Australian adventure travel company, World Expeditions, has launched a new brand specialising in a range of local, self-guided cycling adventures designed to offer active travellers maximum flexibility, affordability and convenience -woohoo!
Australian Cycle Tours itineraries are diverse enough to be suitable for introductory cyclists - including families with young children - through to experienced cyclists looking for a challenge.
While there are a couple of guided experiences on offer, the vast majority of the new range is self-guided, offering flexible itineraries that include accommodation, bike hire, luggage transfers, route notes & maps, expert advice and GPS information. Many offer optional e-bikes. Itineraries are in place now in NSW, Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania, with other states to follow.
Great Victorian Rail Trail. Supplied: World Expeditions.
According to World Expeditions CEO, Sue Badyari, the new range has been developed in response to the demand for active adventures which are accessible intra-state by self driving to the destination or by short flights to intra-state destinations.
“In regions such as Europe, self-guided travel is a well-established and highly desirable style of travel and we’ve worked hard to create some amazing and affordable local packages, despite the landscape being completely different, in a good way,” she said.
“The new itineraries are underpinned with all the support working in the background, so cyclists can relax into a really inspiring short adventure...Groups can travel at their own pace, choosing their own departure times and duration of stops, with all the logistics such as baggage transfers between each nights lodgings, accommodation, route planning and backup support, all taken care of,” Ms Badyari said.
Victoria Cycling Itineraries
The six day Great Victorian Rail Trail Self-Guided Cycle follows Australia's longest rail trail through charming towns and countryside from Mansfield, in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, to Tallarook. The trail passes over Lake Eildon into Bonnie Doon, through the state’s longest trail tunnel near Yea and along the Goulburn River. This includes 5 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis.
Pass through Alexandra on the Great Victorian Rail Trail. Image: Bruce Baker. Supplied: World Expeditions.
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The five day Murray to the Mountains Downhill Edition is a unique itinerary put together to have you cycle the Mountains Rail Trail - without the hills! From the well-preserved, historical town of Beechworth, the route follows flat roads and downhill trails while soaking in the views of verdant farmland, bushland, forests, valleys and mountains. This includes 4 nights accommodation in hotels/motels on a twin share basis.
NSW Cycling Itineraries
The emphasis is on flexibility on the five day Mudgee Explorer Self-Guided Cycle, with a number of routes on offer. The self-guided itinerary provides complete freedom to set your own pace, with time to enjoy a long lunch, sample local cheeses or stop for a wine tasting, as you cycle quiet country roads passing picturesque vineyards and farms, renowned restaurants and cafes, each evening returning to your boutique hotel in Mudgee.
The two day Rope & Ride Blue Mountains Adventure is a chance to explore the heights, depths and lengths of the Blue Mountains. This guided adventure combines a day long seasonal roped activity, such as abseiling or canyoning with a day’s mountain biking adventure.
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There is also a challenging and rewarding eight day Sea to Kosciuszko Self-Guided Cycle, on which participants will enjoy the thrill of cycling from Tathra on the beautiful Sapphire Coast to Kosciusko at the top of Australia and a spectacular six day South Coast Self Guided Cycle from Wollongong along the coast to the white sandy beaches of Huskisson, on Jervis Bay.
Finishing the trip at the pub to quench a well deserved thirst. Image: Bruce Baker. Supplied: World Expeditions.
The exclusive Rope & Ride Blue Mountains Adventure operates with a minimum of only 2 people and would have to be the best way to see parts of the Blue Mountains that are off limits to most visitors. The experience includes a hearty gourmet lunch both days, accommodation pickup (from Katoomba, Leura, Wentworth Falls, Blackheath and Medlow Bath), professional, qualified and knowledgeable guides, all activity related equipment for both days (wetsuits, harnesses, helmets, bikes and gloves).
Tasmania Cycling Itineraries
Tasmania’s East Coast is dotted with charming fishing villages, stretches of beautiful coastline, including the spectacular Freycinet National Park and the 8 day East Coast Self-Guided Cycle is a chance to explore this stunning region independently. This includes five nights hotel/cabin/guesthouse accommodation, two nights camping on Maria Island (all gear included), bike hire, road and ferry transfers, National Park Passes, maps and expert advice.
For those short on time, there's also the six day highlight version, the Self Guided Cycle East Coast Highlights, including four nights guesthouse style accommodation and one night camping.
WA Cycling Itineraries
The six day Munda Biddi Cycling Adventure is a world class cycling trail in southern Western Australia and this experience is guided, with a support vehicle so you can cycle as much of this 207 km trail as you like.
Visit your local Flight Centre store or call 133 133 for more information on these new cycling tours.
