Overview:
This eXperience will have you cruising along the 40km historic railway line x 2, the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, passing through lush landscapes, charming towns, and stopping at some fantastic local spots along the way. With the power of e-bikes, you can go further, faster, and enjoy the journey without breaking a sweat! It is a very flat ride so there are no fitness requirements, just the ability to ride a bike.
Leaving at 9.00am on day 1, but with this journey we take our time a bit more and throw in a few extra stops. As we are having dinner at the final destination, we will this time stop for a 2-course luncheon + welcome drink at the ‘Home Hotel’ in Launching Place.
Continuing to cruise through to Warburton in the afternoon, we will check in to the Alpine Hotel, where we will stay the night in their recently wonderfully refurbished pub accommodation. We have a few hours of free time to eXplore the main street or rest from the ride before we have a 2-course dinner + welcome drink. If it is a Saturday night, there will likely be live music at the Pub which always provides a great atmosphere.
In the morning, we will enjoy the Pub’s buffet breakfast before beginning the trek back at approx. 9am. We will have one stop at the Carriage Cafe in Seville for a coffee and optional morning tea, before cruising to Lilydale for an estimated arrival of 12.30pm.
Yarra Valley Rail Trail ‘Overnighter’ e-Ride eXperience
Itinerary:
Meet & Greet, Lilydale welcome!
Join your guide & fellow riders at the Athletic Field opposite Lilydale Train Station Parking for your welcome, a safety briefing, before the leisurely ride begins!
Climb Mt Evelyn and ride to Seville
The first leg sees us depart Lilydale and head towards the highest climb in elevation of the ride as we steadily ride up Mt Evelyn which is 230m above sea level. Don’t fret, remember, you’re on an e-Bike! After passing through Mt Evelyn, keep an eye out for the wonderful birdlife as we pass Wandin station enroute to Seville. A coffee opportunity at the Trail Cafe.
‘SECRET WINERY’
Anyone feel like a wine tasting? We have the option of a ride-on visit to a secret winery, one that is not open to the public. It is a gorgeous farm with sweeping Yarra Valley views and truly a unique eXperience! We have been told many times this is the highlight of the trip.
Seville to Launching Place + Lunch
Cruise through the countryside now for the second leg which contains lots of flat riding and mountainous views. Keep an eye out for a range of animals particularly around Killara & Woori Yallock as we approach Launching Place. Most would imagine if we were to say you might see the Australian Coast of Arms animals today, a kangaroo would be easy, but don’t discount the opportunity of an emu!
Lunch stop at the Home Hotel, Launching Place (30 mins)
This historic hotel, established in 1883, oozes charm. We’ll provide a 2-course luncheon + welcome drink, and admire the old photos on the walls. If the weather is nice, sit in the beer garden next to the bike parking and horse tie-up stalls. Toilet facilities available.
Launching Place to Warburton
We enter the home straight now with the next few towns we pass through having small distances between them. We will cruise through Yarra Junction, Wesburn, Millgrove before a gorgeous end to the ride, gliding parallel to the Yarra River as we cruise into Warburton and arrive at the Alpine Hotel.
Accommodation check in the Alpine Hotel, Warburton
Late afternoon, we’ll check in to our rooms and have a few hours free to do as you please. Have a drink in the pub or a wander of the main street. Dinner is at 7pm.
Dinner at the Alpine Hotel, Warburton
Reflect your journey with your fellow riders over a delicious 2-course dinner + welcome drink at the newly renovated Alpine Hotel. Depending on the night of the week, the Pub may have live music (always on Saturday) or live sports on the TV for entertainment.
Breakfast at the Alpine Hotel, Warburton
Buffet breakfast provided from 7am till 9am, before we depart on our return to Lilydale.
Morning tea at Carriage Cafe, Seville
A historic train carriage cafe is our major stop on the way back for an optional morning tea and/or cafe, and a toliet break. After this, we are straight through to Lilydale with an expected arrival time of 12.30pm.
Pricing:
Private Tours: Bookable 7 days a week - $7,950 per Group (maximum of 10 participants).
For groups in excess of 10, we can increase up to 14 by private request. Please send your request to email: hello@yarravalleyx.com.au or call 0476 188 044.
A 9.00am start time is recommended, but feel free to contact us as start times can be flexible for private groups, where we can start at either 8.00am, 10.00am, 11.00am. The itinerary will need to be amended in the event a start time is altered.
Due to accommodation requirements, it is recommended to book this eXperience well in advance.
Reservations online for Private Tours can be made up until 1 week before the start time.
If less than 1 week before the start time, please call 0476 188 044 for instant confirmation, or send your request to email: hello@yarravalleyx.com.au
Ages: 15+
Duration: 27hrs
Included:
✔ Ampd Bros Ace+ fat-tyre e-Bike
✔ Helmet
✔ Safety Briefing
✔ Bottle of Water
✔ Tour Guide
✔ 2-course Luncheon at the Home Hotel, Launching Place, including shared entrees, your choice of main dish + welcome drink
✔ 2-course dinner at the Alpine Hotel, Warburton, including shared entrees, your choice of main dish + welcome drink
✔ Buffet Breakfast at the Alpine Hotel, Warburton
Excluded:
❌ Additional drinks purchased at luncheon, dinner
❌ Any purchases at venues along the way
FAQs
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The simple answer is Yes. Although the actual riding level is easy to moderate, some experience riding a bike is a must. The e-Bikes are very easy to ride, and we conduct a 20 minute safety briefing at the start of each tour and check in individually with each participant before we depart.
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By all means, you can supply your own helmet if you prefer, but it is not necessary. We will provide each participant with a ‘one size fits all’ Ampd Bros Urban Bike Helmet, which are CE / CPSC / AS/NZ Certified. Each helmet has a large size adjustable disc so will fit all heads, big & small.
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Comfort is key. Wear comfortable clothing as if you would going for a normal bike ride. Bring a light jacket if the forecast looks a bit cool and closed toe shoes are a must. We also encourage sunglasses & suncream when applicable., and encourage you to bring a bottle of water.
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The ride is classified easy to moderate. A reasonable level of fitness is preferred. They will be 1-2 inclines on the ride, but once taught how to use an e-Bike correctly, this should be a breeze.
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99% of this eXperience is on the Yarra Valley Rail Trail, a nice compacted surface with no cars. Care is still required as the Rail Trail is often frequented by other bike riders, walkers and the occasional horse! There will be a few road crossings along the way, where your Ride Leader will instruct if they are all clear.
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You may leave any small items you do not wish to carry during the ride at the meeting point, in the company car. This car will follow us on the eXperience and be at the Alpine Hotel on your arrival to retrieve. All belongings are left at your own risk.
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e-Bike Tours can still go ahead with forecasted rain, as long as it is not severe. Routes/times may be altered to ensure completion. In the event of severe weather (e.g. excessive rain, lightning, etc.) where the e-Bikes are not used at all, a credit will be given for the determined pro-rata amount of the e-Bike contribution to the Tour. A Tour, taking in same or similar site visits, along with planned hospitality lunch or dinner, will still occur to maximise enjoyment of the client.
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If a Tour is completely cancelled due to the decision of Yarra Valley X, then a full refund will be offered. If a tour is cancelled by the client, then a full refund will be offered if it is greater than 30 days from the Tour date.
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Riding bikes carries risk with a chance or injury. Each tour will have a minimum of one ride leader who will be an AusCycling accredited to lead groups, experienced in group riding and qualified for First Aid & CPR. Yarra Valley X is insured for $20m public liability insurance under Lloyds of London. A waiver & release form will be provided to all participants at the time of booking, or before the tour begins. The provision of this document and participation on the tour is acceptance of all terms.