Melbourne to Brisbane Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour

Melbourne to Brisbane is a 14-day, 13-night self-guided motorcycle tour of about 3,653 km from Melbourne to Brisbane, with the bike and hotels arranged by BikeRoundOz. It follows the Pacific coast and the ranges behind it rather than the main highway.

Early on is the 280 km Great Ocean Road, a cliff-hugging coast road with the Otway Ranges inland and stops at the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. Next is the Grampians National Park, granite highlands with lookouts and waterfalls, planned around the Halls Gap visitor centre. Then the Snowy Mountains, where winding mountain roads run through alpine forest and past snow-fed lakes, with seasonal alpine towns for lunch. The operator notes Australia has more ski runs than Switzerland. After that, the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage area with the Three Sisters, waterfalls and Scenic World.

Further along, the Hunter Valley wine region, with vineyards, restaurants and cellar doors. The route continues to Waterfall Way (Highway 78), regarded as one of the best motorcycling roads in New South Wales, running through rainforest past countless waterfalls, and on through New England to Armidale, known for its autumn colour. Later comes Byron Bay and Cape Byron, the most easterly point of Australia.

BikeRoundOz provides the motorcycle of your choice, accommodation for one or two riders, usually in 3.5 or 4 star hotels, resorts or bed and breakfasts with a pillion staying at no extra cost, a detailed itinerary document and digital maps customised to the tour, plus advice before you go. Not included are breakfast and other meals, parking charges and GPS or sat nav units, which can be supplied if required. The operator rates September to April as the best time to ride. Prices start at AUD 8,001 per rider on the first bike tier, about £4,174, and rise with the bike chosen. Riders bringing their own motorcycle pay less, from AUD 4,946.