Country NSW Canberra To Dubbo 11-Day Cycling Tour

Tour Itinerary

We start the tour in Gungahlin, a north Canberra suburb which boasts plenty of pretty off-road cycleways. From Gungahlin, we’ll journey north on quiet roads to Gundaroo; a unique town in the Yass Valley that has retained its special 19th-century character.

After lunch, we’ll tackle some steady climbs offering gorgeous views. This is an area famous for its wind turbines. These sometimes-controversial structures make for interesting features on the surrounding hills. We’ll arrive in peaceful Gunning for a well-deserved afternoon tea.

Today takes us to the highest point of the tour. Crookwell is nearly 1,000m above sea level, a relatively high altitude in Australian terms. While short, today’s cycle features a steady, constant climb with a reasonably kind gradient (although a few short sections may challenge the legs!).

The reward? Stunning views across the countryside, as well as a lovely, four-kilometre descent to our destination.

On the way, we’ll pass through Grabben Gullen, named after the local Aboriginal term for ‘small waters’. This village is known for its gem fossicking, and treasures can still be found in the many streams that feed through the area into the Lachlan River.

We’ll arrive in Crookwell in time for a late lunch, after which you are invited to tour a famous Crookwell landmark: the Lindner Sock Factory. This family-owned company makes colourful Australian socks, including hand-dyed local merino versions.

Today we’ll ride part of the way to Cowra, starting with another invigorating climb out of Crookwell. But the climb is over before you know it, and it’s not long before we’re back on the gently rolling roads typical for this part of the Southern Tablelands.    

We’ll spend today cycling through picturesque farmland and countryside, as well as the tiny village of Rugby. As there is no accommodation in Frogmore, we’ll then return to Crookwell with help from our support vehicle and trailer.

After breakfast we’ll drive back to Frogmore and pick up where we left off yesterday.  

Today’s ride is mostly through peaceful country valleys. Keep an eye out for the impressive granite outcrops scattered around adjacent farmland.  

As we approach Cowra, we’ll start seeing those striking fields of gold; the vibrant yellow fields particular to the NSW canola season. You won’t be able to resist stopping for a photo before we enter Cowra, a regional centre on the banks of the Lachlan River. Spend the rest of the day exploring its historical buildings and tranquil gardens.

We’ll start the day with a visit to the Cowra Japanese Gardens; a natural oasis filled with lush gardens, streams and waterfalls. After morning tea at the Gardens, we’ll cycle the quiet country roads to Canowindra, keeping an eye out for those lovely canola fields as we go.  

We’ll arrive in Canowindra for a late lunch followed by a visit to the fascinating Age of Fishes Museum. Here you’ll see the fossils of the incredible (and sometimes bizarre) fish from 360 million years ago found in Canowindra in the 1950s.    

Canowindra is a service centre for the surrounding farmlands where canola, lucerne, wheat, wool, fat lambs and wine grapes are all successfully farmed. There are plenty of specialty shops perfect for browsing, selling everything from art and chocolate to gifts and antiques.  

Today’s a well-deserved non-riding day. Time to get off the bike … and perhaps get in a balloon instead? 

Canowindra proudly describes itself as The Balloon Capital of Australia and we have reserved spaces on a flight this morning with Balloon Joy Flights. (NB: this is an optional extra and not included in the tour price. If you would like to take a flight this morning select Balloon Flight as an add on when booking. Price is $275 per person.)     

If heights aren’t your thing, we will also be going on a walking tour of Canowindra today. It’s a town of old world charm built on the banks of the Belubula River. The main street is a genuine time warp curiosity. It stills follows the winding route of the old bullock track and many of its buildings are classified by the National Trust. We'll also pay a visit to one of the region’s fantastic wineries.

Today we cycle north-east towards Orange, stopping at the tiny gold mining town of Cargo for morning tea. It’s then a gradual uphill climb through picturesque farms and vineyards, with regular stops to admire the breathtaking views.    

We’ll then cycle alongside Mt Canobolas; an extinct volcano on the Great Dividing Range, before making our way into Orange.

Orange is famous for its wines and gourmet produce, so you’ll be hard-pressed not to indulge a little here. Visit one of the town’s many cellar doors or get to work sampling local cheeses, chocolates and jams. Orange’s heritage streetscapes and gorgeous parks are also perfect for wandering.

Another all-important non-riding day today. You need time to explore Orange’s delights after all. Enjoy coffee and a late breakfast at one of its many cafes. You can then visit a gallery or museum, do some shopping, or simply relax in one of the town’s lovely parks and gardens.

Orange is also home to some renowned vineyards, including Australia’s only carbon neutral winery and vineyard Ross Hill Wines. Join us on a visit to their new-look cellar door and taste their delicious cool-climate wines. We will also visit another firm favourite Bloodwood Wines, considered by many as having the best wine in the region.

Today we’re back in the saddle and cycling through the undulating NSW countryside. We’ll start our day cycling along the Escort Way before reaching Molong; a historic township in the rolling hills of the Macquarie Ranges.  

Visiting Molong is like stepping back in time, and we arrive with plenty of time for you to admire its rich architectural heritage. Many of its buildings from the late 1800s - from the post office to the Telegraph Hotel - have been restored to their former glory and look magnificent. So much so, the main street has been classified by the National Trust. Get your cameras ready!

We’ll bid a temporary farewell to Molong and cycle through Cumnock to Yeoval via the famous Animals on Bikes Way. This fun sculpture trail from Molong to Dubbo features over 100 statues - and many a letterbox - of animals on our preferred mode of transport. From frogs and penguins to chickens and dinosaurs, their colour and creativity are sure to raise a chuckle as we cycle along Obley Road.  

Once we reach Yeoval, we’ll return to Molong in the support vehicles to complete the journey to Dubbo tomorrow.

Our morning begins in the support vehicles to return to where we left off yesterday, to continue on the Animals on Bikes Way. We’ll then arrive in Dubbo for a late lunch.  

You’ll then have the rest of the afternoon to explore Dubbo as you please. If there is time, you might like to have a quick visit to Taronga Western Plains Zoo. (Zoo entry is included in tour price. Your ticket grants entry for two consecutive days. Zoo opening hours 8.30am to 4pm daily). 

Today you can end your tour after breakfast, or you can stay for another night and, if you wish, return to Canberra in the support vehicles tomorrow. Either way, you can spend today visiting the famous Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo. These animals might not be on bikes like the ones on the sculpture trail, but they’ll be just as entertaining. To stay an extra night in Dubbo, please select "Stay an Extra Night in Dubbo" when completing the booking form. To return to Canberra in the support vehicles, select "Return Transfer to Canberra" in the booking form.

For those who stayed on, today will be spent returning to Canberra in the support vehicles.  Before we leave, you may be interested in returning to the zoo for an early morning guided walk starting between 6.30 - 7am and finishing at 9 - 9.30am. (NB. Not included in the tour price)

If you like the sound of cycling through canola fields, historic towns and awe-inspiring scenery, book your spot on our Canberra to Dubbo cycling tour.