Description

Day 1 Saturday 5th April
Adelaide to Victor Harbor 98km
It's happening! You've taken the challenge. Adelaide's wide streets bid us farewell as we gradually climb the Lofty Ranges, on quiet roads to Eagle on the Hill.
The prettiest fern laced lanes open up to countryside covered with cattle, grazing amongst battle scarred gum trees. The vineyards and forest give way to seaside views and Norfolk pines.

Day 2 Sunday 6th April
Victor Harbor to Meningie 145km
Leaving the harbour, you're spoilt. Our cycle path runs alongside the coast to Port Elliot and Goolwa, gateway to Hindmarsh Island, then north for a cuppa in the fascinating old town of Strathalbyn. Cycling is easy through the hectares of vineyards and past lovely old buildings. The ferryman takes us across the mighty Murray, then it's south to Lake Albert and the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal dance and music performance and dinner around the fire on the shores of Lake Albert.

Day 3 Monday 7th April
Meningie to Robe 186km
Gliding pelicans and wild ducks add interest on this big day, as you cycle alongside The Coorong National Park, a haven for wildlife and the location for the film "Storm Boy". Sand dunes, lakes, swamps and dry salt pans pass you by, as you push on to this popular holiday point, and savour the rewards of perseverance.

Day 4 Tuesday 8th April
Robe to Mt Gambier 135km
Emus are a plenty as we pedal by numerous large lakes and pine plantations before Millicent. Lunch here with a complimentary entry into the pioneer museum where early machinery is lovingly restored by local craftsmen and women. Keep a lookout for the Tantanoola Tiger as you cycle over underground caves to the extinct volcano and crater city of Mt Gambier, home of the mysterious Blue Lake.

Day 5 Wednesday 9th April
Mt Gambier to Port Fairy 190km
We continue through the gum and pine plantations and follow the old Princes Highway through Dartmoor and Heywood a popular wine region. Fresh seafood for lunch prepared by the locals on the Portland foreshore will fill your bill before tackling the undulating road protected by hills stategically placed with windmills pumping electricity for the locals around Port Fairy.

Day 6 Thursday 10th April
Port Fairy to Port Campbell 100km
Woody's Murray to Moyne annual cycle relay finishes here, and raises hundred's of thousands of dollars for charity. However we depart to Warrnambool, check it out, then weave our way through back roads. You see and hear the roar of waves battering limestone walls and London Bridge. This is it, the shipwreck coast.

Day 7 Friday 11th April

Port Campbell to Lorne 150km
Wild seas and high winds continually pound the rugged shoreline, creating landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and other weird sculptures. Enjoy the spectacle, take a deep breath and climb, winding your way to Lavers Hill, then hang on, it's a roller coaster ride through sub tropical forest to the coastal towns of Apollo Bay, then cycle the surf to Lorne.

Day 8 Saturday 12th April
Lorne to Melbourne 145km
This is it! The Great Ocean Road is squeezed between massive vertical cliffs and thunderous waves. You try to concentrate, but it's hard with hang gliders overhead and breathtaking views all around. The coastal towns slip by as you pump through Geelong and on to the home stretch. Melbourne skyline looks grand, you feel grand, proud and completely satisfied. The euphoric sense of satisfaction is known only by those who took the Challenge.