Ballarat-Maryborough Heritage Cycle Trail
Immerse yourself in the heritage and beauty of Victoria's central goldfields. Cutting through the heart of historic gold mining country, this iconic ride connects picturesque townships, quiet forests and gentle undulating pastoral land. There are sweeping views across to extinct volcanos and sections traverse historic tracks cut for the Cobb & Co coaches over 150 years ago.
The 91 km, 4 day tour offers a mix of forest and farming tracks with each day ending at a charming historic township.
DAY 1
Maryborough - Talbot
TIME: Day ride - plan about 2-3 hours.
DISTANCE: 18 kms
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TERRAIN: Terrain varies from easy to moderate
Day 1 begins in Box-ironbark country. Bird watchers rejoice, for when these trees bloom in spring, parrots and honeyeaters descend in droves. As you break out to open grazing land look for an old bluestone ford scarred with deep ruts from the passing of countless wagon wheels - perhaps even from the Cobb &Co.
DAY 2
Talbot - Clunes
TIME: Day ride - plan about 2-3 hours.
DISTANCE: 25 kms
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TERRAIN: Terrain varies from easy to moderate
Day 2 starts along dirt tracks through scrubby bushland, darting the occasional wallaby, before bursting into a wide-open landscape offering spectacular views to Mt Beckworth. Aged eucalypts line the quiet lanes before the day finishes in the old gold glory of Chines.
DAY 3
Clunes - Creswick
TIME: Day ride plan about 2-3 hours.
DISTANCE: 24kms
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TERRAIN: Terrain varies from easy to moderate
Day 3 is filled with reminders of the past. Historical pastoral holdings, grand homesteads and vineyards line the quiet lanes as you meander the undulating terrain. The day ends in a rush of adrenaline as you descend into the heritage forestry town of Creswick.
DAY 4
Creswick - Ballarat
TIME: Day ride plan about 3-4 hours.
DISTANCE: 24kms
DIFFICULTY: Moderate/difficult
TERRAIN: Varies from easy to steep in places
Your last day is among eucalypts until you hit the outskirts of Ballarat. The ride dips and climbs as it weaves through forest lanes, made seasonally colourful by wildflowers. Finally you follow the Yarrowee River trail all the way to town where a well-deserved rest awaits you.
Suitability
The cycle tour is suitable for active families, pleasure seekers and mountain adventure cyclists. It is not suitable for sprint cyclists. The terrain varies each day, but is generally suitable for town cycles to mountain bikes.
Getting There
Train
Take advantage of V/Line train services between Melbourne, Ballarat, Creswick, Clunes, Talbot and Maryborough. Bicycles can be carried for free on V/Line trains (if space permits). Bikes are not permitted on timetabled V/Line coach services with the exception of folding bikes.
Car
From Melbourne to Ballarat: 1.5 - 2 hours via the Western Freeway.
From Melbourne to Maryborough:
2 - 2.5 hours via Castlemaine or Ballarat.
Parking
Cars can be left at railway stations at your own discretion. Please obey parking restrictions should they apply.
Be Prepared
Towns only occur at the beginning and end of each day. So be prepared to carry all your needs: water, food, repair kit and first aid.
Pack the right clothing and equipment for the season and expect the unexpected in weather. Take a map and compass and - importantly - know how to use them. A mobile phone is useful near the towns. If you find yourself in trouble without mobile connection, either wait for a passing vehicle or walk to a more populated road.
Location
Station Street, Maryborough 3465 Map
Web Links
→ Ballarat-Maryborough Heritage Trail Brochure (PDF)
