The grade is very level , but in theory it’s down hill from Bright to Wangaratta

Oops sorry. We stayed at different areas and met at the Beechworth part. We parked at both Beechworth and Everton and then taxied back to pick up cars etc. As we needed the trailer to collect the bikes. The 2nd day we we dropped of at Everton and we did the last part. The person with the trailer did not do that part so dropped us off. The others left their cars at the Everton end of the trail and were taken back to pick them up.

I liked the way we did it, Wangaratta to Bright, as you do the nicest section last. We went via Milawa, having driven to Beechworth for some cycling around there on a separate day. We did it in two days, staying a night in Myrtleford, so we could have a good look around Milawa and generally take our time. We used Busabout to take our luggage to Myrtleford and then Bright, and afterwards take all 11 of us, luggage and bikes back to Wangaratta. We found them to be on time and efficient.

Sounds good! I agree with the other comments regarding clothing, it will be very chilly at that time and possibly a bit windy too. You are in snow country the closer you get to Bright so layers are a must, warm gloves essential! Berry farms are usually only open in summer, unless they have a restaurant/cafe that operates annually. It's a shame you're not there in Autumn, no beautiful colours to see in August! Enjoy the pedal and make sure you write a review about riding the trail in winter for others to see in the future.

Hi Rita B We recently did the trail but arranged for the car to be picked up by family. Others on the trip recommended the Bike Bus, through North East Coachlines. Worth a google.

Hi, The week before Xmas is risk- it could be hot or it could be very pleasant. My experience is that January and February are the hot months and December's average max are 25-29 degrees depending where you are on the rail trail. Most places seem quite relaxed about you leaving a car while you do the rail trail- just ring ahead. You may wish to start from Beechworth and get the benefit of a good downhill, particularly with a young family. As previous writers have mentioned, some operators will pick you and your family up with bikes from Bright and take you back to Beechworth. However, for 4 people this would be expensive, I would be inclined for one to catch the much cheaper public bus back from Bright, pick up the car and then drive to Bright to pick up everyone else and bikes- then perhaps do some more touring around there by car?? Public bus timetable is on the web just google "vline Beechworth" to get the timetable. If there is room (and there often is) you may be able to take everyone and the bikes on the public bus. Why not turn up and see- if no capacity just one of you go and get the car, etc, while the others enjoy Bright . Have a great trip!

Hi there, We used Geoff Scott from Bus a Bike ph 0409806458 when we rode the Rail Trail in April. He was reliable, flexible and easy to deal with. I think it worked out to be about $12 pp to transport 8 adults + bikes from Bright to Myrtleford, and the same from Wangaratta to Beechworth. The advantage of riding from Wangaratta to Bright is that you are riding towards the best scenery. It may be a little more uphill, but not noticeably so. Our group of over 50's very social riders did it very comfortably. We stopped at both Chakra in Myrtleford and at Gapsted Winery - would recommend both. We also stopped at the Berry Farm just outside Myrtleford - yummy smoothies, berry pancakes, icecreams etc. Would also agree with David re: starting at Beechworth - it's 15km all downhill! We did the Rail Trail in 3 days: Day 1: Beechworth to Wang, bus back to Beechworth; Day 2 : Beechworth to Myrtleford Day 3: Myrtleford to Bright. Have fun!

I didn't ride on this section but according to the maps that I have the distance is close to 9km one way.