The best traffic-free bike rides in Bunyip State Park

Bunyip State Park offers a selection of touring cycling routes designed to minimize traffic encounters. Our guide features 4 such routes, ranging from moderate to difficult, providing diverse options for exploring the park's natural beauty.

The terrain in Bunyip State Park is varied. While some sections feature smooth gravel, many trails can be unsealed, rough, or include steep ascents and descents. You'll traverse magnificent Mountain Ash forests, wet and dry eucalypt forests, and flat heathlands. A mountain bike or gravel-type bike with robust tires is highly recommended for these conditions.

While many routes in Bunyip State Park are rated difficult, there is a moderate option suitable for those looking for a less strenuous ride. The Bike loop from Radison is a good choice, offering a shorter distance and less elevation gain compared to the more challenging trails.

Cyclists can enjoy diverse landscapes including towering Mountain Ash forests, tranquil heathland swamps, and fern gullies. Notable features include panoramic vistas from various spots along Blue Range Road, with views extending to Western Port Bay. You can also find Four Brothers Rocks, offering views towards Seven Acre Rock across the valley, and the Gentle Annie Track with magnificent views across Gippsland. The park is also home to the Lawson Falls Circuit Walk, leading to the park's only waterfall.

Spring is an excellent time to visit, as vibrant wildflowers such as orchids, wattles, and bush peas create a colorful display. However, it's important to be aware of seasonal road closures, which occur to protect the park and for visitor safety, especially during wet weather. Always check for current conditions before planning your trip.

Mobile phone reception can be unreliable within Bunyip State Park. It is advisable to plan your route in advance, carry physical maps or download offline maps, such as those available on the Avenza app, to ensure you can navigate safely.

Bunyip State Park has specific regulations regarding pets. Generally, dogs are permitted in certain areas but must be on a leash at all times. It's always best to check the latest park regulations regarding pets on trails before your visit. For detailed information, you can consult the official Parks Victoria website: Bunyip State Park Visitor Information.

Yes, several routes in our guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the challenging Four Brothers Rocks loop from Tonimbuk State Forest and the The Lochan loop from Gilwell Park Bushland Reserve, both offering extensive rides through the park's varied terrain.

Bunyip State Park is rich in native flora and fauna. Cyclists might encounter kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and a variety of bird species, including the lyrebird. The park is also one of the few places in Victoria where the state floral emblem (Common Heath), state fauna emblem (Leadbeater's Possum), and state avian emblem (Helmeted Honeyeater) can be found.

The park is accessible via Gembrook, Tynong North, and Labertouche, which serve as common entry points. Specific parking areas are available at various trailheads and visitor access points within the park. It's recommended to check the official park maps or visitor guides for designated parking locations closest to your chosen route.

Generally, no specific permits are required for recreational cycling on designated trails within Bunyip State Park. However, it's always wise to check the latest regulations from Parks Victoria, especially for any special events or specific areas that might have different rules. You can find more information on the official Parks Victoria website: Bunyip State Park.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes in Bunyip State Park cater to various skill levels, though most are on the more challenging side. Our guide includes one moderate route and three difficult routes. The difficult routes often feature significant elevation changes and can be quite long, such as the Bald Hill loop from Gembrook (Town), which covers over 54 kilometers.