GDTmtb

The Great Dividing Trail was originally developed as a walking track but in 2011 was upgraded into a shared use track to enable walkers and mountainbike (mtb) riders to enjoy this wonderful part of central Victoria.  In consultation the various land managers the Track is, in most sections, now safe and suitable as a dual use Track.  The intention is to have all sections of the Track either as shared or parallel use. The whole of the Goldfields Track is now primarily shared use with necessary diversions signposted.

If you do decide to enjoy mountainbiking on parts of the Great Dividing Trail where it is allowed (see below), safe and environmentally sensible – please ride with care and in a manner that respects the rights and safety of all Track users, including anticipating cyclists or walkers on every blind corner or crest.

Goldfields Track (Ballarat to Bendigo)

Parks Victoria and Conservation Volunteers Australia have recently completed an upgrade of sections of the GDT between Buninyong (Ballarat) and Bendigo, now called the Goldfields Track.

The three sections of the Goldfields Track previously identified as not being suitable for mountain bikes are now signed with safe diversions for mountain bikes:

  • The section between Daylesford and Golden Springs (via Break Neck Gorge);
  • Mount Alexander; and,
  • A short section of trail on the south side of Vaughan Springs,

Please observe signage, do NOT ride on sections signed for walkers only. Please follow the signed, alternative mtb routes. 

Lerderderg Track (Bacchus Marsh to Daylesford)

It is important to note, that at this point in time, shared use for the Blackwood to Bacchus Marsh section of the GDT has not been formally discussed and as such is a walking track with several sections unsuitable for bikes.

Specifically, Mountain Bikes are not to use Whisky Track. This is a conservation area that prohibits vehicles as described by the Road Safety Act (which includes all motorised vehicles, horses and bicycles). For Mountain Bikes, Mount Blackwood Rd is an alternative.

We do intend the whole GDT to be mtb friendly …

The GDTA Committee is  committed, in the medium and long term, to progressively make all parts of the GDT safe and able to be signed as mtb friendly (or with short, appropriate diversions), and to try and make sure all new tracks have safe or alternative mtb options.

A GDTmtb Working Group was set up in late 2008 to begin to make this happen, The GDTmtb working group was represented by Nick Lewis on the Goldfields Track Development Project, and one core member of the GDTmtb group has since attended most GDTA meetings,

An email listwas established for people with an interest in mountain biking along the GDT. If you are keen to follow the progress and/or provide input into mountain bike issues send an email to Nick nlewis@eslinkservices.com.au to be included on the list, or alternatively, join GDTA and/or come along to GDTA meetings in 2012.

The group is also working on establishing an online forum to facilitate input and communications, so stay tuned.

Note:  If you wish to use public transport to reach an entry point of the GDT, please be aware that buses DO NOT carry bikes.

MTB Links

For those interested in mountain biking along the GDT, GDTA member Ken Dowling has a blog with lots of maps, hints and trail notes. It can be found at http://mapsport.com.au

Social rides are also run by the Central Victorian Rocky Riders Mountain Bike Club.