Murray River From Source to Sea 25 Feb - 20 Mar 2023 - AllTrails Bicycle Tours
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Murray River
From Source to Sea
25 Feb – 20 Mar 2023
Up in the Snowy Mountains near a remote, inaccessible border of NSW/VIC there is a small marshy spring
where the mighty Murray River begins. Way off to the west it finishes as it meets the sea in South Australia.
Join us as we head on a journey along that river discovering the life that the magnificent waterway breathes
into the local communities and landscapes. Beginning at the alpine village of Thredbo and finishing on the
beach in Adelaide, in between we have a tour of quintessential Australiana scenes, colonial history and a
fascinating insight into the importance of the country’s longest waterway.
The Tour at a Glance
FULL TOUR Thredbo to Adelaide: 25 Feb – 20 Mar 2023 (23 nights)
Stage One Thredbo to Albury: 25 Feb – 28 Feb 2023 (3 nights)
Stage Two Albury to Mildura: 28 Feb – 9 Mar 2023 (10 nights)
Stage Three Mildura to Adelaide: 9 Mar – 20 Mar 2023 (10 nights)
Distance: 1700km / Average Daily: 94km (shorter distance options available).
Bike Type: Road Bike (e-bikes welcome, conditions apply – see FAQs).
Group Size: 15-20.
Meals: Most meals included (see itinerary table page 4). Fruit, snacks and morning teas included on the road.
Accommodation: Golf resorts, country motels, city hotels and the odd quirky one when we are a bit remote.
Surface: Sealed bitumen roads.
Terrain: Almost all flat/undulating. Stage 1 has some climbing on the first couple of days. After that, it’s just undulations
until the final day into Adelaide on Stage 3 where there is a bit of a climb.
Difficulty Rating: 6.5/10. Only a couple of significant hills (Day 1&2 + the final day) and a couple of days 100km+.
Who is this tour for? Cyclists looking for a quintessential Australian tour with the backdrop of the story of the Murray River
– its history, its importance and the lively communities that it sustains.
Highlights
• Optional hike to top of Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak
• Beautiful alpine cycling with one challenging climb and lots of downhill
• Gorgeous Murray River holiday towns accommodation
• ‘Classic Australiana’ ride through the River Red Gums (Eucalyptus) region
• Follow the Mighty Murray River through many charming VIC/NSW border twin-towns
• Rest Day in Echuca, the Paddle Steamer Capital with rich colonial history
• Rest Day in Mildura, an oasis in the desert and the fruit bowl of Australia
• The fascinating and remote north-west VIC
• Stunning Riverland region of SA
• Lake Alexandrina and the Murray Mouth
• Finish on the beach in Adelaide’s Glenelg
The Stages Stage 1: The Alpine Adventure This stage packs a lot into a just few days. Beginning in Thredbo with not just great accommodation at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel, but also the chance to walk to the top of Mt Kosciuszko – Australia’s highest peak. The summit walk is not an extreme hike but certainly a nice challenge. From the top of the continent there is only one way to go…down. Enjoy some long downhills, along with a few climbs as you exit the alpine region and enter the Upper Murray Valley, following the river along undulating and scenic terrain to Albury. Stage 2: The Holiday Towns Tour Nine days of zig-zagging back and forth between VIC and NSW, taking in both sides of the Murray and staying at some great accommodation in all of the most well-loved and often-visited riverside holiday towns. In this one stage you can tick off many of those places that you’ve always wanted to go to and also discover some new hidden gems that you never knew existed: Yarrrawonga-Mulwala, Cobram-Barooga, Echuca-Moama (rest day), Barham-Koondrook, Swan Hill, Tooleybuc, Robinvale-Euston and Mildura. Experience a bygone colonial era with paddle-steamers and horse & carriage rides alongside modern cafes, restaurants and good food and wine, set to a backdrop of watersports, fishing and other activity on the river. The final stop on this stage is Mildura; the last major Victorian outpost – it’s no wonder this place is referred to as the ‘Oasis in the Desert’. Mildura’s big blue skies, sun soaked days and welcoming locals will cast a long and lasting impression. Accommodation highlights include golf resorts and Mildura Grand Hotel. Stage 3: The Riverland Ride Leaving Mildura you’ll think you will be in the desert forever, but it’s just a day and a half in the outback-feel of remote north-western Victoria before you cross into South Australia and stumble upon the beautiful Riverland region. The Murray breathes life and colour into the landscape here and the settlements along this section of the Murray are bright and active with such a great water source for crops and aquatic sports. Some of the most pristine sections of the river lie along this section. It is an exciting end as you near the sandy beach at Coorong National Park where the ‘Murray Mouth’ meets the Southern Ocean. This stage gives you a great range of experiences in just 9 days – from outback, to regional city, from holiday golf resort towns, to wineries, from rural regions, to the popular tourist town of Goolwa, the Murray Mouth and finally, Glenelg – the beachside suburb of our final overnight location. This is also a great ride for cyclist’s partners (non-riders or part-time riders) as we have the opportunity for two rest days and some shorter routes in this winding section of the river. Accommodation highlights include Mildura Grand Hotel (2 nts), Waikerie Hotel (2 nts) and Stamford Grand (final night). Route Map
Pricing and Payment information (AUD)
Full Tour: Schedule:
Payment Thredbo to Adelaide (23 nights): Until 24 Aug Until 24 Dec From 25 Dec
Twin share $9790 pp $9890 pp $9990 pp
Single room $11,849 $11,949 $12,049
Single Stages:
Stage 1: Thredbo to Albury (3 nights) Until 24 Aug Until 24 Dec From 25 Dec
Travelling with Twin share $1570 pp $1670 pp $1770 pp
friends? Single room $1870 $1970 $2070
Discount for groups Stage 2: Albury to Mildura (10 nights) Until 24 Aug Until 24 Dec From 25 Dec
of 3 or more cyclists: Twin share $4250 pp $4350 pp $4450 pp
Full tour: $100pp Single room $5145 $5245 $5345
($50 per stage for Stage 3: Mildura to Adelaide (10 nights) Until 24 Aug Until 24 Dec From 25 Dec
single stages) Twin share $4250 pp $4350 pp $4450 pp
Single room $5145 $5245 $5345
Included:
• Most meals except some rest days and a few places where it’s easy to GYO (Get Your Own)
• Full tour includes 22 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 18 dinners • Kosciuszko and National Parks Entries
• Snacks, water, fruit, morning/afternoon teas on the road • Echuca and Barham river cruises
• All ensuite accommodation • Support and safety vehicles and luggage transfer
• Tour guides, bike mechanical assistance, maps, gps files • Rider Pack: jersey, bottle, day-bag
Payment Schedule:
• Non-refundable deposit upon booking ($400 pp)
• Progress payment due 30 days after deposit (40% of package cost, less deposit paid)
• Balance due 24 December 2022 (two months before the tour…Merry Christmas!)
For bookings made after 24 Dec 2022, full balance is due upon booking
Travelling on your own? You may pay the Single Supplement price to have your own room, or you can put your name
on our ‘Twin Share Request List’ and we will pair you with another solo traveller of the same gender in twin share
accommodation if we have another similar request. If not, the Single Supp price will apply.
Optional Extras
NOTE: Solo twin sharing not available for pre and post tour accommodation.
Pre tour accommodation Canberra Airport (book direct with hotel) NOTE: we think most people will take this option.
Accom is included as part of the tour on Sat 25 Feb at Thredbo. We strongly recommend travelling to Canberra and
staying at the Vibe Airport Hotel on Fri 24 Feb (book direct with the hotel or book a different hotel in town), then catch
our shuttle the next morning from the Vibe.
Shuttle Transfer from Vibe Canberra Airport Hotel to Thredbo. NOTE: we think most people will take this option.
We have arranged a private shuttle service at 7am 25 Feb. Arrive Thredbo approx 10am in time for the optional walk to
the top of Mt Kosciuszko. $110pp (passenger, bike and luggage).
Pre tour accommodation Thredbo (book through AllTrails)
If you can make your own way to Thredbo, we have some rooms set aside on Fri 24 Feb (incl breakfast) for $235 per
room for one or two people if you want to get there a day early.
Mid-tour accommodation Albury
We will be arriving into Albury on Tue 28 Feb at the END of Stage One. No accommodation is included this night for
Stage One – it is included only for those on Stage Two. If you are leaving after Stage 1 but you want to stay 28 Feb in
Albury, you can book a room for at $175 for one person or $195 for two people (incl breakfast).
Mid-tour accommodation Mildura
We are staying in Mildura Thu 9 Mar as part of Stage Two, and Fri 10 Mar as part of Stage Three. If you are on ONE of
these stages and want to stay BOTH nights, you can book at $190 per room for one or two people (incl bfast).
Post tour accommodation Adelaide
We cycle into Adelaide (Glenelg Beach) on Sun 19 Mar and your dinner and accommodation is included that night. We
also have rooms set aside for Mon 20 Mar at a cost of $305 per room for one or $325 for two people (incl breakfast).
Transfer of hard bike case from start of ride to finish. $100 ($30/$50/$50 single stages).
Transfer of soft foldable bike bag from start of ride to finish. $50 ($10/$30/$30 single stages).
Transfer of collapsible cardboard bike carton free of charge.
Transfer of bike to / from tour We can take your bike from Melbourne to Thredbo to start the tour and back to
Melbourne from Adelaide at the end. $60 each way per bike.
Getting to and from the tour Getting to Thredbo on or before 3pm Sat 25 Feb (meeting day): We have arranged a bus transfer from Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport to Thredbo departing at 7am Sat 25 Feb, so we suggest flying to Canberra on Fri 24 Feb and staying at the Vibe (book direct with the hotel, or book a different hotel in the city). We will not be able to wait for morning flights into Canberra. The bus trip is approx 3 hrs which will get the group into Thredbo by 10am, in time for the chairlift and optional walk up Mt Kosciuszko. The 4-5 hour round trip walk will have us back in Thredbo by 3pm ready for 4pm Orientation, Briefing and Bike Set-up. If you are able to get your own way to Thredbo or can have someone drop you there, be there by 10am if you want to do the walk with the group, or be there by 3pm for Orientation (or come a day early). Getting to/from Stage 2 (Albury): If you are leaving after Stage 1 you can depart on a late flight on 28 Feb from Albury or select an extra night of accommodation as an optional extra and depart the following day. If you are starting your tour at Stage 2 you can arrive anytime during the day of 28 Feb and be at our accommodation by 3pm for briefing. Getting to/from Stage 3 (Mildura): If you are leaving after Stage 2 you can depart on a flight anytime on 10 Mar from Mildura or select an extra night of accommodation as an optional extra and depart the following day. If you are starting your tour at Stage 3 you can arrive anytime during the day of 10 Mar and be at our accommodation by 3pm for briefing, or you can select an extra night of accommodation as an optional extra and arrive the previous day. Departing from Adelaide: You will end your ride at Stamford Grand Adelaide (Glenelg) where the tour officially disbands after breakfast on Mon 20 Mar. You can depart anytime or select an extra night of accom as an optional extra and depart the following day. The airport is under 10km from the hotel. Hotel reception will be able to assist with arranging transport. Itinerary table Meals and Accommodation inclusions. Breakfast = B Lunch = L Dinner = D Accommodation = A Location Distance Date B L D A Canberra (or Thredbo) – Pre-tour NA Friday 24 Feb 2023 - - - - Thredbo / Mt Kosciuszko Walk – Meeting Day NA Saturday 25 Feb 2023 - - D A Thredbo to Khancoban 79km Sunday 26 Feb 2023 B L - A Khancoban to Kennedy’s Reserve (o/n Albury) 97km Monday 27 Feb 2023 B - D A Kennedy’s Reserve to Albury (END OF STAGE 1) 73km Tuesday 28 Feb 2023 B L D A Albury to Yarrawonga 99km Wednesday 1 Mar 2023 B L D A Yarrawonga to Barooga 54km Thursday 2 Mar 2023 B - D A Barooga to Echuca 109km Friday 3 Mar 2023 B L D A Echuca – Rest Day NA Saturday 4 Mar 2023 - - - A Echuca to Barham 89km Sunday 5 Mar 2023 B L D A Barham to Swan Hill 73km Monday 6 Mar 2023 B L - A Swan Hill to Tooleybuc 48km Tuesday 7 Mar 2023 B - D A Tooleybuc to Robinvale 90km Wednesday 8 Mar 2023 B L D A Robinvale to Mildura 88km Thursday 9 Mar 2023 B L D A Mildura – Rest Day (END OF STAGE 2) NA Friday 10 Mar 2023 B - - A Mildura to Meringur (o/n Mildura) 91km Saturday 11 Mar 2023 B - D A Meringur to Renmark 73km Sunday 12 Mar 2023 B - D A Renmark to Berri 102km Monday 13 Mar 2023 B L D A Berri to Waikerie 72km Tuesday 14 Mar 2023 B - D A Waikerie to Blanchetown (o/n Waikerie) 79km Wednesday 15 Mar 2023 B L D A Blanchetown to Mannum 92km Thursday 16 Mar 2023 B L D A Mannum to Strathalbyn 117km Friday 17 Mar 2023 B L - A Strathalbyn to Goolwa 79km Saturday 18 Mar 2023 B - D A Goolwa to Adelaide (Glenelg) 91km Sunday 19 Mar 2023 B - D A Adelaide – (END OF STAGE 3) NA Monday 20 Mar 2023 B - - - Total Distance Cycled 1695km 22 12 18 23 Average Daily Distance 94km / day
Day to Day STAGE ONE - THE ALPINE ADVENTURE: Canberra (or Thredbo) – Pre-tour Friday 24 Feb 2023 Day 0. PRE TOUR: Unless you can make your own way to Thredbo, we suggest you arrive in Canberra today and stay at the Vibe Canberra Airport Hotel. You can also stay in Canberra city but make sure that you get to the Vibe hotel in the morning by 7am for the shuttle transfer to Thredbo. If you can make your own way to Thredbo, we have rooms set aside if you want an extra night of pre-tour accommodation tonight. Thredbo - Meeting Day and climb Mt Kosciuszko Saturday 25 Feb 2023 Day 1. We have arranged a bus transfer from Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport to Thredbo departing at 7am. The bus trip is approx 3 hrs which will get the group into Thredbo by 10am. By then you'll be ready to stretch the legs and take on the optional walk up Mt Kosciuszko - the highest peak on the Australian continent. The summit walk is not an extreme hike - the first section is on a scenic chairlift, then it's a 6.5km walk each way on an elevated mesh boardwalk, with only a gentle uphill gradient. The 4-5 hour round trip will have us back in Thredbo by 3pm ready for 4pm Orientation, Briefing and Bike Set-up, followed by a group dinner at our superb alpine hotel at the base of Mt Kosciuszko. What a way to start this adventure! Thredbo to Khancoban 79km Sunday 26 Feb 2023 Day 2. We begin our cycling with a 6km climb up to Dead Horse Gap before the road flattens out and leads into a long downhill section, dropping nearly 1000m in 17km. Spare a thought for our cyclists who did it in the opposite direction on our tour in 2022 (maybe you were one of them?). At the bottom we stop for morning tea and first meet our travelling companion for the next 1700km - The Murray River. You will spend the rest of the day rocking and rolling up and down the mountains past the Snowy Mountains hydro scheme, the largest engineering project undertaken in Australia, and a stop at Geehi by the river (and usually a few kangaroos). The climb to Scammell's Lookout will test your stamina like it did the legendary stock-men who are now immortalised in the ballads and poems of this wild country. Lastly it's a winding downhill into Khancoban, a small alpine town who will host us for the night. Khancoban to Kennedy’s Reserve (overnight Albury) 97km Monday 27 Feb 2023 Day 3. It's a nice gentle start to the morning with a slight downhill as you head out of Khancoban and into the eerie alpine morning with its fresh crisp air biting at your face. It won't take long to warm up though as you head up the first of two small but significant climbs for the day, to Cochrans Gap. Down the other side the Murray River awaits our descent, also serving as the state border, and it is here that we cross into Victoria for the first time, leaving the Alpine Way behind, the road which we have been travelling on all the way from Thredbo. The road becomes the Murray Valley Highway and gives you a scenic entry into the state over the flatlands before our second climb up to Towong Gap, with spectacular views across the valley to your right, just before you reach the top. After a long smooth descent we follow Murray River Road as it hugs the river, passing through the small townships of Towong and Tintaldra before a long stretch of isolation with just the gentle flow of the river to the right and National Parks, State Parks and Forest Plantations to the left. The isolation out here also means limited accommodation so just before the 100km mark we pull up stumps for the day and transfer ahead to Albury where we have a great city hotel with great amenities. Kennedy’s Reserve to Albury (END OF STAGE 1) 73km Tuesday 28 Feb 2023 Day 4. After breakfast we head back to Kennedy’s Reserve to start the day’s ride. We are clear of the alpine ranges now so there are no significant mountain passes to contend with however the ride is still filled with the constant undulations of the Upper Murray Valley. The road drops you to the valley floor then raises you up again providing panoramic views of the valley, the Murray, which is never too far away, and over into New South Wales on the other side of the river. It keeps the ride interesting and engaging as you rise and fall, taking in different vantage points on the pastures, rolling hills and the river. As you near the township of Bellbridge, the road crosses the river into NSW as the Murray meets Lake Hume - an extremely popular spot for watersports, activities and holidaymakers. After the Lake Hume Village it's not long before the rural outskirts of Albury turns into a thriving metropolis as we enter this major regional city. Congratulations - Stage 1 complete!
Day to Day (cont.) STAGE TWO - THE HOLIDAY TOWNS TOUR: Albury to Yarrawonga 99km Wednesday 1 Mar 2023 Day 5. You are in for a treat over the next 9 days as we wind our way alongside the Murray River, staying at some great riverside accommodations in some favourite holiday towns. Many of the towns along this stage of the tour are 'twin-towns' with the southern part of town located in VIC and the northern part of town located in NSW, which is why you will notice many double-barrelled names. Today provides some good examples as we depart Albury- Wodonga, destined for Yarrawonga-Mulwala. The ride itself is a lovely cruise through the rural pastoral lands on the north (NSW) side of the river, enroute to tonight’s golf resort accommodation a stone’s throw from Lake Mulwala – a weir created as a drought-protector for the region from the Murray River waters in the 1930’s. Yarrawonga to Barooga 54km Thursday 2 Mar 2023 Day 6. Yarrawonga-Mulwala is an ‘Inland Aquatic Paradise’ with plenty to see and do and you'll have a bit of time to check out more of the town this morning as we only have a short ride today so you don't need to head off at the crack of dawn. Lake Mulwala is an unforgettable sight, lying between the twin towns, with its majestic and ghostly river red gums that are a constant presence around this part of the Murray. Our route will take us temporarily away from the river on the NSW side today, before bringing us back to the twin towns of Cobram- Barooga, famous for its sandy river beaches, where we will stop for lunch upon arrival. Barooga to Echuca 109km Friday 3 Mar 2023 Day 7. We have more exciting things on the horizon today as you depart Barooga (NSW) and enjoy a scenic 2.5km cycle through the forested Cobram Regional Park before crossing over the river into sister-city Cobram (VIC). Out of town, we turn west onto a long stretch of quiet road that continues straight for around 50km. It's a great chance to get into your rhythm on the bike and absorb the wide-open skies and open farmland that you are pushing yourself through. As you hit the Murray again and cross the border for the second time today it's not far to our destination - one of the most popular spots on the Murray, the historic Echuca-Moama. During your time here a Paddlesteamer experience is a ‘must-do’ so tonight we have arranged a cruise on one of the historic Paddlesteamer boats (meal included) - a great way to unwind before taking the day off tomorrow. Echuca - Rest Day Saturday 4 Mar 2023 Day 8. Echuca-Moama represents not only a bygone era with its Paddlesteamers and horse & carriage rides but also showcases all the conveniences of the modern era including the very best for those who appreciate good food and wine. There is a broad range of exciting activities to indulge in during your day off here including historic attractions, watersports, and unique river experiences. The wharf is recognised as one of Australia's finest heritage icons and is home to the largest Paddlsteamer fleet in the world. Head down and check it all out, or kick back and take it easy by the pool back at the hotel, then head into town to enjoy some of the local cuisine offerings. Echuca to Barham 89km Sunday 5 Mar 2023 Day 9. Today's ride continues along the Murray Valley Highway with Gunbower National Park on the right between you and the Murray. The area's wetlands and billabongs are internationally recognised and popular for camping, fishing and relaxing on the bends of the Murray River. When water flows along Little Gunbower Creek, the area is known for its spectacular birdlife. It's also on today's ride that you may notice that the path of the Murray turns noticeably and follows a north-westerly direction rather than the consistent westerly direction that we have been following up until now. Our destination of Barham was once an important trading stop on the river-boat journeys, but now better known for its citrus groves and great fishing. Check out the motel pool if you're keen for a dip this afternoon after checking into your accommodation. Tonight we head out on an evening dinner cruise through the wetlands of Gunbower Creek – a real highlight of the tour last time we came through.
Day to Day (cont.) Barham to Swan Hill 73km Monday 6 Mar 2023 Day 10 Today we can stick pretty close to the river as we cycle many of the backroads on the way to Swan Hill. After a stop in the small river town of Murrabit for morning tea we make our way away from the river for a short time continuing to our lunch stop at Lake Boga which is fast becoming a destination in its own right. During World War II the location was transformed into a flying boat repair depot housing 1,500 servicemen and women, but now is a popular watersports destination for the region. We then push on through the final 20km to the historic town of Swan Hill. In 1853 Francis Cadell in his Paddle Steamer Lady Augusta navigated the Murray from its mouth in South Australia reaching Swan Hill, his farthest point upstream. The boat was welcomed by the whole of the town's population - 12 people. Burke and Wills crossed the Murray here in 1860, and it is in their honour that tonight’s accommodation is named as we check in to the Burke and Wills Motel. Make sure you look around this interesting town and take in some of its history. Swan Hill to Tooleybuc 48km Tuesday 7 Mar 2023 Day 11. It's a shorter day on the bike today as we cut through the fertile lands around Tyntynder South and Beverford and on past small settlements, caravan parks on the banks of the Murray, farming pastures and the odd winery. Our destination of Tooleybuc is a small town set amid irrigated farms growing citrus fruit and vines. The tagline at the local Sporting Club Pokies is to 'Try your luck in Tooleybuc'. In another great use of Tooleybuc rhyming words, you may see a few stubby coolers for sale around town saying 'Where the f#!? is Tooleybuc' - perhaps a perfect souvenir for your stay here... Tooleybuc to Robinvale 90km Wednesday 8 Mar 2023 Day 12. You will notice the agriculture and farming visible from the road as the locals make use of this vital water- source flowing through an otherwise dry part of the country. Robinvale (VIC) and Euston (NSW) are nestled on opposite banks of one of the most user-friendly stretches of the Murray River. Here you will find strong horticultural and multicultural traditions both in the town itself and the surrounding areas and national parks. Interestingly, Robinvale-Euston is sister town with Villers-Bretonneux in France. Robinvale’s proud link with France extends back to World War I, when the son of Robinvale’s founding family (Herbert and Margaret Cuttle) was killed in air combat over Caix, near the village of Villers-Bretonneux. In memory of their airman son (Lieutenant George Robin Cuttle) the family renamed their new settlement on the Murray 'Robinvale' (valley of Robin). The town centre pays further tribute, named 'Caix Square'. Our accommodation tonight is brand new accommodation at the local golf resort. Robinvale to Mildura 88km Thursday 9 Mar 2023 Day 13. Today we swap sides to the NSW side of the river for our ride to Mildura and this will be the last time on tour that we will be in NSW. Today truly takes you into the 'wide brown land' made famous by the Dorothea Mackellar poem as you can feel the remoteness that continues for thousands of kilometres north-west into the great deserts, and into the 'Red Centre'. Mildura feels like the last major outpost before heading into another world. It's no wonder this place is referred to as the 'Oasis in the Desert' as you come in from the lonely highway to a rural city that enjoys abundant fresh local produce and award-winning wines, exciting natural wonders, warm and consistently sunny Mediterranean weather. The Murray River is responsible for yet another wonderful town that all Australians need to tick off their 'must-see' list. Mildura - Rest Day Friday 10 Mar 2023 Day 14. Today's rest day in Mildura is based out of our tour hotel, the Mildura Grand Hotel, an historic landmark building dating back to the earliest days of the irrigation settlement when Mildura was a planned temperance colony - a place without an ingrained drinking culture to distract working men from their duties. The building was built as a ‘Coffee Palace’ and prospered as such until 1919 when the hotel obtained a liquor licence despite great opposition from prohibitionists. After continued renovations into the 1960’s The Mildura Grand Hotel was one of the most modern in the state. It now blends modern amenities with its long history and is a great place to spend your rest day in Mildura. If you are departing the tour today there are plenty of flights leaving from the airport which is 15 mins from our hotel. Most flights go to Melbourne (Rex Airlines) with connections to other cities and there is one flight direct to Adelaide. If you are arriving today to join us for stage 3, head to the hotel where we will meet you and welcome you to the group for the final leg to the Mouth of the Murray.
Day to Day (cont.) STAGE THREE - THE RIVERLAND RIDE: Mildura to Meringur (overnight Mildura) 91km Saturday 11 Mar 2023 . Day 15. Today we head west out into the wide-open spaces of northwest Victoria and head for the border. It's a good 90km distance, plenty to get the legs working again after your day off in Mildura, or to get your legs cranked up for the first time if you have just joined us for Stage 3. We are very remote out here and there is no accommodation for our group for over 150km from Mildura so we will be stopping at Meringur where we have a wander around the historic Pioneer Park before a bus transfer back to Mildura for the night. Meringur to Renmark 73km Sunday 12 Mar 2023 Day 16. This morning we head back on the bus to Meringur for our last ride in the state of Victoria. Have you ridden with us all the way from Thredbo? If so, congratulations, as today we will hit the 1000km mark! You will have a great opportunity to get into your cycling rhythm, pumping out the kilometres, heading directly west towards the South Australian border. It's a long straight road, perfect for clearing the mind and contemplating life, as many do on these long-distance rides. After crossing the border into SA the road begins to wind up northward to meet the Murray River again and as it does you will notice the greens of the landscape slowly begin to take over the browns as you draw in to the outskirts of Renmark and then into the township itself. Our accommodation sits majestically on a long sweeping bend of the Murray River in the heart of the township. Renmark to Berri 102km Monday 13 Mar 2023 Day 17. Today doesn't take us far 'as the crow flies', but it's a 96km ride as we cut across to Barmera, one of the most popular aquatic playgrounds in SA situated on the shores of Lake Bonney, then track the Murray south and back up again almost completing a full circle back to Berri. There are plenty of towns and settlements for us to stop at today, with the river providing plenty of life and sustenance for these places to survive. It's a much-contrasted ride to the last couple of days as you pass through places like Loxton, the ‘Garden Town of the Riverland’ with beautifully maintained gardens and a leader in the use of low-water sustainable landscapes. Our overnight stop is at Berri, host to some of the largest wine production facilities in Australia and one of Australia’s oldest wineries. Our accommodation is again in a great river-front location with great facilities. Berri to Waikerie 72km Tuesday 14 Mar 2023 Day 18. Today we stray away from the river then draw back close again on a few occasions. Often you won't be able to see the river but you'll probably sense it by the amount of vegetation and its colour. As soon as you are away from the water source out here in the remote inland areas of the country, everything turns dry and brown pretty quickly. Overnight tonight is at the Waikerie Hotel, which after undergoing a rebuild after a fire in 2011, is proud to have some of the best hotel accommodation in the Riverland region. More good news is that we are staying here again tomorrow night so no need to pack your bags in the morning! Waikerie to Blanchetown (overnight Waikerie) 79km Wednesday 15 Mar 2023 Day 19. It's a lovely ride this morning north-west through farming fields and small settlements on the way to Morgan where we take a punt ferry across the river into the town centre for lunch. Morgan was the home port of hundreds of paddle steamers during the 1800's which carried cargo and passengers up the Murray-Darling River system. The second half of the ride brings a much more remote feel, with big skies, wide-open spaces and The Murray, which ebbs and flows away from the road and back again many times over the course of the journey. It's not until Blanchetown that you hit civilisation again, where, due to its small size and limited accommodation, we will transfer cyclists the short distance back to Waikerie for the night. Blanchetown to Mannum 92km Thursday 16 Mar 2023 Day 20. This morning we head back to Blanchetown and begin to ride along a stretch of the Murray which is claimed to be one of the most pristine in all of its length. Swan Reach is a favourite stop for travellers to enjoy some good old- fashioned Murraylands hospitality - a visit to the hotel is a must, with sweeping views of the river from its prominent location perched on top of golden cliffs. Make sure you stop at a few of the lookouts and rest areas for a great elevated view of this spectacular part of the river at Nildottie, Kroehns Landing turn-off and Len Kroehn Lookout. As you swing back towards the water you are treated with truly inspiring riverscapes. If you have time, stop off at Forster Lookout which is not very well sign-posted but worth the effort to find. Over the river on the punt and it's one more stretch across the fields before we hit the river again and trace its path through small settlements and gatherings of homes hugging the water's edge, until the larger town of Mannum, our overnight stay, which enjoys some of the best cruising waters on the entire Murray system explaining the many houseboat operations that are based in the town.
Day to Day (cont.) Mannum to Strathalbyn 117km Friday 17 Mar 2023 Day 21. We are getting near our destination and although we are now on a parallel with Adelaide, approximately 100km to the west, it still feels like we are much further away as we take the quiet back-roads south following the flow of the river through to Murray Bridge (deriving its name unsurprisingly from the road and railway crossings over the river), where we indeed cross the bridge over the Murray at Murray Bridge then head south cycling through the scattered dwellings of Jervois and Wellington - a long thin village of houses and a small town centre which sits along a considerable length of the riverfront. It's here that we say goodbye to the river as we know it - just a couple of kilometres downstream the river enters the huge Lake Alexandrina. We skirt across the top of the lake and head west to Strathalbyn, one of the prettiest towns in SA. Alongside its charm and village-like setting with a great location on the cusp of the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu regions, it has also become a thriving country town. Tonight you will be ready for a good night's sleep after the longest day on the tour, ready for tomorrow's ride to the Murray Mouth. Strathalbyn to Goolwa 79km Saturday 18 Mar 2023 Day 22. What an exciting day today! We are truly into the green rolling hills and pastures of the peninsula today after so many days being out where the river was the only water source. Here the rainfall and climate is much more conducive to growing crops and creating sustainable settlements. It's a beautiful ride down to Goolwa and as we pull in you will see that the Murray has exited the big lake and created its last snaking course into the sea - the end of the Murray River's long journey. We head out to Hindmarsh Island to view the point where the river finally meets the sea which is today a small gap between the sand hills, a direct result of the numerous locks and weirs which control the water flow along its length. In its heyday Goolwa was a thriving port which catered not only for riverboats but also for boats entering the river system from the ocean in the days when the mouth of the Murray was wide enough and deep enough to allow such passage. Seawater is now prevented from entering Lake Alexandrina, Lake Albert and the Murray River by a series of 5 barrages. Congratulations, you have ridden the length of the Murray River! But it's not over yet...we head back to Goolwa township for the night to prepare for one last leg into Adelaide tomorrow. Goolwa to Adelaide (Glenelg) 91km Sunday 19 Mar 2023 Day 23. Today our route takes us across the Fleurieu Peninsula which means a bit of climbing as you slowly make your way up to Mt Compass and the back of the famous Willunga Hill. This climb is an annual gut-buster at the Tour Down Under but luckily you’ll be heading downhill today on the route that the pro cyclists come up. From here you cruise through the McLaren Vale wine region, littered with vineyards and then head up the coast along the southern beaches of Adelaide, finally to our grand accommodation right on the beach in the water-front suburb of Glenelg. We celebrate our final night in style with a farewell dinner at the Stamford Grand Hotel - one of Adelaide’s premier resorts, just a short stroll to Jetty Road’s vibrant retail trading strip. Adelaide – End of Tour Monday 20 Mar 2023 Day 24. This morning after breakfast the tour officially disbands but we are holding rooms for another night if you want to have a sleep-in and hang around for one more day. It is a 10-minute drive to the airport and a 20-minute drive to the CBD. Mornings like these. Evenings like these. Views over the valley towards the Australian Alps Sunset on Lake Mulwala NSW & VIC
Frequently asked Questions Contact us at any time through our website ‘Contact Us’ page, phone or email. We love what we do and want to get you on the best bike ride for you. Speak to us about what’s on your mind and we’ll help you make your decision. Support bus availability Our support bus is there to support the tour and also pick up riders who need to jump in for any reason. The bus is also sometimes used for part-time riders who only ride certain sections of each day – these are often partners of someone else on the ride. This vehicle can be quite popular on some days – especially long days or days with big hills! There is no shame in riding in this bus so if you are considering a tour and are ‘in the ball-park’ in terms of your fitness and preparedness, but not 100% sure if you will be up to it on the toughest days, just go for it – our vehicle and staff will be there to help out. It’s better to give it a try than to miss out altogether. If you feel that you are extremely far off the fitness level required and cannot commit to enough training that will get you fit in time then you may be better off booking a later ride or a different type of tour – just give us a call or email to discuss. Bike type – which is best A comfortable road/racing bike or touring bike is best. Ask us for the ‘Training Tips’ document for this ride to get an idea of distances and speeds you need to train for. e-bikes We now have special Ebike carrying racks that can accommodate their unique size and weight, keeping your bike safe when we need to transport it. Our racks (and staff) can carry/lift bikes weighing up to a maximum 25kg (battery removed). The racks carry the bike in a vertical position with the front wheel nestled in a cradle, meaning that any front wheel/fork accessories such as pack racks, panniers or mudguards must be removed prior to coming on tour. Bike Hire Most customers bring their own bikes so we do not have a fleet of bikes for rent, however just let us know if you would like to hire a bike and we can help you arrange that through a 3rd party. Accommodation We always try to obtain great accommodation in the best location for you to rest your weary head (and legs) in each town whether it be a motel, hotel, B&B, resort, cabins or lodge. We aim for 4 star where possible but also take into account the welcoming cycle-friendly and group-friendly nature of accommodations. On occasion we travel through some very small towns where accommodation is extremely limited. If for whatever reason, such as limited options, a room is below normal standard, we strive to improve this with an extra good room the next night or nights following. Sharing rooms – how does it work On the online entry form you can nominate any travelling companions who you would like to share a room with and/or be accommodated close to so that couples or friends can be grouped together. This can be in a double bed or twin beds. If you are travelling alone like many of our riders, a Single Supplement price is available for those who would like their own room for the whole trip. If you wish to share a room as a solo traveller, you can put your name down on a Twin Share Request List and we will try to match you up. If you are a snorer or have other habits that may affect your fellow roommates, we ask that you book your own room at the Single Supplement price. Room types for solo travellers TWIN: If you are coming on your own and have booked in as twin share, this usually means that you will share a room with one other solo twin share cyclist or crew member, however in some cases we may have larger rooms (eg. two-bedroom apartment or a B&B/house with multiple bathrooms) where we may have 3 or more solo twin share travellers together. SINGLE: A Single Supplement booking usually means your own room with ensuite. On very rare occasions when we travel through small towns or we are limited in accommodation options for any reason single supplement bookers may share a larger unit/house/lodge with other solo travellers of the same gender. You will have your own room but not necessarily your own ensuite. Snorers can enjoy their own room If you are a chronic snorer or have other habits that may affect your fellow roommates, we ask you to book your own room (single supplement cost). This is not just a courtesy to your fellow travelling companions but will also give you the space & privacy you need to enjoy your sleep after a long day on the bike.
Frequently asked Questions Cont. Bike mechanical assistance provided A crew member with good bike mechanical knowledge will be part of our tour staff and will have a stand pump for different valves. There are very few specialist bike shops between Thredbo and Adelaide. We will carry basic common spares and, from a mechanical perspective, do what we can to assist. For this reason, we strongly advise riders to have a thorough bike service performed by a bike mechanic prior to the tour. Tell the mechanic where you are going and that any suspect or worn parts must be replaced pre-tour. If anything on the bike is exotic in nature (specific to your bike) and prone to unexpected damage, for example, derailleur hangar or spokes, then bring your own spares (you may even require specific tools – did you know that some spokes have their own proprietary spoke key?). These are small, light and easy to carry in luggage. For those riding expensive, ultra-lightweight road bikes, it is worth considering the suitability of this bike in the outback. They are light and fast but they are not always strong and robust – especially light weight wheels with low spoke counts. Consider purchasing cheaper, more robust wheels for the tour if necessary. In short, preparation and suitable equipment is of key importance. As a result, we do not usually encounter major mechanical problems. Our limited parts are available for replacement which will be charged at shop prices. Labour is free for the first fifteen minutes, there after costs may be incurred at the mechanic’s discretion. Carrying personal items on the bike We suggest you carry a spare tube, a full water bottle and your own personal goods such as phone, wallet and rain gear, on your bike with you. We transport your luggage, drawstring day bags, food & extra water. A more detailed list of things to bring and not bring is on our ‘Tour Preparation Guide’ which is sent out to you before the ride. Meals and food Check tour details for meal inclusions on your ride. Our emphasis is on fresh food and balanced diet with plenty of carbohydrates, proteins, fruit and vegies. We successfully cater to most dietary requirements, however, feel free to contact us with any questions. Most meals are included as part of our tours; however you may be required to purchase some meals. Non-riding partners and part-time cyclists We realise that often our riders want to spend their holidays with loved ones who may not be a keen cyclist - we are happy to accommodate non-riding partners and part-timers who only want to ride part of each day, or only certain days. The entry price will be the same for part-time riders and usually non-riders as well depending on their tour plan. Contact us for more information. Safe cycling There are different dangers in all types of cycling and locations. We have a great safety record and apologise in advance if our focus on safety gets annoying or boring, however our #1 aim is to get everyone home safe after a wonderful cycling experience. On our long-distance rides we are in constant communication with trucks via 2-way radio and display large yellow ‘Caution Cyclists’ signs as well as flashing safety lights on our vehicles. We have studied the route and point out potential and expected hazards at our briefings. We do as much as we can however cyclists have to play their part as well in having good bike lights, bright coloured jerseys, being aware of their surroundings (sometimes hazards are unexpected) and keeping well over to the side of the road where possible. We have trained First Aiders as crew, comprehensive First-Aid Kits, a list of hospitals in the areas that we travel through, as well as mobile phones and a satellite phone for emergency calls when we are out of cellular range. The safety efforts that we put in place is one of the reasons that make a ride like this possible for many cyclists who would not have the confidence to do it otherwise. Group discounts Bring your friends and save some money! Many of our tours have group discounts for 3 or more entrants. Check out the ‘pricing’ on each tour’s information PDF to see if group discounts apply to that tour. This generally excludes any optional extras such pre and post tour accommodation. Contact our office for more details and information. Speak to a past client We will be happy to give you the names and contact details for people who have participated in the ride or a similar ride to the one which you are considering. Where possible we will provide you with the details of someone within your city or state. Another good place to look is the ‘Testimonials’ page on our website alltrails.com.au.
Frequently asked Questions cont. Changing or cancelling a tour Should you wish to change your booking with AllTrails to a different tour, there will be a very reasonable service charge. We try to keep this figure as low as possible to allow flexibility where we can as we want to make sure that you get on the right tour for you. For cancellation and refund policies for your tour click the ‘T&Cs’ tab on the relevant tour page of our website. If you need to cancel your tour, a travel insurance policy will cover cancellation fees due to most unforeseen events. This is why we provide links to travel insurance options and highly recommend that you investigate and purchase travel insurance for all our rides (including Australian domestic tours) at the time of deposit and ensure that it includes coverage for cancellation fees if for some reason you are not able to travel. What sorts of people join our tours? People from all parts of Australia and some overseas guests. Ages generally range from 35 – 75 with most in their 50’s and 60’s. Adventurous cyclists usually about 40% women & 60% men with a mix of singles, friends and couples. Packing tips Keep it simple. Strong, medium sized bag/case with good handles weighing no more than 15kg. As everyone is living out of their luggage, please limit your outfits. Most people wear less than half of what they bring. If you bring a very heavy bag we may ask you to divide it into 2 lighter bags. For security, write your name clearly on all bags. We need to carry a lot of equipment for outback tours which limits our available luggage space, so we ask everyone to be mindful of this when packing. A more detailed packing tips list will be sent out in the ‘Tour Prep Guide’ after booking your place on the tour. Training for AllTrails tours You really need to be a reasonably keen cyclist – not necessarily fast, but consistent. Try to sit on an average speed of at least 20-25 km/hr on the flat and build your distance in training to 90+km for two days straight. This will usually put you in a good position to be ready for your tour. We have a training schedule specific to each ride which we send to you after you place your deposit, however we are more than happy to send this to you earlier when you are considering the tour – just ask us for a copy and we will get it out to you straight away. Why book with us? We only run 10-15 tours per year, always adding fresh destinations each year. This makes every tour as special to us as it is to you because we are not operating the same rides repeatedly week-in week-out - we are just as excited to be there as you. On most occasions the owner-operators of the business will be on tour with you and the reassurance that comes with that is one of many great reasons to have confidence in booking your cycling holiday with us. We are a proud Australian-owned company, with the privilege of taking cyclists to the small towns and communities all over the country, supporting regional economies and offering cyclists the opportunity to experience the hospitality of Australia outside the big cities. We have earned a top reputation in the cycle tour industry through hard work, dedication and genuine care for every person on every tour. Our longevity in the industry and large community of loyal AllTrails clients who keep coming back year after year are testament to the high standard of tours that we provide. We consider ourselves the best in the business and we always make sure that our tours represent a high-quality product at a fair price.
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