Bikepacking the best of the high country

Yes, assignment and exam season is approaching - but what better way to take your mind off the stress than a cruisy bikepack through the Victoria's high country?

On this trip we'll be following parts of two popular rail trails in the high country region, the Murray to Mountains rail trail and the High Country rail trail, which feature rolling hills, quaint country towns, and views of mountains (at least by the Australian definition). Pubs and wineries are in abundance. This is a great trip for a beginner bikepacker, with just enough challenging sections to give it an adventurous feel!

Surface: The rail trails are either paved or have fine gravel. Tyres of at least 20mm are suitable.

Itinerary:

Friday 23rd May (42km, 500m elevation gain):

• Meet at clubrooms at 6am
• Ride down to Southern Cross and take the 7:07am train to Wangaratta
• Arrive in Wangaratta at 9:47am
• Ride to Beechworth on the Murray to Mountains rail trail (last 16km is a slow and steady climb)
• Camp either at a caravan park in Beechworth or a free camping spot nearby
• Bakery, pub, relax!

Saturday 24th May (70km, 700m elevation gain):

• Make our way to Tallangatta throughout the day, taking our time
• Have brunch in Yackandandah
• Visit a distillery or winery?
• Camp at a caravan park or free camping spot in Tallangatta
• Optional sidetrip on the High Country rail trail to Shelley
• Bakery, pub, relax!

Sunday 25th May (40km, 300m elevation gain):

• Get up at 8am
• Leave camp by 9am
• Ride to Wodonga on the High Country rail trail
• Take the 1:02pm train back to Southern Cross
• Back in Melbourne by 4pm.

Route

Link to Strava route

Participant requirements

• Have a roadworthy bike (it's possible to hire one from a shop if you don’t have one)
• Be a competent bike rider
• Be able to pack all your overnight gear onto your bike (you can hire some MUMC bikepacking gear to help you)
• Know how to replace a punctured tube (can learn how to do this from a Youtube video)

If anyone is interested in becoming a bikepacking leader and would like to shadow this trip as a part of their training, please reach out to me.