Orbost sits at one end of the 100 km East Gippsland Rail Trail link, a traffic free cycle and walking route on the disused railway line from Bairnsdale to Orbost. The trail is a brilliant cycle ride for hybrid, gravel and mountain bikes as either a leisurely cycle over 2 or 3 days, or a challenging day ride.
However there are other outstanding cycling opportunities right from your door for both road riders and those looking for something a bit more gnarly.
Road Rides:
Smooth tarmac, very little traffic and winding climbs and dips are hard to beat. Here’s some local favourites.
Bonang Road: Leaving the town to the north, this road almost immediately enters the forest provides 70 km of sealed road through the forest to Goongerah. From this point the road is unsealed for a 10 km climb up the range ( but sealing now underway with works due to finish in 2024). Go as far or as short a distance as you like on this delightful route that constantly winds up and down through constantly changing forest. Generally there is very little traffic on this road, but from time to time forestry and other works can create some truck traffic so do be alert and aware. There are no facilities at all on this road, so carry all the food and water you need for your ride.
Back Buchan Road. This road leaves town on the western side of the Snowy River, after a dead flat 10 km through the riverflat farmlands starts it’s winding route for 35 km through the forest to the Buchan Valley. After a brilliant downhill run through grazing country to the Buchan River the road takes you to the town of Buchan with food and accommodation.
Mountain biking.
The Orbost Forestry office manages over 2000 km of forest tracks, an endless playground with varying terrain and scenery from the coast up to the mountains. Good navigation skills and and self sufficiency are important as there is limited mobile phone reception once away from towns, and no services whatsoever.