Overview

The Great East Rail Trail Ride is Snowy River Cycling’s signature fully supported cycling event, held twice a year in beautiful East Gippsland, Victoria.

This 4-night, 3-day riding experience combines scenic rail trail riding (30-40km a day), local hospitality, great food, entertainment, and genuine community connection into one unforgettable long weekend.

Based out of Nowa Nowa, riders experience some of East Gippsland’s most iconic cycling sections, including riding from Bairnsdale to Bruthen, the East Gippsland Rail Trail through to Orbost, and the stunning Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail to Wyanga Park Winery.

More than just a bike ride, the Great East is designed to immerse riders in the region and create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where people can connect, unwind, and enjoy the journey together.

Along the way, riders enjoy local food experiences, winery visits, live music, campfires, guest speakers, community activities, and opportunities to discover the stories and characters that make East Gippsland special.

Snowy River Cycling prides itself on delivering a professionally run yet down-to-earth event experience. Our passionate local team provides exceptional support throughout the event, including luggage transfers, on-trail assistance, rider briefings, rest stops, and a friendly encouraging atmosphere both on and off the bike.

Whether you come solo, with friends, as a couple, or as part of a group, the Great East Rail Trail Ride is about great trails, great people, and experiencing East Gippsland in a truly authentic way.

• 4 nights / 3 riding days

• Fully supported cycling event

• Ride at your own pace

• Suitable for e-bikes and recreational riders

• Scenic rail trails and forest riding

• Local food, wine and hospitality experiences

• Live music, campfires and guest speakers

• Friendly and welcoming atmosphere

• Based in beautiful Nowa Nowa, East Gippsland

Arrive into Nowa Nowa and settle into our base at Mingling Waters between 1:00pm– 2:30pm
2:30pm - Welcome and briefing.

4pm - Music around camp fire

In the evening, we come together for a relaxed welcome dinner followed by a fun trivia night — a great way to break the ice and start building the camaraderie that makes this event so special.

After breakfast at our base in Nowa Nowa, we transfer to Bairnsdale to begin our first ride along the East Gippsland Rail Trail.

Today is a gentle and enjoyable introduction to the trail — riding through open farmland, river crossings and quiet countryside as we make our way toward Bruthen. Along the way, we’ll stop for a relaxed morning tea at the Nicholson River, giving you time to take it all in and connect with the group.

We arrive into Bruthen for a well-earned lunch at the iconic Bruthen Inn Hotel, before enjoying a local honey tasting — one of those simple, memorable touches that make this experience more than just a ride.

After lunch, we return to Nowa Nowa where you can unwind before the evening. A special guest session, dinner, and a relaxed campfire with music round out the day — often a highlight for many.

Today is a real highlight of the Great East — a beautiful ride that blends trail, coastline, and a touch of indulgence.

We set off from Nowa Nowa, following the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail toward Wyanga Park Winery. This section of trail offers a slightly different feel, with changing landscapes, glimpses of the lakes, and a sense of adventure as we ride beyond the rail trail.

Along the way, we’ll stop for a relaxed coffee and morning tea before continuing on to the winery, where a long lunch awaits. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy great local food and wine, and soak in the atmosphere with the group.

From here, we return to Nowa Nowa by bus in the afternoon, with time to freshen up before coming together again for dinner.

Highlights:

• Ride the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail (36.5km)

• Coffee and morning tea en route

• Winery lunch at Wyanga Park

• Return transfer to Nowa Nowa

• Evening dinner with the group

Our final ride takes us further along the East Gippsland Rail Trail as we make our way from Nowa Nowa to Orbost — a rewarding and memorable way to finish the journey.

The trail winds through a mix of forest, farmland and open spaces, with a steady rhythm that allows you to settle in and enjoy the ride. Along the way, we’ll stop for a relaxed coffee and morning tea, taking in the surroundings and sharing the experience as a group.

A true highlight of today is riding across the Snowy River Rail Bridge — the longest trestle bridge in Australia. Stretching an impressive distance over the floodplains, it’s an iconic moment of the trip and one that really captures the scale and history of the region.

Arriving into Orbost, we gather for lunch at Forest Park before having time to explore the town — from the main street to local highlights like the Arts Centre and historic Slab Hut.

After some time to wander, we transfer back to Nowa Nowa where the afternoon is yours to unwind, we put together a mini market with local businesses, which is a great fun atmosphere. In the evening, we come together one last time for a shared dinner — a chance to reflect on the past few days, the connections made, and the experience as a whole.

We wrap up the Great East with a relaxed breakfast at Mingling Waters, giving you time to enjoy one last moment with the group before heading off.

After a few days of riding, shared meals, and genuine connection, this is a chance to reflect on the experience and say your goodbyes.

Departure is at 10:00am