Winter is the sweet spot for exploring Victoria’s Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, with crisp riding conditions, colourful crowd-free landscapes and plenty of gourmet pit stops along the way.
With autumn foliage still burning bright and clear winter skies settling in, now is the ideal time to layer up and embark on a cycling adventure through Victoria’s High Country. Having completed an $8.5 million upgrade in September 2025, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is safer, more scenic and spectacular than ever.
The sealed, off-road trail is a 137-kilometre cycling route linking the vibrant towns of Wangaratta, Beechworth, Rutherglen, Bright and Myrtleford in Victoria’s north-east.
Cross the Ovens River in Bright.
Your days will be spent gliding through boulevards of towering golden poplars, pedalling past cow-dotted fields along decommissioned rail tracks and discovering the historic gold rush towns of north-east Victoria. Stop in at small-batch cellar doors, gourmet restaurants and honey shops for a taste of the region’s top-notch produce, and enjoy the wide-open scenery you’ll essentially have all to yourself.
Backed by $8.5 million in funding from the Victorian government, the new development added a 32-kilometre extension connecting Beechworth to Yackandandah, as well as safety enhancements including nine new bridges, an elevated boardwalk and improved signage.
Discover the colourful streets of Bright by bike.
Discovery Victoria's High Country on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.
Stop in at Milawa Cheese Company.
The upgrade also included the addition of art installations and silo murals that celebrate the stories of Victorian artists, creating memorable ‘must-see’ moments along the journey. On top of this, park landscaping and nature play areas invite deeper connection to the surrounding scenery.
Suitable for families, couples and friends, the trail is graded as ‘easy’ and is mostly flat, with sealed surfaces and wheelchair-accessible segments. You can complete smaller sections as shorter daytime adventures or check into accommodations along the way for a longer journey. Many people tackle the rail trail as a self-guided trip; however, you can also book a guided tour for ease of mind and fuss-free logistics.
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Highlights of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail
Sip local beer at Bright Brewery.
Whether you’re into fine wines and farm-fresh produce or outdoor exploration, there are abundant things to do along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Here are our top picks.
Milawa Gourmet Region: Savour the flavours of the region at the hatted Brown Brothers Restaurant, Milawa Cheese Company and Hurdle Creek Still distillery.
Mountain vistas: Admire majestic Mount Buffalo, along with Feathertop and Hotham in the distance, on the scenic pedal from Bright to Myrtleford. And keep your eyes peeled for the occasional echidna!
Red wines: Taste your way through Rutherglen’s rustic and boutique cellar doors, experiencing its famous muscat and red wines at stops such as Olive Hills Estate, Stanton and Killeen Wines and Anderson Winery.
Don’t miss cycling along scenic Ovens River.
Stop in the town of Bright: This adorable town is rich in scenic parks, gold rush history and charming cafes. It’s also home to the stunning Ovens River.
Birdwatching: Spot parrots, wrens and magpies along the Bowser to Tarrawingee section of the trail, where you’ll also find Emily Floyd’s Magpie Family artwork.
New art installations: Located in Rutherglen, Tarrawingee, Porepunkah, Eurobin and between Oxley & Milawa, these new artworks and sculptures bring colour, narrative discovery and topics of discussion to the trail.
Historic Beechworth: Sip craft beer, take a tour of Old Beechworth Gaol and wander heritage streetscapes.
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Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
Feast your way through Sun Country on the Murray – a beautiful and bountiful region in northern Victoria with gourmet delights galore.
Nestled on the lands of the Yorta Yorta People along the mighty Murray River, Sun Country is a truly extraordinary place. The northern Victorian enclave is a tapestry of meandering waterways, ancient forests, sandy beaches, enchanting country towns and an easy way of life.
Beyond its landscapes and bucolic charm, Sun Country on the Murray is a culinary paradise: think farm-fresh produce, family-run wineries and no shortage of places to feast.
If you’re a serious foodie or simply epicurious, here’s your ultimate guide to a gourmand Murray River getaway.
The Murray Farm Gate Trail
The self-guided Murray Gate Farm Trail lets you sample the area’s best produce while immersing yourself in the lush Goulburn and Murray Valleys. The trail has something to suit every palate and pace, but there are a few notable highlights.
1. Rich Glen
Stock up at Rich Glen. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
Rich Glen is renowned for its award-winning olive oils. Everything is grown and created on the family farm in Yarrawonga, the results of which you can visit at Rich Glen Provedore – a treasure trove of gourmet foods, including that signature olive oil. Or explore Rich Glen Skin & Beauty, which stocks lush handmade skincare and wellness products.
2. How Now Dairy
A charming micro-farm producing ethical dairy, How Now Dairy, lets its baby calves remain with their mothers and its cows roam on rolling pesticide-free pastures. Try a selection of cheeses that do good and taste good, including a fantastic punchy blue, and velvety milk with a thick, creamy top.
3. Cactus Country
Stop into Cactus Country. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
Cactus Country is a 12-acre stretch of desert-like garden containing cacti of all shapes, sizes and colours. Naturally, it makes the most of its bounty at the on-site bar and restaurant, with a cactus-infused dessert menu alongside a vibrant line-up of Mexican snacks and mains.
4. The Olde Creamery
The Olde Creamery is a local icon, a former hobby farm that has flourished into a thriving purveyor of flowers and foods. The elderflower cordial and bramble gin and tonic jam are must-tries, and make for tasty mementoes of your trip.
Wineries, breweries and distilleries
The region’s sunny climate and rich soils make it a prime place for viticulture. If wine isn’t your thing, you’ll also find boutique breweries and distilleries producing top-notch beers and spirits.
1. Squires Winery
Pop in for a tasting. (Image: Visit Victoria)
With its idyllic positioning on the Ovens River, Squires Winery is a lovely setting for a long, leisurely lunch or tasting. Enjoy a riverside sip of prosecco, rosé or cab sauv, complemented by seasonal bites and a backdrop of towering gum trees.
2. Cape Horn Vineyard
Cape Horn is one of the region’s most established vineyards. Its sparkling durif/shiraz is a crowd favourite and well worth trying on your foodie tour, especially if it’s served with one of the winery’s delicious wood-fired pizzas.
3. Byramine Homestead & Brewery
Enjoy a tipple at this historic homestead.
A top pick among beer, cider and history enthusiasts, Byramine serves a rotation of brews made on-site in the historic homestead. Wander through the venue and learn about its colonial past before sitting down to a freshly made Ploughman’s and cold local ale.
4. Monichino Wines
Monichino is a slice of la dolce vita in northern Victoria, producing classic Italian varietals like pinot grigio and aromatica. Drop by for a tasting at the cellar door (open weekends or by appointment) and explore everything from crisp whites to robust fortified wines, or pack a picnic and savour your glass in the picturesque gardens.
5. Corowa Distilling Co
Sit down to a hearty lunch. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Corowa Distilling Co crafts an incredible variety of single-malt and blended whiskies, and is a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. Stop in for a tasting flight in the whisky room, or a hearty breakfast or lunch paired with a wee dram.
Farm-to-table dining
If you’ve got the time to linger over a gourmet spread, Sun Country on the Murray has an abundance of outstanding restaurants and cafes.
1. O’Reilly’s Food and Wine
O’Reilly’s feels much like stepping into a good friend’s home, albeit with a refined twist. The menu changes weekly and rotates through a selection of comforting yet elevated dishes – think lamb cottage pie, French-style moussaka, a perennially popular open steak sandwich and cakes that change flavours weekly.
2. Stock and Barrel
Soak in views of Lake Mulwala. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Tucked inside The Sebel Yarrawonga hotel, overlooking sparkling Lake Mulwala, Stock and Barrel does pub classics with a Sun Country spin. Order a perfectly seared steak and triple-cooked potatoes alongside a freshly poured pint, or try a regional highlight: local produce features abundantly across Stock and Barrel’s dishes.
3. The Bend
With spacious decks and panoramic views of the Murray, The Bend is ideal for a sun-soaked long lunch. Order a round of moreish share plates (like baja fish tacos and a warm-from-the-oven brioche loaf stuffed with cream cheese and herbs) or a signature cocktail and indulgent main – we can’t go past the slow-braised wagyu brisket.
4. Blacksmith Provedore
Taste Blacksmith Provedore’s delicious pizzas. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
If you’re after a slick yet relaxed dining destination, head to Blacksmith Provedore. Perched right next to Lake Mulwala, the venue is airy and elegant, with a minimalist-chic design. The pizzas are seriously good too, made with 72-hour fermented dough and toppings sourced from Italy’s finest producers.
5. Broken Willow
As soon as you enter Broken Willow’s front doors, you’re greeted with genuine hospitality and a classic bistro menu that has something for everyone: succulent grilled meats, parmas and schnitzels, juicy burgers, and international dishes ranging from weekly curry and stir-fry specials to zippy banh mi.
While you’re there
Discover plenty to do between meals. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
Got a few hours to spare? Make the most of your trip by exploring the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of your riverside surroundings.
Barmah National Park is a sanctuary of walks through majestic river red gums and serene wetlands. Here, a seat on board a Kingfisher River Cruise offers a different Murray experience, letting you see the vast river from the perspective of the Yorta Yorta peoples.
If you’re a watersport enthusiast, Lake Mulwala in Yarrawonga is a favourite for canoeing, cruising, fishing, kayaking and water skiing. While the silo murals at Katamatite, St James, Tungamah and more recently Waaia are essential stops in Victoria’s famed Silo Art Trail.
In Cobram Barooga, make sure to visit Thompson’s Beach, the largest inland beach in the southern hemisphere. Nearby, the Bullanginya Dreaming project is an award-winning 1.8km immersive art experience that immerses you in light and sound to tell a rich story of country, culture and connection.
