

Electric Bikes are provided on this trip. The Electric Bikes are available in a range of sizes. Pannier and helmet hire is also included. The electric bikes we use are Lafree E+ bikes, with a powerful battery that will last you the whole day.

Trail Surface

Cycle Path

The route is on the East Gippsland Rail Trail. The Rail Trail path is shared between walkers and horse riders, but is free from road traffic. The rail trail occasionally crosses the highway or quiet roads. You will cycle on roads in and out of the towns where we stay, but this is only for short distances each day. The trail surface is made up of either compacted gravel, fine gravel, compacted earth, and some sealed sections. The trail is best suited to mountain, hybrid or touring bikes - we provide electric bikes suited to the terrain.

Accommodation

Comfortable Accommodation

You’ll spend 6 nights in clean and comfortable accommodation. You will stay in a range of accommodations, including a boutique hotel, motel style accommodation, and one night at a rustic farmstay style cottage. The rooms are spacious, clean, double/twin rooms, which have ensuite facilities. The hotels are generally well located, close to town and the bike path.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

This trip involves 4 days of undulating, well maintained cycling trails. Daily cycling distance varies from 31km to 52km. The Rail Trail is mostly gentle, with a few longer ascents that on completion you are rewarded with stunning views. The Rail Trail path is shared between walkers and horse riders, but is free from road traffic. The rail trail occasionally crosses the highway or quiet roads. You will cycle on roads in and out of the towns where we stay, but this is only for short distances each day. The trail surface is made up of either compacted gravel, fine gravel, compacted earth, and some sealed sections. The trail is best suited to mountain, hybrid or touring bikes - we provide electric bikes suited to the terrain.

Departure dates

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events or just tailoring a trip to suit your own needs - learn how you can tailor your own Customised Tour.

Priceper person from

$2990AUD

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementAUD$1180

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed East Gippsland Rail Trail Supported Cycle trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?How do I get to Orbost?

Orbost is about 370km from Melbourne, or about a 4.5 hour drive. From Canberra it is about a 4 hour drive. If you're coming from Sydney the drive will take around 7 hours. You can reach Orbost by train and V-Line bus from Melbourne. Depending on connections the journey time is around 6 hours.

?What time do I need to arrive in Orbost?

If you arriving in Orbost on day 1 you will need to arrive in time for the 12.30pm transfer to Bairnsdale. We suggest arriving before midday. You can leave your car in Orbost as you will return here at the end of the trip.

On the last day of the trip the group cycles to Orbost. If you have driven you can then collect your car and drive it to the last night of accommodation in Marlo.

?Can I book a night of pre-tour accommodation in Orbost?

Yes, you can. We are happy to assist with this or you can book your own accommodation in town.

?Do I need to be a capable cyclist?

Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. You will cover up to 36km in a day. Most of the cycling is along the dedicated cycle path, and you will only need to cycle on the road while you are in town for meals or getting to your accommodation.

?Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, you can use your own bike if you prefer. Let us know at the time of booking and a small discount will be applied. If you are electing to bring your own bike, it is important that you have a bike fit for purpose.

East Gippsland Rail Trail Supported Cycle Trip reviews

Why cycle with us

SELF GUIDED EXPERTS

As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Australia you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.

TRUSTED LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about cycling and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for you.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. We've sourced the highest quality bikes and most authentic accommodations so you can enjoy a stress free cycling trip.

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.