Cycling the High Country Rail Trail: Wodonga - Tallangatta - Wodonga

** This event is now booked out due to accommodation limits. If you wish to join us, email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com in case something can be organised. **

Enjoy a scenic cycling long weekend in North East Victoria. We'll be exploring the Albury / Wodonga region on Friday, then on Saturday and Sunday following the High Country Rail Trail from Wodonga to Tallangatta and back, with overnights in Wodonga and Tallangatta. 

GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium grade cycling of roughly 40 km per day. The Rail Trail from Wodonga to Tallangatta is 43 km long. The surface of this section of the rail trail is of reasonable quality, partly sealed and partly packed gravel. The trails around Albury/Wodonga are generally sealed paths of a high standard.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This trip is designed to be accessed via public transport, but if you prefer, you can drive to Wodonga, carrying your bike in your vehicle. The group will aim to catch an early train departing from Southern Cross Station at 7:07am, arriving in Wodonga at 10:27am. (If you can't manage that, or we can't get all our bikes on the early train, the alternative option is to catch the train departing from Southern Cross at 12:04pm, arriving in Wodonga at 3:24pm).

On Friday we will explore some of the urban trails in the region, guided by two cyclists who live locally. For lunch, there are excellent dining options in both Albury and Wodonga. Our Friday night accommodation is a 4-bedroom house located in Killara (just past Bandiana, on the outskirts of Wodonga), close to the rail trail. This is approximately 13 km from the beginning of the High Country Rail Trail (which starts near Wodonga Station).

On Saturday we'll cycle along the rail trail to Tallangatta, staying there overnight at the Tallangatta Hotel.

On Sunday we'll return along the same trail back to Wodonga to catch the train that departs from Wodonga at 5:38pm and arrives at Southern Cross at 10:05pm. Note: if any bikes can't get on that service, some of us might need to stay an extra night in Wodonga!

There are many points of interest to investigate, including wetlands beside the Murray River, the former migrant camp at Bonegilla, which housed tens of thousands of migrants who fled Europe and elsewhere soon after the cessation of WW2 hostilities, the Hume Dam wall and the Bandiana Army Museum. 

BOOKING: By Monday 19th March, or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out - accommodation is very limited. To register click on Get Tickets.
Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.

FURTHER INFORMATION: 

• High Country Rail Trail: lots of information about the rail trail
• High Country Rail Trail Master Plan: some interesting information about how and why the trail was developed

MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 6:45am at Southern Cross Station to catch the service that departs at 7:07am. 

• Option 1: Train departing from Southern Cross Station at 7:07am and arriving in Wodonga at 10:27am.
• Option 2: Train departing from Southern Cross at 12:04pm, arriving in Wodonga at 3:24pm.
• Option 3: Your own vehicle, meeting up with the group in Albury/Wodonga as arranged with the event leader.

MAP REFERENCE: Southern Cross Station: Melway map 2E grid K6 | Google map goo.gl/maps/X5Grxth8Bb25TLEdA. 

DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 330 km, approximately 3 hours 35 minutes via the M31/Hume Freeway.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The 7:07am Albury train that departs from Southern Cross Station at 7:07am terminates in Albury at 11:03am (see MEETING TIME | LOCATION for alternative options).

• There are only 9 designated bike spaces on each train, and no way to reserve those, so it pays to arrive 30 minutes prior to the train departure time to be at the front of the (virtual) queue.
• To return to Melbourne, we'll be aiming to catch the service that departs from Wodonga at 5:38pm, arriving at Southern Cross at 10:05pm. (If any bikes can't get on that service, some of us might need to stay an extra night in Wodonga)!

FOOD: Carry snacks and a litre of water. We'll organise meals as a group. The meal plans are:

• Friday lunch: a cafe or pub in Albury/Wodonga (excellent options available)
• Friday evening: the Blazing Stump Hotel (located about 3 km from our accommodation)
• Saturday breakfast and lunch: we'll need to purchase supplies on Friday as there are limited options along the trail
• Saturday evening: dinner in Tallangatta - we'll check out the dining scene upon our arrival; one option could be the Tallangatta Hotel (where we'll be staying)
• Sunday breakfast: Tallangatta Bakery, 39 Towong St, Tallangatta
• Sunday lunch: probably purchased from the bakery for eating on the trail
• Sunday dinner: purchased in Wodonga or from the buffet on the train (very limited options on the train)

COSTS: There will be V/Line travel costs, accommodation charges for Friday and Saturday nights and food costs:

• ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation costs will be calculated based on the number of attendees.
  Friday Night: Each bedroom in the 4-bedroom house (total cost $292.09) has a double bed, and there are two pull-out single beds in the living room. Note that two participants live locally, so don't require beds on Friday night.
  Saturday Night: We have booked: Family Room $100: Queen size bed plus 2 single beds + Twin Room $60: two single beds (2 adults) + Queen Room $100: Queen size bed plus a single bunk bed (up to 3 adults) + 2 x single rooms $60 (1 adult each). 
• TRAIN: This route is outside the Myki Zone. Tickets cost $41.20 full or $20.60 concession/seniors each way. The cost is the same to Albury or Wodonga. (The new $9.20 per day maximum fare will not begin until 31 March).
• FOOD: Everybody will be responsible for individually ordering and paying for whatever food they want. 

APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Bring your bike, helmet and cycling gear for the three days, being sure to allow for all possible eventualities (i.e. bring layers, including a waterproof layer in case we encounter rain).

LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions.
Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.

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