Central Victoria has developed a bit of a reputation as a cyclist’s paradise, and that’s not just because of all of the coffee shops we have on offer!
Heathcote is at the heart of some fantastic cycling and walking trails with the jewel of the crown being the historic O’Keefe Rail Trail. The 49-kilometre track from Bendigo to Heathcote offers stunning scenery and a great ride, or walk, regardless of the time of year. The track starting point is located just 3km from the Goldfields track connecting Bendigo and Ballarat!
Heathcote Loop Trails
McIvor Creek Trail - Walk or ride along the McIvor Creek through the township of Heathcote. The trail is approximately 2km one way.
Viewing Rock Loop Trail - A beautiful and slightly challenging walk to a large rock perched above Heathcote, offering spectacular views. The full loop is approximately 2.6km.
Pink Cliffs Loop Trail - A peaceful 8km trail that leads past the historic cemetery and up to the Pink Cliffs.
Liquid Amber Trail - A pleasant 1km loop from the Visitor Centre through to the Liquid Amber trees, to the picnic area along McIvor Creek.
Download the map.
Road Rides
If you’re more of a road rider, pop into the Heathcote Visitor Centre and pick up a map giving you more great options – The Oppy Ride (to Rochester, the birthplace of famous cyclist, Sir Hubert Opperman), The Four Pubs Ride (yep, just what you’re thinking) and The Lake Loop (a 67-kilometre ride around Lake Eppalock).
For the more enthusiastic cyclists, there’s also the 1,000 metre climb to the top of Mount Alexander once The Lake Loop is complete, or perhaps tackle The Major Mitchell Trail – a 1,200-kilometre route that takes you from Mildura, down to the Grampians, to Bendigo and through Heathcote and finishing at Mt Macedon.
Walkers will enjoy the variety of trails around McIvor Creek, the Pink Cliffs or in the many State Forests around Heathcote.