RAIL TRAIL & BIKE PATHS

A RIDE ON THE MURRAY TO MOUNTAINS

You’re a convert. E-bikes are fun after all; you put a teeny bit of oomph into the pedal and the bike gently kicks off like a trusty old horse. The staff at the bike hire place in Bright had run through how they work and after exactly three pedals, you wondered what you had been so worried about – this is fun.

You’ve got your copy of the Bright & Surrounds Cycle Guide and, having already ridden the Bright to Wandi Shared Path, decide to ride to Porepunkah on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, and maybe even the Great Valley Trail if you’re feeling up to it.

“I can’t believe there’s over 150km of connecting bike path out here,” you shout over your shoulder to the others who are laughing along behind you.

“Did you hear the guy in the store say you can ride all the way from Harrietville to Wangaratta on this path, or even up to Beechworth and Yackandandah? And there are wineries along the way!”

“Unbelievable. This has to be the best place to ride a bike in the whole country!”

You pass the Bright Museum at the Old Railway Station and head up an avenue of trees adorned with candle-like purple flowers. You jump off briefly to cross the Great Alpine Road (one of the few road crossings along the trail) and then cruise down the back way past the golf course and over a long bridge high above the Ovens River, where stopping to stare at the running water is mandatory. A group of kayakers float by underneath you.

You’re in Porepunkah before you know it, and oh, how convenient, there’s the Rail Trail Cafe. You’re feeling very ‘cyclist’ as your group sits in the cafe garden sipping your Cappuccinos and Lattes.

"I wonder if that was a kayaking tour we saw before," you say to the others. "That would be a cool thing to do."

A local at the next table overhears you and confirms that kayaking tours run on the river. You get to chatting. His name is Pete.

“You can also go paddle boarding or canoeing on the lakes,” he says. "Or the same tour guides will take you rock climbing, abseiling and caving."

You chat for a while about things to do in Bright and soon you realise the day is escaping and you won’t have time to keep riding toward Myrtleford.

“Ahhh, that’s a shame,” says Pete. “A bunch of us are heading up to a great Italian woodfired pizza place in Myrtleford tonight. You’re all welcome to join us – the more the merrier.”

That has set your mouth watering. Should you kick-on with the locals? Or should you head home to prepare for a kayaking adventure on the Ovens River?

Decisions, decisions. What will you choose?

Choose your next adventure, or scroll down for more bike paths

RAIL TRAIL & BIKE PATH RIDES

Murray to Mountains Rail Trail

Murray to Mountains Rail Trail

The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is the perfect way to discover the diverse and ever-changing landscape of North East Victoria – from natural bushland to verdant farmland, delightfully unexpected hidden valleys and some of Australia’s most spectacular mountain ranges. Along the ride (no matter which leg you choose) you’ll savour some of Australia’s finest…

Alpine Shire Council

Bright to Harrietville – Great Valley Trail

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Mosaic Trail

Bright to Wandiligong 5.5km

Bright to Wandiligong 5.5km

Take a gentle trundle to the heritage village of Wandiligong on this family-friendly addition to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. This easy 11 kilometre return ride follows Morse’s Creek alongside farmland and over bridges. Watch paragliders float to the ground as you pass the landing paddock. Finish at Wandi Pub for a hearty lunch…

Bright to Porepunkah 6km

Bright to Porepunkah 6km

Jump on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail from Bright to Porepunkah to soak in views of Mount Buffalo. Only six kilometres, this leg of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is very child friendly with cafes and playgrounds along the way. Riding over the bridge across the Ovens River is an unexpected highlight. Make…

Myrtleford to Porepunkah 24km

Myrtleford to Porepunkah 24km

This gobsmackingly beautiful leg of the Rail Trail meanders alongside the Ovens River past vineyards, hops producers, orchards and groves. Hop from cellar door to farm gate to providore, before reaching your destination in Porepunkah where you can rest and relax by the Ovens River. If you’re up for an extra 6 kilometres (what’s another…

RAIL TRAIL ETIQUETTE

The Rail Trails and shared paths in the Ovens and Kiewa Valleys are popular trails used by both walkers and cyclists, and sometimes horses. To ensure your enjoyment, and the enjoyment of others, please share the trail and be courteous to other users, respect the natural environment and be considerate of residents that live nearby. Thank you and enjoy!

SHARE THE PATH

  • Keep left and do not obstruct the trail for those who may like to overtake you
  • Move off the trail when you stop to let others pass
  • Cyclists, when overtaking, alert others of your presence by calling out "passing on your right" or ringing your bell
  • Cyclists, reduce speed when overtaking
  • Always slow down and keep a safe distance if approaching horses

DOGS

  • Dogs are permitted on the rail trails and shared paths
  • Please keep your dog on a leash and under control while using the trail
  • Carry dog poo bags and clean up after your dog. Never leave a dog poo bag on the ground or tied to a tree – take it with you and dispose of it in a bin. We recommend the use of environmentally friendly plastic-free compostable bags.
Ride the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail through Bright, Victoria

LEAVE NO TRACE

  • Never litter. If a bin is not nearby, it is important that you take your rubbish with you. Our region is home to a number of endangered species, such as platypus, for which litter can cause death, injury or serious illness.
  • Keep to the track while walking or cycling to avoid cutting new paths alongside the trail
  • Do not remove or damage native plants
  • Do not feed or interfere with wildlife
  • Never light a fire on a Total Fire Ban day

SAFETY

  • Cyclists must wear a helmet while riding.
  • Always stop at road crossings and give way to vehicle traffic.
  • Young or inexperienced cyclists should dismount when crossing a road.
  • Carry drinking water and snacks.
  • Cyclists, carry repair and first aid kits.
  • Observe signage and regulations.
  • In an emergency, look for your nearest Emergency Marker to help emergency services find you. Emergency Markers are located every 1km along the Rail Trail.

CYCLING SERVICES

Cyclepath Bright

Cyclepath Bright

Cyclepath Bright is conveniently situated in the heart of Bright, Victoria. With ample parking and easy access to all the cycling trails, Cyclepath have all the solutions for your next cycling adventure. With the largest range of rental bikes in Bright, Cyclepath caters to all fitness levels and riding styles. If you are looking for…

Bright Electric Bikes

Bright Electric Bikes

Bright Electric Bikes – hire, sales and tours. Cycle the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail in comfort and style on an electric bike. Bright Electric Bikes’ state of the art European designed and made electric bikes make cycling a dream. Best of all, they are road legal and no licence is required. With their large…

Bright MTB - Mountain Bike Guiding and Instructing

Bright MTB – Mountain Bike Guiding and Instructing

The team at Bright MTB loves riding mountain bikes in Bright. Not only do they love riding, they love sharing their local knowledge of the Bright mountain bike trails. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced rider, Bright MTB can help orientate and guide you through the Mystic Mountain Bike Park, to point you…

Bright, Pedals & Pilates

Pedals, Pilates & Lattes with Leader Reef

Myrtleford Cycle Centre

Myrtleford Cycle Centre

Located on the marvellous Murray to Mountains Rail Trail in North East Victoria, Myrtleford Cycle Centre is a family-owned and operated, full-service bicycle shop. Stop by for professional repairs, parts and accessories, hire bikes, cycle tours and more. The hire bike fleet comprises a large selection of comfortable regular pedal or electric bikes, perfect for…

OTHER EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE

produce myrtleford autumn 4_3

MARKETS

FRESH PRODUCE & ARTISAN WARES

From farmers markets to flea markets, here's when and were you'll find them.

CELLAR DOORS

AWARD-WINNING WINES

Crisp cool nights and warm summer days make the Alpine Valley one of the country's most delightful boutique wine regions.

Gapsted Winery near Myrtleford