Otway Bikepacking Escapade

Otway Bikepacking Escapade

Now that Bikepacking is an official club sport, I'm super stoked to ride this epic route I planned/completed in 2022, but this was time with some other OXO's!

What to Expect

The ride covers some of the nicest things the Otways have to offer: big gravel hills (some almost unrideable), lots of scenic waterfalls, wholesome country cafe's, sections of the old Beechy Rail Trail, little tastes of smooth tarmac, views of the redwood Forrest and the waterfront Great ocean road scenery. Best yet, the (free) campsite is a short 200m walk from a swimmable waterfall and less than 4km's from a Pub!

Sounds too good to be true? You're probably right. It's 210km of riding (80% unpaved), with 4km of elevation and I still vaguely remember it being quite painful. If that sounds like your type of fun, perfect!

This is a ride for the cycling/flashpacking enthusiasts (ie. those with bikepacking experience). Recommended 700c tyres around 36-40mm.

I would happily help organise a concurrent longer beginner/intermediate trip or a shortened route (with everyone camping at Beauchamp falls) if there is another keen leader.

Trip Itinerary

Plan will be to drive to Allenvale Mills campsite in Lorne on the Friday Night or very early Saturday morning. I can probably fit 2 other bikes in my car otherwise we might need an second car. Ride all Saturday, with obligatory swims at every waterfall, coffee/cake at the cafe's we pass, dinner at the Beechy Pub and camping at Beauchamp Falls. All up its 115km of riding on Day 1 and about 2700m elevation. The next day a little bit easier but much the same, 100ish kilometers back to the car incl 1400m elevation with the aim of driving home on Sunday evening.

Trip Overview:

Nights: 1

Distance: 215km

Elevation: 3800m

The route: Otway Escapade