Day 2 and 3 - Destination Jarrahdale

Day 2, we wake at 5.00 to a cacophony of bird calls.  Encouraged by slightly easier riding, less pea gravel and overcast weather, we easily travel the 33km of designated trail to Wungong Camp prior to lunchtime.

The weather is utterly surprising and becomes a constant topic of discussion - ‘Is it really November?  That’s mist swirling up from the river! I’m bloody freezing; it’s like cycling in the Lake District.” But the cool weather doesn’t last.  Actually, we have it all: light drizzle; torrential down pours; baking hot sun; cool breezes; driving wind but thankfully in the main dry temperate climes during the course of this journey.

Day 3 proves to be hellishly hot.  After just 26km of reasonably easy riding, a town in sight, we decide to call it a day.  I head for the Jarrahdale cafe and ask the nearest person where I can muster up a beer.  The former owner of Freo’s famed coffee establishment, Gino’s, quips that it’s Monday and the pub is closed – why not have a coffee? But it’s the Jarrahdale Burger not the coffee that has given this joint a name. Fast food chains offering super-sized meals step aside!

Millbrook Winery

Hell to the tent! I guilty hand over $30 and we take up the offer of a shower and a bed in the Jarrahdale Environment Centre. We drop our gear and cycle down the road to Millbrook Winery for a tasting. Chestnut orchard, olive grove and tranquil lake views from the architecturally designed restaurant make this a must visit, not to mention the award-winning wines.

Jarrahdale Environment Centre