GREAT GRAVEL
Exploring our backroads by bike has never been more popular. The absence of traffic, the birdsong, the smell of eucalypts tickling the air, all of it alluring road cyclists to swap out their slicks for a bit of tread.
Don’t get us wrong—road cycling remains enormously popular. We’re still Australia’s best climb-training destination (with the best views). Our road cycling events, like the Tour of Bright, continue to grow, with last year’s Criterium set to open the Tour again this year. And a Fondo has been added to this year’s calendar for road cyclists that want to take part but aren’t quite up to the elite standard the Tour attracts.
But the tranquillity of riding gravel is understandably appealing. If you’ve never tried cycling our vast network of dirt roads, here are four epic routes you will absolutely love. A word of warning, however. These. Are. Challenging—especially if you haven’t been getting the KMs in lately. So if you’re new to gravel, or just looking for a taster, we suggest starting with the lovely 17km Myrtleford Hinterland Loop, 24km Myrtleford-Gapsted Loop, or 27km Brabralung Trail between Dinner Plain and Hotham (pictured above) before setting out on one of these beautiful beasts.
MOUNT POREPUNKAH LOOP
Distance: 42km
Elevation Gain: 1,016m
Nothing beats a mountain ascent, or a route that starts at a café and ends at a pub for that matter! The climb kicks in immediately as you hit the gravel north out of Bright, pedalling between the pines to one side and natural bush on the other, then through an idyllic little pocket of farmland you’ll feel is in the middle of nowhere, then up, up and up. It’s a steady climb, with a few steep but manageable pinches, that tops out with spectacular 360-degree views of the Australian Alps. The descent is divine. It’s fast, so watch your cornering. Then it’s out onto the Rail Trail to return to Bright via Porepunkah. A little tip: you can shave 4km of town-riding off by starting and ending at Porepunkah Riverside Park instead of the Mystic MTB Park trail head as the route map suggests. Porepunkah has two cafés and a pub for pre and post refreshments.
BRIGHT TO MOUNT BEAUTY
Distance: 37km (74km return)
Elevation Gain: 788m
This ride has a good assortment of fun. A bit of hidden farmland, a creek crossing, an ascent through the State Forest along a historic cattle-driving route, views of Mount Bogong at the top of Dungeys Track, and a whirlwind descent into Mount Beauty. Stop in at a café or pub to refresh on the other side. Once there, your options are to ride back the same way (74km return with 1,576m elevation), stay the night and ride back the following day, ride back via the 30km sealed Tawonga Gap Road, or arrange a transfer with a company like Mount Beauty Transfers. Route tip: You can shave off 6km of bike path riding (12km return) by starting at the small car park on the east side of Germantown Bridge on the corner of Tawonga Gap Road and Back Harrietville Road. Please note: there is no water or toilet facility at that location.
MOUNT BEAUTY TO MITTA MITTA
Distance: 50km one-way (100km return)
Elevation Gain: 1,108m (2,216 return)
The ride along Trappers Gap between Mount Beauty and Mitta Mitta has taken on iconic status. It’s a beautiful yet challenging ride that climbs the remote range that separates the Kiewa and Mitta Valleys. From up there, you can see all the way to Mount Kosciuszko. The ride ends at the Mitta Pub, which is the perfect place to refresh. Your options then are to return the same way (100km return, 2,216m elevation), stay the night in Mitta Mitta and ride back the next day, or arrange a transfer. For the shave-off (you knew that was coming) you can cut out 12km of sealed road (24km return) by parking at the Mountain Creek Campground on Mountain Creek Road. The campground has a pit toilet. There is no potable water.
THE IMPORTANT BIT
Before heading out on any of the above rides, it’s important you understand what you’re getting yourself into. Plan properly and you’ll have the time of your life. Skip the planning, and you may end up in a life-threatening situation. Our gravel roads are remote, generally have no mobile phone reception, and medical services are sparse in the bush. The weather changes rapidly, snow may fall at high elevations and hypothermia and exposure are real risks. It is imperative that you:
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back, and preferably, don’t ride alone.
- Check the weather forecast and the VIC Emergency App for bushfires or floods.
- Carry a paper topographical map or have a means of charging a GPS device.
- With no phone reception, an emergency beacon or GPS with messaging features is recommended.
- Be self-sufficient. Carry plenty of food and water, spare tubes, a multi-tool, a medical kit, and always pack warm clothing.
- And lastly, but importantly, ride to your ability. You must have fitness and endurance to tackle these rides.
Do all that, and we know you’ll be back for more.
(September 2026)
