Destination
A scenic 2-day ride with a quaint attraction as its destination. The Kerrisdale Mountain Railway is situated in the north east corner of the Tallarook Ranges. The two-foot gauge private railway was built by enthusiasts. The little train climbs steeply up a mountainside on a zig-zag line with tight curves to Summit Station where panoramic views of the beautiful Upper Goulburn Valley will take your breath away. Tickets are $15 and include entry to the museum.
Description
The 308km figure-of-8 route is based on our impromptu Tallarook ride of June last year. Each day is a lazy 154kms with plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy as we wind through hilly countryside on quiet roads.
Day-1: We head north via Hurstbridge along country lanes past Nutfield and Authurs Creek. There's a bit of dirt road to keep us stimulated. An exciting twisty road climbs to King Lake West. Coffee break at the Hazeldene general store (68km). At Strath Creek we'll take a moment to our dip helmets in homage to its general store, destroyed by fire last year. A sad lost for the community. Then its up to Murchisons Gap for a spectacular view of "the valley of a thousand hills". We detour to see the historic 1850s Reedy Creek Homestead. The weatherboard building is in poor condition but its interior is elaborately embellished. Perhaps we can peek through a window. Broadford is next (109km) for a refuel and late lunch. Then a quick exploration of Tallarook and its cemetery. From here it's a short ride to Seymour (overnight stop) where the group will indulge David's interest; an old wooden bridge across the mighty Goulburn River.
Day-2: We must be breakfasted by 9am so as include David's "Hey, who wants to ride through the rocks?" ride. This proved to be a truly mystical experience. We arrive at Kerrisdale Mountain Railway in time to catch the 11am train. Refreshments are available at the museum. We'll head home about 12.30pm turning off the Goulburn Valley Highway along King Parrot Creek Road. Lunch is planned for the iconic motorcycle stop-off at the Flowerdale Pub. A short ride towards Yea brings us to Break O'day Road, a lovely scenic ride with splendid views toward the mountains of Murrindindi as we near Glenburn. We are soon off the busy Melba Highway onto the delightful West Bridge Road which climbs up to Kinglake. We then enjoy the twisty road that descends off the mountainside down to St Andrews. We can have a farewell coffee at Templestowe around 3:30pm.
Accommodation
Last year we stayed at the Tallarook Hotel. While this country pub looks lovely on the outside and had many of David's prerequisites for an aussie-pub stay, fireplace, history, creaking staircase, worn carpet, second story verandah etc, it proved a little too Fawlty Towers for some. "Things are crook in Tallarook..." as the song goes so we'll push on another 18kms to Seymour for our overnight stay at the Goulburn River Tourist Park. Cabins are available for $90-130 and configured for 1-6 people. There's room to party or cook if so inclined.
Ride Departure
We depart promptly at 9am from Cafe Zen Den, 736 Main Road, Eltham. Come earlier if you want breakfast. The cafe opens at 7am. It has has no signage so it's easy to miss. Park behind the cafe down the drive. PLEASE ARRIVE WITH A FULL TANK as our first fuel stop is 109 kms away.
- Oct 15, 2016 at 7:00pm to Oct 17, 2016 at 2:30am UTC+11
- Location: Eltham to Seymour
- Latest Activity: Jan 28, 2021
Comments
The homestead was a really nice surprise.
Thanks to all the other riders and well done Jo for doing your own adventure and catching up to us in Seymour
Another great weekend
Thank you xx
Sounds great David, thanks for all the planning...looking forward to getting away...
I need a lovely ride. Looking forward to it.
Hi all, we should be in for a lovely day of riding tomorrow. Sunday is a bit iffy. I've made an executive decision about sleeping arrangements. Each cabin has two rooms: Cabin 24 Julie, Greg and Leonie. Cabin 23 David, Imam and Jeong. Cabin 14 Matylda and mystery guest. Cabin 44 Pam, Lisa and Jo. See you tomorrow, David
Sounds fabulous David thank you for organising this great escape to the country...so looking forward to it after a very hard week.... See you at the ZEN DEN...
Accommodation is finalised and paid for however because of the configuration of our 4 cabins, we could squeeze in 2 more riders. As it stands it's $51 per person. Sorry, I can't accept plastic so if you could have cash at the ready to pay me, that would be great. Just a reminder that the ticket for the Mountain train ride and workshop/museum visit is $15. Tea or coffee here will cost you $2.50. We can walk to the Terminus Hotel on Saturday night for a pub meal. Lisa knows the sun fairy so everything will be fine. Look forward to seeing you at at Zen Den Cafe, Eltham around 8am on Saturday, David
Saturdays' start is around the corner from me so I thought I might tag along.
I will join the ride:)
Might come for a day run ???
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