Melbourne to Melbourne Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour

Melbourne to Melbourne is a 7-day, 6-night self-guided motorcycle tour of about 2,039 km, starting and finishing in Melbourne, with the bike and hotels arranged by BikeRoundOz. It is a loop, so the ride starts and finishes in the same city.

Early on is Melbourne, the self-styled cultural capital of Australia, with restaurants, shopping, parks and trams. Next is 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. Then the Victorian Highlands, a more relaxed cousin of the Snowies, with wide plains framed by rolling hills and long, gently curving roads that give plenty of warning for the corners.

Further along, the Grampians National Park, granite highlands with lookouts and waterfalls. The Halls Gap visitor centre helps with planning, and the operator suggests at least half a day for the park. The route continues to the 280 km Great Ocean Road, which hugs the coastal cliffs with the Otway Ranges as a backdrop, and takes longer than expected because of stops such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto, London Bridge and the Arch.

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 3,582 per rider on the first bike tier, about £1,869, and rise with the bike chosen. Riders bringing their own motorcycle pay less, from AUD 1,975.