Errinundra Wilderness Journey

The Errinundra Wilderness Journey is a four-day supported cycling experience through the remote forests between Delegate, Bendoc and Orbost.

This is not a rail trail.

This is not a race.

This is a small-group wilderness cycling experience designed for riders who are ready to step beyond smooth paths and explore more adventurous country with the comfort of full support.

Over four days, you’ll ride through quiet forestry roads, gravel roads, old logging routes, dirt tracks and sections of sealed rural road as we journey through some of East Gippsland’s most remote and beautiful forest landscapes. This is a place of mountain air, old forest, wide gravel roads, grassy tracks, historic sites, cool temperate rainforest and towering ancient Shining Gums.

The riding is best described as supported wilderness cycling. It is not technical mountain biking, but it is more challenging than rail trail riding. You can expect mixed surfaces, climbs, uneven ground, rocky sections, softer grassy sections and remote forest roads. The terrain is part of what makes this experience so special.

This tour is suited to riders with some gravel, cross-country mountain bike or mixed-surface riding experience. E-bike mountain bikes are warmly welcomed and can make the steady climbing and varied terrain more enjoyable.

If you are hiring a bike from Snowy River Cycling, we will provide a suitable bike for the terrain. If you are bringing your own bike, we recommend a bike with suspension. Dual suspension is ideal, or front suspension at a minimum. Tyres should have some tread and be suitable for gravel, forest roads and mixed surfaces.

Throughout the tour, a guide will ride with the group and a support vehicle will meet you at planned locations for check-ins, morning tea, lunch and general support. This allows you to ride into more remote country knowing that the logistics, meals and support are taken care of.

This is a wilderness experience, with touches of comfort. Accommodation is basic and in keeping with the remote nature of the journey. Unless you have booked a solo supplement package, rooms are twin or double share. All rooms have shared bathroom facilities.

Our hope is to immerse you in the wild beauty of Errinundra while still providing the care, support and thoughtful touches that make the experience enjoyable.

If you are looking for a polished resort-style escape, this is probably not the tour for you.

If you are looking for quiet roads, big trees, remote forest, fresh mountain air, meaningful riding, shared meals and the feeling of being somewhere truly special — this may be exactly what you’re looking for.

TOUR STYLE

The Errinundra Wilderness Journey is a supported small-group cycling tour through remote forest country.

It includes guided riding, support vehicle check-ins, meals, accommodation and logistics. You do not need to carry your luggage while riding.

This tour has been designed for riders who are comfortable riding more than a standard rail trail and are ready to explore remote terrain with support.

RIDE STYLE AND SUITABILITY

This tour includes a mix of:

• Quiet forestry roads

• Gravel roads

• Old logging routes

• Dirt tracks

• Grassy and softer sections

• Some rocky sections

• Some sealed rural riding

• Steady climbs

• Remote forest riding

This is not a technical mountain bike tour, but it is closer to cross-country style riding than rail trail riding.

The riding is considered moderate, with daily distances ranging from approximately 23km to 50km. Some days include climbing and mixed surfaces, so riders should be comfortable with hills, varied terrain and riding in remote areas.

A support vehicle will be available throughout the journey.

BIKE REQUIREMENTS

Mountain bikes or suitable mixed-surface bikes are recommended.

If hiring a bike from Snowy River Cycling, we will provide a suitable bike for this terrain.

If bringing your own bike, your bike should have:

• Front suspension at a minimum

• Dual suspension if available

• Tyres with suitable tread

• Gearing suitable for climbing

• Brakes in good working order

Smooth road tyres are not recommended for this tour.

E-bikes are welcome, particularly e-mountain bikes. Battery planning and charging will be managed as part of the tour where required.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 3 nights accommodation

• All meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 4 lunch

• Guided rides and walks

• Support vehicle

• Mechanical assistance

• Transport as required throughout the tour

• E-bike charging facilities

• Small-group supported riding experience

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Alcoholic beverages

• Personal cycling gear

• Travel insurance

• Bike hire, unless purchased separately

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is based at the historic Bendoc Pub.

Rooms are basic and comfortable, in keeping with the remote wilderness nature of the experience.

Unless you have booked a solo supplement package, rooms are twin or double share. All rooms have shared bathroom facilities.

This is not luxury accommodation. It is simple, honest country accommodation that allows us to stay close to the forest and fully experience the region.

DAY 1 — *DELEGATE TO BENDOC

We gather in Delegate at 11am and begin rolling into mountain forest country.

The ride starts with quiet back roads, open skies and the steady rhythm of leaving the busy world behind. As we near Bendoc, we take a worthwhile detour to a mountain lookout — a satisfying climb that sets the tone for the days ahead.

At the top, we share our first lunch together, looking back across the NSW landscape we’ve just ridden through.

By mid-afternoon, we arrive in Bendoc and settle in for the next few nights at the gateway to Errinundra.

Approximate riding distance: 23km

* If the group is travelling from Orbost/Melb direction this first day will be significantly different.

DAY 2 — DELEGATE DIVERSION TUNNEL LOOP

 09:00 We begin the day riding out along the Old Bendoc Bonang road, a historic linkage between the old settlements.

Along this undulating route we will discover the Bendoc Cemetery and the unique Jug Handle tree before continuing to morning tea.

Midmorning, we pause the bikes for a short walk down to the Delegate River, where we discover an impressive piece of gold rush history.

In the 1880s, miners cut an 80-metre tunnel through solid rock to divert the river from its original course. By redirecting the water, they exposed the riverbed to search for gold — a remarkable example of ingenuity and determination in an isolated landscape.

After exploring the site, we return to the bikes and continue riding through quiet mountain country, carrying both the views and the stories of the region with us. 

This part of the ride gains 300m elevation to the summit of Mt Koolabra before meandering back down to the banks of the Delegate River for lunch.

After lunch we ride the final 10km of the Old Orbost Bendoc rd (Gap Road) back to Bendoc, through open farmland, plantations and majestic forests.

Approximate distance 41.3kms 806m elevation change

DAY 3 — WILSONS HUT AND PLATEAU RIDING

Today we explore deeper into the plateau country.

Expect cool forest air, wide gravel roads, small forest tracks and a morning tea stop at historic Wilson's hut.

From here we ride old logging roads to a significant gold mining site known as Jungle King Mine, where we will stop for a light lunch.

We then ride forest roads back to Bendoc exploring historic relics from the gold mining days, before a relaxed evening and another hearty meal.

We ride back tracks to another significant site, including an old mining area, before returning to Bendoc for a relaxed evening and another hearty meal.

Approximate riding distance: 37.6km with 700m of elevation change.

DAY 4 — GIANTS OF ERRINUNDRA

Today is both the heart of the journey and our final riding day.

We make our way toward the Errinundra Old Growth Forest and step into a landscape of towering ancient Shining Gums — some of the largest and oldest known to exist.

From the Old Growth walk we continue riding through ancient forests to the Errinundra Saddle Rainforest Walk. The air feels cooler here. The light softens under the canopy. It is the kind of place that naturally makes you slow down and look up.

Approximate riding distance: 40km With 1100m elevation change

GETTING THERE

Canberra riders:
Delegate is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Canberra.

Victorian riders:
Meet in Orbost and travel with Snowy River Cycling to Delegate by arrangement.
Please note: If your a group booking and all coming from Melb/Orbost we will re route the tour to save additional driving. Please get in touch prior to booking.

Secure parking is available at Delegate Golf Club.

WHO THIS TOUR IS FOR

This tour is ideal for riders who:

• Are ready to step beyond rail trail riding

• Enjoy remote places and quiet forest roads

• Are comfortable with hills and mixed surfaces

• Have some gravel, cross-country mountain bike or mixed-terrain riding experience

• Want to explore more adventurous country with support

• Appreciate simple country accommodation and shared meals

• Enjoy nature, history, big trees and less-discovered places

This tour may not be suitable for riders who:

• Only feel comfortable on smooth, flat rail trails

• Prefer sealed paths or manicured cycling routes

• Do not enjoy hills or mixed surfaces

• Are looking for luxury accommodation

• Are not comfortable being in remote areas

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this a hard ride?

The ride is moderate. Daily distances range from approximately 23km to 50km. The challenge comes from the mixed surfaces, climbing and remote nature of the terrain rather than long distances alone.

Is this suitable for rail trail riders?

It may be suitable for rail trail riders who are confident, reasonably fit and comfortable stepping up to hills, gravel, uneven surfaces and more adventurous terrain.

This is a step beyond rail trail riding.

Is this mountain biking?

Not in the technical downhill or single-track sense. It is more like supported cross-country style riding on forest roads, gravel roads, old logging routes and mixed surfaces.

What bike do I need?

A mountain bike or suitable mixed-surface bike is recommended. If bringing your own bike, front suspension is recommended at a minimum, and tyres should have some tread.

Can I hire a bike?

Yes. Bike hire is available as an add-on. If hiring from Snowy River Cycling, we will provide a suitable bike for the terrain.

Are e-bikes suitable?

Yes. E-mountain bikes are welcome and encouraged. They can make the climbing and mixed surfaces more enjoyable.

How remote is it?

Very remote. That is part of the magic. However, you will not be alone. A guide rides with the group and a support vehicle meets the group throughout the day.

What is the accommodation like?

Accommodation is basic country-style accommodation at the Bendoc Pub. Rooms are twin or double share unless you have booked a solo supplement. Bathrooms are shared.

Is luggage transported?

Yes. You do not need to carry your luggage while riding.

FINAL NOTE

The Errinundra Wilderness Journey is a chance to ride through a part of East Gippsland that many people will never experience.

It is quiet, remote, beautiful and raw.

It is a journey into forest country, old routes, mountain stories and ancient trees.

With Snowy River Cycling taking care of the support, logistics, meals and accommodation, you can focus on the riding, the landscape and the rare feeling of being somewhere truly special.