King Valley & Surrounds Gravel Road Rides
The King Valley is a gravel riding dream, filled with roads and tracks that are begging to be explored. Vineyards and farmland give way to beautiful tree lined roads and gentle (and some not-so-gentle) climbs through forests and over mountains.
The eight routes in this guide have been developed to include all levels of gravel cycling, from shorter, flatter routes to truly challenging long hauls with epic climbs and descents.
The trailhead towns of Moyhu and Whitfield provide a great base for a quick visit to the King Valley or for a longer stay. With an abundance of wine, food and accommodation options available, the King Valley is the perfect location for the gravel cycling enthusiast. Enjoy the ride!
Ride Moyhu
Moyhu is the gateway to the King Valley, where farmland gives way to rolling hills and tree lined roads. Grab a pre-ride coffee at the cafe, stock up on supplies at the General Store and enjoy a post ride drink at the pub. The trailhead is located in Lions Park, with the routes all crossing the King River before leading out further into the valley.
Map of rides in the Moyhu area:
STRADA ALBERATA ("Many Trees")
Rating: Medium
Distance: 43km
Elevation Gain: +389m
Start/Finish: Moyhu
A mixed surface ride, around 60% gravel and 40% sealed backroads, Strada Alberata is named after the native trees and shrubs that line most of the route.
The gravel section on Edi-Meadow Creek Road is a winner, and the little-used native forest section on Pettifers Lane will have you seeking more. You'll love the fast ride back to the Moyhu trailhead on Moyhu-Meadow Creek Road.
Places of interest on this ride:
1 Soak up the beauty of the King River, crossing twice along this route.
2 Test your legs on some challenging climbs through beautiful native forest at Pettifers Lane.
3 Be rewarded for your efforts on the descent back to Moyhu.
GPS Map of Route
PERCORSO DI CRUFFIN ("The Cruffin Run")
Rating: Medium
Distance: 56km
Elevation Gain: +212m
Start/Finish: Moyhu
Percorso di Cruffin is Italian for 'Road to Cruffins'... Delicious muffin shaped croissants filled with cream, jam, nutella or lemon curd. Treat yourself at The Milawa Kitchen next to Milawa Cheese Co. at the halfway point.
Cycle the flatter, northern end of the King Valley taking you into the Milawa Gourmet Region via farm lanes and backroads.
Places of interest on this ride:
1 Drop by renowned Brown Brothers Winery in Milawa.
2 Indulge your taste buds with a Cruffin and other delights at the Milawa Kitchen and Milawa Cheese Co.
3 Take a small detour to John Gehrig Wines Cellar Door near Oxley.
GPS Map of Route
L'ANELLO ("The Loop")
Rating: Long
Distance: 60km
Elevation Gain: +647m
Start/Finish: Moyhu/Whitfield
The 'City Circle' loop of King Valley Gravel cycling. You can start in Whitfield or ride in reverse from Moyhu for some variation.
Featuring challenging gravel climbs and a number of gourmet food and drink options, this mixed surface loop links together many of the other King Valley Gravel routes. This is a great ride to find your bearings in the area before tackling other rides.
Places of interest on this ride"
1 Sample award-winning Prosecco at Dal Zotto Winery near Whitfield.
2 Try a tasting paddle at King River Brewing microbrewery and taproom.
3 Keep your eyes peeled for roadside stalls near Myrrhee Village.
GPS Map of Route
PISTA DELLA CAPRA ("The Goat Track")
Rating: Medium
Distance: 33km
Elevation Gain: +437m
Start/Finish: Moyhu
Start with some excellent gravel riding through native woodland along Edi-Meadow Creek Road before crossing the King River. Follow the signs through Edi Cutting before turning towards the Moyhu Timber Reserve and the start of the 'capra pista' or 'goat track'. Loose when dry and slippery when wet - take care. The final descent back into Moyhu is a cruise on a well-made road.
Places of interest on this ride:
1 Fuel up with a woodfired pizza at King Valley Estate Winery in Edi.
2 Challenge yourself with a tough 4km climb on the tucked-away 'goat track' at Moyhu Timber Reserve.
3 Enjoy well-earned refreshments at the Moyhu Pub at the end of your ride.
GPS Map of Route
Ride Whitfield
Whitfield is the centre of the King Valley Wine Region and a beautiful place to stop and explore. Food, wine and beer are all readily available as well as a selection of accommodation and excellent camping spots. The Whitfield trailhead is located in the centre of everything at the Whitfield Railway Station Reserve.
Map of rides in the Whitfield area:
PIZZA E VINO ("Wine and Pizza")
Rating: Short
Distance: 20km
Elevation Gain: +85m
Start/Finish: Whitfield
Ride by five beautiful vineyard cellar doors, cross the King River twice, and take in acres of spectacular vines. This is the ride for those new to gravel cycling or keen to discover the best of the King Valley Wine Region by bike.
This short and mostly flat mixed surface route offers the wine-loving cyclist a wonderful experience at the southern end of the King Valley.
Places of interest on this ride:
1 Take your pick of cellar doors. Pass by all of Pizzini, Dal Zotto, Chrismont, Politini Wines and Darling Estate Wines on this route.
2 The Oven at Cheshunt provides ethically and sustainably produced breads, pasties and pies to fuel you on your ride.
GPS Map of Route
DUE COLLINE ("Two Hills")
Due Colline heads north-east of Whitfield into the foothills of the Black Range.
The ride takes you through farmland on the valley floor before rising up to native forest at the edge of the Black Range where you'll tackle the challenging Lake Buffalo-Whitfield Road climb. From the top of the big climb it's a free-wheeling 4km gravel descent back to the Whitfield trailhead.
Places of interest on this ride:
1 Cross the King River twice along this route at Gentle Annie.
2 Take on two climbs, at Cooks Gap Road followed by the more challenging Lake Buffalo-Whitefield Road climb.
Note: This ride offers a progressive step up from the shorter 'Pizza e Vino'.
GPS Map of Route
IL MONTE ("The Mountain")
Rating: Long
Distance: 72km
Elevation Gain: +1000m
Start/Finish: Whitfield
Possibly one of the best single day gravel rides in the High Country, this loop offers solid climbs, sustained descents, and plenty of famous High Country scenery.
Take in views of Mount Buffalo along the revered Rose River Road. Reach a tarmac section at Lake Buffalo before a 10km gravel climb over the Black Range. Finish up with a 15km descent back into Whitfield.
Places of interest on this ride:
1 Cycle Rose River Road, famous in the High Country bikepacking network.
2 View Mount Buffalo and it's most prominent peak, 'The Horn'.
3 There are two opportunities to take in the King River at Cheshunt and Gentle Annie.
GPS Map of Route
Safety Notes
Here are some tips and hints to keeping safe when you ride in the King Valley.
- Carry sufficient water as potable water may not be readily available along a ride route.
- Obey the road rules. Be mindful these roads are shared with traffic that includes cars, trucks and heavy farm vehicles. You should always obey the Victorian Road Rules at all times.
- Make yourself visible. Always carry working lights and reflective gear where possible.
- Respect the local area. Take all rubbish with you and do not enter any private property, including farmland.
- Be aware of your surroundings and ride to the conditions. Watch for hazards and obstacles on the road or trails. Look carefully for vehicles and pedestrians entering and exiting driveways and pathways.
- Know the weather conditions. During the summer months be aware of fire warnings. Do not ride on Code Red days, and be aware of fire ban periods. Monitor cfa.vic.gov. au for updated fire information and have the Vic Emergency App on your phone before you go Set a King Valley Watch Zone).
- Have the Emergency Plus app on your phone. Just tap to dial emergency help and the app gives your exact location as a Lat and Long reference point.
- Mobile blackspots. Don't get lost! We recommend downloading our rides to a GPS device or to your mobile phone for use in offline mode, as some rides are impacted by mobile phone black spots.
Web Links
→ King Valley & Surrounds Gravel Road Rides Guide (PDF)
