GRAVEL UNRAVEL

Location: VIC
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Gravel Unravel delivers what Warburton does best – pristine champagne gravel winding through ancient temperate rainforest. This inaugural event reimagines the gravel experience, combining timed segments for those chasing personal bests with regular re-groups that keep the social side of cycling alive. Whether you're testing yourself against Starlings Gap or cruising beside the Yarra River to Noojee, this is gravel riding at its Victorian finest.

The format strikes an ideal balance: competitive when you want it, social when you need it. Each route features strategically placed timed segments that let you push hard, followed by re-group zones where you can share the experience with your crew. It's the perfect end-of-season celebration.

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Location: Alpine Hotel, 3340 Warburton Highway, Warburton, Victoria

Start Time: 9:00 AM AEDT

Event Type: Gravel cycling festival with timed segments

Distance Options:

Noojee Return Back: 95 km (2,191m elevation, 4 timed segments)

Starling Gap Loop: 50 km (989m elevation, 2 timed segments)

Noojee One Way: 45 km (1,083m elevation, 2 timed segments)

Between Warburton and Noojee lies some of Victoria's finest gravel terrain, where smooth champagne surfaces wind through towering mountain ash and tree ferns. The routes showcase everything that makes this region special – the gentle flow of Yarra River valley riding, the satisfying challenge of Lyrebird's climb, and the technical descent along Smyths Creek Road.

Noojee Return Back (95 km): The complete Warburton experience. Roll out along the Yarra, tackle the punchy 1.5km climb at Big Pats Creek, then settle into 30km of sublime gravel to Noojee. Quick riders can grab lunch at the famous Noojee Pub before the return journey takes you up and over Starlings Gap for a thrilling descent back to Warburton.

Starling Gap Loop (50 km): A local favourite that delivers maximum scenery with moderate challenge. Gentle gradients and smooth surfaces make this accessible to confident recreational riders, while the timed Starlings Gap climb offers Weekend Warriors a chance to test themselves. The views from the top reward every pedal stroke.

Noojee One Way (45 km): Adventure outbound with pickup at Noojee. Experience the best of the Yarra River valley before cresting Brahams Road with mostly downhill rolling to the finish. Perfect for riders wanting the Warburton-to-Noojee experience without the return climb. Self-supported pickup required.

Registration opens: 7:00 AM on event day

Online entries: Available until 20 minutes before start

Pricing:

  • Noojee Return Back (95 km): $120
  • Starling Gap Loop (50 km): $100
  • Noojee One Way (45 km): $90

No AusCycling membership required

Registration includes: Timing chip, timed segments, re-group coordination, course marking

Re-group zones between timed segments

Course marking throughout all routes

Timing chips and segment results

Post-ride presentations at 4:00 PM

Food and refreshments available in Noojee (Noojee routes)

Support available via event contact

Event Organiser: Big Hill Events

Email: info@bighillevents.com.au

Website: bighillevents.com.au

Instagram: @bighillevents

Facebook: facebook.com/bighillevents

By Car

  • From Melbourne: 1 hour 20 minutes via Maroondah Highway (78 km)
  • From Healesville: 45 minutes via Warburton Highway (42 km)
  • Parking available at Alpine Hotel and surrounding streets

Event Start Location

Alpine Hotel, 3340 Warburton Highway, Warburton VIC 3799

Make a weekend of exploring Victoria's Yarra Valley and High Country region.

Warburton Area

Warburton Rail Trail

  • Perfect for recovery rides or family exploration
  • Sealed pathway through stunning scenery
  • Connects to Lilydale via 40km of car-free riding

Redwood Forest

  • 15-minute drive from start line
  • Walking trails through towering Californian Redwoods
  • Photo opportunities among giants

Food & Beverage

Alpine Hotel Warburton

  • Event hub and local institution
  • Post-ride meals and refreshments
  • Garden setting perfect for celebration

Cog Bikes & Brew

  • Craft beer and cider
  • Casual dining atmosphere
  • Cyclist-friendly venue

Noojee (Finish Point for One Way Route)

Noojee Hotel

  • Historic country pub
  • Meals and refreshments
  • Local character and hospitality

Noojee Trestle Bridge

  • Historic timber rail bridge
  • Short walk from town centre
  • Iconic photo location

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