Discover Victoria's Rail Trails By Bike

Of all the mainland Australian states, Victoria is probably the easiest to get around with more to see and do per mile or kilometre. There is also a legacy of disused railway lines, mainly from the old timber and logging industry, that have been converted into recreational rail trails.
There are currently about 40 of these of various lengths and accessibility. Many are short and easily reached from Melbourne or other centres. However several are much longer and suitable for a full day or more of touring. Here are some of the best.

Great Victorian (134km)

The longest and one of the newest trails stretches from Mansfield in northeast Victoria to Tallarook on the Hume Highway. It is mostly unpaved but has a bike-friendly compacted dirt surface.
Suggested tour: The Three Day Trail Explore

Murray to Mountains (116km)

Probably the most popular tourism route with wineries and many other tempting stops along the way. Also in northeast Victoria it includes the gorgeous town of Beech and Bright. The path is sealed and mostly flat but has a couple of gentle climbs.
Suggested tour: Tour de Grand Gourmet

Great Southern (75km)

Southeast of Melbourne and close to the coast, this gravel trail goes from Leongatha to Toora (although an extension is planned). It is easily reached from Melbourne and is not far from Phillip Island and Wilson’s Promitory.
Suggested tour: Great Southern Land

High Country (50km)

This shorter but more challenging coarse gravel travel trail starts from Wodonga on the New South Wales border. It is moderately hilly as the name implies.
Suggested tour: The Three Trails Trilogy

Lilydale to Warburton (40km)

On the edge of Melbourne this gravel trail goes through the scenic Yarra River Valley. There are plenty of great cafes, wineries, pubs and places to stay.
Suggested tour: The Warby Trail
With a bit of planning and organisation you should be able to tackle some of these yourself or why not try some of the others like Ballarat – Skipton (56km ), Bendigo O’Keefe (50km) or the East Gippsland Trail (94km).
For more information on Victoria rail trails see www.railtrails.org.au and for rail trail tour profiles see www.cycletoursglobal.com/Rail-Trails-Victoria.
Images courtesy of Cycle Tours Global, Rail Trail Bike Tours, Rail Trails Australia and Tour de Vines