Murray to Mountains Rail Trail

Murray to Mountains Rail Trail

Murray to Mountains Rail Trail
4.5
About
Australia's premier rail trail offers more than 100km of scenic, sealed, off-road bike trail in North East Victoria. Starting in Wangaratta, the rail trail connects culinary villages including Milawa, Beechworth, Rutherglen, Bright and Myrtleford. Discover the diverse landscape of the High Country region - from natural bushland to open farmland, fertile valleys and some of Australia's most spectacular mountain ranges. The rail trail meanders alongside clear rivers, vineyards, hops, orchards and groves, with plentiful food, wine and craft beer experiences dotted along the way.
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The area
Address
Parfitt Road Apex Park, Wangaratta, Victoria 3676 Australia
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles82 reviews
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60
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20
Average
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simpsonandrew
Berwick, Australia10 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Great bike path, suitable for mountain bikes. We rode from Wangarrata to Gapsted (50k and virtually all up hill) We virtually had the trail to ourselves only seeing maybe 10 people all day. The path in most parts is long and straight taking you mainly through fields, so not the best views but a defiant challenge for the final 10k climbing to 350 mtrs.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KazAndcharlie
Canberra, Australia3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
27 December 2015 I rode this trail as a solo rider over three days and it was just lovely. I had minimal preparation for the ride and was a bit nervous that I wouldnt make it - but it was fine! I rode Wangaratta - Myrtleford the fist day - a very pleasant ride that was a great introduction. The path was great - bitumen and very smooth. The uphill section to Taylors Gap wasnt too strenuous - just put it in 2nd gear and made my way to the top quite easily (did have a rest up the top though!) And then like a vision, at the bottom was Gapstead Winery!! I stopped for a lovely lunch - the staff were great - gave me the best table in the house overlooking the vineyards, a great lady was singing some tunes and the wines were just lovely - it was a shame to leave! It was a easy ride into town where I stayed at the Railway Hotel. Clean and comfortable (though old - they have done the best they can with old rooms) and had a great downstairs room which I could store my bike. Again the staff were just lovely and the steak was great. Day 2 - Myrtleford - Bright. This was a easy morning ride - beautiful scenery overlooking the mountains as you come into Bright - just lovely. I stayed at the Alpine Hotel - was a bit noisy as it was Friday night, but not too bad. I had an upstairs room which I had to take my bike up the stairs - but it was a big room with a verandah and was clean and comfortable. Spent a very pleasant afternoon walking around Bright and did the 5km walk along the river. Perfect way to spend an afternoon. Day 3: Bright - Myrtleford - Beechworth - Wangaratta. Up early and the easy ride back to Myrtleford - stopped at the Pumpkin seed farm for chocolate pumpkin icecream for breakfast! It is well worth the stop here - it is really interesting what they are doing. Breakfast at a great cafe (Lupins?) on the outskirts of Myrtleford. I then cheated and put the bike on the bus to go up to Beechworth - best idea I had ever had! $2.50 and it was great - though would no t be able to do it if the bus was full or too many bikes. Wandered around for the afternoon (had a pie of course - and a cup of tea at the tea house - make sure you stop in there - it is just beautiful) then rode the downhill section and back into Wangaratta. The hill was easy going down - but I am glad I was on the down hill section! It would be do-able on the way up - just need to take your time. Can strongly recommend this trip to everyone - it is just amazing countryside and an AMAZING path - hats off to all involved in making such a wonderful track. It is a great asset to the area and I promote it to everyone - great way to see the countryside and keep fit - and dont shy away from it if you are not a 'professional' rider. I certainly am not and loved every minute of it - and it was fine on my own as well :-)
Written 5 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marjorie J
Brisbane, Australia199 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We did the rail trail from Wangaratta. We stayed the first night in Beechworth which is a lovely little town. The ride to Beechworth has about 15km of uphill but it isn't a steep grade and I managed it with panniers and I am a not strong 59 year old cyclist. There are water stops on the way but they suggest boiling the water so we just took enough for the ride. There were many flies around Everton station and on the ride up to Beechworth so I suggest taking a fly veil. They weren't a problem elsewhere. We then rode to Myrtleford down the road which is nice and fast and there weren't many cars. At the T junction at the bottom of the hill you turn left on the road and go up a rise and then you join the rail trail on the left at Taylor's Gap. from where we joined the Wangaratta-Myrtleford trail. We stayed 2 nights in Myrtleford and rode without panniers from Myrtleford to Bright return which I think is about 60km and very flat. This is definitely the prettiest part of the trail and you go past sheep and cattle pastures, vineyards, flower beds and enjoy great views. Just lovely! The ride back to Wangaratta has a great downhill after Taylor's Gap. Don't be put off by the Taylor's Gap title as it isn't that high or steep or long.
We were quite surprised that the whole rail trail is sealed so it is all-weather. Often it isn't that obvious as the seal is under gravel but sometimes it is more obvious but that didn't bother us. After hitting very wet goopy sandy gravel after heavy rain on part of the Goulburn River High Country rail trail just out of Yea later that week, we realised how great an all weather surface is.
Written 4 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

italea
Canberra, Australia16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Beechworth to Bright was my chosen path so that I avoided all hill climbs and could just enjoy the journey with my three daughters including a 9 and an 11 year old. They did not know what I had in mind when suggested a bike ride but this was a great introduction to a cycling holiday.
Drove to Beechworth. With an Adult child I could leave kids in Beechworth while I drove to Bright and caught the V-line back for a grand total of $4.50.
Then spent 2 days riding a fantastic bike path to reunite with car.
First day there was a shortage of food stops. None between Beechworth and Myrtleford. But we had basic snacks with us and the hamburger at the end tasted so good as it was well earned.
Day 2 - foodies delight. Between Myrtleford and Bright there are food places to explore every 5 or ten Ks. Pumpkin seeds, Featherstone winery, rail trail café ( do have the Nachos) Berry farm ( do not miss frozen cherries). It is alo the prettiest path in Autumn. So scenic. I have never taken so long to travel 27 kms but it was such a good day finishing with a chocolate factory tasting in Bright.
Once back in Bright I packed the bikes on the car and drove to Mansfield to start the next three day rail trail. Used the same system. Left the girls having a big breakfast in Mansfield drove the car two days on caught the v-line back for a minimal cost and began the next trip.
The two rail trails were cycled by the four of us over 5 very easy days of just 30km/day on average. We stayed in the accommodation we found in the chosen towns along the way.
My biggest problem before the trip was how to ride and move the car along but if you know the v-line timetable it is very doable and the bus drivers also said I could easily have put the bikes on the buses, just book ahead so they bring a coach for four bikes. The bikes would not have cost any extra.
This was an excellent holiday for an active family.
Written 24 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi italea, Thanks for taking the time to review the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail (and apologies for the lag in responding!). Glad to hear you and your family had a great time, and thanks for sharing your transport arrangements as I'm sure these will help others. There are also a number of tour operators who you can pre-book for transfers back to your accommodation/starting point. Pick up a copy of the High Country Cycle Guide in region at Visitor Info Centres or you can jump on the rail trail's website for options. We hope to welcome you back to experience the ever-changing seasons of the High Country region. Happy pedalling from the team at Tourism North East!
Written 4 October 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MrsF37yrs
Manly, Australia58 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
It's a lovely easy ride down from Beechworth to Everton and then pretty flat to Myrtleford. About 42km.
We took a small amount of things in panniers for a night at a motel in Myrtleford.
Day 2 we rode from Myrtleford to Bright, once again pretty flat and easy. 30km.
My husband then caught the Vline bus back to Beechworth to collect the car for under $5 bus ride. Check times, only once a day. This day was at 11:50am.
Our family are keen cyclists, the kids are 7 &10 years old. It's very easy riding and only takes a few hours to ride.
It was hot but not as bad as I expected, it's a dry heat so not as bad as humid weather.
We'll be back to ride more, so much fun for an active holiday.
Written 1 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MayKayWestCoast_NZ
WestCoast, NZ12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
While visiting Bright with friends I took a day out, rented a low step cycle from Cyclepath and biked from Bright to Myrtleford, (29kms) along the easy to ride rail trail, and back on a stunning day. The landscape of rolling hills, farmland including hop farms, vineyards, a wide variety of animals and birds, small towns, was a pleasure to cycle through especially with opportunities to stop for berry fruit icecreams, coffee, lunch. Shelters along the way were informative and had access to water.
Written 29 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi MayKayWestCoast_NZ! Thanks for your feedback! Glad to hear you enjoyed your experience on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and we hope you return to explore other sections of the rail trail. Please excuse the serious lag in responding as we have just taken over management of this listing. From the team at Tourism North East
Written 21 January 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

rh_slash
Melbourne7 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
I love riding the historic rail trails. I've ridden the Warburton trail and part of the the Great Victorian Rail trail at Yea. What I especially look forward to is visiting old station sites. There are very good reviews of this trail and they are well deserved. The path is completely sealed, well sign posted with a liberal number of kilometre markers and has plenty of rest facilities so 'well done' to the people who maintain this track.

However, this is an advisor site and what I write is intended to assist others in preparation for riding this trail. My biggest issue was magpie swoops. Yes, it is that time of year. There were no less than 6 separate swooping episodes on the 26km trip from Myrtleford to Everton (one particularly aggressive bird managed to cut my ear). I think some form of safety eyewear is mandatory for cyclists (especially during Spring) and some research of helmet and head protection is also advised. It won't stop the swoops but hopefully the worst outcome will be no more than the sound of flapping wings.

Secondly, I did encounter an Eastern Brown snake on the trial not far from Bowser. Common sense will virtually always save you a trip to hospital - snakes are generally happy to get out of your way, but keep your eyes on the trail ahead and watch your speed on the downhills.

There is also the potential for farm animals and farm dogs to be loose on the track and these would also be good to avoid.

I would also advise riders to be aware of emergency contact numbers using your mobiles. There is a very good Emergency+ Smartphone App which is worth downloading and getting familiar with before you set off and be aware of the alternative 112 emergency phone number if you are out of your providers mobile range.

There are water taps available at most rest stops but in some cases there are signs warning that the water is untreated. Take plenty of water with you and fill up when you know the water is safe.

The track itself is fine. The are some significant hills at Gapsted and up to Beechworth so take your time, use the granny gears and don't wear yourself out. As with all rail trails the hills tend to be long rather than steep but the reward does come with the downhills.

With research and preparation you should enjoy your trip.
Written 18 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ricCanberra
Canberra, Australia27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We started from Beechworth and the best part it the first 20km which is mainly downhill and well away from any roads. Some lovely bushland farms and a vineyard. Close to wangaratta it is less attractive but overall a great safe ride.
The path up to Bright is also good but doesn't get away from the road in the same way.
Written 28 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ric, Thanks for the feedback. We're glad you enjoyed your experience on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail last year (please excuse the lag in responding as we've just taken up management of this listing). We hope to welcome you back in the North East soon to explore our ever-changing seasons. Happy pedalling from the team at Tourism North East
Written 21 January 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

SampaulMelbourne
Sydney, Australia183 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We are not cyclists, here is our tip: get your old bike out of the shed, do the 'two car' thing, and do the ride (roll). The ride from Beechworth to Everton will take about 50 minutes (depends on how confident you are rolling downhill - could be shorter, or longer if you apply the brakes to slow down). We start at Beechworth and roll/ride to Everton town. It is a pretty ride, gum trees, green paddocks and moo cows. If you are a real rider you can ride back up to Beechworth - but we are not real riders, so we do a double car thing. We take two cars. We drop the bikes at Beechworth and drive two cars to Everton (16kms). We leave a car at Everton and drive the other back to Beechworth, then we start the ride. At the end of the ride we deviate from Everton Station to Everton town (3.5kms - easy, downhill). At Everton town we have a pub meal, and a beer (only one) at the Everton pub (see other review). Then, after lunch, we load the bikes into the car and drive the Everton based car back to Beechworth, pick up the Beechworth car and head home/or to our accommodation. For non-cyclists this is a lovely day!
Written 27 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi SampaulMelbourne! Thanks for the feedback. We're glad you enjoyed your experience on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail last year (please excuse the lag in responding as we've just taken up management of this listing). Another option for "non cyclists" keen to explore the Beechworth to Everton section is pre-booking a return transfer back up the hill with one of our cycle tour businesses. Another great day out is the Beechworth to Tarrawingee section, then country roads to The Plough Inn (gastropub) and Hidden Gem Cellar Door. Or build up to a ride all the way to Milawa via country roads from Everton Station. Happy pedalling from the team at Tourism North East
Written 21 January 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MarkF54
Sydney, Australia198 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Started at Beechworth on day 1. Rode via Wangaratta to Milawa, about 63 km's riding.
Day two, Milawa to Myrtleford about 30 + km's and day three Myrtleford to Bright about 30 km's.
The trip takes in all types of landscapes and things to do.
Day one is mostly riding along the trail in bushland and then roads from Wang to Milawa.
Day two from Milawa to Myrtleford are more pastures and cattle and day three wineries.
Loved every day as they were different. A truly great experience.
Written 25 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Mark, Thanks for the feedback. Hi Mark, Thanks for the feedback! We're glad you enjoyed your experience on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail last year (please excuse the lag in responding as we've just taken up management of this listing). We hope to welcome you back soon to experience our ever-changing seasons! From the team at Tourism North East
Written 21 January 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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