TOUR DE COWRA

Location: NSW
Date: Friday, April 17, 2026

Tour de Cowra transforms New South Wales' Central West into your personal cycling playground for eight remarkable days. Unlike typical mass-participation events, this unique format lets you choose daily from multiple routes, riding at your own pace through rolling countryside and historic townships. From challenging 95km circuits to relaxed 24km explorations, each day offers a new adventure calibrated to your ambitions.

Date: Friday, 17-24 April, 2026

Location: Cowra, NSW

  • Daily briefings at Rose Garden Café (corner Mid Western Hwy and Lachlan Valley Way)
  • Multiple start points for different routes

Event Type: Multiday independent cycling festival

Distance Options:

  • Performance routes: 58-95km
  • Classic routes: 40-58km
  • Social routes: 24-37km
  • Daily route options ranging from easy to hard difficulty

Each day explores a different compass direction from Cowra, showcasing the region's diverse landscapes through carefully curated routes. All rides take place on sealed country roads with varying terrain and challenge levels to suit your goals.

Signature Routes:

  • Billimari Gooloogong Circuit (95km) - A comprehensive tour of the region's northwestern reaches with varied terrain and rural vistas
  • Wyangalla Circuit (83km) - Testing anti-clockwise route featuring memorable climbs and lake views
  • Canowindra Billimari Loop (81km) - Fast-rolling northern circuit through historic townships

Classic Routes:

  • Koorawatha Out and Back (53km) - Balanced ride with scenic valley sections
  • Chiverton Long Loop (48km) - Popular route showcasing the region's best countryside
  • Pine Mount Loop (47km) - Engaging circuit with excellent photography opportunities

Discovery Routes:

  • Airport to Airport (24km) - Perfect introduction to Cowra's cycling terrain
  • Chiverton Short Loop (26km) - Scenic route with minimal elevation change
  • Noonbinna Loop (37km) - Relaxed ride with café stop opportunities
  • Free entry for 2025
  • No advance registration required for overall event
  • Open to Bike North members and visiting cyclists

Daily Difficulty Levels:

  • Hard: 80km+ with significant elevation
  • Medium: 40-80km with moderate challenges
  • Easy: 24-40km with gentle terrain
  • Daily 8:30am briefings (8:45am first day)
  • Detailed route maps and cue sheets provided
  • Downloadable GPS files for popular cycling apps
  • Local knowledge and tips from experienced organizers
  • Emergency contact system
  • Event Organiser: Bike North
  • Email: cowra@bikenorth.org.au
  • Website: bikenorth.org.au
  • Social media: @bikenorthau

By Car

  • From Sydney:
  • 4 hours via Great Western Highway/A32 (310 km)
  • Follow Mitchell Highway through Bathurst
  • Connect to Mid-Western Highway to Cowra
  • From Canberra:
  • 2.5 hours via Lachlan Valley Way (190 km)
  • Direct route through Boorowa
  • Well-maintained country highways
  • From Melbourne:
  • 7.5 hours via Hume Highway/M31 (680 km)
  • Connect to Olympic Highway at Albury
  • Join Mid-Western Highway to Cowra

By Train/Coach

  • NSW TrainLink services to Bathurst
  • Daily connections from Sydney
  • Coach transfer to Cowra available
  • Regular coach services from:
  • Sydney
  • Canberra
  • Orange
  • Bathurst

Make the most of your cycling holiday by exploring Cowra's rich history and natural beauty.

Historical Sites

Cowra Japanese Garden

  • Australia's largest Japanese garden
  • 5 hectares of manicured landscape
  • Tea ceremony demonstrations
  • Award-winning cultural center

Food & Wine

Cowra Wine Region

  • Boutique cellar doors
  • Cool climate wines
  • Local produce
  • Vineyard tours

Local Dining

  • Multiple country pubs
  • Award-winning restaurants
  • Classic cafés
  • Three major supermarkets

Nature & Recreation

Wyangala Dam

  • Scenic lookouts
  • Fishing spots
  • Picnic areas
  • Wildlife viewing

Lachlan River Precinct

  • River walks
  • Bird watching
  • Photography opportunities
  • Sunset views

Regional Exploration

Note: Easter trading hours may vary. Check with individual venues for holiday opening times.

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