If you enjoy cycling you are in for a real treat! Victoria’s High Country has some of the highest mountains in Australia, perfect for long climbs and speedy descents. THE REGION BOASTS some of the best scenery in Victoria and, most importantly, quiet roads without the traffic!
Whatever level of fitness you are at, there is sure to be a ride for you! Our Park has accommodation options to suit all cyclists, and offer safe and secure storage for your bikes during your stay with us. We are perfectly located, being central to the myriad of food and wine options and many other activities that are available.
Serious Road Cycling:
This region boasts some of Australia’s toughest road cycling climbs as well as the hugely popular ride to Mount Buffalo, just past our Park’s entrance. Cyclists have several mountain summits to aim for including Mt Buffalo, Falls Creek, Mount Hotham, and Dinner Plain. The popular departure points for these rides are Bright, Mount Beauty and Harrietville.
The Road Rides surrounding Porepunkah and Bright are:
Mount Buffalo - 84km
Grade: Advanced (Black)
A classic Bright ride. This ride has the most amazing views of all the surrounding mountains and is a challenge for even the fittest riders.
- Start at the roundabout in Bright and head along Gavan Street/Great Alpine Road towards Porepunkah.
- Go straight at the roundabout towards Mount Buffalo.
- Enjoy the views as you climb to the top!
Make sure you get your 7 Peaks Passport stamped at the cafe (or Ranger Station) before flying down and back into Bright for a well-deserved coffee.
Wandi and back - 14km
Grade: Easy (Green)
Starting in the centre of Bright, ride up to the roundabout at the corner of Ireland Street and Cobden Street – and turn left into Cobden Street.
- Follow it as it weaves then take the right fork into Coronation Avenue. Stay on Coronation Avenue as it veers left past the cemetery.
- Follow this south out of town and onto Morses Creek Road and head out to heritage listed Wandiligong.
- Ride on out to the end of the tar seal on Morses Creek Road, then turn around and ride back the way you came – through Wandiligong, and back into Bright.
Buckland Valley out and back - 38km
Grade: Intermediate (Blue)
This ride is suitable for beginners if you begin the ride at Porepunkah. It’s a spectacular ride through vineyards and apple orchards with the raw rock of Mount Buffalo as a backdrop.
- Head out of Bright on Gavan Street/Great Alpine Road towards Porepunkah.
- Turn left at the big roundabout and follow the Buckland Valley Road.
- Ride to the end of the tar seal, or turn back at Buckland Junction Bridge.
- Check out the magnificent views of Mount Buffalo before heading back into town for a feed!
Harrietville and back - 48km
Grade: Intermediate (Blue)
Highway riding up the Great Alpine Road and back. It’s a scenic ride uphill from Bright to Harrietville and a very pleasant descent back. Check out the spectacular views of Mt. Feathertop at the Germantown lookout just east of the Tawonga Gap turnoff. There are plenty of places for a meal, or maybe a coffee in Harrietville.
Bright to Falls Creek - 125km
Grade: Expert (Double Black)
Three tough climbs and over 125km of challenging riding make this one of the North East’s classic rides.
- Head east out of Bright (towards Harrietville) and turn left at the Tawonga Gap Road – and begin your climb.
- Take in the magnificent views of Mount Bogong from Tawonga Gap before riding down and into Mount Beauty.
- Ride on up to Falls Creek and get your 7 Peaks Passport stamped at the Visitor Centre before heading back toward Bright via the Tawonga Gap again!
With 2,700 metres of climbing, this ride is not one for the faint hearted.
Alpine Classic - 210km
Grade: Expert (Double Black)
The Alpine Classic has the four ascents of Tawonga Gap, Falls Creek, Tawonga Gap again and Mount Buffalo. The route commences in Bright and travels through Germantown, Tawonga, Mount Beauty, and Falls Creek, before returning to Bright along the same route. The route then continues to Porepunkah and onto Mount Buffalo – and once again returns to Bright. They say it’s the mother of all rides. The ride difficulty is not just due to the degree of climbing, but also because of the variations in the Alpine Climate.
For the casual cyclists
Take the friends or family along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. The trail consists of short rides {from Porepunkah to Bright}, long rides or the entire 132 kilometres. Along the way the scenery is packed with plenty of cafes, wineries, and breweries, as well as local shops and markets. The Rail Trail has many sections of flat easy riding, so it suits all fitness levels.
Things to do after your ride in and around Porepunkah
-Quench your thirst at many of the drinking holes and cafes along the rail trail. See our food and wine options page on our website.
-Taste some of the local wines and produce at the beautiful Ringer Reef and Feathertop Wineries close by.
-Throw a line in and have a fish in the Ovens River in our park.
-Enjoy a bush walk in the many trails and tracks surrounding our Park.
-Play Golf at the Bright Golf Course, just 3 kms from us.
For Cycling clubs and groups please ask us about our budget to deluxe accommodation specials, including breakfast, and local produce Hampers. Here at Porepunkah Bridge we have secure bike storage available, as well as a drying room to dry your gear for those wet and rainy days.
Please let us know your requirements when booking, and we will try our best to help!
A few reasons why you should stay at Porepunkah Bridge on your next trip:
-Secure bike storage
-River View Premium Cabin options-perfect for couples!
-Self contained accommodation available
-Access to dry room
-Fishing in the beautiful Ovens River that runs through our Park.
-BBQ facilities and Camp Kitchen
-Breakfast and Customised Hampers to make your stay extra special. Available on request.
-Close to the Rail Trail, Golf Course, Wineries, Cafes, Walking Trails and much more!
To Reserve Your Date Please Call from 8am -8pm
