“Dirty Warrny broke me.”

That’s how veteran rider Hamish O'Neill of the Long and Winding YouTube channel summed it up after nearly 250 kilometres of wind, dust, and elevation on Victoria’s southwest coast.

Pro racer Scott Bowden said it a little differently: “What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” Scott had just gone solo for the final 70 kilometres and crossed the line alone and well ahead of number two. That performance gives us a reason to forgive him for quoting Napoleon Hill.

A Tribute to a Legendary Race

The Dirty Warrny was conceived as an off-road version of the legendary Melbourne to Warrnambool race, which got its start in 1895. It's the second oldest one-day cycling event in the world. And, at 265.9 kilometres of distance and 1,909 metres of elevation, it is also the Southern Hemisphere’s longest.

The Dirty version of the road classic first ran in 2022 and trades tarmac for timber roads, coastal winds, and a bit of wildness.

In 2024, more than 470 riders lined up across three Dirty Warrny courses, from teenagers to champs in their seventies. Each of the three routes starts in a different place: Geelong for the 230-kilometre monster and Forrest and Timboon for the 140-kilometre and 80-kilometre routes, respectively.

They all end up in the same spot: Warrnambool’s Lake Pertobe foreshore, tired, filthy, and smiling.

Three Roads to the Sea

Let's take a closer look at each of the three routes.

The 230-kilometre course starts at Mount Moriac Recreation Reserve near Geelong and winds through forest tracks, farm roads, and gravel backroads, climbing a total of 2,420 metres. It’s about 75 per cent unsealed, and every kilometre feels like an adventure. This year, the organisers have cut 20 kilometres and 750 meters of elevation gain from the long route to make it a little more achievable.

The 140-kilometre route from Forrest offers the same grit in a smaller dose. With 1,330 meters of climbing, it’s still wild, still remote, and still a long way from easy.

And then there’s the 80-kilometre “short course” from Timboon, which includes 700-plus metres of climbing and plenty of honest gravel. All three converge on Warrnambool’s seaside finish.

Beautiful, If You Have Enough Energy to Notice

For all the suffering, the Dirty Warrny is also beautiful. The first light hits the Otways Forest as riders roll under towering gums with the mist sometimes still hanging low.

The section towards Forrest includes the biggest climb. Over about 10 kilometres, Norman Track here features 400 metres of climbing and some sections as steep as 15%. After some more rolling climbing, the road drops down for a final 15-kilometre sprint into Forrest.

The day's final 110 kilometres are generally downhill to Warrnambool, with the route passing through Simpson and Timboon and the occasional short, sharp climb, reminding your legs of how many hours you've already been on the saddle.

Whether you do the longest route or one of the alternatives, you’ll know you have accomplished something big when you roll across the finish line. As one rider put it, though, mostly you will just "want it to stop".

In 2024, Tara Neyland won the women’s race by the width of a tyre after a five-hour duel. Having been diagnosed with FSHD muscular dystrophy, she has already seen the condition affect her shoulders, core, left hip, and right calf.

Yet, Tara still competes in both para and able-bodied cycling and hopes to represent Australia in the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. Her story sums up what the Dirty Warrny stands for: determination, courage, and a fair bit of stubbornness.

Quick-Fire Q&A: Dirty Warrny 2025

When and where is Dirty Warrny held?

Dirty Warrny 2025 takes place on Saturday, 8 November 2025, finishing on the Lake Pertobe Foreshore in Warrnambool, Victoria. Riders start from Mount Moriac, Forrest, or Timboon, depending on the distance they choose.

What rides are available?

There are three point-to-point gravel routes. All are mostly unsealed (around 70–75 %) and finish on the coast in Warrnambool.

• 230 km+ from Mount Moriac (2,420 m elevation)
• 140 km− from Forrest (1,330 m)
• 80 km+ from Timboon (784 m)

Who organises the event?

Dirty Warrny is run by Locale Events, the same team behind the Carpark Climb, Gravelista, the Dirty Pig & Whistle, CX Ballarat, and Spoken.

Is it a race or a ride?

It’s both. Many treat it as a personal mind-over-muscle endurance challenge, while elites and competitive amateurs race for category wins and bragging rights.

What makes it special?

Dirty Warrny is known as one of Australia’s premier gravel events and “the Southern Hemisphere’s greatest gravel monument.” It follows in the wheel tracks of the historic Melbourne to Warrnambool road race, but on gravel. Expect epic scenery, unpredictable weather, and tough climbs.

What’s the terrain like?

Riders travel through the Otway forests, Heytesbury farmland, and volcanic plains before rolling into Warrnambool. Surfaces range from smooth gravel to corrugated farm roads, short sealed sections, and the occasional steep climb or descent (max gradients are 10% to 15%).

What are the speed groups or categories?

For the 230 km event, pace groups target 9-hour, 10-hour, and 11-hour finishes. Age and gender categories include Elite, Sport 18–39, 40–49, 50–59, and 60+ for both men and women.

The 80 km route offers Open and E-Bike categories.

How do I get there?

Warrnambool is about 3 hours from Melbourne via the Princes Highway (M1/A1), or roughly 4½–6 hours via the scenic Great Ocean Road. The tart locations of Mount Moriac/Geelong, Forrest, and Timboon are all on or near the same south-west corridor and easily reachable by car.

Where can I stay?

Popular finish-area options include Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs, Best Western Olde Maritime, and Quest Warrnambool. Book early because we understand that the available rooms fill quickly around the event weekend.

What else can I do in the area?

Explore Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, the Logans Beach Whale-Watching Platform, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, or the Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles. Families can unwind at Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground beside the finish line.

How much does it cost to enter?

(2025 prices)

• 230 km+ — $280 Standard / $320 At-Event
• 140 km− — $210 Standard / $240 At-Event
• 80 km+ — $140 Standard / $160 At-Event Early-bird entries sold out quickly. Optional add-ons include return transport and a limited-edition Pedla × Dirty Warrny jersey.

What’s included with registration?

Timing, rider number, finisher recognition, on-course support (SRAM neutral service), aid stations, and safety coordination. Return-trip logistics can be booked for riders finishing in Warrnambool.

Is there support on the course?

Yes—aid stations, first aid, neutral mechanical support, and logistics crew. Riders must still carry tubes, tools, and nutrition; it’s a self-reliant gravel adventure.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Experienced recreational gravel riders can accomplish the 80-kilometre course. The longer routes demand serious training, bike handling, and pacing skills.

How tough is it really?

Expect around 75% gravel, ever-changing surfaces, and hours of effort. Many riders say it’s the hardest and most satisfying ride they’ve ever done.

Can I bring family or friends?

Absolutely. Warrnambool makes a great weekend base with beaches, cafes, and plenty to do while riders are out on course. The finish at Lake Pertobe has space for spectators and celebrations.

Where can I find updates?

Read more on our CycleHub Dirty Warrny ride page.