There’s a new way to discover the Rutherglen.
Victoria is favoured among Aussies for many reasons – from its cool capital city to its incredible coastline. But the state’s biggest drawcard has to be its famed wine regions, from the Yarra Valley to the Pinot Coast.
Head venture a little further and you’ll stumble upon the Rutherglen, home to historic towns and rolling vineyards boasting crisp whites and robust reds. It’s a remarkable region that has been flying relatively under the radar – until now, thanks to a series of new nature trails with a twist.
Introducing the Rutherglen Loops
Sprawling across 48 kilometres in northeast Victoria, the new Rutherglen Loops is a network of tracks connecting the region’s namesake with nearby landmarks like Wahgunyah and Lake Moodemere. Passing through bucolic countryside, the journey offers visitors a fresh perspective on Victoria’s pastoral heartland. But that’s just the beginning.
The Rutherglen Loops trace 48 kilometres of northeast Victoria. (Image: Karen Webb)
Much to the delight of oenophiles, the Rutherglen Loops also incorporate a variety of local wineries and vineyards. In fact, 14 cellar doors feature on its map, transforming this seemingly ordinary series of nature tracks into a dreamy local wine trail. Accessible for both bikers and hikers, the Rutherglen Loops can be enjoyed as a multi-day adventure or broken down into four separate tracks.
The four-kilometre Town Loop winds through Rutherglen’s charming streetscapes and past local coffee shops. It’s perfect for an evening stroll, stopping in at Jones Winery & Vineyard and Anderson Winery along the way.
See the best of the region on a bike. (Image: Karen Webb)
And while the River Loop covers the same distance, it’s geared more towards nature lovers keen to explore the Murray River shoreline. It’s the only track that doesn’t include a winery pit stop, so enjoy it in the morning before checking out the rest of Rutherglen’s offerings.
The Lake Loop can be completed by foot or on wheels. But at 14 kilometres long, it’s more of a trek than a walk, so jump on a bike if you’re short on time. The track makes for a great day out, circling Lake Moodemere and passing Cofield Wines, Dinah Wines, Pfeiffer Wines and Lake Moodemere Estate.
The Lake Loop is great for a hot day. (Image: Karen Webb)
Aptly titled the Wine Loop, the fourth and final track offers an unrivalled wine country experience. The picturesque loop takes visitors to 12 cellar doors across 23 kilometres, from All Saints Estate in Wahgunyah down to Rutherglen’s own Buller Wines. Similar to many of Australia’s great rail trails, it truly showcases the best of the region.
All trails are accessible year-round and feature toilets, water stations and repair posts along the way. Bikes are available for hire at the Visitor Information Centre, which offers onsite parking as well.
Stop in at local wineries along the way. (Image: Karen Webb)
