Traralgon - Stratford | 63km one way
This journey weaves through the idyllic countryside with handsome mountain vistas of the Great Dividing Range, punctuated by warm and quirky villages. Make your way over gently lulling plains dipping through patches of native vegetation, taking in river crossings and old railway relics.
Get high on unpretentious charm and good old fashioned country hospitality, as this is almost as much of a foodie journey as it is a bike ride.
AT A GLANCE
Surface: Mostly gravel with some sections of compacted earth
Grade: Level 1
Start: Intersection of Marshalls Road and the Traralgon-Maffra Rd (C105)
Finish: Apex Park, Stratford, beside the Avon River
Getting there: Travel via the Monash Fwy (M1) to Traralgon, approximately 160km east of Melbourne. There are V/Line train stations at both Traralgon and Stratford so you can pedal one way and return by train.
Traralgon - Cowwarr | 24km
Farewell Traralgon as you set out on this gentle uphill climb toward Cowwarr. Make your way over flood plains and the historic Latrobe River rail trail bridge as you make your way towards Glengarry. Leaving the town you’ll pass tranquil Eaglehawk Creek which is a dashing place to stop for a breather.
Onwards to the bite-sized Cowwarr, home to unique heritage buildings. Spot the series of metal cow sculptures around the town centre, a nod to Cowwarr’s rich dairying history. Just out of town is the Cowwarr Weir is a tranquil location for swimming, fishing or enjoying a picnic.
Cowwarr - Tinamba (via Heyfield) | 21km
Head out of Cowwarr on the scenic crossing across the Rainbow Creek Bridge. Take a wander throught the Dawson Flora Reserve then continue on to Heyfield which offers a brilliant excuse for a caffeine fix at a warm cafe. There is a short detour to the Heyfield Wetlands which rate highly for short strolls.
Arrive on an empty stomach at the knockout destination restaurant Tinamba Hotel or enjoy a cold one under the signature verandah under the canopy of ancient leafy oak trees.
Tinamba to Stratford (via Maffra) | 18km
You’ll know you’re getting close to Maffra when you reach the sweet Billabong Trail. This charming town oozes with quintessential country hospitality with an extra dose of quirk. There’s the Maffra Sugar Beet Museum, a rare mineral collection at the Visitor Information Centre and the Gippsland Vehicle Collection with its ever-changing display of unique and vintage cars. Finish off with a visit to The Berry Dairy to pick some fresh strawberries and have a bite to eat.
From Maffra, the trail conveniently passes the doorstep of Vines on Avon which offers a superb backdrop for the restaurant. Breeze into Stratford at the handsome Avon River Crossing at Apex Park. The artsy town is flush with heritage buildings and is a delight to wander the unique homewares, clothing, gifts and craft stores. Get your culture fix by walking the Shakespeare-themed Stratford Arts Trail.
