Checkout these great mountain biking locations throughout regional Victoria, plus where to eat and stay to help you make the perfect weekend out of it.
Great Ocean Road
Forrest
The small town of Forrest is tucked away in the Otways just off the Great Ocean Road.
You can drive there from Melbourne in around two hours. Forrest is renowned for its extensive trail network.
Sixteen trails in total that show off the stunning beauty of the Otways, with trails for both beginners and more experienced riders as well as easy rail trail rides.
Checkout these picturesque guest houses in the area for a place to stay. Rider’s Palace sleeps up to four and Forrest Guesthouse can suit a party of eight.
You’ll be spoilt for options to quench your thirst after riding in Forrest, with the Otway distillery and Forrest brew house. The Forrest General store is also a great café worth a visit.
Macedon Ranges
Woodend
This idyllic central Victorian town is the most accessible mountain bike getaway, located only one hour from Melbourne on the Calder highway.
You can even leave your car behind and take the V-line train there. Woodend’s Wombat Forest trail is a 20km loop set next to a stunning pine forest plantation.
The loop suits intermediate to more experienced riders and will take around ninety minutes to complete.
Afterwards you can take you bike or car to the Victoria Hotel or Holgate Brewhouse for some solid pub classics.
There are several comfortable boutique guest houses in the area to stay. Have a look at The Barn, the Oak Tree Cottage, or the Tree Change Farmhouse if you’re keen on trying a farm stay experience.
High Country
Bright
Set between Falls Creek and Mt Buller it will take you around three and a half hours to get there driving from Melbourne.
Bright’s tree-lined streets are a sight to behold in Autumn but mountain bike trails are good all-year round.
The Mystic Mountain MTB Park is not only spectacularly named but also features a great selection of cross-country and downhill trails.
With enough variety for both beginners and more experienced thrill seekers.
Checkout this MounTin Hut for a homey place to stay close to town, while the Kangaroo Lodge is a great option for larger groups. Be sure to stop by Gum Tree Pies to try their iconic Aussie pastries. While Tomahawks and Dr Mauve Bar and Lounge both offer great modern Asian food.
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Mansfield
This quiet ski town in Victoria’s high country can be reached by driving just over two and a half hours north out of Melbourne.
The Rifle Butts MTB Park has enough trails for riders of all levels, while the steeper descents in the park are best left for experienced mountain bikers.
Being a ski town, Mansfield has a fantastic resort, Alzburg Resort, that’s worth checking out.
Maple Cottage and Marrahbinya House guest houses are nice quitter options that have enough rooms for a large family.
You can try the Mansfield Hotel for some hearty pub meals.
A relaxed brunch at The Produce Store or Mansfield Coffee Merchants will be sure to help soothe any aching muscles after a day of riding.
Beechworth
With plenty more to offer than just a chain of bakeries with the town’s namesake, Beechworth is located just over three hours north of Melbourne on the M31 national highway.
Beechworth MTB Park and Flame Trees Trail both offer great single-track riding, more experienced mountain bikers will probably be more comfortable on these trails.
Bells of Beechworth guesthouse is a great overnight option for small groups. And if you’re looking for more space and privacy both the Cortes Cottage farm stay and the Blue Gum converted Church stay are located just outside Beechworth.
Feeling a bit fancy? Try the modern European cuisine at The Ox and Hound, or go to the Empire Hotel for upmarket pub food. Amandhi’s Café is a great more down-to-earth option.