VictoriaRail trails

Victoria has the deepest rail trail network in Australia, and the best-served one for multi-day riding. Sealed trails link wine towns in the north-east, gravel lines cross Gippsland's farmland and river flats, and forest routes run out of Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Towns along the way generally have cafes, bike hire and accommodation, so luggage transfers and rest days are straightforward to arrange.

The variety is the point: you can ride sealed surfaces with a road bike in the north-east, or take a gravel bike onto rougher Gippsland and Wimmera lines. Several trails connect to each other and to regional rail services, which makes one-way trips practical without a car shuffle.

Best time to ride: September to May; north-east and Gippsland trails are pleasant in autumn.