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Active holidays are on the up and up, and if you’re looking for a cycling escape that combines big alpine scenery with wineries, adorable country towns and a pretty achievable pedal pace, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is hard to beat. Winding its way through Victoria’s High Country, this (mostly sealed) bike trail takes you past eucalyptus forests, farmland, vineyards and some seriously charming regional villages. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Where is the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail?
The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is in Victoria’s northeast, winding through the Ovens Valley and connecting the regional city of Wangaratta with towns including Beechworth, Myrtleford, Bright and Wandiligong. It’s surrounded by the Victorian Alps, so expect mountain views, gum tree-lined stretches, farmland and plenty of opportunities to sample local wine along the way.
How long is the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail?
The trail stretches for more than 100 kilometres, with the main route running between Wangaratta, Beechworth and Bright, plus extensions towards Milawa, Rutherglen and Wandiligong. Riders generally tackle the full route over three to four days, but if you’re keen to keep it shorter, UTracks’ self-guided itinerary covers 74 kilometres over two days: 43 kilometres from Beechworth to Myrtleford, followed by 31 kilometres from Myrtleford to Bright.
How difficult is the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail?
If your idea of a perfect cycling holiday involves a solid handful of wine stops, we’ve got good news: the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is rated easy, with a sealed surface and gentle ascents and descents. That said, you’ll still want to be a reasonably confident cyclist if you’re taking on the longer sections. If you’re riding with UTracks, you’ll be pretty safe. They rate their short-break itinerary as introductory, noting that riders should be in good health and capable of cycling the daily distances (but no need to be elite). The 43-kilometre Beechworth-to-Myrtleford leg has around 205 metres of climbing, while the 31-kilometre Myrtleford-to-Bright section has around 153 metres.
Where can you stay along the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail?
Stays along the route are a big part of the appeal – with plenty of places to turn your bike ride into a proper regional escape. Beechworth, Myrtleford and Bright are among the most convenient overnight stops, and are all home to cute Airbnbs, pubs and hotels. Beechworth makes a lovely starting point, with its historic streets, beloved wine scene and well-preserved Gold Rush architecture. Myrtleford is another natural pit stop, and Bright makes an excellent finale, boasting a solid line-up of cafés and restaurants (plus easy access to the surrounding national parks).
How do you book the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail?
If you’re keen to take it on without the admin, we’d recommend booking a tour. For an independent but low-fuss version of the adventure, UTracks offers a four-day, self-guided Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail Short Break, starting in Beechworth and finishing in Bright. The package includes three nights of hotel or motel accommodation, two days of cycling, and takes care of the logistics while leaving you free to set your own pace.
Want to go luxe? Tour de Vines has got you – with every detail from accommodation and meals to luggage transfers and wine tastings taken care of. Limited to just ten riders, this small-group tour lets you pedal the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail guided by a local expert, stopping along the way for immaculately chosen gourmet food and local wines.
Keen to go it alone? You can learn more and plan your ride over here.
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