Over five days, more than 70 riders and a dedicated support crew came together for the Great East Rail Trail Ride 2025, which ran from Thursday, October 2 to Monday, October 6 and showcased East Gippsland’s scenery, hospitality and community spirit.
Organised by Snowy River Cycling, owned and operated by Michelle Webb, the fully supported event took riders along the East Gippsland Rail Trail and the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail.
Across three memorable days of cycling — from Bairnsdale to Bruthen, Nowa Nowa to Wyanga Park Winery, and Nowa Nowa to Orbost — participants enjoyed stunning views, hearty meals and great company.
Riders began arriving at Mingling Waters in Nowa Nowa on Thursday afternoon, with a trail ready session helping everyone prepare for the journey ahead, followed by live music around the campfire, a trivia night hosted by Graham, and a Greek barbecue dinner.
After a hearty two-course breakfast on Friday morning, riders and bikes were shuttled to Howitt Park in Bairnsdale to begin the first leg of the ride.
The trail followed the East Gippsland Rail Trail, with a morning stop at the Nicholson River picnic area for coffee provided by Anywhere Espresso, along with cakes and fruit supplied by the Snowy River Cycling team.
Spirits were high as the group rolled into Bruthen, where a warm welcome and lunch at the Bruthen Inn Hotel awaited.
There was also time to explore the town or enjoy a tasting at Tambo Honey before heading back to base.
That evening, local author and artist Georgia Angus led a bird walk and talk, sharing her love of local wildlife.
Saturday’s route offered something special.
Riders departed directly from Nowa Nowa after breakfast, heading first for the impressive Stony Creek Trestle Bridge — one of Victoria’s largest standing timber trestle bridges.
Riders refuelled with cake and fruit before tackling the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail, a 23-kilometre forest ride alongside Mississippi Creek.
The day finished in style at Wyanga Park Winery, where a long, relaxed lunch and wine tasting awaited.
Back at base camp, riders gathered to hear from guest speaker Dan from Bob’s Burrow, who spoke about wombat rescue and mange management.
Dinner followed at Mingling Waters, with another captivating presentation by Holly Baird from Friends of Beware Reef, who shared underwater photographs and insights into East Gippsland’s marine life.
Riders set off from Nowa Nowa toward Orbost for the final day of the ride in warm conditions on Sunday.
The day’s route featured some of the trail’s most striking sights, including Wairewa (O’Grady’s) Trestle Bridge, partially damaged during the 2019–2020 bushfires but now featuring a new lookout platform and interpretation signage.
Coffee and morning tea were enjoyed at Partelli’s Crossing before the trail opened to the farmlands of Bete Bolong and the Snowy River flats.
A detour to Orbost’s Snowy Rail Bridge — Victoria’s longest timber rail bridge — offered riders the chance to walk along restored decking and explore new storyboards detailing the bridge’s history.
The ride concluded at Forest Park in Orbost, where riders relaxed over a picnic lunch and explored the town’s main street before returning to Nowa Nowa.
Back at Mingling Waters, riders were greeted by a bustling mini market showcasing East Gippsland’s creativity and flavour, featuring local favourites including Snowy River Biltong, Shaz Homemade Jams, doinWire, Our Daily Bakes, Georgia Angus, High Country Hooch, Mama Duck Tallow, and Mike Park’s photography.
To close the event, a calming Qigong session helped riders unwind and reflect — a gentle and grounding end to five remarkable days on the trail.
Ms Webb said she was thrilled with the spirit of this year’s group.
“It’s always wonderful to see people come together to enjoy the trail, the scenery, and the warmth of our local towns,” she said.
“That’s what makes this event, and East Gippsland, so special.”
The Great East Rail Trail Ride runs twice yearly, offering another chance to experience East Gippsland’s rail trails in all their glory:
– Thursday, April 9 – Monday, April 13, 2026
– Thursday, October 8 – Monday, October 12, 2026
Learn more or register at the Great East Rail Trail Ride website.
