Cycling adventure – Murray to Mountains Rail Trail
Fran and Justin Freeman
We have had this ride on our list for awhile now and it delivered everything we had hoped for: a perfect mix of cycling, history, food, wine, and the kind of experience that only comes from sharing a journey on two wheels. Beginning in Wangaratta, we eased into the trip with a boutique beer and dinner, carbing up for the days ahead!
We set off on our e-bikes towards Beechworth after a great coffee and hit the gradual climb through farmland and bushland which was punctuated by bird calls, plenty of cows and sheep and the occasional swooping magpie. As the gradient rose, so did our excitement: arriving in Beechworth felt like pedalling into a living time capsule. Its gold-rush streets, historic buildings, and thriving food culture made the town a highlight. We rewarded ourselves with burgers and locally brewed beer at Bridge Road Brewers, and felt quite proud of ourselves for getting there!
The following day took us on a side trip to Yackandandah. Heavy rain rolled in, and for a moment we wondered if the weather might dampen our spirits. Instead, it became a defining memory of the trip. There was something joyful about riding through sheets of rain, the road slick and the air fresh with the scent of eucalyptus. Rather than slowing us down, the weather brought laughter, splashes, and a sense of freedom. By the time we reached Yackandandah, dripping wet but grinning, we were greeted by steaming coffee and warm pies at The Gum Tree café. The return ride uphill to Beechworth was a test of stamina, and the rain got heavier the closer we got to town but the hot shower afterwards made it all worthwhile.
From Beechworth, the ride back to Wangaratta was a joy. The downhill run was speedy and great fun. The rolling green hills turned back into rich farmland. We collected our car and hit the road towards Bright which is a cycling paradise, with tree-lined streets, the sparkling Ovens River, and mountains framing the view. Bright has trendy eateries and great shops, so we were glad to have the car for this leg of the trip so the purchases didn’t weigh us down!
A quick side ride out to Harrietville the next day was just delightful. The trail winds around the base of the mountain along the river and it is well shaded. A delicious pub meal fuelled us up for the speedy downhill run back to Bright. From there, we drove back up the highway to Rutherglen where we joined a lot of other riders who were out to enjoy the many trails around the town. It is very flat around Rutherglen, so an easy trip to do in about an hour – not counting all the stops at the wineries!
Looking back, what made the journey unforgettable wasn’t just the trail itself—though the landscapes, wildlife, and history were captivating—but the way it all came together: the challenge of the climbs, the exhilaration of the descents, the laughter in the rain, and the simple joy of good food, wine, and beer shared in great company. The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail was more than a cycling trip; it was a celebration of nature, community, and the pleasure of slowing down to savour it all.
