GEARS AND BEERS FESTIVAL

Location: NSW
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

The Beers & Gears Festival combines Riverina's premier cycling event with a celebration of Australia's craft brewing culture. Taking place in Wagga Wagga on 3-4 October 2026, this two-day festival welcomes riders of all abilities to experience the region's spectacular countryside before relaxing with a well-earned craft beer at the finish line.

From challenging gravel adventures to family-friendly river trails, the event offers routes to suit every cyclist while fostering community connections through the shared love of cycling and quality brews. Organised by the Rotary Club of Wollundry Wagga Wagga, the festival proudly directs 100% of rider registration fees to local charities, making your participation both enjoyable and meaningful.

Date: 3-4 October 2026

Location: Wagga Wagga, NSW

Start Point: Wagga Beach (Saturday), Victory Memorial Gardens (Sunday)

Event Type: Multi-distance cycling festival with craft beer celebration

Distance Options:

Saturday:

  • Wiradjuri 40: 40km mixed surface adventure (10:30AM start)

Sunday:

  • Dirty 130: 130km mostly gravel challenge
  • Salty 70: 70km gravel adventure
  • Roadie 105: 105km road cycling (95% sealed)
  • Roadie 30: 30km sealed road ride
  • River 10: 10km family-friendly shared path ride to strawberry farm

The festival features diverse routes showcasing the best of the Riverina region. Saturday's Wiradjuri 40 offers an accessible mixed-surface adventure along the Murrumbidgee River and surrounding landscapes. Sunday delivers the main event with options ranging from the challenging Dirty 130 through spectacular farmland and forest trails to the family-friendly River 10 along scenic shared paths.

All routes are designed to highlight the region's natural beauty while providing appropriate challenges for different cycling abilities. The festival atmosphere ensures that every rider, regardless of pace, enjoys both the journey and the celebration waiting at the finish line.

Early Bird Registration:

Saturday Only:

  • Wiradjuri 40: $70

Sunday Only:

  • Dirty 130: $170
  • Salty 70: $100
  • Roadie 105: $110
  • Roadie 30: $70
  • River 10 (Strawberry Farm): $20

Weekend Packages:

  • Wiradjuri 40 + Dirty 130: $210
  • Wiradjuri 40 + Salty 70: $160

Festival Only: $20 (free for registered riders and under 18s)

Registration includes: Rider number, course marking, on-route support, and festival entry.

Festival Celebration

The post-ride craft beer festival at Victory Memorial Gardens (11AM-6PM on Sunday) offers the perfect finish line celebration. Enjoy a carefully curated selection of Australia's finest craft breweries alongside local food vendors and live entertainment. The relaxed atmosphere provides the ideal setting to share ride stories while sampling exceptional beers with fellow cyclists and friends.

Entry is included for all registered riders (wristband required) and $20 for non-riding adults (under 18s free).

Multiple aid stations with water and snacks

SAG wagons for mechanical support

Escort vehicles on road routes

First aid and roving paramedic support

Secure bike storage at festival site

Pre-event mechanical support from local bike shops

  • Event organiser: Rotary Club of Wollundry Wagga Wagga
  • Cycling Event Contact: Phil McIntosh – mcintoshp19@gmail.com
  • Website: gearsandbeers.org.au
  • Facebook: /gearsandbeersfestival
  • Instagram: @gearsandbeersfestival

By Car:

  • From Sydney: 4.5 hours via Hume Highway
  • From Melbourne: 4.5 hours via Hume Highway
  • From Canberra: 2.5 hours via Barton Highway

By Air:

  • Daily flights to Wagga Wagga Airport from Sydney and Melbourne
  • Airport located 15 minutes from city center

Public Transportation:

  • NSW TrainLink services from Sydney and Melbourne
  • Coach connections available

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