Axedale Trip Overview
The O’Keefe Rail Trail guided e-bike cycling tour takes from Axedale to Heathcote (return) takes you through majestic native forests, rich farmland, picturesque waterways. This is a fabulous day – and once you’ve done it once, you’ll likely want to do it again! A ride along this trail is a great day out for individuals, couples, friends and families.
Forged over a century ago by Victoria’s rail pioneers, the Rail Trail is named after Andrew O’Keefe, a Bendigo rail pioneer.
On arrival to Heathcote you can purchase lunch from one of Heathcote’s cafes or bakeries. There’s plenty of choice!
Heathcote boasts the longest main street of any country Australian town, as well as over 30 cellar doors in the region which is renowned for its award winning shiraz and the famous red Cambrian soils.
This tour commences at 10.30 am at Axedale (15 mins from Bendigo and less than 1 hour from Echuca). Ride a comfortable 27.5 kms to Heathcote. Arrive back in Axedale between 4pm and 5pm.
Additional Info
Duration: 6 hours
Starts: Axedale, Australia
Trip Category: Day Trips & Excursions >> Day Trips
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What to Expect When Visiting Axedale, Victoria, Australia
The O’Keefe Rail Trail guided e-bike cycling tour takes from Axedale to Heathcote (return) takes you through majestic native forests, rich farmland, picturesque waterways. This is a fabulous day – and once you’ve done it once, you’ll likely want to do it again! A ride along this trail is a great day out for individuals, couples, friends and families.
Forged over a century ago by Victoria’s rail pioneers, the Rail Trail is named after Andrew O’Keefe, a Bendigo rail pioneer.
On arrival to Heathcote you can purchase lunch from one of Heathcote’s cafes or bakeries. There’s plenty of choice!
Heathcote boasts the longest main street of any country Australian town, as well as over 30 cellar doors in the region which is renowned for its award winning shiraz and the famous red Cambrian soils.
This tour commences at 10.30 am at Axedale (15 mins from Bendigo and less than 1 hour from Echuca). Ride a comfortable 27.5 kms to Heathcote. Arrive back in Axedale between 4pm and 5pm.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Heathcote, Heathcote, Victoria
The O’Keefe Rail Trail from Axedale to Heathcote is a scenic cycling/walking track and you’ll feel like you’ve having a day in nature’s playground. There’s an abundance of natural flora and fauna, the cycling paths are wide and well maintained, and there’s so much to see!
This is a fantastic guided e-bike cycling tour to do with a group of friends or family, and is also perfectly suitable for solo riders. We supply the e-bike and helmet for the day – along with any technical support (although a flat tyre is pretty rare!) and an informative briefing on the O’Keefe Trail.
Heathcote has a welcoming village atmosphere. It is in the heart of Central Victoria and is nestled beneath the stunning McHarg and McIvor Ranges.
Heathcote is becoming one of Australia’s most loved wine regions. Good food, friendly cellar doors, spectacular landscapes, gold rush relics, local art and craft make Heathcote an ideal place to explore.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: O’Keefe Rail Trail, Herriot Street, Heathcote, Victoria 3523 Australia
The O’Keefe Rail Trail is a 50-kilometre rail trail connecting Bendigo with Heathcote. The sandy gravel trail runs along a former branch line on the Melbourne-Sydney rail line.
Today the recreational trail located beside the old railway line again allows users to journey the full 49 kilometres, albeit at a slightly slower pace. It’s just as well too, as there’s lots to take in. The safe, mostly-level walking and cycling trail is one of Victoria’s great family-friendly journeys. It passes through some spectacular natural bushland, past waterways and recreation reserves. Stop off at the Axedale township for great pub fare at the local Tavern or pack your own picnic. Here the trail crosses the pretty Campaspe River which is a stunning natural river environment, and habitat for platypus.
Pass By: Axedale, Axedale, Victoria
Axedale is a small town in Victoria, Australia. It is located on the McIvor Highway, in the City of Greater Bendigo, east of Bendigo. It was surveyed and proclaimed in 1861. At the 2016 census, Axedale had a population of 802. The town is nestled alongside the Campaspe River which feeds out of Lake Eppalock.
Stop At: Axedale River Reserve, William St, Axedale, Victoria Australia
The Axedale River Reserve is a tranquil setting and provides a great photo opportunity. The tour stops here for a few minutes while the Tour Guide provides an overview of the history of the O’Keefe Rail Trail. Nearby are information boards and also the Axedale Platypus Compass.
Duration: 5 minutes