The north east Victorian/ southern NSW region has some of the best walking and cycling tracks in Australia for those who love to spend their time in the great outdoors.
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Whether you like to take an easy stroll or are more of a runner. If you like to cruise along the road rides or mountain biking is more your style, there is something for everyone in this region.
Bright and surrounds
Bright and surrounds offer some of the most challenging and stunning road riding as well as mountain biking in Australia.
Or if a brisk walk or leisurely run is more up your alley, you can also try to conquer some of Bright's beautiful trails.
Cyclists have several mountain summits to aim for including Mount Buffalo and Mount Hotham, which are generally tackled starting from Bright.
For those who love a challenge, take on the Mystic MTB Park which is renowned for its technically challenging trails through predominantly radiata pine plantation environment.
There is also the Tombstone Loop which is 5.3km long or the hero loop which will take you along 8.04km of beautiful outdoors.
Falls Creek is another challenge with Mount Beauty at the base as a popular departure point.
For a longer challenge why not try the Big Hill Mountain Bike Park which has over 40kms of top-quality cross country and downhill trails suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.
You can also take on the yellow loop, blue loop or red loop which are all around 10km long with a range of styles.
For the skilled riders amongst us, the Omeo side of Falls Creek is ranked one of the hardest rides in the country. Omeo is also the starting point for the scenic ride up the back of Mount Hotham via Dinner Plain.
The High Country Trail
Stretching over 80 kilometres from Wodonga, through Old Tallangatta and out to Shelley, the High Country Rail Trail hugs the shoreline of the majestic Lake Hume.
Ride back in time to the 1950s when the town of Tallangatta was relocated, and the old town flooded by Lake Hume.
Cross the sparkling lake over the bright red 600 metre Sandy Creek Bridge to visit the new and old town sites.
There is also a 7.5 kilometre section that everyone can enjoy in beautiful Corryong.
The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail
The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is the perfect way to discover the diverse countryside with its natural bushland, hidden valleys and some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Australia. Not to mention the endless wine, beer, food and fresh produce you will find along the way.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, cyclists and walkers, and for all budgets, this trajectory provides over 100 kilometres of sealed trails and the perfect link between the culinary villages of Beechworth, Rutherglen, Bright and Wangaratta.
More recently the shared trail network has been extended from Wangaratta to Milawa, Bright and Wandiligong.
Popular Rail Trail Rides
Porepunkah to Bright - 6km
Myrtleford to Bright - 30km
Beechworth to Bright - 41km
Wangaratta to Bright - 83km
Bright to Wandiligong - 10km return
Bright to Germantown - 5km
Harrietville to Stony Creek - 5km
Albury/Wodonga
The twin towns of Albury/Wodonga are also no stranger to beautiful cycle or walking trails with one of the most popular trails being the Wagirra Trail.
This trail incorporates the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, which extends from the Union Bridge in South Albury through to the picturesque Horseshoe Lagoon in West Albury.
The more adventurous rider or walker can head to Nail Can Hill to find many trails ideal for mountain biking and hiking.
State and National mountain bike championship events are often held here, and riders rate the challenging courses as amongst the best in Australia.
To develop into a more confident rider why not challenge yourself on the Hunchback Hill Mountain Bike Park. This park has over 20 blue trails with a constant 4km uphill ride which is then followed by an adrenaline pumping 4km downhill ride.
For those who would like to slowly take in the scenery and take a leisurely stroll, visit the McFarlanes Hill in West Wodonga which takes you over rolling hills and through beautiful bushland or make your way to Eastern Hill in Albury with views across Albury Airport, Table Top Range and the Murray River Flood Plains.
North of the Murray
Corowa Wetlands and Rail Trail is one of the popular trails to take on North of the Murray.
Using some of the existing network of trails and roads, this is a fantastic trail for all the family. Take in part of Australia’s Federation History while also enjoying the array of native life and flora while travelling through the Corowa Wetlands.
For further history including that of our more first nations people, take on the Nulla Nulla Swamp and Redlands Hill Trail. This 19km trail connects the Murray with swamps, hills and the vast expanse of plains and was the site that inspired Tom Roberts famous painting “Shearing of the Rams”.
Lake Moodemere trail is also popular with a delightful river red gum forest trail which is shaded in Summer. Experience the splendour of Lake Moodemere and why not stop and enjoy a picnic on its banks on the way.
Corowa-Mulwala Cycle Trail
The Corowa-Mulwala Cycle Trail is a scenic link between the two Murray River towns.
This track snakes its way along Spring Drive and features a 200-metre boardwalk over Lake Mulwala near Drain Lane approximately 15km east of Mulwala
This is a must experience adventure with the 43 kilometre walking/riding trail taking in the Murray River and the picturesque Lake Mulwala.
This trail builds awareness and appreciation of the region’s natural resources while improving tourism opportunities and also showcases the Indigenous connection to the region, involving Traditional Owners.
Wangaratta
Wangaratta is also a great cycling area with 80 cycle routes to explore.
The most popular is the North East Victorian Grand Tour which is 311km but takes in a large part of the local region before looping back and ending in Wangaratta.
Learn more about Wangaratta's history by taking on the Eldorado Shared Path and Dredge Loop, Reid's Walk which will wind through the former gold mining area or the 2.4km Bullawah Cultural Trail and Ovens Riverside Path which displays Aboriginal stories, culture and spirituality.
Moira Shire Murray River Trails
The Murray River and its surrounding river tracks provide some great biking trails. Make the most of the Murray region’s flat terrain by getting around on your bike.
Venture off the beaten track and discover a world of towering red gums that protect the banks of the mighty Murray.
The Yarrawonga Regional Park has some great tracks which link up to Yarrawonga and the world heritage listed Barmah Forest.
Cobram boasts a fantastic cycle track from Thompson’s Beach around Quinn Island and Horseshoe Lagoon. The 3.5km ride to Quick’s Beach Campground from Barooga is also a good one. The unsealed tracks were not purpose built for bikes but do make for a beautiful, picturesque ride following the shadows of the River Red Gums.
Yarrawonga – Burramine Cycle and Walking Trail
This cycle and walking trail from Yarrawonga to Burramine loops for around 40km in and out of the Murray River regional parks from the Murray Valley Highway.
The trail features a sealed track along the Murray Valley Highway, which is just a 13.4km trek to Burramine.
Campers who are staying along the river will love the track to access Yarrawonga. Those that are riding out to Burramine can reward themselves with something to eat and a nice cold beverage with a visit to the Byramine Homestead and Brewery.
The National Trust listed homestead was designed by an English architect for use in India and built on a beautiful site by a lagoon on low sand hills, forested in Pine.
More about trails information
You can find more about the region’s great cycling destinations at visitvictoria or another great site for trail information is trailforks.
Journalist