Great Vic Bike Ride

Town highlights

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Saturday 25 November

Orbost

The adventure begins in Orbost, a picturesque town set on the Snowy River and the ideal place to ease into the Great Vic lifestyle. There’s no offical riding on arrival day, so go for a wander or gentle pedal to check out one of the town’s many historic building and structures.  

Highlights

  • The Slab Hut – Built in 1872 as a family home and wired together without using nails, The Slab Hut now serves as the Orbost Information Centre.  
  • Snowy Rail Bridge – The longest timber bridge in Victoria, spanning 770 metres. Support a local community group trying to save the bridge.
  • Stony Creek Trestle Bridge – Considered one of the most difficult rail projects undertaken in Victoria and the largest standing bridge of its kind in the state. 
  • Orbost Club Hotel – This historic pub is brimming with character and has been welcoming locals and passers by since it opened in 1884. 
  • Sailors Grave Brewing – Serving up a creative array of craft beer out of a 100-year-old butter factory. Pop in for live music until late on Saturday.
  • Orbost Markets – Visit the markets in the main street with friends & family – Local arts and crafts, food & drink. Open from 2pm – 6pm with Live music
  • Self guided tour on the Snowy River – Bike ride along the Snowy River then hop in a Kayak or SUP and paddle back down stream to finish with a Local Brew. Click here to book your spot.
    Sup Marlo will be under the Snowy River Bridge hiring Sup Boards and Kayaks
    Contact: info.supmarlo@gmail.com or 0439 419 468
  • FREE 2 hour Bus Tour to Marlo, Conran and return – Follow the Snowy River from Orbost to Marlo, Visit the Marlo Jetty and Snowy River Entrance Lookout. Then off to Cape Conran, Salmon Rocks, The Boat ramp and Sailors Grave. Return to Orbost via Cabbage Tree. Leaving from the Information Centre 11am – 1pm – 2pm & 3pm
    Only 150 seats – Click here to book now.
  • East Gippsland Coffee Roasters – Great VIC Bike Ride? How about a Great VIC cup of coffee!? East Gippsland Coffee Roasters understand coffee can lead to many great adventures! Drop in for a cup of coffee in Orbost – roasted fresh onsite and take advantage of $10 flat rate shipping and free shipping Australia wide on all coffee orders over $100!
  • Orbost bakery – Pop in and score a Great Vic special! Open 10:00am-4:00pmRotary Club of Orbost – The local Rotary Club are putting on a BBQ at the campsite to welcome friends and family to Orbost, make sure you grab a tasty snag!
  • Grandview lookout – On your way to the start line or a 22min ride from the campsite, snap a photo at the Grandview Lookout at Newmerella overlooking Orbost’s beautiful green pastures with mountain backdrop..
  • Orbost Exhibition Centre – Bits & Bobs Exhibition on display during the day and Live music “Funk & Punk” 8 till Late, $15 at the door. 
  • Historic Museum – Located in the library, open 1pm-4pm.
  • Orbost Pool – Enjoy a dip, open 11am-7pm
  • Orbost Tennis Club – Fancy a spot of tennis? Open from 2pm.
  • BMX Pump Track – Located at the back of the footy oval for those look for an X-Games experience before the ride.
  • Jobs fair – Friends or family thinking about moving to Gippsland? Check out the jobs fair on display at the Football Club window.

Sunday 26 November

Buchan

Our second stop on the 2023 Great Vic Bike Ride brings us to Buchan, home to one of East Gippsland’s most incredible attractions – the otherworldly formations of the famous Buchan Caves. 

Highlights: 

  • Buchan Caves – Australia’s largest-known cave system took shape almost 400 million years ago. Learn about their history through guided tours with Dreamtime stories. Book a tour here.
  • Scenic cliffs – The ancient limestone cliffs are a sight to behold. 
  • Buchan Caves Pool – Recently reopened, take a dip in the icy waters of this natural swimming hole. Or perhaps just dangle your legs in.  
  • Buchan Caves Hotel – This recently renovated pub is a great place to unwind and refuel with some classic fare. Try out the generously sized burger.
  • Willow Cafe – check out their amazing lunch selection with coffee and cakes available
  • Buchan Bush Nursing Association – Grab some BBQ goodies at the campsite on Sunday afternoon
  • Buchan Primary School – Serving hot breakfast at the campsite on Monday morning.

Monday 27 November

Lakes Entrance

Our third stop on the Great Vic Bike Ride is Lakes Entrance, a vibrant holiday spot where the Gippsland lakes meet the sea and plenty to see, do, eat and drink.  

Highlights

  • Big Bear Donuts – Queues are known to form for these famous donuts served up out of a bricks-and-mortar operation near the Lakes Entrance footbridge, but keep your eyes peeled for a Big Bear food truck around the Great Vic campsite in lakes Entrance.  
  • The Servo – Take a wander downtown to try out an authentic Mexican taco at The Servo, where there are also tasty cocktails on offer and live music to enjoy.
  • Mini golf – Believe it or not Lakes Entrance has three mini-golf establishments on the main strip. How many times can you get a hole in one?
  • Peels Lakes Cruise – Explore Gippsland’s famous lakes and wildlife on a guided tour with expert commentary from your skipper. Book now.
  • Metung Hot Springs – Need a place to rest those weary legs? Head to the Metung Hot Springs and enjoy the pools, cold plunges, geothermal showers and nature trails. Check out the bathing and nine-hole golf packages with transport from campsite included.
  • Kalimna Lookout – Check out the Kalimna Lookout at the top of Jimmy’s Point, which overlooks the scenic Gippsland Lakes.
  • The Entrance Walk – Stretch your legs out with a 5km return bush walk to the Entrance where the Lakes and Ocean meet.
  • Venture Out Australia – Kayak, SUP and Sunset Paddling Tours available. Book now your spot now.
  • Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail – Not sick of riding yet? Ride along the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail through the Colquhoun State Forest.
  • Iceworks Studio – Midday open gallery doors (for art with venison snags on the BBQ with local salad and lattes). Live music featuring Olivia Lay, Ashley Carmody and Christine Watterson from 1:00-5:00pm.

Tuesday 28 November

Paynesville

Our fourth stop is Paynesville, considered by some to be the boating capital of Victoria. Whether you’re taking to serene lakes or canals or enjoying this scenic town from dry land, there’s plenty to do and see.  

Highlights

  • Raymond Island Ferry – Take your bike across the lake and enjoy a nice walk around the island, home to a large koala population.  
  • Floating Tin Shed – The iconic Floating Tin Shed is a boat festival often seen cruising the local waterways playing live music.  
  • Dolphin Sculpture – Check out dolphin sculpture from the 2006 Commonwealth Games down on the jetty.  
  • Oyster Hour at Sardine Dining – Head to one of the finest dining establishments in the region for “Oyster Hour” from 4:00-5:00pm.
  • Twighlight Market – Check out the Twighlight Market, put on by the Lions Club at the Gilsenan Reserve from 2-7pm. 
  • Barefoot bowls – Lose your shoes, enjoy some friendly competition and sausage or two at the Paynesville Bowls Club.
  • Sunset Cove – A great spot to enjoy the water and unwind. There’s a park for the kids and a walking trail if you fancy a wander.
  • Pier 70 – Enjoy a meal or beverage on the water with stunning views of Raymond Island.
  • Hot Breakfast by Eagle Point Primary – Eagle Point Primary will be serving delicious hot brekkie at the campsite on Wednesday morning.
  • Shuttle busses into town – Thanks to the Paynesville Neighbhourhood Centre you can jump on the community bus from campsite to town.
  • Paynesville Craft Centre – Located on the foreshore will be open
  • Earth & Soul Pizza (Bairnsdale) – Stop for a gourmet pizza at Earth & Soul in Bairnsdale for lunch. To receive 10%, just show your rider passport at the counter or enter the promocode RIDE10 when ordering online. Valid 25 Nov – 3 Dec 2023, no minimum spend.

Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 November

Sale

Stop number five on the Great Vic is the coastal city of Sale, known for its heritage architecture, lakes, rivers and famous Ninety Mile Beach.  

Highlights

  • The Criterion Hotel – This iconic watering hole was built in 1865 and is one of the largest intact 19th century hotels in Victoria. It serves contemporary fare using local produce and fresh ingredients. $29 Steak Night on the Wed, Oyster Night on Thurs.
  • Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar – There’s no riding on day 5, but the friendly folks at this Irish-themed downtown bar will be hosting karaoke. So give the legs a rest and start warming up those vocal cords.  
  • Sale Botanic Gardens – Take a stroll through these 150-year-old gardens replete with elm forests, maple groves, children’s playground and diverse wildlife.  
  • Element at Mansi – Treat yourself to a little “me” time at this wellness centre featuring a light-filled Yoga studio, magnesium float baths and an infrared sauna.  
Great Vic Bike Ride 2023 - Day 6
  • Metung Hotsprings – Rest day present another opportunity to check out the Metung Hotsprings. See our bathing and nine-hole golf packages with transport from campsite included.
  • Sale Swing Bridge – Located just off the South Gippsland Highway, 5km from Sale, the Sale Swing Bridge was the first movable bridge constructed in Victoria.
  • Sale Heritage Walk Itinerary – Taking in historic points of interest around the Sale CBD area, the Sale Heritage Walk is a leisurely 1.5 hour walk taking you past historic buildings, monuments and environmental heritage.
  • Gippsland Regional Art Gallery – The Gippsland Art Gallery was established in 1965. Over the years it has moved to a few different locations in Sale before now calling the Port of Sale building a permanent home. The Gippsland Art Gallery is situated at the Port of Sale, overlooking stunning waterways and parkland.
  • Lakeside Club – The perfect venue for meals with friends and family or drinks in the bar, we provide a relaxed dining experience whilst offering quality gastro pub meals utilising the best local produce Gippsland has to offer.
  • Gippsland Hotel – The Gippsland Hotel will be rocking with live music on Wednesday Night.
  • Star Hotel Sale – Test your minds will you rest your legs with trivia at the Star Hotel on Thursday Night
  • Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar – Karaoke on Thursday Night
  • Sporting Legends – Sporting Legends is the home of all Sports and a place for all your entertainment needs. Head over for Steak Night on Wednesday night.
  • Tinamba Hotel – Dine at Central Gippsland’s favourite destination restaurant! Only 20mins from Sale, $10 charge for return shuttle buson Guthridge Parade. Call 0418 565 728 to book. Pick up on Gurthridge Parade, outside the campsite.
    Wed 29 Nov: 5:15pm-8:30pm
    Thurs 30 Nov: 11:15am-3:30pm and 5:15pm-8:30pm

Friday 1 December

Port Albert

Next up, we visit one of Victoria’s oldest ports with the seafood and scenery to match. Soak up the history of Port Albert with some fresh fish and views overlooking the wharf.  

Highlights

  • Barooma Homestead – our lunch stop on the way to Port Albert is Barooma Homestead. Come back to the region and stay at their onsite accommodation – unwind with the peace and tranquility of the property and ocean sounds
  • Port Albert Yacht Club – Head down to the yacht club to enjoy live music and drinks on the water, from 12-6pm.  
  • BBQ at camp – You won’t have to wander too far to refuel after rolling into Port Albert. The good people of Yarram Traders will be bringing the BBQ to you
  • Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum – Get to know Port Albert’s past with a visit to this local museum, which traces its history from its Gunaikurnai origins to the town it is today. 
  • Victoria Hotel Alberton – Get your riding buddies together and toast the day’s work with refreshments at this classic small-town pub. There’ll be a courtesy bus running from the Great Vic campsite.  
  • Gurneys Cider – On the way to Fish Creek, don’t forget to pull into Gurneys Cider to enjoy a mid ride beverage. Official cider supplier of Great Vic 2023.
  • Port Albert Fish & Chip Co – One of the best fish and chipperies in the region. Enjoy a fresh catch on the water.
  • VerSicilia Ristorante – This recently opened eatery serves up authentic southern Italian fare making good use of the fantastic local seafood. Dine in, takeaway, or pop in for breakfast before setting off for Fish Creek.  
  • Old Port Walking Trail – This unique walking trail will surprise you with the rawness of its views and vegetation. Stands of swamp paperbark and coastal tea tree give way to a rich hinterland of coast banksia and coastal manna gum woodlands.

Saturday 2 December

Fish Creek

The charming town of Fish Creek is full of quaint galleries, bookstores and cafes. It’s also the penultimate stop on our 2023 Great Vic adventure, so be sure to fuel up for the final day of riding.

Recently, the Fish Creek Football and Netball Club’s clubrooms were burnt to the ground, losing over a hundred years of memorabilia, photos, trophies, honour boards, flags etc. You can donate to their fundraiser here.

Highlights

  • Fish Creek Hotel – The retro-styled Fish Creek Hotel is a wonderful spot for a hearty feed and refreshing drink. Sit back with a plate of fresh seafood and enjoy. 
  • Long John Pickles – Visit this café for its coffee, shakes, smoothies, or perhaps even the all-day breakfast. 
  • The Handmaker’s Store – This craft store features the wares of local makers working with ethically sourced goods.  
  • Disco – It’s Saturday Night Fever at the Fish Creek Hall during our visit, so swap those cleats for dancing shoes and get ready to get down.  
  • Community Market – Head downtown to checkout the local market between 1-5pm, where there’s also be live music to enjoy.
  • Toora Swimming Pool – On the way to Fish Creek head to the Toora Swimming pool for a mid ride dip at a discounted entry fee of $5.
  • Gibsons Café – Delicious baked treats, hearty brunches and all kinds of homemade goods are on offer at this quaint cafe in Fish Creek. Stop by for a coffee and a bite, or pick up some goodies for the road ahead. Either way, give their gourmet pies some genuine consideration.
  • Alison Lester Bookshop – Late in 2014, well-known childrens author Alison Lester opened a Gallery/Bookshop in Fish Creek, not far from where Alison was born and nestled in the middle of the landscape that inspired classics such as My Farm, Magic Beach and The Quicksand Pony.
  • Local Galleries – Wallace and Wallace Sculpture and Photography gallery Biance Stefani Hilltop Art Gallery & Museum.

Sunday 3 December

Inverloch Super rest stop

We’ll be making a pit stop in Inverloch on the final’s day of riding, but there are delights in this vibrant seaside town that will have you wanting to overstay your welcome.  

Highlights

  • Treat time – In need of a sugar hit as your power towards the finish line? Pay Treat Time a visit for a tempting array of local and imported goodies, such as American favourite Reece’s or New Zealand’s famous Hokey Pokey.  
  • Dirty Three Wines – A favourite among locals and a great place to stop and sample delicious local vintages, cultivated right here in South Gippsland.  
  • Paul the Pieman Bakery – This family-run bakery has been serving up quality pastries since 2002 and winning awards along the way.  

Sunday 3 December

Wonthaggi

Wonthaggi is where you’ll find the finish line, and there are plenty of suitable places to revel in your success.  

Highlights

  • Mates Gin Distillery – Head down to this cellar door to sample some locally-made Bass Coast gin. Perhaps stay a while to enjoy local beers, wine and food with your new Great Vic friends.  
  • The Wonthaggi Club – Right in the centre of the shopping district, the Club offers quality dining options for lunch and dinner, and even some entertainment if you feel like sticking around.  
  • Little Wren Sandwich Bar – A little birdy tells us this little lunch spot is one of the best in town, offering an assortment of wraps, sandwiches, local hams and other goodies.  
  • State Coal Mine – Travel back in time (and through a dark network of tunnels) to get a glimpse of life as a coal miner in the 1900s. 
Great Vic Bike Ride 2023 - Day 9
  • Wonthaggi Football & Netball Club BBQ fundraiser – The Wonthaggi Football & Netball Club will be waiting for you at the finish line cooking up a storm.
  • Wonthaggi Golf Club – Located in the centre of Wonthaggi with ample parking and easy access by foot or car to our superb 18 hole course, Par 72 5683m. You’re sure to get in touch with nature with an abundance of kangaroos and plenty of wildlife on the grounds, Front nine lightly treed, second nine longer with water on some holes.
  • State Coal Mine – The State Coal Mine offers a journey back in time to discover what life working in a coal mine was like in the 1900s. Venture underground through the dark network of tunnels to get hands-on at the coal face and learn how Victoria’s hard working men extracted the black gold.

Join us for the 40th celebration of the Great Vic! Sign up by 12 May to secure a FREE commemorative t-shirt.

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