The following is a suggested itinerary. Using the maps provided and being a self-guided tour, you have the flexiblity to cycle anywhere you would like to visit. Lunch is booked for you but all other visits are at your leisure. This itinerary covers 32 km (19 mi) of cycling to Milawa.
The Rail Trail begins at the bottom of Albert Rd, just down the hill from the Beechworth Bakery in the centre of town. There is a Murray to Mountains Rail Trail sign at the entrance.
TIP: There is a large map just before the original Beechworth station, which is a great area for photos. This is the original rail station, largely intact.
Your first stop is Pennyweight Winery, which is a 10-20 minute ride from the start of the rail trail, so don't arrive too early! Wine purchases can be picked up from here later in the day. Leaving Pennyweight, join the Rail Trail again, heading downhill towards Everton, admiring the rural views across the King Valley. This should take you between 30-45 minutes. Once you reach Everton Station, double back and turn right at the 'fork/intersection' with signs to Everton. Leave the Rail Trail, turning right then immediately left following the road to Everton. You will soon see the tiny town of Everton with the Everton Hotel on the corner. On a warm day, a cold drink here is perfect.
From Everton, carefully join the Great Alpine Rd for about 100 meters (328 ft), and take your first left at Markwood Everton Rd. Look for the small blue roadside signs with an 'M', directing you to Milawa. Follow this road, turning right at Markwood Tarrawingee Rd, and follow this for 10-20 minutes, turning left at Milawa Tarrawingee Rd. Don't miss EV Olives on your right-hand side on Milawa Tarrawingee Rd. This award-winning olive farm has an incredible olive oil variety and it's well worth tasting (and grabbing some; the tour operator can pick these up).
Continue on to the T intersection where you will see Milawa Gourmet region clearly signposted. Turn left and then first on your right, to arrive at your lunch destination, the Milawa Cheese Factory. Park your bike out the back. A table and lunch platter will have been booked here for you so relax and enjoy the ambience of this gourmet stop. Any purchases from here can also be collected later.
Recommendation: Pop next door to taste some of the Woodpark Wines range, with the very helpful cellar door staff. The tour operator loves their Shiraz!
After a leisurely lunch, it's a short ride to the heart of Milawa gourmet outlets and the major intersection has the not-to-be-missed Milawa Mustards. The tour operator also recommends a visit to Christmont Wines cellar door, a short distance from the mustard shop along Glenrowan Myrtleford Rd (left). From the intersection, and after checking out the range of outlets located nearby, head to the Brown Brothers Vineyard. An amazing cellar door with a huge range of wines to taste, its popularity is no surprise.
Your collection point for the transfer back to Beechworth is inside of Brown Brothers, right next to the cellar door and the bike racks. Be ready for a 4.30pm collection back to Beechworth. Hire bikes will be dropped off and you will be taken back to your accommodation. Any purchases you have made along the way will be collected on the drive back in the bus, so please let the driver know.
Tour de Vines
Tour de Vines