The best cycling routes in Greater Bendigo National Park

There are over 40 touring cycling routes in Greater Bendigo National Park, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 16 easy routes, 22 moderate routes, and 5 more challenging options to explore.

Spring is particularly vibrant for cycling in Greater Bendigo National Park, as native wildflowers are in bloom. The park's diverse landscapes, from woodlands to grasslands, offer pleasant conditions for touring cycling throughout much of the year, though summer can be hot.

Yes, the region offers excellent family-friendly options. The O'Keefe Rail Trail – Gravel Cycling Trail loop from Strathfieldsaye is a 49-kilometer, mostly-level rail trail ideal for families, passing through natural bushland and townships like Axedale for refreshments. Another easy option is the Cycling Path Along Back Creek loop from Spring Gully, which is just over 21 kilometers.

The park offers a diverse range of landscapes across its 17,000 hectares. You'll cycle through lush woodlands, open grasslands, and significant Box-Ironbark forest. Other distinct vegetation types include broombush mallee, grassy woodlands, and Kamarooka mallee, providing varied scenery. Look out for panoramic views from areas like One Tree Hill.

Yes, many routes in the park are designed as loops. For example, you can try the O'Keefe Rail Trail – Gravel Cycling Trail loop from Strathfieldsaye, the Bike loop from Spring Gully, or the Gravel Cycling Trail loop from Strathfieldsaye, all offering circular journeys.

Greater Bendigo National Park is rich in history, particularly from the 1800s gold mining era. You can find remnants of this period throughout the park. The Bendigo Creek Trail, while not directly in the national park, offers a unique way to explore Bendigo's heritage, passing historic icons and showcasing the city's grand buildings and nineteenth-century miners' cottages.

While specific parking areas for each trail are not detailed, popular bases like Notley Campground and Shadbolt Day Visitor Area offer basic facilities and are good starting points for exploring the park's trails. Many trailheads will have designated parking.

The routes range from easy to difficult. You'll find 16 easy routes, 22 moderate routes, and 5 difficult routes. The Cycling Path Along Back Creek loop from Spring Gully is an easy option, while routes like the Gravel Cycling Trail loop from Bendigo offer a moderate challenge with more elevation.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse natural beauty, the network of trails, and the opportunity to experience both natural bushland and historical gold rush heritage.

Yes, the Goldfields Track, spanning over 210 kilometers, is an established mountain bike trail that follows the Great Dividing Range from Mount Buninyong to Bendigo. While primarily a mountain bike trail, sections can be suitable for touring cyclists, allowing you to experience central Victoria's gold rush heritage and natural beauty.

Greater Bendigo National Park is home to an array of wildlife. Cyclists might spot various bushland birds, and the park is also known as a habitat for the Swift Parrot. The diverse forest and grassland environments support a variety of native fauna.

Yes, the park features several spots ideal for taking a break and enjoying the scenery. One Tree Hill Lookout is a popular spot for picnics and birdwatching, offering sweeping views over the forest and Bendigo. Flagstaff Hill Loop Walk also provides panoramic views over the Mallee landscape.