Ride at a glance
Overview
Wandong isn’t somewhere I have done much riding but not for good reason.
Quiet roads, dense parklands and incredible state forests surround this area making for some amazing riding.
Heathcote Junction train station is the starting point of this ride but make sure you stock up on snacks in Wandong for before you arrive as there is literally nothing out there in the way of shops, services or even cars or people for that matter.
Following a bitumen lead out, you’ll find yourself riding through Wandong Regional Park (Mt Disapointment State Forest) surrounded by eucalypt trees, native shrubs and grasses.
Smooth, fast and rolling gravel roads are the theme for the first 30km or so before reaching a somewhat technical descent which you’ll want to take a little bit slower.
The descent spits you out into the countryside and beautiful farming areas. At this point you’re going to have to get your feet wet because there’s a tiny ford to be crossed.
Some bitumen again and a rather steepish climb up to the Murchison’s Gap lookout where you’ll continue the climb. now on gravel, with stunning views to your left approaching a very small town called Waterford Park where there are in fact public toilets in the recreation reserve but no other shops or services to speak of.
Back through Mount Disappointment State Forest and smooth roads once again until you take a sharp turn right and hit the seasonal 4wd track called Drag Hill Rd.
Get ready to push your bike because Drag Hill Rd is not for the faint hearted.
Think 20% for a couple of km’s and not the smoothest of roads.
A fun and slightly technical section on Dry Creek Rd follows before making your way back to Heathcote Junction train station.
Before you rideArchive guide: check current conditions, access and event dates.Terms & details
BikeRoutes is preserved as a read-only archive. Check current conditions, access and event dates before you ride.
Terms of use: Cycle this route at your own risk. Check local weather, conditions and closures before departure. Adhere to land use rules, carry provisions, safety gear and respect the trail. This information is intended to be used as a planning resource; accuracy is not guaranteed. BIKEROUTES.com.au are not liable for any incidents during or following this route.
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- Wandong is around a 1hr drive north of Melbourne’s CBD following the Hume Fwy
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- You’ll find ample parking where the ride begins at Heathcote Junction Station
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- The ride begins at Heathcote Junction train station which is about a 50min trip from Southern Cross Station
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- You won’t find any shops or services on this ride. There is the odd campsite which from memory, some of which have toilets but not sure about drinking water. Bring a filter to be safe as well as ample snacks
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- The majority of the gravel roads are extremely smooth and ridable with one fairly long. steep and rough descent and some rough areas towards the end of the ride including a hike-a-bike section up some seasonal road
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- This route takes you through the amazing scrublands of Wandong Regional Park and Mt Disappointment State Forest and there are fantastic views on the climb looking over Murchison’s Gap






























