GIRO DELLA DONNA

Location: VIC
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025

The Giro della Donna returns to the stunning Victorian High Country for a weekend celebration of cycling excellence. Set against Marysville's breathtaking alpine backdrop, this festival combines challenging road cycling, gravel adventures, high-speed criterium racing, and vibrant community spirit. From the legendary 13km Gravel Sector to the mountain-top finish at Lake Mountain, the Giro delivers one of Australia's most unique and celebrated cycling experiences.

Date: November 22-23, 2025

Location: Marysville, Victoria (90 minutes from Melbourne)

Event Type: Multi-discipline cycling festival

Distance Options:

  • Maglia Rosa: 145km (3,291m elevation)
  • Medio: 125km
  • Piccolo: 105km (1,711m elevation)

The signature 145km course begins in Marysville's charming town center before leading riders onto the spectacular single-lane Acheron Way. The journey features four distinct timed climbing sectors where Weekend Warriors can test their strength while Recreational Riders enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Timed Climbing Sector #1: Acheron Way with Gravel Sector
27.27km | 471m elevation | 1.1% average gradient

This sector features one of Australia's most remarkable cycling roads - a well-sealed, quiet route winding through temperate rainforest and towering eucalypts. The 13km Gravel Sector provides a unique challenge on road-bike-friendly hard-packed surfaces (28mm+ tires recommended).

Timed Climbing Sector #2: Donna Buang Summit
9.17km | 575m elevation | 6.3% average gradient | Category 2

A consistent climb averaging 6%, culminating in a challenging final 1.5km section to the summit lookout tower.

Timed Climbing Sector #3: Reefton Spur
20.01km | 727m elevation | 3.2% average gradient | Category 1

This epic 20km ascent features over 180 corners as it snakes through temperate rainforest, with spectacular views across the Yarra Ranges.

Timed Climbing Sector #4: Lake Mountain
10.82km | 412m elevation | 3.7% average gradient | Category 2

The final challenge rewards riders with decreasing gradients near the summit and spectacular alpine vistas before a thrilling descent back to Marysville.

Super Early-Bird Registration: Opening soon

Sunday Road Events (November 23)

  • 8:00am - Maglia Rosa 145km (Elite Group)
  • 8:05am - Gruppetto 145km (Social Group)
  • 8:15am - Gruppetto 125km (Social Group)
  • 8:25am - Gruppetto 105km (Social Group)

Saturday Events (November 22)

  • 12:00pm - Gravel Giro
  • 4:30pm-8:15pm - Criterio (Twilight Criterium)
  • 6:00pm - Serata Coppi (Evening Event)

Giro della Donna (Sunday)

  • Maglia Rosa: For experienced cyclists targeting competitive completion
  • Gruppetto: Perfect for recreational riders enjoying the experience

Criterio (Saturday)

  • Piccolo: Kids event (1 lap)
  • Gruppetto Women's: Open racing (30 minutes + 1 lap)
  • Gruppetto Men's: Open racing (30 minutes + 1 lap)
  • Maglia Rosa Women's: Elite racing (40 minutes + 1 lap)
  • Maglia Rosa Men's: Elite racing (40 minutes + 1 lap)

Gravel Giro (Saturday)

  • Timed event on managed and closed gravel roads
  • Suitable for gravel bikes, cyclocross, or robust road bikes (32mm+ tires)

Feed Stations: Seven fully-stocked locations across the course

  • 37km - Acheron Summit
  • 46km - Donna Buang Summit
  • 55km - Cement Creek
  • 82km - Reefton Base
  • 104km - Reefton Summit
  • 123km - Lake Mountain Summit
  • 144km - Marysville/Finish

Gravel Sector Support:

  • Mechanical assistance throughout the 13km sector
  • Track pumps and tubes available every kilometer

Event organiser: Locale Events

Email: info@localeevents.com.au

Website: girodelladonna.com

Instagram: @localeevents_au

By Car

  • From Melbourne: 90 minutes (97 km) via Maroondah Highway/B360
    • Take Eastern Freeway and continue onto Maroondah Highway
    • Follow through Healesville and Black Spur to Marysville
  • From Sydney: 8 hours via Hume Highway/M31
    • Exit at Whittlesea and follow C728 through Kinglake
  • From Adelaide: 9 hours via Western Highway and Maroondah Highway

Parking Information

  • Free event parking available at designated areas in Marysville
  • Early arrival recommended for premium parking spots
  • Follow traffic marshals' directions on event day
  • Carpooling strongly encouraged

By Public Transport

  • V/Line coach services run from Melbourne to Marysville
  • Limited services available - advance booking essential
  • Check PTV website for timetables: ptv.vic.gov.au

Airport Connections

  • Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine): 2 hours drive
  • Car rental available at terminal
  • No direct public transport options available

Make it a complete weekend by exploring Marysville and the surrounding Victorian High Country:

  • Spectacular waterfalls and mountain streams
  • Extensive walking and hiking trails
  • Lake Mountain all-seasons resort
  • Quality local dining at Peppers Marysville
  • Nearby villages of Narbethong, Buxton and Taggerty
  • Adventure options including fishing and horse riding

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