BEECHWORTH GRANITE CLASSIC

Location: VIC
Date: Friday, April 17, 2026

The MAAP Beechworth Granite Classic returns as a celebration of North East Victoria's world-class gravel riding. Set against the backdrop of historic Beechworth and the surrounding High Country, this three-day festival combines challenging routes, vibrant cycling culture, and genuine community spirit. From the famous 'Champagne de Pilot' to winding forest tracks, the event showcases the region's finest mixed-surface riding while emphasizing participation over competition.

Date: 17-19 April, 2026

Location: Beechworth, Victoria

Event Type: Multiday gravel cycling festival

Distance Options:

Classic Course: 115 km (1,371 m elevation)

Challenge Course: 90 km (1,151m elevation)

Discovery Route: 45 km (686m elevation)

Social Loop: 15 km (158m elevation)

Taking riders through the ancestral lands of the Dhudhuroa, Wayrurru and Bpangerang people, each route combines the region's diverse terrain and sublime gravel surfaces. The signature 115km course features 85% gravel including pristine farm lanes, red-clay tracks, and the renowned granite roads of Pilot and Barambogie forests. For 2025, the reimagined route introduces 60km of fresh terrain while retaining the iconic sectors that made this event legendary.

Classic Course (115 km)

  • $149 (Early Bird)
  • 7:30 AM start

Challenge Course (90 km)

  • $139 (Early Bird)
  • 8:30 AM start

Discovery Route (45 km)

  • $99 (Early Bird)
  • 9:30 AM start

Social Loop (15 km)

  • $15
  • 10:30 AM start

Registration includes: Course marking, rider support, and access to rest stops.

  • Event Organiser: Rapid Ascent & Bridge Road Brewers
  • Website: beechworthgraniteclassic.com.au
  • Instagram: @beechworthgraniteclassic

By Car

  • From Melbourne: 3 hours via M31 Hume Freeway
  • Follow Great Alpine Road (B500) to Tarrawingee
  • Take C315 to Beechworth
  • From Sydney: 6 hours via M31 Hume Freeway
  • Exit at Wodonga
  • Follow C315 to Beechworth

By Air

  • Albury Airport (50 minutes from Beechworth)
  • Regular services from Melbourne and Sydney
  • Airlines: Qantas, Virgin, REX
  • Car hire available at terminal
  • Pre-book transfers recommended

By Train

  • V/Line services to Wangaratta
  • Daily connections from Melbourne
  • Regular coach links to Beechworth
  • NSW TrainLink XPT
  • Services from Sydney to Albury
  • Coach connections to Beechworth

Coach Services

  • Regular V/Line coaches from:
  • Melbourne
  • Wangaratta
  • Bright
  • Albury

Check V/Line website for current timetables and connections

Make the most of your gravel weekend by exploring one of Victoria's best-preserved gold rush towns and its surrounding region.

Historic Beechworth

Beechworth Historic Precinct

  • Perfectly preserved 1850s architecture
  • Famous courthouse where Ned Kelly stood trial
  • Walking tours available

Food & Beverage

Bridge Road Brewers

  • Craft beer pioneer in historic coach house
  • Event hub and local institution
  • Beer garden perfect for post-ride recovery

Provenance Restaurant

  • Two-chef-hatted dining
  • Historic bank building
  • Regional wine list

Beechworth Honey Experience

  • Interactive honey museum
  • Local honey tastings
  • Historic building tour

Cycling Specific

Murray to Mountains Rail Trail

  • Perfect for recovery rides
  • Links to Bright and Wangaratta
  • Sealed surface with gentle gradients

Stanley State Forest

  • Network of gravel roads and trails
  • Event route highlights
  • Year-round riding

Natural Attractions

Woolshed Falls

  • Historic gold mining site
  • Spectacular waterfall
  • Short walking tracks

Beechworth Gorge Scenic Drive

  • Historic mining sites
  • Granite formations
  • Photo opportunities

Nearby Cellar Doors

Never Miss an Event

Get monthly updates on rides and races that match your goals.