Murray to Mountains Rail Trail

Stretching 100 kilometres through northern Victoria's river country and foothills, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is one of Australia's great rail-trail experiences. Following a former railway corridor from the Murray River at Wahgunyah to the alpine foothills at Bright, this sealed path takes you through historic gold-rush towns, past vineyards and tobacco kilns, and across red-gum lined rivers. It's a gentle grade throughout, making it perfect for families, casual cyclists, and e-bikes. The trail is broken into sections, each with its own character, and you can dip into it from several towns for a day ride or tackle the whole thing over a long weekend.

Highlights & What to See

• Bright to Myrtleford – The most scenic stretch, with mountain views, tall forests, and the Ovens River running alongside. Stop at the Bright Brewery for a well-earned ale.
• Milawa to Wangaratta – Ride through vineyards and olive groves, with a detour to Milawa Cheese Factory and Brown Brothers Winery for tastings.
• Wangaratta to Beechworth – A gentle climb through farmland to the historic gold-mining town of Beechworth, where you can explore the well-preserved 1850s streetscape and bakery.
• Wahgunyah to Rutherglen – The Murray River section, with red-gum forests and access to Rutherglen's famous fortified wine cellars.
• Historic bridges and tunnels – Look out for the Everard Park tunnel and several timber trestle bridges that add a touch of engineering heritage.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most riders take 3 to 4 days to complete the entire trail, staying overnight in towns like Bright, Myrtleford, Wangaratta, and Beechworth. If you only have a day, the Bright–Myrtleford section (about 30 km one way) is the most rewarding, and you can hire e-bikes in Bright to make it easy. The trail is well signposted and flat, so you can cover 30–40 km per day without rushing. Allow extra time for winery stops and town exploration.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bright – Base yourself here for access to the alpine national parks and the start of the rail trail; don't miss the autumn colours.
• Beechworth – Gold-rush history, the famous Beechworth Bakery, and the Burke Museum.
• Rutherglen – Wine region known for fortifieds, with cellar doors and the Rutherglen Wine Experience.
• Wangaratta – Gateway to the trail, with the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre and nearby Warby-Ovens National Park.
• Milawa – Gourmet food stop with cheese, mustard, and wine producers.

Please check official sources for current details.