Australia’s gravel cycling scene is thriving, welcoming everyone from casual weekend riders to world class athletes chasing podium finishes. With its ever growing network of scenic backroads, diverse terrain, and supportive cycling communities, Australia is quickly establishing itself as a global hotspot for gravel riding.
As part of our work in trail planning and strategy development, we’ve had the opportunity to explore some of the country’s top gravel cycling regions. Recent trail projects with Alpine Shire, City of Wangaratta and Mansfield Shire Council in Victoria and the Shire of Chapman Valley in WA have revealed not only world class riding opportunities but also the enormous potential for gravel cycling to boost local tourism, recreation, and regional economies.
A fantastic resource for those looking to explore the region is the Ride High Country Gravel Network.
These routes are part of the broader Ride High Country Gravel Network, which features digitally mapped and graded gravel routes across Victoria’s High Country. The network includes trailheads with amenities such as bike tool stations, water fountains, and detailed signage to enhance the riding experience.
Tucked beneath Mount Hotham in Victoria’s High Country, Harrietville offers a picturesque entry point to gravel riding. The Harrietville – Out and Back route is a scenic trail that winds through bushland, past the historic Big Mill site and Tronoh Dredge Hole, and alongside the Ovens River. Featuring a mix of crushed gravel paths, quiet laneways and gentle fire trails, this 11.2km ride with 181m of elevation gain is ideal for intermediate riders looking to explore at a relaxed pace while building confidence on varied terrain.
For more seasoned riders, the Mt Stirling Classic Circuit Loop delivers an iconic High Country experience. Starting and finishing at Telephone Box Junction, the 47.8km loop climbs gently through towering tree ferns, alpine bushland, and past historic cattlemen’s huts. The smooth, flowing surface and steady gradients rarely exceeding 5% make it ideal for long-distance gravel enthusiasts. Amenities such as water points and toilets are available at several key locations along the route.
Across the country in Western Australia, the Shire of Chapman Valley just north of Geraldton hosts the annual Backroads Gravel Bike Race which draws competitors from across Australia attracting in excess of 300 riders. The region offers some of the best gravel riding in Australia and prominent competitors have described it as “champagne gravel”. Tredwell worked with the local gravel riding community to design a permanent gravel riding route so cyclists can experience it at any time of the year.
From smooth, family-friendly trails to intense alpine climbs and world championship events, gravel riding now spans the full spectrum of cycling experiences. Whether it’s the café stops, the solitude of the backroads, or the thrill of competition, gravel cycling continues to attract a growing and diverse community.
We’re excited to continue working in this space supporting tracks and trails strategies that unlock new opportunities for gravel riding across the country.
