THE 9-Day 2023 Great Victorian Bike Ride is coming here.
On Saturday, December 2, 2023, thousands of riders will pitch their tents and stay overnight in Fish Creek… hope it has stopped raining by then!
On Sunday December 3 they’ll ride the easy 61km Fish Creek to Inverloch for the finish of the event.
Most of them will immediately head back to Melbourne or wherever else it is they have come from but there’ll still be a big economic boost for the town, from the support people who arrive to pick up the riders, and others who stay on for the day.
The Great Victorian Bike Ride has been to this part of Gippsland several times before. They’ve had their rest day at Yarram in the past but this year, the rest day will be at Sale before staying Friday night, December 1 at Port Albert (don’t forget the Aerogard) where the Cripps Family will have reopened the Fish and Chip Cafe on the jetty.
"They're coming next year? Wow, that's great," said a spokesperson for Long John Pickles Cafe, on the corner Meeniyan-Promontory Road and Old Waratah Road Fish Creek.
“Showcasing all the best parts of Gippsland, you can expect amazing riding, charming host towns, incredible scenery, and of course good company," says the Great Vic promo.
They're right. If that view of Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory, from the top of the Hoddle Ranges between Foster and Fish Creek, doesn't blow them away, nothing will!
Ride at a glance
- Dates: Saturday, November 25 – Sunday, December 3, 2023
- Summary: 9-day, 5-day or 3-day ride options
- Total distance: 540km
- Elevation: 4325m
- Average daily: 77km
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided (excluding breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 6 and day 9)
- Type of bike: Road bike, hybrid bike, mountain bike or e-bike.
- Inclusions: Camping spot, campsite facilities, all meals, full on-route support, luggage transfers, entertainment and much more!
- Cost (9 DAY): Adult $1199. Member 10% off. Concession $1079. Youth (13-17yrs) $859. Child (6-12yrs) $519.
Day by day
· Saturday, November 25 Orbost (arrival day)
It’s been over 25 years since they’ve been to Orbost on the Great Vic! While there’s no official riding scheduled for today, once you’ve set up camp you can hop on the bike and uncover everything this town has to offer.
There’s a variety of things to see and do, most within a stone’s throw from the campsite. Explore the Snowy River, pedal a section of the East Gippsland Rail Trail or visit the town’s pubs, cafes and shops. There’s something for everyone!
· Sunday, November 26 Orbost to Buchan (58km)
This first day of riding will be one to remember! You will begin your day following the Snowy River before tackling the secluded and windy road to Buchan. You can expect stunning views of East Gippsland and the Snowy River National Park.
Our new home for the night, Buchan, is nestled in a picturesque valley and is home to the famous Buchan Caves. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the caves with a guided tour, stretching your legs on one of the Buchan Caves Reserve walks, or enjoy a well-deserved drink at the Buchan Caves Hotel.
· Monday November 27 Buchan to Lakes Entrance (84km)
Leaving the Snowy River National Park behind you, your day will begin with a steady climb before descending towards the coast with spectacular scenery everchanging throughout the day.
Arriving at Lakes Entrance—where the Gippsland Lakes meets the sea—you’ll be drawn to the buzz of this popular holiday destination. The town is known for it’s seaside charm, and we encourage you to spend the day indulging in the local seafood, enjoying a quiet afternoon by the lake fishing or exploring the township and waterways.
· Tuesday, November 28 Lakes Entrance to Paynesville (76km)
Kick off day four tackling rolling hills, immersed in bushland and exploring the back roads to Bairnsdale before finishing with a cruise along the Mitchell River to Paynesville. The day’s riding features secluded roads, a few pinchy climbs and plenty of views of lush green paddocks.
If Lakes Entrance stole your heart, it’s smaller neighbour along the coast Paynesville is also bound to charm you. Nestled amongst lakes, canals and inlets, Paynesville is the hotspot for regional boat and water sport lovers. If you prefer your feet on solid ground, Raymond Island is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and go koala and bird spotting
· Wednesday, November 29 Paynesville to Sale (82km)
Today we say goodbye to the rolling hills! Say hello to the classic country roads we know and love on the Great Vic, as we pedal our way through the back roads to Sale. Featuring plenty of countryside views and changing scenery, before you know it you will arrive to the hustle and bustle of Sale.
The historic Port of Sale precinct is a regional hub for cafes, restaurants, local artistic talents, and a great town to immerse yourself in for a couple of days.
· Thursday, November 30 Sale (Rest Day)
Sale has a big heart and plenty to offer for everyone on the rest day.
The town is home to plenty of trendy restaurants, cafes and bars to indulge in. Or, spend more time in nature exploring the Botanic Gardens, Lake Guthridge, Lake Guyatt and other walking trails.
Sale has significant indigenous history to discover at the local art galleries and museums.
· Friday December 1 Sale to Port Albert (101km)
Time to tick-off the 100km (just!) challenge day, with a pedal to the charming town of Port Albert. Today’s riding is mostly flat, and will feature plenty of quiet country roads, and leave you pleasantly surprised as you cruise into town.
This is the first time the Great Vic has visited the small fishing village of Port Albert which was Victoria’s first established port. Showcasing a wonderful maritime history, this town has all the character a you can expect from a town off the beaten track.
· Saturday December 2 Port Albert to Fish Creek (78km)
This is sure to be a favourite, with a spectacular route, featuring stunning views of South Gippsland. The riding features quiet, windy roads, rolling hills and offers plenty of photo opportunities throughout the day. There is a small section (4km) of riding on hard compact unsealed road, but don’t let that deter you, we promise it’s where the Gippsland magic is!
Arriving in Fish Creek, you’ll be in awe of the picturesque township featuring boutique stores, galleries and cafes. The local pub is also sure to be a favourite on Saturday night. Fish Creek is another new town we cannot wait to add to the catalogue of Great Vic campsites!
· Sunday, December 3 Fish Creek to Inverloch (61km)
To finish our journey through Gippsland, we will depart Fish Creek and travel south through Walkerville, before making our way to Inverloch. Our last day of riding has it all with fun, winding roads though bushland, green paddocks and coastal views.
Inverloch will be a crowd favourite and is perfect for family and friends to join you and celebrate your Great Vic journey. Located only two hours from Melbourne and with a lively town centre, this is the perfect spot to finish another magnificent Great Vic Bike Ride.
