An iconic heritage river is waiting to be explored. The Goulburn is Victoria's largest river basin and has environmental, Aboriginal cultural heritage and recreational values. It also has superb tracks, rail trails and quiet country lanes that follow the meandering river. This is a relaxing route through beautiful Australian countryside dotted with Victorian towns big and small - let's ride!
Deep in the Yarra Ranges National Park springs a source of water from underneath the Great Dividing Range. Its unassuming and casual exit from the ground is a sign of things to come, as although it gathers volume as it moves from the Ranges to the Murray River, it never loses the calm flow synonymous with the Goulburn River. As it meanders inland, it grows into a significant body of water, feeding weirs, lakes and dams, but retains its measured persona, leaning always to the understated beauty, rather than the dramatic.
It is this environment in which you head off from the source of the Goulburn just near Woods Point on this wonderful tour, starting with a long easy downhill through the forest to Jamieson, the first town on the banks of the river. This opens up to Lake Eildon, a haven for holiday makers and water sports of all kinds.
The next section includes the ever-impressive Great Victorian Rail Trail, following the river from Mansfield through to Tallarook through the beautiful Trawool Valley and rich farmland brimming with birdlife and scattered with magnificent stands of ancient red gums. Get ready for plenty of highlights and great facilities dotted along the well-kept trail.
From Tallarook you will embark upon the Yellowbelly Track through to Echuca. River tracks and gravel roads are prioritized over sealed roads where possible, as the route sticks close to the water, minimising interaction with vehicle traffic as the relaxed flow of the ride mirrors the relaxed flow of the river that leads the way. The route is designed to immerse riders in the natural environment of the classic Australian bush, but you are never far away from good size country towns for quality accommodation and meals at the end of each day’s ride. The best of both worlds.
By the time you reach Echuca you will have discovered something new about the country and will have a stream of memories to take away with you. Join us as we take the low road, take the slow road.