Towns and Villages of the Great Victorian Rail Trail

YOUR RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURE BASE

With 12 towns connected by rail trail riding, there's a packed pannier of options to stay, play and dine at.

With all styles of stays, shopping, and stacks of off-bike activities, the towns of the Great Victorian Rail Trail has your cycling getaway sorted. Better yet, Double Black Alpine and Locals Day offer private shuttles and bike hire from your town of choice, or conquer it all with a supported Tour de Vines tour.

Mansfield

Mansfield is the start or end point of the Great Victorian Rail Trail. Families will love the gentle 1.5km town loop through the wetlands. Ready for a bigger adventure? Pedal to Bonnie Doon on the 22km ride from Mansfield, passing under the giant Responding art sculpture on the way.

After your ride graze your way through Mansfield's bustling dining scene, get lost in the High Country Maze and dream of adventure at one of the many stay options.

All Terrain Cycles has your bike hire needs covered with a big range of bike and e-bikes.

Bonnie Doon

Feel the serenity. Hugging Lake Eildon's shoreline, Bonnie Doon is a water-activities paradise.

A relaxed 22km roll from Mansfield, Bonnie Doon is an excellent stopping spot or base for you rail trail adventure. Stay right on the water at Bonnie Doon's Lakeside Leisure Resort and ride 8km to Maindample to pedal over the 385m Bonnie Doon Bridge. Or head the other way 16km to the hamlet of Merton, passing by outdoor art piece Remnant.

Hire a bike from All Terrain Cycles in Mansfield and roll into your pedal adventure.

YARCK

Located directly on the Great Victorian Rail Trail, the little hamlet of Yarck has everything you need for a weekend away.

Yarck to Merton is a great 19km ride taking you past art piece Memory Palace 1 & 2 to Merton Gap – the trail’s highest point at 397 metres. After a more gentle roll? Pedal 6.5km to Cathkin and check out the fun and colourful Soul Train sculpture.

Stay at the beautiful The Churches and rent an E-bike from Yarck Bikes. Don't miss browsing Dindi Naturals range of beauty products while sipping a fresh smoothie.

Alexandra

Alexandra sits at the end of a branch line of the Great Victorian Rail Trail and plays host to National Trust classified buildings and outdoor play.

The Alexandra to Cathkin ride is 13km of historic fun. Pedal past Alexandra Timber Tramway and Museum and up Eglinton Cutting past views of the majestic Cathedral Range to the historic Cathkin Station platform. BYO your bike or arrange bike hire with Double Black Alpine.

Celebrate your ride with lunch at Grant St Grocer or a craft beer from On Point Brewery.

Yea

Pronounced 'yay', this enjoyable destination lives up to its name.

Riders of all ages will love the 9km roll to Cheviot Tunnel. Test the echo as you ride through the dark of Victoria's longest rail trail tunnel. The striking Mirnong (Yam Daisy) art piece is also a relaxed 8km roll from town. BYO your bike or arrange bike hire with Double Black Alpine.

Keep the fun going with a stroll through Yea Wetlands and a picnic at the 1889 Gothic-styled Yea railway station complete with playground and skatepark.

Tallarook

Start or end your Great Victorian Rail Trail ride from relaxed Tallarook. Nestled at the foot of the Tallarok Ranges, this quiet and pretty town has an abundance of rural views and a growing winery reputation.

Pedal 11km down the National Trust awarded scenic Trawool Valley to Trawool past art pieces 'The Nook', 'Traces', three Scar Trees and rolling green hills.

End your ride with tall cycling tales over drinks, pizza or fine dining at Trawool Estate.