Five great regional bike rides in Victoria

The Great Victorian Rail Trail is the longest rail trail in Victoria. It meanders alongside beautiful river, lake and mountain countryside, offering lovely views and plenty of native bird, echidna, wallaby and kangaroo sightings.

Starts: Tallarook, 98 kilometres north of Melbourne.
Ends: Mansfield.
Distance: 134km
Level of difficulty: Suitable for all riders, the trail is mostly flat with a few short, steep climbs for variety.
Highlights: The 201m Cheviot Tunnel between Yea and Molesworth is so long that the light at the end of the tunnel is just a pinprick. Spook yourself with a ride in the dark, testing the echo effect as you go.
Stop to see: The beautiful landscape of the Trawool Valley has been classified by the National Trust. Take your time to enjoy the scenery with a picnic along the way.
More: The trail passes over the 385m Bonnie Doon Bridge, which is a great place to stop and take photographs and observe activity on Lake Eildon.
Best for: A leisurely exploration of the region over a long weekend, discovering the area’s history and enjoying regional food and hospitality.

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There’s a little bit of everything on this Gippsland trail, the only coastal rail trail in Victoria. The region is famous for its rolling paddocks and panoramic ocean views. You can also catch glimpses of the area’s coalmining history and spot interesting landmarks on this easy day trail that’s accessible to all.

Starts: Anderson, around 130km south-east of Melbourne, near Phillip Island.
Ends: Wonthaggi, about 20 minutes’ drive from RACV Inverloch Resort.
Distance: 17km.
Level of difficulty: Easy riding on mostly flat gravel trails with a couple of climbs.
Highlights: Have your camera ready for the spectacular ocean views as you ride into Kilcunda.
Stop: Take a break just before the end of your ride to walk the 2.2km boardwalk loop of the Wonthaggi Wetlands for superb nature and birdwatching.
More: The rail trail links to the George Bass Coastal Walk at Kilcunda, a cliff-top trail that stretches to San Remo, near Phillip Island.
Best for: Families will love the easy riding, picnic spots and roo spotting.

The Goldfields Track stretches across central Victoria taking in state parks, pretty regional towns, and a wealth of gold rush history.

Starts: Mount Buninyong, 20km southeast of Ballarat.
Ends: Bendigo.
Distance: 210km
Level of difficulty: An ungraded cross-country track suited to mountain bikes.
Highlights: The track passes through the the Castlemaine Diggings National Park, Australia’s first National Heritage Park, where you can find amazing original gold-rush structures, including the Garfield Water Wheel and the intricate Coliban Water System.
Stop: Park your bike at the RACV Goldfields Resort (with on-site bike storage) and enjoy a meal or stay overnight. Daylesford and Castlemaine also offer post-ride rest and relaxation.
More: The track is broken into three sections, the 90km Wallaby Track from Mount Buninyong to Daylesford; the 61km Dry Diggings Track from Daylesford to Castlemaine; and the 58km Leanganook Track from Castlemaine to Bendigo. Tackle them in one stretch or break up your visit with a longer stay exploring the region.
Best for: Two-wheeled adventurers of all ages.

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A peaceful, bucolic ride through farmland to the picturesque town of Queenscliff on sleepy Swan Bay.

Starts: South Geelong, 97.3km from Melbourne.
Ends: Queenscliff.
Distance: 32.5km
Level of difficulty: Easy – a small climb after Drysdale is rewarded with a downhill journey all the way to Queenscliff.
Highlights: If you’re tuckered out from the ride, make your return journey on the Bellarine Peninsula Tourist Railway (they take bikes).
Stop: A wander around Queenscliff’s pretty, historic streets followed by a traditional afternoon tea and a walk on the pier to check out the fishing.
More: Plan a side trip to Portarlington to eat the local mussels.
Best for: A fun weekend adventure with the family.

With the Victorian Alps as a backdrop, a smooth trail, and pretty towns to explore, it’s not surprising this is one of Victoria’s all-time favourite rail trails.

Starts: Wangaratta, 251km north from Melbourne.
Ends: Bright.
Distance: 116km
Level of difficulty: Easy riding on a sealed path.
Highlights: Beautiful in any season, the region’s autumn foliage is truly breathtaking. Have your camera handy to capture the colours.
Stop: North-east Victoria is rightly famous for its wine and produce. Stop in at a cellar door for lunch by the vines or time your journey for one of the local food and wine festivals.
More: Detours to Beechworth and Milawa take in more wine and food country and Victorian gold rush history. Leave time in your schedule for a stop at the Beechworth Bakery for a classic pie or vanilla slice.
Best for: Channelling your inner Julie Andrews – chances are you’ll be humming Climb Every Mountain as you pedal.