High Country Life

Discover the High Country on two wheels on a safe and scenic shared trail, taking you past picturesque towns and villages that provide delicious cuisine as well as cozy accommodations options.

This stretch of the Great Valley Trail and Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is designed for family fun on its smooth bitumen sealed trail surface.

Getting There

The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail attracts cyclists from near and far who wish to experience North East Victoria’s picturesque towns and landscapes on bicycle. Now with the addition of 16km Great Valley Trail extension from Bright to Harrietville, riders can now tour right up to the base of Australian Alps with access to High Country trail at Porepunkah for even further travels.

The path passes gently through Ovens Valley with just a few short climbs, passing fringe houses of Bright and pine forests of Mount Buffalo as you ascend toward Porepunkah, offering panoramic mountain views with easy access to historic gold mining villages of Freeburgh and Wandiligong.

From here, the trail will travel through natural bush and alongside Ovens River. Along this stretch are numerous fishing spots including Mountain Fresh Trout and Salmon Farm and Smoko Streamside Reserve; alternatively if you’re up for some action and adventure check out Mystic Mountain Bike Park where kids and adults alike can hone their off-road skills on green and blue trails!

Once the trail reaches Harrietville, you’ll discover an array of cafes and restaurants serving food and beverages alongside the Ovens River as well as quality accommodation options to rest your weary legs.

Bright to Harrietville section of Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is ideal for children and families, offering a range of cycling activities. More advanced riders can explore an outstanding road cycling network, while the Great Alpine Trail provides access up Mt Hotham. Just remember to respect local wildlife by keeping an eye out for snakes. Additionally, carrying spare tubes, water and first aid kits should always be carried when cycling in any outdoor location. Listings with orange bike logos indicate Ride High Country Preferred businesses offering bike pumps, secure parking space or knowledgeable staff armed with maps, information or tips; so make sure you support these community members who share your love of cycling!

The Start

The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is a beloved cycling route that draws riders from near and far, drawn in by its promise of crisp alpine air, stunning scenery, and iconic tourist towns. Cycling this bike path is an excellent way to discover High Country charms; stopping over in different towns along its path offers visitors the chance to sample local wine and produce while learning more about Gold Rush history.

Bright is the epicenter of any High Country holiday, offering a range of accommodation and dining options. Additionally, Bright serves as the starting point for the Mount Hotham 7 Peaks ride, an annual cycling pilgrimage that tests riders to tackle one of Australia’s toughest road climbs.

Bright town centre marks the starting point of this trail, which heads north alongside the Great Alpine Road through pine forests and Ovens Valley. Although initially flat, over time you’ll notice it gradually climb more steeply as it follows along its original alignment as an abandoned railway line.

Though the track’s elevation increases gradually, its entire route is paved and offers an easy ride with minimal or no traffic along its trail. It makes an ideal leisurely day out whether you are an avid cyclist or looking for a challenging challenge!

Once the incline eases, the trail continues along Ovens River through natural bushland on either side, offering plenty of picnicking spots and playgrounds – not forgetting historic sites such as Bright Museum’s old railway station building! This section is especially beloved among picnickers.

Once at Freeburgh, the trail begins its ascent at a gradual, continuous grade until arriving at Everton Upper – once known as a junction where passengers could continue north to Beechworth or south-east towards Myrtleford or west towards Wangaratta.

A new bike trail opened between Freeburgh and Bright, known as the Great Valley Trail, in 2021, adding another 27km of family-friendly cycling paved lanes along Ovens River valley through forest, farmland and pastureland with spectacular views of Mt Buffalo looming large overhead as you ride.

The Middle

Beechworth to Bright or even just for a quick spin? The Great Valley Trail provides an easy ride through stunning mountain scenery. Family friendly shared paths throughout North East Victoria make up a network of over 150km of safe and scenic bike paths to ride along, providing ample scenic bike path options.

Starting at Jones Reserve riverside park, the trail gradually rises at an easy and consistent grade, following Ovens Valley along Morse’s Creek to Porepunkah – an attractive town known for summer holidays and hosting some of Australia’s toughest road climbs like Hotham, Falls Creek Dinner Plain Mount Buffalo Peak Rides – some of Australia’s toughest road climbing challenges!

The trail winds its way through eucalypt forest and farmland, passing a number of heritage-listed buildings along the way. Germantown Bridge Park provides a welcome break, featuring barbeque facilities, toilets and playground equipment – before proceeding towards Myrtleford with stunning mountain vistas overhead.

Myrtleford offers plenty of restaurants and cafes where cyclists can leave their bikes while exploring its heritage walking trails, and exploring Myrtleford overnight before continuing your ride to Bright on day two – perfect if traveling with young children or taking it slow.

As you ride out of Myrtleford on the Great Valley Trail, keep an eye out for signs to a newly opened section: 16km of family friendly shared trail connecting Myrtleford to Bright and extending Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. This new section of trail promises to become increasingly popular among visitors to Myrtleford – making for an enjoyable bike tour experience in this picturesque High Country region!

The Great Valley Trail leads you all the way from Melbourne to Bright, with accommodation options dotting its mountainous landscapes. As you travel along this scenic alpine journey, you’ll experience stunning alpine scenes that you can smell from miles away as you pass through town.

The End

Like many Victorian cycling routes, this one poses quite the challenge for its rider. Climbs may be long and steep, but their rewards are great: in autumn the landscape gleams golden-yellow, claret red and vermilion hues; you’ll look down into a valley that features lush forests and rolling farmland from your bike saddle!

The route passes by villages that boast a rich heritage in mining and farming, once home to Bright and Mount Hotham ski resorts in their former days. Today, however, they provide accommodation options as well as attractions, walks, rides, activities and foodie highlights that you won’t find elsewhere.

Once leaving Bright, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail leads you along its scenic route towards Wandiligong and Eurobin with their charming railway station and replica train, before moving onward to Porepunkah – an idyllic area encased by Mt Buffalo, Mt Feathertop and Dinner Plain mountains peaks.

This cycling route offers stunning scenery alongside the Ovens River. Ride along its bitumen sealed trail for scenic views along this scenic ride!

A new section of the trail has recently opened, connecting Bright to Harrietville by bike. Myrtleford offers comfortable overnight stays as well as cafes and produce stores to make this adventure worthwhile!

If you’re seeking a longer trip, consider adding Milawa, in King Valley. Milawa provides extra nights and cycling opportunities while being an excellent spot for lunch stops thanks to its restaurants, cafes, and wineries.