The adventure begins in Mortlake, a picturesque town set in the South-West and the ideal place to ease into the Great Vic lifestyle. There’s no officialriding 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
Discover Bluestone Heritage: Stroll through Mortlake’s historic streets to admire its impressive bluestone architecture, including landmarks like Mac’s Hotel (1859) and the former Grieve and Benn’s Store (1869).
Visit Mount Shadwell: Explore the extinct volcano that offers a unique geological landscape and opportunities for fossicking olivine crystals.
Relax at Tea Tree Lake Reserve: Enjoy a peaceful walk around this tranquil park, a reclaimed swamp area transformed into a serene natural space.
Experience Local Produce: Indulge in fresh, locally sourced foods at the Mortlake Deli and Clarke’s Pies, offering authentic country flavors.
Monday 24 November - Tuesday 25 November
Koroit
Our second stop on the 2025 Great Vic Bike Ride brings us to Koroit. Explore this beautiful town over two days as we camp here for two nights.
Highlights:
Koroit Heritage Trail: Discover the town’s rich Irish history with over 30 historic sites, including charming cottages, gardens, and 19th-century buildings.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve: Explore a dormant volcano turned national park, home to native wildlife like koalas, emus, and kangaroos — a must-see for nature lovers.
Botanic Gardens: Stroll through these peaceful gardens, designed by William Guilfoyle, perfect for a relaxing walk or a picnic surrounded by greenery.
Mickey Bourke’s Koroit Hotel: Step into the town’s past with a visit to this historic pub, dating back to 1853, and enjoy a classic country pub atmosphere.
Koroit Farmers Market: Experience the local flavor at this vibrant market, where you can sample fresh produce, handmade crafts, and regional delicacies.
Our next stop on the Great Vic is the legendary Great Ocean Road. A show-stopping destination right on the Southern Ocean, a vibrant location where land meets the sea with plenty to see, do, eat and drink.
Highlights
Twelve Apostles: A must-see! These iconic limestone stacks are one of Australia’s most famous natural wonders, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Loch Ard Gorge: A breathtaking cove with dramatic cliffs and rich shipwreck history, perfect for a scenic walk and exploration.
The Arch & The Grotto: These unique coastal formations are perfect for photography and appreciating the rugged beauty of the Great Ocean Road.
Gibson Steps: Get up close to the Twelve Apostles from the beach for a truly unique perspective of these towering limestone formations.
Port Campbell Beach: A calm sheltered beach ideal for relaxing or taking a swim after a day of exploration.
Friday 28 November
Camperdown
Our final stop is Camperdown, famed for its volcanic landscape, rich farming heritage influenced by a significant Scottish backbone. Camperdown’s close proximity to the Great Ocean Road provides the perfect backdrop for your final day on the ride.
Highlights
Manifold Clock Tower: An iconic Gothic-style clock tower built in 1896, offering panoramic views of the town from its observation level.
Mount Leura: A prominent volcanic cone providing scenic walking trails and sweeping views of the surrounding plains.
Camperdown Botanic Gardens: Established in 1869, these gardens feature a variety of plant species and tranquil walking paths.
Robert Burns Statue: A tribute to the Scottish poet, located in a peaceful park setting.
Camperdown & District Heritage Centre: A museum showcasing the region’s history, including local artifacts and exhibits
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.
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.
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.
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