There is a cue sheet for this route on Ride with GPS, including cues and distances that align with the descriptions below. Note that this section includes 2 route options: an all-sealed-roads route, and a route that combines sealed roads with gravel roads.

Today is a longer journey with ample time to stop and enjoy the beautiful farming country, towns and villages on the way to Cargo. The ever-present vista towards Mount Canobolas is a feature of this route.

Riders start in Bank Street near the railway station, and ride up the main street to Edward Street and turn right, then left at Hill Street which is also the Mitchell Highway. Ride north along the Mitchell Highway and turn left at Castle Street (1.6km) which is also the start of Banjo Paterson Way.

For gravel cyclists leaving Molong, there is a steady uphill climb to Nyora Lane (3.5km). Take this left turn and ride on gravel to Spring Vale Lane (5.8km) where riders turn right and return to Banjo Patterson Way (7.7km). Turn left onto Garra Road (7.9km) and cyclists will enjoy the views and a fabulous downhill ride to Manildra, turning right at both Packham Drive (19.7km) and Kiewa Street (28.2km) to arrive in the town centre (28.7km). Take care riding through the flour mill precinct.

For road cyclists leaving Molong, there is a steady uphill climb for 4 km to Garra Road (5.8km mark for road cyclists). Turn left. Garra road takes you to Manildra. After going 1 km beyond the Garra village turn right onto Packham Drive (17.6km) and ride on to Manildra (26.7km).  Take care riding through the flour mill precinct.

Manildra is the site of a large flour mill so be aware of heavy vehicle traffic.  Coffee and toilets are available on opposite sides of the main street in the village. After a short refreshment break, the gravel and road cycling route options continue from Manildra.

Gravel cyclists complete a short lap of the town and then leave Manildra via Kiewa Street and then the Old Orange Road to the railway line. Turn left (31.2km) and ride east along Henry Parkes Way towards Orange. There is a gentle 5 kilometre climb before riders turn right onto Scenic Drive (35.4km) that takes you to Cudal. This gravel road is one of the features of this route, providing a postcard view of Mount Canobolas to the east and timbered ranges to the west.  The farmlands in between provide a glorious colour palette to the riders at any time of day. At the T-intersection with Kurrajong Road (44.8kms), turn left and enjoy the downhill ride into Cudal (47.7km).

Road cyclists leave Manildra and ride to the west towards Parkes along Kiewa Street/Henry Parkes Way. Turn left at Boree Street (27.2km), cross the railway line and onto Yellow Box Road. Ride on to Kurrajong Road (31.9km), turn left and follow this road through to Cudal (41.3km).

The Platypus Café is a great place for coffee and food, with public toilets just across the road at Landauer Memorial Park.  After another short refreshment break, the gravel and road cycling routes continue from Cudal.

All cyclists pedal along Main Street/The Escort Way and then turn right at Wall Street before heading out of town on the Davy’s Plains Road. All cyclists continue along this road, turning right at the intersection with Gavin’s Lane and riding on to the intersection of Davy’s Plains and Bowen Park Roads. Gravel and road cyclists then part ways until regrouping in Cargo.

Gravel cyclists turn left onto Bowen Park Road (53.2km) and ride alongside Bourimbla Creek for just over 4km before turning right into South Bowen Park Road (57.5km). This is a beautiful section of gravel road with a slight uphill gradient, which has some fabulous views and is a great way to round-out this section of the ride. It also goes past the Pioneer Brewing Company’s rural home. Riders return to Davy’s Plains Road (68.1km) and turn left to ride into Cargo to finish the ride.

Road cyclists turn right (46.9km) and continue along Davy’s Plains Road passing Tamburlaine winery along the way. It’s an easy ride to Cargo with a moderate hill just past Nanami Lane for the last 3 kilometres before riders complete this ride (63.1 km).

There is a café on the left and the famous Cargo Inn on the right. Lunch is available at the café until 2 pm.  Accommodation can be arranged at the Cargo Inn with a booking. Meals are available at the hotel. Best check the local websites and social media pages, with venues also accessible through the Orange 360 website.

Gravel distance is 69.1 kilometres. Sealed road cycling distance is 63.1 kilometres.

Disclaimer:

This trail has been developed with the support of local cycling enthusiasts, The Treadlies to showcase some of our region’s most picturesque rides. Orange360 recommends that visiting cyclists review road, weather and seasonal farming conditions before they embark on their ride. Riders embark on their adventure at their own risk.