Rating - Difficult
One of the best rides near Benambra is a challenging 60 km loop north of the town to The Mitta River at Taylor's Crossing, up the 4 Mile Creek Track to Kelly's Road and a return via the Hinnomunjie Bridge, the spectacular climb up Mount Blowhard and a rewarding ride around Lake Omeo. It's not for the faint hearted. Take your time and enjoy some of the best riding north east Victoria has to offer.
This ride offers a huge range of experiences including quiet backcountry roads, ashphalt and gravel, alpine farmland, pristine rivers, historic bridges.
Take Care With This Ride
Whilst this is a great ride we considered the risks carefully before proceeding. A lot of the ride is in isolated country where access in the event of breakdown or injury is difficult and can only be undertaken in a suitable 4WD driven by an experienced driver. Although there is a suspension walking bridge over the Mitta Mitta River at Taylors Crossing north of Benambra crossing by 4WD there can only be done by experienced drivers when the river is low and the entry and exits are driveable, which currently, due to flood damage, is not the case. Access to the track from the south beyond the National Park gate (closed in winter) can also be difficult due to washouts and loose, short but steep sections.
There is no phone reception for a lot of the ride so consider taking an EPIRB.
Also, take a First Aid kit, spare tubes and repair equipment for the bikes.
Consider the experience, fitness and capacity of the riders. It's a long walk out if you're spent. There is 2WD access from the south from Omeo 9.5km beyond Hinnomunjie Bridge to the Park boundary on Kelly's Road.
By the way, the most challenging section of the ride is up Mount Blowhard, about 12km from the end of the ride. It is however, a very scenic walk.
The Ride Described
It is possible to ride this ride in both directions. Both rides have a sting in their tail. We decided to ride anti-clockwise.
Starting in Benambra we headed north up the Benambra - Corryong Road. In about 10km we turned left up the Tablelands Road, the start of the gravel. Tablelands is very picturesque farming area full of very healthy and large Hereford cows.
Continue on, past the Lower Tablelands Road, in a westerly direction. The road drops soon after this junction down to the Mitta Mitta River. This hill is reasonably steep and corrugated.
At the river take in the view. There's a picnic area on the eastern bank and a small camping area on the other side. Beside the bridge there's a 4WD crossing which can be dangerous (impassable at higher water levels) and should only be used by experienced drivers in appropriate vehicles.
Walk your bikes across the bridge and continue heading up the track. In about 1km there's a track off to the right. As a diversion, head down there for about 1km to the historic Kennedy's Hut. A great spot for lunch. After your break retrace your ride to the junction and turn right up the hill. And it is a hill.
Keep in mind for this next section you are on your own. Access by vehicle is difficult (see above notes) and telephone reception non-existent.
Keep heading west on the 4 Mile Creek Track (also the Alpine Walking Track) for 4km to a tree with "Letterbox" on it and take a hard left. Continue on a few steep climbs and drops for about 9km till you get to the Mitta Mitta River at Ferny Flat. Take a break. Have a swim if the tide's right.
Continue on, on less dips and rises for about 5km and arrive at civilisation and the Hinnomunjie Bridge. The road from here to Omeo, is about 20km. Hinnomunjie Bridge is a good place to be collected if you've had enough and want to avoid the sting in the tail Mount Blowhard.
If you are riding back to Benambra cross the bridge and take a left turn in about 2km. Start climbing!!
The closing stanza of the climb, just before the summit is approaching 20%. Ouch!!
Enjoy the sweeping views across surrounding valleys and, in the distance, to the east, Benambra. After a break, ride in a Benambra direction and turn right when you get to the lake (or ride across it if its dry). Ride around the Lake and enjoy a beer at the Benambra Hotel (if it's open).
Well done. Great ride.