Great Victorian Rail Trail: Tallarook to Yea Return Ride (80km)

Join me for a full-day ride on the Great Victorian Rail Trail as we cycle from Tallarook to Yea and then return back to Tallarook.

We’ll be riding around 80 km in total, so this ride is best suited to people with reasonable fitness who are comfortable riding longer distances at a steady pace.

The trail is known for scenic countryside views, relaxed rail trail riding, and the beautiful Trawool Valley section. It should be a great full-day bike adventure for anyone who is comfortable with the distance.

We’ll take the train from Southern Cross to Tallarook, start the ride from there, cycle to Yea, take breaks as needed, and then ride back to Tallarook for the return train to Melbourne.

This is not a beginner ride. Please only RSVP if you are confident riding around 80 km at an average pace of around 15 km/h.

Links
Meetup start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wqiZN7fa9f3AkPh67
Trail information: https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/great-victorian-rail-trail/
Related video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm9LIX6vqOE

Rough timeline

• 6:45am — Meet at V/Line Tickets and Information, Southern Cross Station
• 7:16am — Train departs Southern Cross for Tallarook
• Morning — Arrive at Tallarook and start the ride
• Ride Tallarook to Yea along the Great Victorian Rail Trail
• Breaks as needed along the way
• Afternoon — Ride from Yea back to Tallarook
• Return train options from Tallarook include 5:22pm, 6:43pm and 8:33pm
• Around 10:00pm — Meetup ends, depending on which return train we take

The return time will depend on group pace, breaks, weather, and train availability.

Tickets
Attendees will need their own valid Myki / V/Line fare for the train travel.

Please check your own fare and travel arrangements before the day.

What to bring

• A bicycle in good working condition
• Helmet
• Front and back lights
• Puncture repair kit
• Lunch
• Enough water
• Snacks
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Myki / valid public transport fare
• Any personal medication or items you need for a full-day ride

What to expect

• Distance: Around 80 km return
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to distance
• Pace: Steady average pace of around 15 km/h
• Vibe: Scenic, practical, relaxed, but still a proper full-day ride

We’ll take breaks as needed, but the group will need to keep moving at a reasonable pace so we can return to Tallarook in time for a suitable train.

Important notes
This event is weather dependent and will not go ahead if rain is forecast.

This event is also dependent on V/Line train availability. It may need to be cancelled or changed if there are coach replacements, timetable changes, disruptions, or other major issues.

V/Line currently notes that bicycles can be carried on trains only if space is available, so bike carriage is not guaranteed. Please be prepared for that possibility.

Please make sure your bike is in good working condition before the day. You should be able to manage basic issues such as a puncture, or at least bring the tools and supplies needed.

This ride is best suited to people who are already comfortable riding longer distances. If you are unsure whether 80 km at around 15 km/h is suitable for you, this may not be the right event.

Other info
Please check the weather forecast and V/Line service status closer to the day.