Southern Highlands Wander

Southern Highlands Wander
Sunday 8 February and Monday 9 February

A two day ride exploring the Southern Highlands: urban to bush, fields to forests and great views.

Come join in! If you have an e-bike bring it. If you can handle hills, sand and gravel then come. If you are an experienced and strong pedal rider then this could be for you. This is a hilly ride with 60% sealed roads. Three really steep climbs with around 10% gradient.

Day One is Mittagong to Moss Vale via a big hill, around 22 kms. This is an easy ride from 12.30 to 2.30 PM with time to explore Moss Vale or go swimming. Moss Vale has recently built additional cycle paths around the area so we may explore these as well. Arrive by train at the start point, Mittagong Station by noon on Sunday 8 February. We follow quiet roads and the Bong Bong Cycle Way. You need to find your own accommodation on 8 February in Moss Vale. The Dormie Hotel is one option.

Day Two is Moss Vale to the Morton National Park, near Bundanoon. This first stage is fairly easy. The return involves undulating hills, gravel roads and a medium grade. Day Two total distance is about 50 kms with three big climbs on the return. Our journey will take us along country roads with little to no edging carrying little traffic. Coffee at Bundanoon then easy gravel riding as we explore the national park. A picnic lunch at the end of River Road (a track) overlooking the natural amphitheater. We will then ride to Exeter. We will turn at Rockleigh Road along a medium grade dirt road descending to a creek then up along Stone Quarry Road and finally a tarmac climb in to Moss Vale. As the return to Moss Vale via Mount Broughton will be very energetic you may decide to spend the night at the lovely Dormie Hotel. Their rate includes breakfast and dinner but you may find a more suitable deal.

Be prepared for flies. Bring puncture repair plus a spare inner tube. Lights for tarmac riding please. As the weather is highly changeable bring layers and rain protection. You will need a cut lunch on 9 February and snacks for the return journey.

Moss Vale is known for a reliably moderate climate during the summer months, with temperatures rarely exceeding 86°F (30°C) or falling below 48°F (9°C).

Logistics and Transport

You can train to Mittagong and return via Moss Vale Station. I plan on driving to Moss Vale from Sydney and came take one rider and their bike on Saturday mafternoon, parking at the hotel then riding the Bong Bong Path in reverse to Moss Vale and meeting the train riders to ride back on the Sunday. Feel free to do the same.

For those using the trains from Central you switch to a smaller train at Campbelltown with a capacity for 2-3 bikes only. As such two riders should catch the 7.26 AM out of Central and two catch the 8.27. Other trains include 7.42 and 8.42 AM. Then relax in Mittagong till noon. Please check train issues well in advance, especially for the return.