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Jan 23, 2024

Beyond the bike on the Great Vic: Part One

There’ll be no shortage of highlights as you pedal across breathtaking Gippsland, making your way from Snowy to Sea with thousands of friends new and old. But there’ll also be plenty of opportunities

There’ll be no shortage of highlights as you pedal across breathtaking Gippsland, making your way from Snowy to Sea with thousands of friends new and old. But there’ll also be plenty of opportunities to park the bike and explore the region in your downtime.

Orbost highlights

Our adventure begins in Orbost and this picturesque town set on the Snowy River may be the perfect place to ease into the Great Vic lifestyle. There's no official riding on arrival day, so settle in at camp and get to know the area by visiting one of many historic buildings and structures.

The Orbost Information Centre, also known as The Slab Hut, was built in 1872 as a family home and wired together without the use of nails. Its friendly staff might direct you to the famous Snowy Rail Bridge, which spans 770 metres and stands as the longest timber bridge in Victoria.

The nearby and equally picturesque Stony Creek Trestle Bridge, built in 1916, is considered one of the most difficult rail projects undertaken in Victoria and is the largest standing bridge of its kind in the state.

Another historic landmark, the iconic Orbost Club Hotel, has welcomed locals and passers by since it opened its doors in 1884 – and now charms modern-day visitors with its character and its hearty food and drink.

Sailors Grave Brewing, with its creative array of craft beer trades in more modern and adventurous refreshments, but honours the rich history of the region by operating out of a 100-year-old butter factory.

If you're looking to get the legs moving ahead of ride day one, then take a short spin up to Grandview Lookout at Newmerella for some marvellous views of green fields and distant mountains. For a lengthier warm up, check out a section of the East Gippsland Rail Trail, which runs from Orbost to Bairnsdale.

Just be sure to keep some fuel in the tank. On day two we're off to Buchan, with its own share of things to do and see.

Buchan highlights

Day two of the Great Vic brings us to Buchan and one of East Gippsland’s most incredible attractions at Newmerella – the otherworldly formations of the famous Buchan Caves.

Australia’s largest-known cave system, these took shape almost 400 million years ago and visitors can learn about their history through guided tours that share Dreamtime stories and highlight artefacts of Aboriginal occupation 18,000 years ago.

Credit: Parks Victoria

Buchan also has a rich history beyond its caves. It is home to important fossil discoveries from the mega-fauna period and ancient limestone cliffs. These are a site to behold, as is the scenery that surrounds this picturesque town on the Snowy River, one of the oldest European settlements in Victoria.

The Buchan Caves pool with its renowned icy-cold spring water has recently reopened and is well worth a visit, even if it’s just to dangle the legs in after a day on the bike.

If it’s a hard-earned refreshment you’re after, the homely atmosphere at the Buchan Caves Hotel could be the perfect spot. This recently renovated pub is a great place to unwind and refuel with some classic fare, particularly the generously sized burger if the appetite permits.

Stay tuned for Part Two of our What to do on the Great Vic series, where we look at attractions in Lakes Entrance and beyond. In the meantime, you can check out our Great Vic food and drink guide for some extra inspiration.

This article was made possible by the support of Bicycle Network's members who enable us to make bike riding better in Australia.

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