On Saturday 1st October 2011, a total of 250 cyclists from Melbourne, Sydney and ACT will join their national & country compatriots as they descend on the township of Bairnsdale, East Gippsland to take part in the East Gippsland Rail Trail cycling event from Bairnsdale to Orbost.

They will take a break from having to concentrate and navigate their way through heavy traffic, smog and a view of rear vehicle bumper bars for scented country fresh air, native fauna and flora and share the Rail Trail with birds, animals, insects and frogs that have made this area their home, exploring the beautiful sweeping natural views and changing natural landscapes as they traverse along the trail.

With an 7am early morning start they will be travelling from Howitt Park on the banks of The Mitchell River Walk in Bairnsdale to their choice of Bruthen, Nowa Nowa or Orbost and later return to Bairnsdale by vehicle.

The first 10km of the Rail Trail is sealed and is easy going, with the remainder being hard packed gravel. Cyclists have a choice from a 30km, 60 km or the challenge of a 100 km ride on the day with other cyclists. Stops along the trail are at Nowa Nowa for a healthy lunch, with cafes at both Bruthen and Nowa Nowa to tempt riders off the Trail

The next stretch of terrain is more rugged and can have rougher patches and is a more arduous task to navigate with stunning views over peaceful secluded natural rolling green country side, rail bridges and tunnels of Twin River country to peaceful Australian forests of native species scented with Eucalypts and prolific with native bird life. Cyclists can view the forest regeneration taking place after bushfire events and only experience the understanding known of cycling through the forest, rather than viewing it from a vehicle window.

Cyclists need to prepare for extremes of weather with frosty mornings and warm East Gippsland Riviera sunshine that can become quiet hot, to cool and shady forest terrain. High energy snack bars, water and extra lunch provisions (for those with a large appetite) need to be packed for the day.

Accommodation specials are being offered by several accommodation properties including Kananook Cottage that support the East Gippsland Rail Trail, to welcome and assist National travellers to have a quality and enjoyable unique getaway break whilst visiting East Gippsland. 

Summer Special 
Enjoy a  5* getaway experience at  50% OFF
Click here on SPECIALS to secure your getaway break at a discount price!

The added benefit of staying at Kananook Cottage is the Trail In a Day 2011 event starts at Howitt Park on the Mitchell River. Cyclists can easily start their ride straight from the cottage located on the edge of the Mitchell River flats, cycle down the lane and along the Mitchell River Walk for 10 minutes to commence the day at Howitt Park.

Cycling can be a tiring and arduous with many sights to see and explore. Now you can relax afterwards at Kananook Cottage B&B which provides an uplifting light filled ambience in a beautifully restored 1880’s Victorian Architectural Heritage Building with new and modern 5* amenities dedicated to ensure a uniquely luxurious getaway escape during your stay in East Gippsland.

As a provider of premier deluxe accommodation Kananook Cottage encourages all cyclists participating in the Trail In A Day 2011 Event to take an extended getaway break and make the most of their stay in East Gippsland which is Victorias’ hub of premier Changing Natural Landscapes.

Nowhere else in Victoria or Australia are visitors so spoilt for choice from a range of Premier Natural Changing landscapes to visit – this is Victoria’s best kept secret – in fact there are few places in the world where visitors can simultaneously and easily access - crystal clear ocean beaches, explore pristine lakes to yacht, motor boat and stroll around the lake having coffee, lunch or dinner in lake townships, discover food and wine trails along the rivers, explore stalactites in caves, visit wilderness oasis High Country townships, State and National Parks and take in world class Skiing at Mt Hotham or trekking at Mt Feathertop – all within reach of an easy day trip from Bairnsdale. Artist studios, Art Galleries and the Aboringinal keeping place museum are also in or near Bairnsdale, so you can take a collectable memento home with you. How many days does it take to do this - as long as you like! These premier day trips only add to your unique getaway break provided at Kananook Cottage. Click here to view photos, plan and book your stay at Kananook Cottage accommodation.

Please join in this interactive blog and record the great times, experiences and Natural Places you visited along with businesses you enjoyed and would recommend during your stay in East Gippsland so other Trail In a Day 2011 participants and visitors to the area are informed and don’t miss out on the spectacular scenery and array of experiences available in east Gippsland. 

Did you know that 'Kananook' established the Lindenow Racecourse on the Kananook Estate which led to forming the Gippsland District Racing Club which has now amalgamated to Racing Victoria.

If you can help locate additional historical photographs, please contact us!