Grade: S-X to L-XX depending on tour
selected.
Distance: 40 to 120 kilometres, depending on tour selected.
Road Conditions: Most wineries are located on or close to the Barton Highway - a
busy main road without good shoulders.
Maps: Natmap 1: 100 000 Topographic Map of the Australian Capital Territory; Canberra 8727. For routes within the ACT see the Canberra Cycleways Map.
Description: The Canberra district is cool and compares with that of the famous European wine region of Bordeaux in France. The region's vineyards are planted on the hills around the ACT at altitudes from 500m to 900m above sea level, providing unique micro-climates and individualistic wines.
The region boasted a thriving wine industry 100 years ago, which disappeared at the turn of the century. In the early 1970's winegrowing was re-established and now there are already over 60 hectares of vines and 13 wineries. Others plan to open in the near future.
The district is producing flavoursome clean acid whites, full flavoured reds and limited quantities of port, sherry, muscat and mead. The wineries are small, friendly, individual enterprises which welcome visitors to taste, discuss and buy the wines from the winemaker at the cellar door.
There are at least thirteen wineries in the Canberra District - some details can be found on the wineries web pages and at the ACT Tourism web site. All can be reached from Canberra as part of a day ride. A couple of rides to wineries in the Bungendore and Murrumbateman areas, and in the Queanbeyan area are described below.
Grade: L-XX
Distance: 100 km one way
Road Conditions: Sealed country roads, Mostly with light traffic. Some steep hills
Route: A ride from Bungendore, up onto the Lake George Range, along Macks Reef Road and Sutton Road to Gundaroo and Murrumbateman.
Maps: Natmap 1: 100 000 Topographic Map of the Australian Capital Territory; Canberra 8727.
Starting Point:Bungendore Village
Description:
Take the Gundaroo Road out of Bungendore heading west and after negotiating the steep climb of Smiths Gap up onto the Lake George Range, turn left into the Lark Hill Winery, one of the highest vineyards and wineries in Australia. After sampling the wares continue west down Gundaroo Rd, turning left into Macks Reef Rd until you reach the Federal Highway, again turning left. After a kilometre take the exit ramp to Sutton, which is a lovely quiet place for lunch. Continue on to Gundaroo and follow the Yass River to Helms Winery, just out of Murrumbateman.
You can stay overnight at Murrumbateman, using either the Hotel/Motel for luxury or the Showground for camping.
Next day, visit the many local wineries in the Murrumbateman area and arrange to be picked up after the day’s wine tastings.
Grade: L-XX
Distance: 100 km return
Road Conditions: Sealed country roads, Mostly with light traffic. Some steep hills.
Route: A ride from Queanbeyan, south along the Cooma Road to Burra Creek and return.
Maps: Natmap 1: 100 000 Topographic Map of the Australian Capital Territory; Canberra 8727; Michelago 8726. For routes within the ACT see the Canberra Cycleways Map.
Starting Point:Queanbeyan Post Office. Add 20km each way if riding from central Canberra. A bicycle path runs from Lake Burley Griffin to Queanbeyan via Canberra Avenue.
Description:
Starting from the Post Office head south towards Burra on the Cooma Road through pleasantly undulating farming country until you reach the left turn-off to Burra. This road is quiet and follows the creek for some way, climbing gradually until you reach the crest when you can see down the Burra valley. A long slightly downhill run takes you to the small community of Burra where there is a store for lunch supplies.
Staying on this road continue down the valley until you come to the right turn to Williamsdale at the Burra Creek crossing when you will experience some corrugated dirt road, After a few kilometres Badgery Rd is on your left. This takes you to Simons Wines which is a further five kilometres. The attractive vineyards ,and winery are sheltered from the westerly winds.
Returning through Burra and back along the Cooma Road, the next winery on the itinerary is Madews, located in its fine vineyards, which you will find near the Queanbeyan Racecourse on the western side of the town in Furlong Road. It is well signposted and is well worth a visit.