2024 GoR Gravel Tour Itinerary

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.YOUR JOURNEY DAY-BY-DAY:

DAY 111: Our first ride is a spectacular yet punchy 80 km. We’ll kick off by taking the “road less travelled” out of the township of Anglesea, through the wildflower heathlands, then back to the coast at the stunning cliff top lighthouse in Aireys Inlet.  From there, our road heads upwards into the towering forests of the Otway hinterland before descending into Lorne for a snack overlooking the turquoise waters of Loutitt Bay. Finally, we hug the coastline on the famous Great Ocean Road, over Mount Defiance Lookout and Cape Patton (spectacular!) all the way to our night’s accommodation – a refurbished monastery complete with private, panoramic ocean views. It’s the perfect location for a well earned beer and some sustenance with new friends !

Day 2 This is the “Queen’s Stage” of the trip! You choose either 58 km or 107 km of magic gravel (depending on your desires) with a decent dose of climbing in the longer route. From Kennett River, you’ll enjoy a steady climb past the resident koalas as the ocean recedes into the background and the clean forest air fills your working lungs. You’ll zip underneath towering Eucalyptus, Giant Beech and Blackwoods as the climbing continues. Then, after “topping out” at a high-point of 630m, it’s time to release the brakes and let out a “wahoooo” as you float your way passed the still waters of Lake Elizabeth and into the township of Forrest – time for a refuel at the local brewery. (There’s also a shorter, ~58 KM option that bypasses Forrest but you will be fed either way!) After lunch it’s back over the main range (via a new, Western route this time) before a thrilling, flowy descent down to the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay – famous for its succulent seafood (we ride so we can eat more, right?).

Day 3: If you’ve seen Lord of the Rings, Day 3 is a bit like riding through the rolling green hills of The Shire – if only The Shire was surrounded by white beaches and crystal clear sapphire water! Weaving our way through the hinterland, we’ll get off the beaten path and see sites that most regular-travellers never see like the expansive fern trees on Turtans Track and the winding catchment of the Aire River. We’ll then emerge from the rainforest at the Cape Otway Lighthouse (the most Southern point of the park) and soak up the awe-inspiring views of the Bass Strait, before heading back into the little-known network of gravel roads that meander towards our accommodation in Johanna – a ruggedly-beautiful hamlet surrounded by wild beaches and fertile lands.

Day 4: After 3 big days of riding, we ease the feet off the pedals on Day 4 with a flat-ish 62km – 80km. And what a place it is for a recovery cruise! We’ll ride some beautiful gravel roads beside the Gelibrand River before passing all the major Victorian coastal icons like The 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge & The Grotto on the way to the quaint coastal town of Port Campbell for a feed with a view over the bay. Then it’s into the bus for a short shuttle back along the Great Ocean Road to Johanna, so we can rest the legs and take in the sweeping views from a different angle.

Day 5: Time for a change a change of scenery as we head inland. The rugged beaches fade into the background as we spend a morning weaving through rolling dairy farmland.Then, the paddocks will give way to tall trees as we enter the heart of the old-growth forests. []([https://picsum.photos/200/300?random=1) We’ll visit some more natural wonders like the Redwood Forest, Triplet Falls and Hopetoun Falls. And if you’re feeling really adventurous there’s the option to climb into the treetops or fly on a zipline through the rainforest at the Otway Fly! After lunch we’ll enjoy a hoot of a descent (20 km downhill) on a scenic rail trail. We’ll arrive in the quaint town of Gellibrand for a snack before the final push to our glamping accommodation in Forrest (and a much needed burger!).

Day 6: The final day is a corker. After a morning spin through the flatlands to warm up the legs, we arrive at the Deans Marsh, for coffee and carbs. Then it’s a beautiful, gradual climb back into the hinterland (you get an awesome sense of progress when you can see lakes and open-farmland behind you, thick forest by your side, and glimpse of ocean ahead!). Later in the day, we cross through a sweeping pine plantation where the hilly views and mist make it feels almost alpine. Finally, we crest the range at Peter’s Hill and it’s all downhill from there. A 20km freewheel (almost!) will take us all the way to the Anglesea pub where we’ll exchange numbers with the new “gravel-family” and share a farewell drink!