Great Victorian Rail Trail Adventure
This adventure is one which I've been looking forward to for what feels like years. As a kid, and being train mad, I camped near the rail line in the ’70s with my Dad and remember seeing trains in action. Then in the ’80s, with the rail line shut, I'd constantly try and see the remnants of the line on my many day trips to Mount Buller skiing. Today, the Great Victorian Rail Trail gives us all the chance to relive the past, experience the towns, eat at the cafes and restaurants, see the incredible views and unwind in a way that is only possible on a bike.
Our five-day adventure took Vandy and me from Seymour, nestled on the Goulburn River banks, to the very top on Mount Buller. We explored the towns along the way, real gems of the GVRT. Yea, Alexandra, Yarck, Bonnie Doon, Mansfield, and more. Towns with real heart and a welcoming kindness. We met so many locals who were passionate and authentic. Wes and Terry from Trawool Estate perfectly encapsulate everything great about this ride. Trawool Estate was a simply stunning rest point, a must-visit for everyone.
The views of the rolling hills along the rail trail make it a ride to remember. Sunrises and sunsets are magical. With the gentle valleys and easy climbs, it's hard not to get lost in the beauty. But it's also real, with the history of the area revealing itself around every bend. We saw why the Cascades Trail in Lake Mountain is rated as one of the best in Victoria and swum in the epic Eildon — even managed to live a little cinematic history in Bonnie Doon!
The locals at every stage were wonderful, and I think that's what sets this ride apart for me. Meeting so many kind people makes it extra special, and riding the GVRT is something I intend to do a lot more!
This episode, the adventure Vandy and I had from the Murrumbidgee to the Mountains was magical and truly memorable. It was like a dream actually. Almost surreal in its beauty, with riding to match and so many truly great places to eat, stay, relax and unwind. Every time I think about it I smile - and wish I was there all over again.
Flying into Perth for the first time in over 12 months was surreal. It almost felt as if we'd never be able to film our first WA episode at all. The border closures meant it was a roll of the dice as to when we could travel.
This adventure is one which I've been looking forward to for what feels like years. As a kid, and being train mad, I camped near the rail line in the ’70s with my Dad and remember seeing trains in action.
Redefining Canberra from a city that has amazing and important monuments and museums...and not much else in the minds of holiday makers... to a city that is a giant big beautiful Trail Town was our mission.
If you’ve ever frequented a smorgasbord, hungry as anything, and seen so much food, it’s simply impossible to know where to start? That’s this episode, the Goldfields region of Victoria right there.
The high country of Victoria is a magical place - if you've been there, you'll already know this, and if not, then this episode of Trail Towns will surely tempt you to make plans and get up there.
I knew the jig was up when my girlfriend looked at me, rolled her eyes, and said, "NO. No more mountain bike holidays. I HATE them!" It was the 90s and mountain bikes were in their hay day.
When someone asks me what it was like growing up in a small country town, I find it a strange question because it was a very normal experience for me. But in reflection, I now realise how lucky I was to have parents that cultivated a lifestyle of active exploring and adventure.
Deetz has been riding MTBs since the 1980s. His sense of humor and steadfast refusal to grow up means he can connect with anyone. Being a dad, he gives Trail Towns a family feel (and heaps of dad jokes).