Autumn casts a vivid spell over the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, a 100-kilometer cycling route stretching from Wangaratta through Victoria’s high country. As you pedal this mostly flat trail, tree-lined paths transform with fiery reds and golds, drawing you into an ever-changing landscape that dares you to keep moving forward. Starting in Wangaratta, the trail gently rolls through charming townships and forested corridors, with an elevation gain around 600 meters spread across the distance—enough to challenge without overwhelming.

The trail’s surface varies from crushed gravel to smooth bitumen, inviting a hybrid or mountain bike for best performance. As leaves crunch beneath your tires, you cruise past vineyards sending tendrils of smoke from open fires and forests that hold the crisp, earthy scent of fallen leaves. The Ovens and King rivers flow parallel in places, their currents daring riders to match their steady, unstoppable pace.

During autumn, the cooler days keep sweat manageable, but the fading daylight means early starts are smart. Stay hydrated—the crisp air can mask thirst—and pack layers, as temperature swings can be sharp between sunny stretches and shaded forest sections. Bike repair kits and spare tubes are practical essentials; remote stretches mean help might be several kilometers away.

Points of interest like Bright offer perfect rest stops with cafés and bike shops, while lesser-known viewpoints, such as the lookout near Everton Station, provide sweeping views over foliage-draped hillsides. Wildlife is active, with kookaburras laughing overhead and the occasional black cockatoo gliding through the canopy.

With moderate physical demands and a mostly straightforward trail, the Murray to Mountains suits a wide range of cyclists. Whether you plan a day ride or a multi-day trip, the route’s rhythm mimics the natural transition of the season—pleasant but with an edge that commands respect. Autumn here is not merely a backdrop; it is a ride fiercely itself, one that rewards preparation with unforgettable scenery and steady adventure.