Bass Coast and Beyond Cycle Tour 

 

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Your Itinerary

Tour Itinerary:

This 6-day tour allows you to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the Bass Coast and rural Gippsland. Travelling by bicycle on Rail Trails, quiet roads and cycle paths this tour takes you to some of the most beautiful places on Phillip Island, the scenic Bass Coast and the green rolling hills of Southern Gippsland.

Day 1: 46 km Meet the Australian Cycling Holidays team at Cowes Waterfront Jetty, right in the middle of Cowes, at 11 am. Bikes are fitted, maps provided, routes explained, your luggage is collected for delivery to the hotel, and then you’re off! This morning’s cycle takes you through the original bushland of Roberts Reserve where there are many wallabies, birds and even koalas. Continue along the quiet roads with beach and headland views to cross the bridge at Newhaven. Follow the cycle path to Anderson where you join the stunning Bass Coast Rail Trail. There are plenty of lunch options available en route, including cafes, pubs and take-away at San Remo, Newhaven, Kilcunda and a slight detour at Dalyston. In the afternoon, the Bass Coast Rail Trail takes you over the Kilcunda Trestle bridge and along the fantastic wild beaches of Bass Strait, all the way to Wonthaggi.

Day 2: 33 km After breakfast at the hotel, follow the road to the small hamlet of Harmers Haven, taking time to stop at the State Coal Mine Wonthaggi where you can go underground to get hands on at the coal face. Opening hours start at 10 am and Tours start at 1130am. After Harmers Haven, cycle across ship wreck coast country to Cape Paterson. Have a swim between the flags at the calm Safety Beach or surf the waves at First Surf. In the afternoon you cycle the spectacular Bunurong Cliffs right alongside the sea. We have allowed plenty of time for you to explore the stunning scenery, exquisite coves and rocky outcrops along this National Park. Expect to arrive at the lovely resort-town of Inverloch around mid-afternoon, leaving time for a cycle around the Inverloch circuit and a walk at the Screw Creek Nature reserve.

Day 3: 46 km On Day 3 you take off for Outtrim in Dairy Country. Get to know the history of this area but don’t expect a café at Outtrim! From Outtrim you roll through the lush, green foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges enjoying the creeks, rural homesteads and trees. Stop for lunch and refill your water bottles as you join the Great Southern Rail Trail at Koonwarra, nestled in amongst the trees. In the afternoon enjoy the peace of cycling the rail trail through the Black Spur across the trestle bridges and into the picturesque country township of Meeniyan where you will spend the evening. Take time to visit the excellent Meeniyan Art Gallery.

Day 4: 42 km After breakfast, you cycle out of Meeniyan through the lowland forest country to the old township of Buffalo where there is a great little country store. You then enter the foothills of the Hoddle Ranges and after going through many different cuttings and changing views you reach Fish Creek. Fish Creek is known as being unusually arty as it has 4 Art Galleries and numerous arts and crafts stores with local produce. Stop here for lunch and take time to explore the galleries. In the afternoon, the Rail Trail climbs up to the Hoddle Summit at 140m. Then you can take it easy as you roll downhill to Foster enjoying the views of Wilsons Promontory National Park and Corner Inlet. A quick flat cycle takes you to the end of the day at the historic town of Toora. Take time to explore the old buildings of Toora many of which remain unchanged. The Old Bank of Victoria Building is particularly interesting!

Day 5: 56 km Your route today starts out with a solid climb on a quiet, sealed road up to Agnes Falls via the wonderful foothills of the Strzelecki ranges. Don’t worry, we are not asking too much as by now you are getting very fit! You will need to take snacks and water as there is nothing until Welshpool 26 km into the day. A side trip of 5kms each way takes you to the scenic coastal town of Port Welshpool with its historic 1km long jetty. Relax for the afternoon with a fast cycle back on the rail trail through Toora to Foster.
Stop at Toora for a drink at the old pub if you did not get time to visit that last night. Enjoy the evening in Foster which is a popular destination for local and foreign visitors alike. It has lots of dining options and many markets over the summer. If you like you
can schedule an optional extra day to take a tour to Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Day 6: 45 km On your final day of cycling back to Leongatha you have a choice. Relax on the rail trail and enjoy the ride through to Leongatha. Whilst some will be the same cycle path it is well worth noting that views are quite different the other way around! The last section to Leongatha passes by the lovely wetlands. Or cycle back to Leongatha via a very different route, following a very pretty, quiet, back country road through Dollar and Dumbalk. The views are well worth the climbs. Australian Cycling Holidays will meet you at Leongatha for a final celebratory drink and debrief. The V Line bus to Melbourne is just a short walk away.

 

Optional Extras:

Start the ride with a night in Cowes and a visit to the world famous Fairy Penguins. We can arrange that for your family and collect you from your accommodation ready for your ride the next day.

Enjoy a day at Wilsons Promontory National Park. We will supply you with walk notes, drop you off and collect you at the end of the day. It is a wonderful, world famous National Park and Victoria’s favorite.