Start the week off in Bendigo before embarking on the Great Vic's return trip to the stunning Goldfields.

Prepare early by purchasing an additional night of camping in Bendigo on Sunday 22 November. Set up camp and relax the night before the ride.

PLEASE NOTE:
this extra night is offered with limited services (no mobile showers or electricity provided, no official meals, and no entertainment until start day)

As you prepare for a return to the new format of the Great Vic Bike Ride, enjoy the town’s warm hospitality, leafy surrounds, and rich history. Relax, explore the local markets, and soak up the country charm. Bendigo is proud to host you.

*Add pre-ride camping in registration for $39

With fresh legs, you’ll kick off the ride heading toward Castlemaine, a bustling town on the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung People. The route passes through rolling countryside and farmland, offering a mix of open vistas and tree-lined roads.

Castlemaine is known for its eclectic arts scene, gold rush history and growing reputation as a fine food destination. It’s the perfect place to settle in for the night.

Route specs

• Distance: 61km
• Elevation: 212m

Back in the saddle for your first loop day where you have the choice to ride two great tracks. Either route will have you taking in the region’s quiet country roads and rolling terrain. Winding through historic goldfields landscapes, native bush, and open farmland, the route delivers a rewarding mix of gentle climbs and flowing descents that showcase the best of Central Victoria riding.

Route specs

• Distance: 106km or 60km (choose on the day)
• Elevation: 1,152m or 580m (choose on the day)

Rolling out from Castlemaine, this point-to-point ride to Trentham takes you through some of Central Victoria’s most scenic and varied terrain.

Approaching Trentham, the elevation rises and the environment noticeably cools and greens. The dry bush transitions into lush, temperate forest, with tall gums, ferns, and rich volcanic soil supporting a thriving agricultural region. This area is known for its fertile farmland, cool-climate produce, and iconic tree-lined roads, creating a striking contrast to the drier, rugged landscapes closer to Castlemaine.

Route specs

• Distance: 66km
• Elevation: 909m

Your loop day around Trentham features gently rolling hills, farmland, and scenic forested areas. This loop allows you to fully experience the region’s varied landscape, from open vistas to quiet country lanes. Riders will also pass through the broader Macedon Ranges region, with opportunities to experience landmarks such as Hanging Rock and the township of Woodend along the way, adding a distinctive mix of natural and cultural significance to the ride. Trentham’s welcoming character and natural beauty make it a restorative stop for all.

Route specs

• Distance: 71km
• Elevation gained: 666m

On your final ride day, you’ll head toward Creswick, passing through a mix of farmland, gentle hills, and patches of forest. The route also travels through Daylesford, a town widely known for its spa culture, mineral springs, and wellness-focused tourism, adding a distinctive change of pace to the surrounding landscape. Creswick, a historic gold rush town surrounded by natural bushland, is the perfect place to celebrate the end of the ride. Enjoy the town’s relaxed atmosphere, local streetscapes, and open spaces as you reflect on the week’s journey.

Route specs

• Distance: 54km
• Elevation gained: 760m