In the Tracks of Burke & Wills (190km)

Ride report 5/3/21

Over view

Starting from Vermont South and heading through the city then out through Westmeadows to Lancefield, Mia Mia and Redesdale to Bendigo Station. Return by VLine.

Report and Notes

Starting point was from my home in Vermont South, but of course as the first part is just to get out of Melbourne, you can start anywhere. However an early start is recommended to avoid city traffic, I headed off at 5:50AM.

From Vermont South I took the most direct route into the city, along Burwood Highway, Camberwell Rd and Burwood Rd to Jolimont, and then across to Royal Park by any route you please for an obligatory photo stop at the Burke and Wills cairn on the left just as you enter the park on Elliot Ave.

From here make your way across to Mt Alexander Rd and continue to Moonee Ponds Junction turning right into Pascoe Vale Rd via the pedestrian crossings (no right turn on the road).

Pascoe Vale Rd passes quickly and you soon come to Broadmeadows, turn left into Camp Rd, then right at the hideous roundabout at Mickelham Rd. An alternative is to go through Westmeadows (Raleigh St & Ardlie St), of course either way you have a climb up to Atwood. Historic Note: Originally Westmeadows was the center of Broadmeadows, check out the old Pub and bridge.

Back on Mickelham Rd, head out and turn left onto Camp Rd, then right onto Oaklands Rd. Truck and commute traffic is not good weekdays, but alternatives are thin on the ground out here. On Easter Monday traffic was light.  Oaklands Rd becomes Konagaderra Rd and you have cleared Melbourne properly now.  You have two significant undulations before coming to Lancefield Rd and make a left turn to stay on Konagaderra Rd where it meets Havelock Rd. Then finally right onto Lancefield Rd.

Lancefield Rd through Monegeeta, Romsey and Lancefield is boring and busy, but it does have a good shoulder. Mind the glass. Lancefield is halfway and you deserve a treat at the excellent bakery in the town center.

Back on the Lancefield Rd turn left onto the eponymous Burke and Wills Track which is fully sealed although it varies between good and narrow. Take care.

Top of the range is at Benloch and seems to come up quickly, but there is a second rise to the real summit a couple of ks further on.  It is now downhill (on average) to Mia Mia so enjoy the fast bits while you can.

Turn left onto C326 at Mia Mia and climb for 1.5k before dropping rapidly to the amazing Redesdale bridge over the Campaspe river. C326 is narrow and can be busy so take care. The historic bridge is a short two lane 'pick a plank' bridge so stop at the entrance and plan the crossing if you feel the need. Probably best to go in a break in the traffic.  Your reward is a steep climb up to Redesdale (9% max).

Turn right in Redesdale onto C327 to Lake Eppalock for the final turn into Bendigo. C327 has plenty of undulations over this last 45km and a good wide shoulder in most parts. Traffic can be heavy though. I had oncoming holiday traffic, I have never seen so many 4WDs, caravans and ski boats.

Finally passing through Strathfieldsaye and the edge of the National Park follow C327 into town veering onto Williamson St at the roundabout and turning left toward the Station after you cross the line. I arrived just before 4PM. Of course, my route is on Strava...

Conclusion

I found this a worthwhile one way trip and it is easy to add on at the end by riding through town and doubling back if you need more distance. I didn't want to miss my train so settled for 190k (payback for those 210k brevets).