A microcosm of Australia’s diversity, Victoria is a state which has a wealth of sights, sounds and smells to tickle your fancy. Marvel at the coastline on the Great Ocean Road, sup on Yarra Valley wines, observe penguins returning to their burrows on Phillip Island and explore the wilderness of Wilsons Promontory. That is just for starters and best of all Victoria is bike-friendly making it a perfect region to jump on the saddle and begin exploring.
The capital city of Melbourne is the best place to begin your Victoria odyssey. This European style city is foodie heaven with every cuisine on offer, while if you fancy a night on the town then you are more than covered. Melbourne like the rest of the state is bike-friendly and even provides an excellent easy 29 kilometer (18 mi) Capital City Trail to help you to know the best spots.
However, if you crave some fresh air and gorgeous landscapes then a good place to start is the Murray to Mountains trail. This is an absolute must for bike tour lovers. A multitude of trips tackle the 100 kilometer (62 mi) sealed off-road route and the variation of the trail makes it a paradise for cyclists of all ages.
There are numerous legs of the journey you can undertake, but whichever you do will open your eyes to the sheer breathtaking beauty of North East Victoria. As you push the pedals the landscapes will swirl from verdant farmlands to hidden valleys and stunning mountains. And at the end of each day, the pretty towns here can offer some of the best gourmet delights, craft beers, and gorgeous wines to rival even that of Melbourne.
If the coast is your calling card then the Great Ocean Road switchbacks are a big draw. Hugging the coastline of this epic 243 kilometer (151 mi) stretch will certainly leave you breathless, but the views will keep you desperate for more.
Any cyclist who wants to absorb diverse trails and tours will find in Victoria a perfect state that is so easy to be embraced. The only question remains which ride to go on first as there are so many to choose from.
