Australias' Epic Alpine Journey - The Mt Buller Epic Trail

On 6th December 2014, hordes of mountain bikers descended (or ascended?) on Mt Buller, Victoria, for the opening of the Australian Alpine Epic Trail. News had been around about the trail for quite some time, but long trails in sub-alpine areas don’t pop up overnight. There was a lot of work involved to get this 40km route ready for the Australian public. It was years in the process for planning and permissions, to get the funding together to link some existing trails, rework old ones, and cut in a lot of new trail, including the final 10km descent. All told, World Trail counted close to 6000 man-hours in construction alone. And that doesn’t take into account the work by land managers and everyone involved in the administrative aspects.

The Epic trail is the only IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) certified Epic trail in the Southern Hemisphere. What does that mean? IMBA state that trails of ‘epic’ status must be demanding singletrack adventures in a natural setting, “true backcountry riding experiences that are technically and physically challenging, more than 80% singletrack and at least 20 miles in length.”

I looked up other trails that have gained that status, and saw that I have actually ridden a few others around the world. And each one stands out as a great mountain biking experience – Monarch Crest and the Bernina Express in particular. And like those alpine mountain bike classics, the Australian Alpine Epic Trail takes you on a great mountain biking adventure.

Starting right in the village of Mt Buller, the trail actually begins on pre-existing trails that make up the already brilliant network that Bike Buller have worked towards creating. While you might be reading this thinking about travelling to Mt Buller just for the Epic trail, you should really stay for a bit longer. There is enough here to keep even the fittest mountain biker entertained for at least a long weekend.

Starting on the Family Trail, you flow down Gang Gangs, out along the Picnic Trail, Cornhill, Woolybutt and to Howqua Gap – then you’re met with a decision to make. So far, you have really only had to descend, with minimal amounts of climbing. The Epic trail leads you from Howqua Gap and onto another classic – Stonefly. This is about a 10km loop, but you will just be doing the 6km climb. It has a few very fun descents on it, but mostly you’re gaining altitude. If you’re not certain of your fitness, you could just ride the dirt road down to Telephone Box Junction at this point – and rejoin the Epic trail there. That is still a beautiful ride through the forest, and it mostly contours around the hill. But Stonefly is a masterpiece of purpose built trail that has settled very well into its surrounds. The alpine grasses have encroached on the trail, the berms are settled into the low-lying shrubs, and it has become a brilliant test piece of technical climbing and stamina. The Epic trail, and Stonefly, are black rated trails. They are challenging, both physically and technically. If you love riding and have the fitness – take on the full route.

Once you climb up, you take a left and descend to Telephone Box Junction, down a long firetrail. In Summer, ‘TBJ’ has a café running, and is also another option for a shuttle (see pg94). It might be worth taking on some fuel, as you now climb again on some old logging roads, before traversing across the slope with great views back to Mt Buller on your left. After one more climb, with a rest point and bike rack at the top, you’re ready to descend.

The next 10km is sweet, flowing, downhill singletrack. Berms are plentiful, the scenery changes as you drop altitude, and there are enough trail features to keep advanced riders entertained for more than just one run down. There are gaps to find (and clear) rocks to launch off, log rides, and plenty of corners to master. The trail traverses rock faces, slides down through gullies, and keeps you engaged the whole way down. This is one of the best sustained descents I have ridden.

Once at the bottom, you descend (more!) on a service road to the river. Keep an eye out for 4WD traffic coming up, and watch for any deep wheel ruts if it has been wet. The trail then turns left upstream, and meanders along above the river to Mirimbah, past swimming holes, above sensitive ground on elevated bridges, and even through a sycamore grove.

The trail finishes at Mirimbah car park and picnic area. Take a break. You’ve earnt it.

GETTING THERE

Mt Buller is about a 3-hour drive from Melbourne, or about 7 hours from Sydney – depending where you are coming from. The closest airport is Albury. Turn off the Hume Highway and head towards Mansfield, and then just follow the road along the valley and up the mountain.

There is a coach from Mansfield, and a bus from Southern Cross station in Melbourne. Go to mmbl.com.au or vline.com.au/mtbuller for timetables.

TECHNICAL NATURE

The Epic trail itself has enough technical elements going up, down, and across, to keep even the most experienced rider on their toes. It is a ‘cross country’ trail though, and every element of the trail can be rolled over. But there are more technical lines available – and if you can spot them, you might choose to take them too.

YOU’LL NEED 

There’s a good chance this will be a day long ride, so pack all the spares you need for broken rear derailleur hangers and flat tyres, plus a first aid kit, water, food, suncream, a jacket, and take your phone, cash and ID. You will be able to follow the route with the signs, but there are plenty of trail maps available in the village, so pop one in your bag before you head out.

There is a shuttle service for the return climb from Mirimbah back to Mt Buller, and it runs from early November to late April, at select times on Saturday and Sunday. If this doesn’t match your planned riding, you could always work out a car shuffle with mates – or just ride back up for the “Full Epic”. It’s a 16km climb, and is a great way to earn a feed at the Corner Store.

Make sure you book your shuttles: enquiries@mirimbah.com.au

DISTANCE

The Epic trail is 40km long one way. There are over 100km of trails in the Mt Buller and Mt Stirling area, plus plenty more firetrail and backcountry dirt roads you could ride.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Any local will tell you that a kilometre of riding at Mt Buller isn’t like a kilometre in other places. And while you might scoff, it’s true. The riding is challenging, the trails are twisty, and there’s very little free rolling, save for the Delatite River Trail. This is all very good news for experienced riders, but it is also a word of caution -don’t wear yourself out on your first day if you’re there for a while.

BEST TIME OF YEAR

The trails are open from late Spring until the end of Autumn – although it’s worth checking bike.mtbuller.com.au in case certain trails are closed for maintenance. Mt Buller is a long way above the plains, and it is a great place to escape oppressive heat in the height of summer. You can count on it being up to 15 degrees cooler in the village than down in Mansfield.

WHERE TO STAY

There is lots of bike friendly accommodation in Mt Buller, almost all managed by Andy’s Fat Tyre Bike Lodge. A selection of ski lodges are opened and managed under this business name. You can expect comfortable facilities, bike storage, some magazines to read, trail maps, basic spares, and a friendly host.  Prices start at $50pppn for adults.

www.andysfattyrebikelodge.com.au

WHILE IN THE AREA 

Mt Buller has lift-assisted downhill trails, and you can hire downhill bikes and full face helmets in the village. Check bike.mtbuller.com.au for more details on the trails, when they are open, and lift and shuttle times.

LOCAL BIKE SHOPS 

The Corner Store is open on Fridays and on the weekend in Summer, but daily from Boxing Day. They have bike hire, servicing, spares – and probably the best coffee in the greater area. Be sure to check out their selection of food for lunch or just a snack.

All Terrain Cycles is on the Main Street in Mansfield, but they also have a shop right in the Village Square at Mt Buller through summer.

REGULAR EVENTS

Bike Buller runs in early March each year, combining a whole variety of mountain bike events with a food and wine festival. It runs over the March long weekend 7-9th.

More details on: bike.mtbuller.com.au/festival.php

There are usually gravity races running, and on April 25-26 the Elevattion Gravity Enduro Mountain Bike Series will visit Mt Buller.

Always check the Bike Buller website for what other events (cycling or otherwise) will be on.

TRAIL ESSENTIALS

FACILITIES 

Toilets - YES at Mt Buller, Telephone Box Junction and Mirimbah

Drinking Water - Yes, at Mt Buller, Telephone Box Junction and in Mirimbah. But take enough to be self sufficient.

Parking - Plenty at Mt Buller and in Mirimbah

Trails Signposted - Yes, follow the signs from Mt Buller village.

Mobile Reception – Telstra – Yes, Optus – yes. But not for the whole ride.

Shelter – YES, at Mt Buller, Telephone Box Junction and in Mirimbah

BBQ Facilities – Yes, at Mt Buller and in Mirimbah

Accommodation – Lots of options in Mt Buller and down in the valley