Dargo High Plains
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Where: Victorian high country—Wangaratta, Bright, Dargo, Bairnsdale
Length: 304km
Difficulty: hard
Terrain: very hilly
Surface: everything from sealed road to rocky/muddy tracks. Rough and steep sections. Can be done on a gravel-type bike, though you will probably have to push at times. Some may prefer a MTB. Wide tyres will help.
What: high mountains, pretty rural areas, beautiful forest, gourmet regions
THE RIDE
It's a big one. This route traverses the high country on back roads and trails, taking you through some spectacular and remote country. It's not all punishment and wilderness though. The first part is a cyclist's paradise: an easy ride on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail through a region with heaps of delicious produce and attractions.
There's a cheesery and a mustard shop in Milawa, a brewery and a honey shop in Beechworth, another brewery in Bright and a berry farm in Porepunkah, to give you a small sample of what's on offer. There are also plenty of wineries, MTB trails, places to stay and interesting local history, particularly in Beechworth, a 'ye olde' town with a well-preserved main street. It's well worth taking a diversion or two if you've got the time. Check out the links below for more tourist info.
You start to get off the beaten track when you turn onto the Buckland Valley Road at Porepunkah (km80). The ride up the Buckland Valley is very pleasant, with the river and plenty of free and gorgeous bush camping on your left. When you turn onto Mt Murray Track North (also known just as Mt Murray Track, km121), however, the hard work begins.
The next 23km involves lots of steep climbing on rough tracks, and unless you're a skilled mountain biker with a light load and some teeny gears, you'll be pushing a fair bit. It's slow going so allow plenty of time. The rewards are there though; it's sensational riding for those who like off-road work, and the scenery is beautiful and spectacular. Turn left once you get to the Twins Jeep Track (km130) and follow it until the intersection of the Great Alpine Road and the Dargo High Plains Road (km143).
From here the road surface improves greatly. Take the Dargo High Plains Road and enjoy the undulating 62km ride over the high plains and bushland to Dargo, where there's a good pub with great value accommodation in cosy log cabins. The high plains are a really unique and beautiful environment, definitely a highlight, and the descent into Dargo is very very fast on sealed road.
From Dargo it's about a 90km ride on sealed roads to Bairnsdale, featuring some hills, bushland and lush agricultural land. If you crave more gravel riding, you could turn right at 246km onto Freestone Creek Road. This road follows the Freestone Creek until you get close to Stratford, which is on the Bairnsdale train line. I haven’t done this road bit I’ve heard it’s very scenic, and features great campsites and swimming spots.
NOTE: Between Porepunkah and Dargo there is nowhere to buy food, and water can only be obtained from rivers and streams. The roads are rough and the weather can change quickly and unexpectedly at altitude. To tackle this ride you need to be prepared, fit and experienced.
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ATTRACTIONS
High Country gourmet region—beer, wine, cheese, olives, honey, berries, restaurants, etc, etc, etc.
Dargo High Plains—a unique alpine environment
Dargo— one of Victoria’s High Country towns
Dargo Hotel—a good old rough around the edges country pub with character, and cosy log cabins to stay in
WHEN
It can get cold, wet and windy at any time of year in the alps. Be prepared for sub-zero temperatures. During winter you will most likely have to push through snow, but it can snow well outside of winter too. Some roads may be affected by seasonal road closures.
In warmer months, be prepared for extreme heat and bushfire threat. Check the Vic Emergency website for the latest warnings, or download the app. UV intensity is extreme at altitude.
GETTING THERE
V-line runs three train services a day to and from Wangaratta and Bairnsdale. Remember to check for planned service disruptions. Read this post for more info on using the train network with your bike.
MAPS
Download GPX Track file of this route
Hema High Country Victoria—Covers the whole ride in great detail and printed on tough waterproof paper. Highly recommended.
Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Map (free)—includes listings of local bike shops & businesses
LINKS
General tourist information for the High Country—heaps of info on aforementioned culinary delights, as well as lots of other stuff. Well worth a look.
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Disclaimer: should you choose to cycle this route, you do so at your own risk. Although all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure its accuracy at the time of writing, Adventure Cycling Victoria cannot guarantee that the information herein is 100% correct. The information published is meant as a guide only, and should be combined with your own due diligence and planning. Adventure Cycling Victoria and its contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individuals following this route.
Where: East Gippsland
Length: 422km (elevation gain 5500m)
Difficulty: hard
Terrain: mix of flat and hilly terrain. Some steep hills.
Surface: sealed and unsealed roads, rail trail. Some rough and corrugated parts. Can be done on a gravel bike.
What: rail trail, rugged remote gravel roads, wilderness, breweries