Australia's Great Victorian Rail Trail vs the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail

About the Great Victorian Rail Trail

The Great Victorian Rail Trail is one of Australia’s longest continuous rail-trails, stretching 134km from Mansfield to Tallarook (about 100km north of Melbourne). Like all rail trails, it follows a former railway line. Fortunately, all the rails have been replaced with granitic sand so you can enjoy smooth cycling the whole way. 

The Great Victorian Rail Trail opened in 2012 as part of the Australian government’s efforts to revitalise the region after it was devastated by the 2009 Victorian bushfires. It was formerly known as the Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail.

Highlights of the Great Victorian Rail Trail

Cycling through Victoria's longest rail-trail tunnel, the historic Cheviot Tunnel. This is a 200m tunnel created in 1883 and features 675,000 handmade bricks using local clay. It’s the only tunnel on the Great Victorian Rail Trail.

Absorb idyllic Australian landscapes during the whole journey. You’ll cycle alongside the Goulburn River, through the beautiful Trawool Valley and admire panoramic views of the High Country. Plus, there’s the famous Bonnie Doon to go to!

About the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail

The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail highlights the stunning scenery of Victoria’s alpine region. This cycle path links Wangaratta to Bright, in the north-east of the state, and follows the former Bright railway line for approximately 100km.  

The whole length is sealed, allowing users an enjoyable, gentle ride. It’s been labelled as Victoria’s best-developed rail trail.

Highlights of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail

Encounter picturesque views with every bend of the trail. You’ll be amazed by Eucalyptus lined farmlands, sublime mountain ranges, sprawling vineyards and hidden valleys.

Reward yourself with regional delicacies. The fertile valleys of northern Victoria are ideal for growing produce and as such the area is abundant in gourmet foods, craft breweries, cellar doors and artisanal delights. Foodies - this cycling trip is for you.

Explore the well-preserved historic town of Beechworth, which was once a thriving centre in the mid-19th century gold rush boom.

Trip Gradings

Due to the high maintenance of the trails and generally flat terrain, we grade both of these routes as introductory. There are some gentle ascents and descents that cyclists of all abilities can handle. The Great Victorian Rail Trail is slightly more strenuous with an average of 37km per day.

As these tours are all self-guided, you determine the pace and schedule. Both trails are shared by walkers and horses, and neither has any road traffic.

Self-Guided Rail Trail Cycling Tours

We have segmented the Murray to the Mountains trip into 4 different adventures. The Classic 5 day cycle is a must if you want the full experience. For those after a little getaway there’s the Short Break, which is a 4-day trip. There's also the 5-day Downhill Edition, which bypasses major hills so you can easily pedal and enjoy the local scenery. And for those with the luxury of more time, you can complete the comprehensive Murray to the Mountains Extended Edition over 7-days.

The Great Victorian Rail Trail Trip is a 6-day self-guided adventure that takes you along the entire route. It starts in Mansfield, at the foothills of the Victorian Alps, and finishes in Tallarook – the end of the line! 

All tours include daily luggage transfers and comfortable, hand-picked accommodation that’s been chosen for their local charm, location, and value. We provide 27-speed hybrid bikes that include helmets, panniers and locks. E-bikes can also be used at an additional cost. Take a look at the specific trip for detailed information.

> View the Great Victorian Rail Trail Trip
> View the Murray to the Mountains Cycling Trips


Which Rail Trail will you be pedalling along? Let us know in the comment section below.