Date: 10-14 April 2011
Duration: 5 days/6 nights
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 202km
Altitude: 1850 metres
Terrain: 80% sealed, 20% through national parks on dirt roads.

Discover the creative and cultural essence of Byron Bay as you journey through the hinterland. Composed of mystic rainforest, waterfalls, ancient volcanoes, rich and fertile farmlands and rolling hills; this journey encapsulates a mirad of ionic villages, organic farms, art galleries, country pubs, creative arts and local characters. Be made to feel completely at home in your B&B style accommodations and enjoy locally grown and homemade meals on the balcony, whilst you enjoy the radiating reminance of the evening sun setting over the hills.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Byron Bay to Coorabell
Distance: 36km
Altitude gain: 470metres
A challenging days ride starting with a scenic climb from Byron Bay into the hills, along windy roads to the first stop Bangalow. Leave your bike to rest and enjoy the vibrant colours, endearing sounds, alluring smells and wild happiness that flows through the lines of stalls at the famous Bangalow markets. When you senses are satisfied join your bike again on a beautiful ride along the rim of the Mt warning caldera. Luscious rolling hills and large mountainous peaks welcome you as you ride from the coast into the Byron Bay hinterland. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a hinterland village town, and then spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or going on an optional ride to Minyon Falls

Day 2 – Coorabell to Uki
Distance: 52km
Altitude Gain: 760 metres
Start your day off with a delicious breakfast in the sunshine, followed by short but steep ride to the gardens of crystal castle. www.crystalcastle.com.au. Crystal castle is home to Australia’s largest collection of crystals. The peaceful and magical gardens are lined with crystals, Buddha’s and proverbs of peace, making it impossible not to melt into the blissful moment. From crystal castle, enjoy a winding descent down to the floor or the caldera to the iconic town of Mullumbimby. Mullumbimby is a charming little town with more culture and creativity per capita than any town in Australia. From Mullumbimby head further towards the emerald hills of Mt Jerusalem. The climb up and over Mt Jerusalem is on wide and consistent gradient through rainforest with expansive views back towards Cape Byron. Once your reach the summit of Mt Jerusalem, enjoy an easy and relaxed decent down towards Uki.

Day 3 –Rest Day or optional climb up Mt Warning
Optional Mt Warning:
Rise early and set off to climb the highest most easterly point of Australia and experience the first sunrise in Australia. Hike through ancient rainforests, with prehistoric flora and fauna. Listen to the water gush down the many waterfalls and look out for native birds and wildlife. Feel the penetrating life force of energy that the glorious Mt warning imparts on you as you hike your way from its roots to its pinnacle. Experience the most incredible panoramic views that you can ever imagine and reflect on the journey you have experienced so far. www.mtwarning.
Hiking distance up Mt Warning: 9km return and 900 metres altitude gain. .

Day 4 – Uki to Kingscliff
Distance: 52 km
Altitude Gain: 580metres
From the mountains to the sea……….a long but easy days through Stoker sightings and onto the historic town of Murwillumbah. Youll hear locals refer to it as "Mur-bah" and debate the claim that Murwillumbah means "Place of many possums" in the local aboriginal dialect.
With a number of historic buildings in the art deco or federation style along Main Street, many of the shop fronts reflect the era, while there are also a tempting range of al fresco cafes and eateries scattered along its length for you to sit, relax and enjoy the ambience of a small country town. Continue out through scenic back roads towards the pacific coastline. Stop for ice cream at Tropical Fruit World - the home of the worlds largest variety of tropical fruit and then continue the short but sweet journey to your luxury beachfront accommodation situated on Kingscliff beach.

Day 5 – Kingscliff to Byron Bay
Distance: 61km
Altitude Gain: 240metres
Enjoy a mostly flat easy days ride along the pacific eastern coastline back to the most easterly point of Australia Byron Bay. The riding consists of purpose built coastal cycle paths, scenic coastal roads and 4wd tracks through the bush. Savor the last of your time on your trusty old wheels and relish in the thought that in a couple of hours you will be sitting on the deck, relaxing and enjoy a glass of wine in the evening sun, feasting on an entity of gourmet foods.

Accommodation

Six nights in 4 beachside resorts, iconic B&B’s and boutique guesthouses

Illustrated below are some of the places where you will stay

Casuarina Lodge Coorabell
Peppers Casuarina Lodge is set within the natural beauty of the lush rainforest hinterland that surrounds one of Australias most popular tourist destinations, Byron Bay.
Here youll find serenity, seclusion and an escape from the stresses of city life. Tastefully decorated private lodges allow you to relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings. In this intimate environment you can indulge yourself with a massage, relax by the pool, stroll through the surrounding rainforest and later enjoy the superb food and wine at the retreats restaurant, Wilsons by the Creek.
www.mantra.com.au/new-south-wales/northern-rivers/byron-bay/accommodation/resorts/casuarina-lodge/

Mantra on the beach
Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff is a new beachfront resort in northern New South Wales, just over the Queensland border. Golden sand extends for miles, and ocean views stretch as far as the eye can see. Mantra offers fully furnished deluxe one and two bedroom apartments and comfortable hotel rooms, many with ocean views, the resort invites you to relax in privacy and comfort, immersed in the natural surroundings of this coastal retreat.
www.mantraonsaltbeach.com.au

Mt Warning B&B
Located on five acres of beautiful riverside gardens and rainforest at the foot of Mt Warning, Mount Warning Retreat is a charming 1920s home overlooking the Tweed River. The guest rooms have polished wood floors, with French doors opening onto spacious verandahs, and a shared old style bathroom and guest lounge.
www.mtwarningretreat.com.au/

Burns at Byron
Burns at Byron is a charming original federation home offering stylish relaxed accommodation. Extensive outdoor entertaining decks lead to a tranquil shady garden. An outdoor sunken bathroom serves for after beach use or romantic under the stars bathing. It is located in a quiet spot in the heart of town, a short stroll to beaches, shops and restaurants.
www.byron-bay.com/burnsatbyron

Meals

Food is our biggest passion after cycling. For this reason we have hand tasted all of the food that you will experience on tour to ensure that it is not only delicious, but that is full of goodness and much needed energy to sustain you over the course of the tour.

Breakfast: Combination of home made continental and cooked breakfasts

Lunches: Picnic and café lunches on route

Dinners: Gourmet two or three course dinners at hand selected restaurants and home cooked goodness at your accommodation. And one or two award winning restaurants so you can experience the truly impressive wining and dining experience that this area is famous for.

Group Size

Maximum group size is 12 people
Minimum groups size is 3 people
If you are one of the first cyclists to book on, your place will be reserved and we will advise 4 weeks prior to tour departure whether the tour will go ahead. Self-guided tour options still exists if a tour is cancelled due to insufficient numbers.

Gear Hire

Bike and touring equipment is available to hire if you need it. A full set up is available at a cost of $44 per day. The set up consists of two saddlebags, one pannier and a high quality USA made Cannondale mountain or road bike.

Price

$2095 + $450 single supplement

Group and family discounts available on request.

Price includes:

• 6 nights accommodation
• 6 breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• Airport pick up on arrival from the gold coast
• Airport drop off on day 6 or transport to your next accommodation
• Driving guide
• Cycling guide
• Luggage transfers each day

Price excludes:

• International and domestic flights and/or airport taxes
• Travel Insurance
• Bike and associated equipment
• Personal expenses
• Drinks, phone calls and other incidentals
• Personal expenses (including any medical related costs