Over five glorious autumn days from April 10-14, the 2025 Great East Rail Trail Ride brought together cyclists from across Australia to experience East Gippsland’s beauty, culture and hospitality in a way few ever get to.
Travelling from as far as Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania, riders joined the fully supported event for a weekend of rail trail magic – riding, tasting, connecting and relaxing.
Based in Nowa Nowa, the ride combined easy daily bike routes with delicious food, guest talks and a strong community vibe.
Some riders opted to bring their own caravans, extending their Gippsland getaway with days either side of the event to explore the region’s hidden gems.
“This fully supported cycle trip has been in my bucket list for four-plus years,” wrote Queensland rider Christine in a review.
“It is one of the best things we have done and I highly recommend it to anyone. The forestry and countryside the trail meanders through is absolutely beautiful – Michelle and her team are highly organised, personable, supportive and lots of fun. All things were professionally organised including a medic on standby for any injuries.”
The ride followed the East Gippsland Rail Trail, kicking off from Bairnsdale with daily routes to Bruthen, Nowa Nowa, Wyanga Park Winery and Orbost.
Riders enjoyed a locally catered itinerary featuring morning tea at Nicholson, wine tastings at Tambo Wines, honey tasting at Tambo Valley Honey, lunch at the Bruthen Inn Hotel, and a long table feast at Wyanga Park Winery.
Adding depth to the experience were inspiring guest presentations including:
– Georgia Angus, artist and author, who led a talk and walk
– Holly Baird from Friends of Beware Reef, sharing insights on the incredible local marine life
– Emily from Goongerah Wombat Orphanage, sharing her passion and experiences with wildlife conservation and wombat rescue.
Evenings were a time to wind down with trivia, live music, campfire gatherings and nourishing dinners – like the final night feast by Gro Wilde and Rinaldo, a true culinary send-off.
“This event is about more than just the ride, it’s about slowing down, connecting with nature, meeting new people, and experiencing Gippsland through all the senses – its food, surroundings and stories, ” said Michelle Webb, owner of Snowy River Cycling and event organiser.
“We had riders telling us it was the highlight of their year and they’ll be back again.”
The combination of seamless logistics, supportive ride culture, and East Gippsland’s natural beauty has made the Great East Rail Trail Ride a bucket-list event for cyclists across Australia.
And for many, it’s a tradition they plan to keep.
With the April event now wrapped, plans are already underway for the next ride on October 2, 2025, which promises more of the same heartwarming hospitality, local flavour and trail-side adventure.
