The Mighty Murray River Ride - Cycle Australia
- Tintaldra to Goolwa: Completed in March and April 5, 2014. 1,410 kms.
This leg followed the mighty Murray river from Tintaldra on the Upper Murray to Goolwa where the Murray River enters Lake Alexandra and thence the sea. We had a small group which made for a very relaxed riding and camping experience - much to be enjoyed.
This trip was quite different to other trips offered by Cycle Across Oz - for one it did not go right across the country - but more to the point it was an easier ride with shorter days (mostly). The trip had 3 quite different and overlapping parts. Part 1 is classic high country with the river coming away from its source in the Snowy Mountains and flowing through some beautiful valleys some with quite steep sides. Part 2 is where the irrigation schemes begin from Hume Dam at Tallangatta and heading almost to the South Australian border - this is more open country with rich pastoral land on both banks (especially orchards and vineyards). Part 3 is the navigable section of the river with a series of locks and stunning cliff scenery especially in South Australia. The pastoral land hugs the river and the river appears much more lazy.
This is a fabulous part of Australia, rich in pastoral and Aboriginal history. It is also quite off the beaten track with most of the places we visited quite unspoiled by excessive tourism. Traffic was a breeze and road quality was generally good. The towns all carry some interest and there is lots to see and do - and the backdrop of the river is just brilliant.
As expected the weather was fabulous. In the high country overnight temperatures were a little on the low side but not uncomfortable. Day time temperatures were mid 20s. There was only one day that was uncomfortably hot. We did get some rain but were able to wait it out and not damage the schedule. And the wind blew pretty well as expected from the east almost every day. We did cop one hot day of North Westerly wind and the second last day into Milang was into a coolish South Easter - and in line with what we had expected.
This is a fabulous part of Australia, rich in pastoral and Aboriginal history. It is also quite off the beaten track with most of the places we visited quite unspoiled by excessive tourism. Traffic was a breeze and road quality was generally good. The towns all carry some interest and there is lots to see and do - and the backdrop of the river is just brilliant.
As expected the weather was fabulous. In the high country overnight temperatures were a little on the low side but not uncomfortable. Day time temperatures were mid 20s. There was only one day that was uncomfortably hot. We did get some rain but were able to wait it out and not damage the schedule. And the wind blew pretty well as expected from the east almost every day. We did cop one hot day of North Westerly wind and the second last day into Milang was into a coolish South Easter - and in line with what we had expected.