The public roads that criss-cross the State Forest country south of the Warburton township provide interesting and relatively easy mountain biking opportunities.
We strongly suggest that you take a good map with you on these rides – the ROOFTOP series is good – available from COG Bike Cafe, Warburton. All the forest roads mentioned in these ride descriptions are sign-posted.
Ride difficulty: 2-3*
Bikes: mountain, cyclo X
1. Warburton, ride approximately 6km out to Big Pat’s Creek Road, east of Warburton on Riverside Drive.
2, Ride Big Pats Creek Rd, and continue on Mississippi Rd.
3. 7.7km from Riverside Drive, turn right onto Braham’s Rd.
4. 5.4km from Mississippi Rd, turn right onto Big Creek Road, and ride 5.7km to Starling Gap.
5. 50m west of Starling Gap, turn right into Smyth Creek Road then turn left onto Big Pats Creek Road, and return to Riverside Drive. From Starling Gap to Big Pats Creek Rd is approximately 12.5km.
6. Return to Warburton via Riverside Drive – approximately 6km.
Further information
Trail-side cafes:
Morrison’s Cafe, Mt Evelyn Station site, Mt. Evelyn
Penny Olive Bakery, Mt Evelyn - at the Warburton Trail crossing of the Monbulk Rd
The Carriage Cafe, a few hundred meters west of the Seville station site
Home Hotel, Launching Place
Amanda’s Cafe, Ranges Café, Yarra Junction township
Millgrove Bakery and Millgrove General Store, Millgrove village
COG Bike Cafe, at the Warburton Station site, adjacent to the Warburton township
A little further off-trail you will find a range of cafes, restaurants and hotels in the various towns and villages along the way.
For bike hire, sales and repair:
Ride Time Yarra Valley, 108 MAIN Rd Lilydale
COG Bike Cafe, Trail-side, Warburton Station site (Thursday-Sunday)
For tourist information and details of local rides:
Waterwheel Visitor Information Centre, 3400 Warburton highway, Warburton – call 03 5966 9600
Yarra Valley Cycles, 108 Main St Lilydale – call 03 9735 1483
COG Bike Cafe, Trail-side, Warburton – call 03 5966 2213 Thursday-Sunday
Shuttle and Pick-up Service:
Call Jenny Clarke at Pedal Pick-Ups, on 0413 263 558
*Ride difficulty:
We have indicated a level of difficulty for each ride based upon the following ratings
1. Basic cycling fitness required. Could ride flat or gently undulating surface for 1 – 2 hours
2. Moderate fitness required. Could ride some hills and a duration of over 2 hours
3. More advanced fitness level required. Could ride long distances and climb hills over extended periods
4. High levels of fitness required. Competition-level fitness, can maintain constant high-level output, well developed muscular and cardiovascular ability