Rail trail viewing as you cycle on the Northern Rivers rail trail and Tweed Coast short break trip. Photos: Supplied.
Summer is almost here and the desire to be more active prevails as we head for the great outdoors. The urge is upon us to jump on our bike and pedal our way to fitness — all the while enjoying the beautiful landscapes.
Australian Cycle Tours has introduced two new ‘short break’ cycle trips: one is in the Tweed Valley in Northern NSW and the other is centred in Mudgee, west of Sydney.
Brand manager Erin Wileman says these packages are particularly for those of us who are pressed for time.
“We’ve created these two new tours to appeal to travellers with limited time to give them the opportunity to take a unique break in spectacular, easily accessible areas”, Erin advised.
“Mudgee and the Tweed are on the top of our popular regions list so we are confident these trips will be an ideal short break to experience two incredible and quite different areas of NSW.”
The Northern Rivers and Tweed Coast short break is the perfect trip for those who are short on time, but who want to experience both the Northern Rivers rail trail and the Tweed Coast. This short cycle journey heads out along the trail, between Murwillumbah and Crabbes Creek, before turning east to the Tweed Coast and the sparkling beaches and coastline for which this region is renowned where you’ll spend the night in premium accommodation by the beach. The last stage takes you back into Murwillumbah through the red soil farmlands of the Cudgen Plateau and the floodplains of the Tweed River which still supports significant cane farming operations.
Highlights of the Northern Rivers and Tweed Coast short break trip include:
- Cycle on the Northern Rivers rail trail between Murwillumbah and Crabbes Creek
- Explore the superb beaches and coastline of the Tweed Coast
- Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
- Enjoy an active and varied short break in the Tweed Valley.
Electric bikes will be provided and luggage will be transferred between hotels. This gives you the freedom to cycle at your own pace and enjoy the ever-changing landscape. The cost of this short break starts from $990 per person, for a three-day, two-night trip. Cycling is on two days of rail trail/bike path and then the last day is on quiet roads. You will spend two nights in Murwillumbah and one night at Kingscliff.
Cycle around vineyards on a Mudgee cycle short break tour.
Cycle around vineyards on a Mudgee cycle short break tour.
One of the best ways to enjoy the wines, food and countryside of Mudgee is on a bike. You will enjoy cycling to the vineyards, heading through rolling farmlands and natural vistas. On this self-guided trip, you are free to set your own pace, relish a long lunch, sample local cheeses and a wine tasting (or two!) enroute. With countless wineries, renowned restaurants and cosy cafes, the hardest part of the day will be deciding which cellar doors to visit!
This itinerary is the perfect length for a weekend getaway or a short visit during the week while the area is quieter. High points of the Mudgee cycle short break trip are:
- Experience two days exploring the stunning winery region by bike
- Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
- Delight in the local wines and food of the Mudgee region
- Cycle through the countryside, passing vineyards and farms enroute.
The cost of this tour starts from $790 per person, for a three-day, two-night trip that includes an electric bike and accommodation for two nights at the Parkview Hotel (or similar) in Mudgee.
A new, extended cycle trip which includes all the sections of the popular Murray to the Mountains rail trail.
Responding to demand, Australian Cycle Tours has added a new, extended cycle trip which includes all the sections of the popular Murray to the Mountains rail trail. The new trip commences in Beechworth with the first two days cycling and a transfer back to Beechworth before continuing to Myrtleford and Bright, with a cycle also included on the newest section of the rail trail out to Yackandandah.
Explore Victoria’s beautiful northeast region with hidden valleys, spectacular mountain backdrops and indulge in world-class local produce and wines from the region’s best, award-winning wineries. This outing is recommended for keen cyclists due to longer, more difficult cycling days and is ideal for those wanting to cycle the rail trail in its entirety.
The seven-day trip costs from $1380 per person and includes five days of self-guided cycling, bike hire, six nights’ accommodation, luggage transfers and route maps. E-bikes and tandem bikes are also available for an additional fee.
Stay active and healthy!
