The best cycling routes in Victoria

Victoria offers a vast network for touring cyclists, with over 1300 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including over 500 easy, 500 moderate, and 300 difficult options.

Victoria's diverse terrain provides a range of experiences, from stunning coastal rides along the Great Ocean Road to challenging alpine ascents in the High Country. You can also explore serene riverine landscapes along the Murray River, lush forests in the Yarra Ranges, and extensive rail trails that wind through historic towns and farmlands.

Yes, Victoria boasts beautiful coastal routes. For instance, the Brighton Bathing Boxes – Webb Bridge loop from Southern Cross offers picturesque bay views and urban cycling experiences around Melbourne. Another option is the Point Ormond Lookout – Brighton Bathing Boxes loop from Cheltenham, which also provides coastal scenery.

Absolutely. Victoria's High Country and regions like the Grampians National Park offer challenging mountainous terrain. The The Gorge Lookout – Mackeys Lookout loop from Porepunkah is a difficult route that takes you through such landscapes, often completed in about 4 hours 18 minutes.

Victoria is known for its extensive network of rail trails, which are often built on disused railway lines, offering relatively flat and scenic rides. Notable examples include the Goldfields Track, the Great Victorian Rail Trail, and the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, which passes through renowned wine regions.

Many of Victoria's rail trails are ideal for families due to their generally flat and off-road nature. These trails provide a safe and enjoyable environment for cyclists of all ages. Look for routes categorized as 'easy' on komoot, as there are over 500 such options available.

Yes, Victoria's touring routes can lead you to impressive natural features. You might encounter waterfalls like Dights Falls or Splitters Falls. The Grampians National Park also features lookouts such as The Pinnacle, offering stunning views.

For longer adventures, consider multi-day routes like the Goldfields Track (210 km), the Great Victorian Rail Trail (134 km), or the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail (over 120 km). These routes traverse diverse landscapes and connect various towns, making them suitable for extended touring.

The best season depends on the region you plan to explore. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures for most areas, with autumn providing beautiful foliage in regions like the High Country. For alpine routes, summer is ideal after the snow clears, while coastal areas can be enjoyed year-round, though summers can be hot.

Many touring routes in Victoria are designed to connect towns and communities, offering opportunities for refreshment. For example, the Old Tobacco Drying Kilns – Cafe Fez loop from Myrtleford specifically includes a cafe stop. Rail trails, in particular, often link bike-friendly towns with various amenities.

Melbourne and its surrounds offer good public transport links that can get you close to many urban and coastal cycling routes. For routes further afield, parking is generally available at trailheads and in towns along the routes. It's advisable to check specific access points for your chosen route in advance.

The touring cycling routes in Victoria are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 1750 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse landscapes, well-maintained rail trails, and the variety of routes available for all skill levels.

Victoria's natural parks and rural areas offer excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. Cyclists often report seeing kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of birdlife, especially on routes that pass through national parks or less developed regions. Early mornings or late afternoons are often the best times for sightings.