The popularity of cycling holidays in Australia has increased tremendously due to the magnificent scenery of the Great Ocean Road. The annual Great Victorian Bike Ride, which marks its 30th anniversary on Saturday 23 November 2013, is an event you will not want to miss. Its 620 km stretch will start from the iconic Mount Gambier’s rugged terrain and conclude at Geelong on Sunday 1 December 2013. The nine days of the bike ride tour will take you through some of the most breathtaking views of southern coastal Australia.
The treacherous road at the Blue Lake in Mount Gambier allows you to view this magnificent lake located at the heart of an extinct volcano. It is interesting to note that the lake is one of the four lakes on the mountain of which only two have dried up over the last 40 years. The average depth of the lake is estimated to be 72 meters with some areas recording depths of 75 meters. The lake measures 1,200 by 824 meters along its crater rim.
It supplies the nearby town with fresh drinking water from its store. The changes in color of the lake around the year have dazzled many. During the months of December to March participants of the ride have the chance to view its cobalt blue color. The color changes back to steel grey during the months of April and November. Scientists believe the color changes are the result of temperature changes on the surface of the lake, which causes the precipitation of calcium carbonate into calcium carbonate crystallites. The elevation of the sun is also believed to cause perceived changes in color in the lake.
Stunning views of Australia’s southern coast can only be viewed at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park where during your bike ride, you can get panoramic views of the stretch from Peterborough to the outskirts of Warrnambool. The Great South West Walk allows you to explore the Princess Margaret Rose Cave and Discovery Bay. Fur seals can be seen at Bridgewater Bay as you pass through the Great South West Walk.
You will pass through the rainforest scenery of the Ottoways. This is where the tall trees, lavish growth of ferns and ancient plantations can be viewed. The aesthetics of the rainforest are experienced fully at Maits Rest and on the tree top walk at Otway Fly. Bike riders can sample high waterfalls in the narrow valleys of the national park where the magnificent Triplet and other secluded falls are located. Lake Elizabeth’s tranquil and beautiful waters, which are filled with trunks of dead tree trunks can be viewed on your bike ride. A bird’s eye view of the forest can be viewed on the Otway Fly Treetop canopy, which is located in the heart of the Otways. The ride allows you to view trees as old as 300 years old on the Maits Rest Rainforest Trail.
The Great Victorian Bike Ride is a delight for professionals and new entrants alike. The scenery and Australian hospitality provide the perfect mix to ensure that your experience will be unforgettable.