Cycling over the Great Dividing Range in Australia can be very challenging. The huge amount of vertical meters and remote wilderness can be a challenge even for a seasoned rider.
The route is a unique path “Over the Great Divid[ing Ranges]” that starts with 20km from Stratford (V-line accessible) to the base of the Great Dividing Range. The ride heads through the Briagolong State Forest and follows the Freestone creek for 20km before heading toward the Dargo highplains.
Depending what time you hit Dargo you can either stay in town or head out to one of the many free camp grounds (keeping in mind it’s about 45 mins cycle from the Dargo Hotel to the camp grounds). It’s worth having a bite at the Dargo Hotel if you have time.
The second day is when the serious ginding happens taking you close to the summit of Mt Hotham (1857m) making the climbing for the day 2350m. Luckily none of the climbs are insane gradients so if you keep spinning the legs you will make it. And at the top you have a long decent into Harrietville.
You can either stay in Harrietville or grab some supplies and head the 10km out of town to the free Smoko campsite.
Day 3 you have a comparatively relaxing Murray to Mountains Rail Trail that takes you all the way from Harrietville to Wangaratta. Technically the Rail Trail goes from Bright to Wangaratta but the regional Great Valley Trail network does a good job of connecting Harrietville and Bright. S
Maps and Navigation
The Komoot route is available for viewing or offline use download.
Detailed Information
Day 1
Day 2
Day 2 can start with an optional detour that is a bit more gravel (less main roads) but has a bit steeper gradient (see below). Even on a loaded touring bike it should be possible.
Day 3
Note that the last Vline train out of Wangaratta and back into Melbourne is around 6pm.
That Cycle Feeling 