Our Bikepacking Trip Through the Strathbogie Ranges in Central Victoria

Craving a weekend bikepacking escape, Kim and Lachie rolled out of Strathbogie on their rollicking route perfect for beginners.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Taungurung people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Located 90 minutes northeast of Melbourne, the 120km Strathbogie Ranges bikepacking loop guides you through the picturesque countryside of Central Victoria. Designed as a leisurely overnighter, this ride can be comfortably completed in two days or less.

Quick Facts Strathbogie Ranges Loop

Distance: 120km
Duration: 2 days (leisurely pace)
Elevation gain: 1,550m
Nearest towns: Euroa, Strathbogie
Route data: Ride with GPS

About the Strathbogie Ranges Loop

The Hume Highway from Melbourne to Sydney is right beside the Strathbogie Ranges, but little does anyone know that just on the other side of the hills is a cycling paradise. Quiet roads wind through farmland with altitudes ranging between 200-800m above sea level. As you climb higher up into the ranges, the landscape is reminiscent of traversing the Scottish Highlands. 

I live nearby and have been riding loops around these ranges for years. It’s about time I lifted the lid on this secret and reveal one of my favourite weekend bikepacking routes. The stunning landscapes, the friendly people, and the great food along the way deserve to be more widely enjoyed.

Intersected by the Seven Creeks River, this loop ride takes you on smooth bitumen and fast gravel roads through the hills and plains, showcasing the best that Strathbogie has to offer.

History of the Strathbogie Ranges

The Strathbogie Ranges are located in Taungurung Country, 150km northeast of Melbourne. Set within the Great Dividing Range, these mountains are home to unique geological landscapes filled with rich farmland and impressive granite monoliths. 

There have been many artefacts found within the Strathbogie Ranges indicating regular visitation by First Nations people. More recently, the area has become a prominent sheep farming area, with the cool higher altitude climates supporting crops including cherries, apples, and grapes. 

If you’re looking for a cultural experience, the Wawa Biik offer cultural tours guided by local Taungurung Elders focussed on learning about their traditions, bush tucker, and local plants.

How to Get to the Strathbogie Ranges Loop

Starting and ending in the town of Strathbogie, the Strathbogie Ranges Loop is easily accessible to anyone travelling from Melbourne and the surrounding areas.

By Car

Drive two hours from Melbourne following the Hume Highway the entire way. Turn off at Euroa and follow the Euroa-Strathbogie Road until you arrive in the town of Strathbogie (about 15 minutes). There’s no chance of getting lost on this one!

By Train

If travelling via public transport, it’s easiest to start the loop route in Euroa. You’ll take the express V/Line service headed to Albury from Southern Cross Train Station. You can bring your bikes on at no extra cost but with only four trains per day it’s best to book ahead to make sure there’s plenty of room onboard.

Where to Stay

The best accommodation option for your one night on the loop is one of the campsites at the Longwood Recreation Reserve. There are toilets, water, and fire pits. You can camp anywhere so long as it’s not on the footy oval. While it’s technically free, donations are encouraged to help maintain the facilities.

If you want to do the route very fast and light, there are several accommodation options in Euroa to choose from.

Read more: How To Choose The Perfect Sleeping Mat For Bikepacking

Skill Level

Beginner 

No prior gravel riding experience is needed for the Strathbogie Ranges Loop, making it an excellent introduction into overnight bikepacking. Expect a few short and steep hills along the way, but these will be manageable for those with modest riding experience.

Read more: What I Learned On My First Overnight Bikepacking Trip

Essential Gear for the Strathbogie Ranges Loop

• Gravel bike – While any bike can technically work, a gravel bike with tires at least 35mm wide will keep you comfy on the dirt sections
• Repair kit – Including spare tubes, a patch kit, a pump, tire levers, and a multi-tool
• Bikepacking bags – With so many great food stops along the way we recommend opting for a saddle bag to keep your ride fast and light
• Bike lights – Some sections are along the road, so bike lights are critical for staying visible
• PLB – These don’t weigh much and are worth having in case of emergency
• Water – There are limited options to refill along the route. I recommend carrying enough water for the whole day, 2L as a minimum, but carry 3L if possible. Water purification tablets or a water purifier allows you to refill at either of the swimming spots, however these are relatively early in the ride
• Navigation – A smartphone or a dedicated GPS device will keep you on track. The majority of the route has great phone service but there are pockets where it can struggle for a minute
  
• First aid kit – The day you don’t bring one along will always be the day you need it most

Read more: Essential Gear for Bikepacking Adventures

What it’s Like to Ride the Strathbogie Ranges Loop

Day 1 – Strathbogie to Longwood

Distance: 80km
Duration: 4-5 hours riding time

Our bikepacking adventure kicked off with a laidback coffee stop at the renowned Strathbogie General Store. We took the chance to explore their selection of locally-sourced goodies – from fresh produce to artisan bread, organic honey, preserves, and a tempting range of wine and craft beer.

Feeling satisfied and fuelled up, we pedalled on to our first destination – Polly McQuinns Swimming Hole. This waterhole features flat rocks perfect for lounging and a deep section ideal for rock jumps. It was the perfect spot to relax in the morning sun. 

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

The waterhole earned its quirky name from an early settler dubbed Polly. Legend has it that one fateful night, Polly missed the bridge while driving home, tumbled into the water, and mysteriously vanished. This led locals to believe the waterhole was bottomless.

Continuing our journey, we headed to Gooram Falls, a picturesque waterfall that cascades down a series of rock formations. Situated within the Seven Creeks Reserve, these falls hold cultural significance as part of the traditional Aboriginal Tangurang clans’ land. The name Gooram is an echo of its Aboriginal roots, translating to ‘hunting ground’. A brief trail led us to the falls, where we took a refreshing swim amidst rocky outcrops and ancient big River red gums.

The 12km ascent that followed led us through farmland, with steep rocky switchbacks adding a touch more challenge to the ride. At the top, we rewarded ourselves with a well-deserved lunch break, resting under the shade of towering gums. 

Continuing our ride, we followed the undulating road on fast gravel through farmland that stretched seemingly infinitely towards the horizon. The land was only interrupted by grazing cattle, kangaroos, and large granite boulders haphazardly scattered. The boulder formations are remnants of processes dating back 300 to 400 million years when volcanic eruptions and activity left behind a unique terrain of rocky outcrops.

Eventually we arrived at our campsite at the Longwood Recreation Reserve and the nearby, recently updated White Hart Hotel provided a cosy spot for our dinner. This local gem often features live music and serves refreshing local beers, creating a perfect end to a day on the bike.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Day 2 – Longwood to Strathbogie

Distance: 40km
Duration: 2 hours

The next morning started with a leisurely ride, linking up backroads that meandered through the quiet grazing lands until we rolled into Euroa. Cafe 56 greeted us with unique and eclectic charm, featuring homemade chutneys, relishes, and a selection of sweet treats that fuelled us for the final stretch of the loop.

Rolling hills followed, paving the way for the final climb heading towards Mount Wombat. As we crested the last hill of the ride, there was an option for overachievers to turn right and take a slight detour to the summit of Mount Wombat. 

This track to the summit is a beautiful 3km ride that climbs steadily through the forest. Eventually you hit a final sharp pitch up to the top, where you’re be rewarded with impressive 360° views of the region. It’s a steep and somewhat challenging climb to encounter when you’re already tired, and there’s no shame in walking.

We opted to skip the detour this time and followed the route onwards in preference of a laid-back descent, rolling back into Strathbogie via a fun and fast gravel road. Arriving at Strathbogie General Store just in time for lunch, chowing down on wombat burgers – a delicious burger centred around a juicy mushroom patty – topped off a stunning weekend ride. 

The route is special with two enjoyable days of riding that explore the little known landscapes of the Strathbogie Ranges, and some of the best culinary delights of the region. 

Tips for Riding the Strathbogie Ranges Loop

• Slip, slop, slap – the sun can be extremely harsh and there often isn’t a lot of cover when riding this route
• Stay hydrated – even on a laid back ride, spending the day in the saddle can work up a thirst
• Don’t go past a choccy brownie at The General Store. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself (and me!) for it later

FAQs Strathbogie Ranges Loop

How long is the Strathbogie Ranges Bikepacking Loop?

The bikepacking loop is 120km long. 

What other bikepacking trips can I try in Victoria?

Victoria has some great bikepacking routes. Consider this weekender in Bendigo, or this slightly longer jaunt in the Otway Ranges. If you really want to up the ante you can double your distance and hit the Great Victorian Rail Trail. 

Is the Strathbogie Ranges Bikepacking Loop good for beginners?

Yes. This bikepacking route is a fantastic option for beginner riders wanting to complete their first overnight bikepacking trip. While some Explorers like to push the envelope – like this crew whose first overnight trip was 42 days long! – the Strathbogie Loop is an easily accessible leisurely ride.

Photos by @_lachiet