Activity Level
Physical Activity Rating: Very Challenging
- Fitness Level: Excellent level of fitness required. Previous experience with long-distance cycling and hill climbs is essential. Some experience with off-road riding is highly recommended.
- Terrain: This tour includes extended periods of cycling on unsealed roads, with steep gradients, loose surfaces, and challenging ascents. Be prepared for varied terrain, including paved roads, dirt roads, and potentially some single track.
- Duration: Expect to spend 6+ hours per day in the saddle, with the longest day being km with significant elevation gain.
- Bike Type: A mountain bike, gravel bike or e-bike with wide tires is strongly recommended for this tour.
Additional Considerations:
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- Altitude: Be aware that you will be cycling at altitude, which can make the ride more challenging.
- Weather: Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for all conditions.
- Self-Sufficiency: This is a challenging tour, and you will need to be self-sufficient in terms of bike maintenance and repairs.
- Support available: You’ll have ample support throughout the ride. A dedicated cycle guide will be riding with you, and a support vehicle will follow the group to assist with any needs, including transporting riders and their bikes if required.
Mobile Coverage
While Telstra generally offers the best coverage in this area, service can be patchy. Here’s a quick overview:
| Location | Coverage |
| Eden | 4G & 5G |
| Burragate | No Telstra service |
| Bombala | 4G & 5G |
| Dalgety | 4G |
| Jinderbyne | 4G & 5G |
| Perisher | Patchy 4G |
Expect limited to no reception between towns.
Wi-Fi Access
Emergency Communication
Our guides carry a Garmin inReach with SOS functionality for your safety. You’re also welcome to bring your own EPIRB, inReach, or Spot tracker.
October in the Snowy Mountains & Coast:
October is a beautiful time to visit this region, as spring brings mild temperatures and vibrant wildflowers to the landscape. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect in each location:
- Eden: Enjoy pleasant coastal weather with average highs around 18-20°C (64-68°F). Expect some rain, but also plenty of sunshine. The coastal wildflowers should be in full bloom, adding splashes of color to the scenery.
- Burragate: Slightly cooler than the coast, with daytime temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F). Crisp mornings and evenings are common.
- Bombala: Similar to Burragate, with average October temperatures ranging from 14-17°C (57-63°F).
- Dalgety: This charming village experiences cool October days, with temperatures averaging 12-15°C (54-59°F). It’s a good idea to pack layers for varying conditions.
- Jindabyne: Located near the lake, Jindabyne enjoys slightly milder temperatures than the higher elevations, with averages around 13-16°C (55-61°F).
- Perisher: Higher up in the mountains, Perisher can be quite cool in October, with daytime temperatures ranging from 8-12°C (46-54°F). While the snow has likely melted, expect crisp air and the possibility of some chilly nights.
Don’t forget:
- Pack layers: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially at higher elevations.
- Bring a rain jacket: October can bring occasional showers.
- Enjoy the wildflowers: This is a fantastic time to see the region’s diverse flora in bloom.
- Check the forecast: Always stay updated on the latest weather predictions before and during your trip.
Reaching Eden:
Eden is conveniently located on the far south coast of NSW, about halfway between Sydney and Melbourne.
- By Car: Approximately a 4-hour drive from Canberra (via Cooma) or a 7-8 hour drive from Sydney or Melbourne.
- By Air: Rex and Qantas offer flights to Merimbula Airport, which is a short distance from Eden.
- Canberra Transfers: We can arrange transfers between Canberra and Eden at the start of the tour, and between Perisher and Canberra at the end of the tour, for an additional cost
Travel Insurance & Medical Information:
- Medical Details: To ensure your safety and cater to your individual needs, we’ll send you a form to fill in with details about any medical conditions, physical limitations, and dietary requirements. This information will be kept confidential and used only in case of an emergency or to personalise your experience.
- Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that all guests have comprehensive travel insurance before paying the final tour installment.
Accommodation
To give you the best possible experience on our route, we’ve hand-picked a variety of accommodations, from cozy villas to luxurious glamping tents, charming country hotels, and modern alpine resorts.
Sharing: All accommodations are twin-share. If you prefer a private room, please let us know when booking. Single supplements are 50% of the total booking price and subject to availability.
Here’s where you’ll be staying:
Laundry
While some of our accommodations may have laundry facilities, our action-packed itinerary doesn’t leave much time for washing clothes.
- Seahorse Inn (Eden): Laundry facilities are available.
- Currajong Retreat (Burragate): Laundry facilities are not available.
- The Imperial Hotel (Bombala): Please inquire at reception about laundry services.
- Buckley’s Crossing Hotel (Dalgety): Please inquire at reception about laundry services.
- Valhalla Perisher (Perisher): Laundry facilities are available.
We recommend packing lightly and bringing quick-drying clothes to minimize your laundry needs. If you need to wash something urgently, feel free to ask your guide for assistance in finding a local laundromat.
Power & Charging:
Here’s the lowdown on power availability at each of our accommodations:
- Seahorse Inn (Eden): Standard power outlets are available in all rooms.
- Currajong Retreat (Burragate): This is an off-grid eco-friendly retreat. Standard power outlets are available in your rooms for charging small electronics like phones and cameras. For e-bike batteries, we’ll have a designated charging area set up.
- The Imperial Hotel (Bombala): Standard power outlets are available in all rooms.
- Buckley’s Crossing Hotel (Dalgety): Standard power outlets are available in all rooms.
- Valhalla Perisher (Perisher): Standard power outlets are available in all rooms
Please note that bikes cannot be taken into the rooms, so you’ll need to be able to remove your e-bike battery for charging.
Smoke-Free Environment:
For the comfort and well-being of all participants, we maintain a strict no-smoking policy for both guests and staff around tour participants. This applies to all areas related to the tour, including accommodations and vehicles. Please also remember that smoking is prohibited within the National Park.
Water Availability & Hydration:
Staying hydrated is essential on this challenging cycling adventure. Here’s the lowdown on water at each accommodation and during your rides:
- Water Sources:
- Seahorse Inn (Eden): Connected to town water supply.
- Currajong Retreat (Burragate): Rainwater is used, so please be mindful of consumption.
- The Imperial Hotel (Bombala): Connected to town water supply.
- Buckley’s Crossing Hotel (Dalgety): Connected to town water supply.
- Valhalla Perisher (Perisher): Connected to town water supply.
- Staying Hydrated on the Road: Please bring a water bottle or hydration pack with a minimum 2-liter capacity. Our support vehicle will carry plenty of water for refills throughout the day, ensuring you stay hydrated even on the toughest climbs.
Fueling Your Adventure: Food & Drink
To keep you energised throughout your journey, all meals are included in the tour price! Our accommodations will provide a variety of delicious and satisfying options, showcasing local produce and flavors.
- Feast on:
- Home-cooked meals at Currajong Retreat
- Hearty pub fare in Dalgety and Bombala
- And other culinary delights along the way!
Drinks:
While meals are covered, drinks will be at your own expense. Please be mindful of your alcohol consumption during the tour. We have a zero-tolerance policy for drunken or drug-induced behavior that disrupts the enjoyment or safety of others.
Dietary Needs:
Please let us know about any dietary requirements or allergies when you book. We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs and ensure you have plenty of delicious food to enjoy throughout the tour.
Packing Light for the Adventure:
Space is limited in our support vehicle, so we encourage you to pack light and efficiently.
Here are some tips:
- Everyday Essentials: Bring a small backpack for easy access to items you’ll need throughout the day, like sunscreen, snacks, and your camera.
- Overnight Gear: Pack your clothes and toiletries in a duffel bag or similar soft-sided luggage.
- Carry-on Size is Key: Aim for luggage no larger than standard carry-on size, ideally weighing less than 15kg. Remember, this is an active adventure, not a luxury holiday!
- On-Bike Storage: We recommend using pannier bags, dry bags, or frame bags to carry essentials during your rides. You’ll need space for extra layers, a rain jacket, a hat, swimwear, lunch, a small first-aid kit, your phone, and any other personal items.
- Need help with bike bags? Just let us know! We’re happy to provide tips or offer options if you’re hiring one of our bikes.
By packing smart, you’ll ensure a comfortable and enjoyable cycling experience without being weighed down by excess baggage.
Packing Essentials for Your Cycling Adventure:
We’re working on a comprehensive blog post about packing for a multi-day cycling trip, but in the meantime, here’s a handy checklist to get you started:
Gear & Clothing:
- Weather Protection:
- Raincoat
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Beanie (for cooler conditions)
- Footwear:
- Sturdy, comfortable closed-in walking shoes / cycle clip in shoes (what ever your preference is)
- Other Essentials:
- Reusable water bottle (minimum 2L capacity)
- Head torch
- Day pack (around 35L) or attachable bags on your bike – big enough to carry water, snacks, lunch, first-aid kit, camera, layers, raincoat, and personal items.
- Personal first-aid kit
- Personal medication and toiletries
- Clothing:
- Swimmers and a travel towel
- Jumper and a warm jacket
- Hiking pants and/or shorts
- Shirts for cycling
- Casual evening wear
- Pyjamas
Remember to check the “Climate” section above to help you plan your clothing choices!
Don’t Forget:
- Camera
- Charger for your phone and other electronics (e-bike)
Guides
While our guides are experienced long-distance cyclists and happy to assist with basic bike issues, they are not professional mechanics. We recommend being self-sufficient with minor repairs and carrying essential tools. For unforeseen circumstances, we will have a spare bike available.
Support Vehicles
Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Throughout the tour, you’ll have the support of both an experienced cycling guide riding alongside the group and a dedicated support vehicle.
Our support vehicle will be available to assist if you:
- Experience fatigue and need a break from pedalling.
- Sustain an injury or require medical attention.
- Encounter any mechanical issues with your bike.
- Require assistance for any other reason.
The presence of a support vehicle also enhances overall safety, especially when cycling on roads shared with motor vehicles. You can ride with peace of mind knowing that assistance is readily available.
Bike Hire
$100 a day E-bike: We have a fleet of eSPRESSO CITY 400 EQ, a step-through frame with durable mountain bike tyres, fitted with guards, rack, lights, lock and a kickstand as standard. Perfect for the fire trails as well as the road.
$50 Hard-tail entry level mountain bike: We have a fleet of entry-level, hard tail 2018 Merida Big Seven 100 (Small), Big Nine 100 (Medium or Large).
Bike Storage
While our chosen accommodations do not have dedicated bike storage facilities, we take the security of your bikes very seriously. During overnight stays, we will securely lock your bikes to our bike trailer, which will be attached to our support vehicle and parked in a safe location.
Please note that while we take all reasonable precautions, we cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss to your bike during the tour. We recommend that you have adequate insurance coverage for your bike.
