Cycling Trails

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Taralga Wildlife Park and Wind Farm

It’s a short and easy ride from Taralga along the quiet and low-traffic Bannaby Road to visit both the Taralga Wildlife Park and Taralga Wind Farm.

TERRAIN

The route is 5km each way, with a gentle rise on the way up the windfarm lookout; and a gentle roll back into town.

The ride is entirely on a sealed country road with no shoulder. Traffic is minimal and can easily pass. This is a good ride even for adults and children who may not be used to riding.

ACCESS

If staying in Taralga, you can ride direct from your accommodation. We’ve mapped the ride to start and end at the Australia Post Office in the township but you can otherwise park your car at any convenient in the township, or at the nearby showground on Walsh Street which you will pass as you leave the township.

FOOD AND DRINK

You can grab a coffee or bite to eat pre or post ride from either of two great options in Taralga, both serving barista coffee and with fresh and healthy menu options at either the Tangled Vine Cafe or Grand Ettie Cafe.

MORE DETAILS

There are public toilets available in the Taralga township near the Municipal Office building.

Taralga

Fine wool, prime lambs and beef, lush berries, quality wine and heritage buildings – all the good things in life are found in the peaceful village of Taralga just 47 km north of Goulburn, NSW. First recognised as a settlement in 1825, Taralga was established as a village in the 1860s and has preserved and protected its unique building style up until today. Buildings were built from stones and rocks gathered locally rather than quarried. The result is an architectural style somewhere between Georgian and Victorian, with larger windows and grander constructions than settlers enjoyed in other parts of the country.

Christ the King Catholic Church

Catholic Church of Christ the King is a heritage-listed Catholic church building located at Macarthur Street, Taralga. It was designed by Sydney Smith of Ogg & Serpell and built in 1934 by R. M. Bowcock. You can access the church via the side door and see the amazing interior including the altar made from Wombeyan Caves marble.

Taralga Wildlife Park

Taralga Wildlife Park features a collection of native and exotic animals, including waterfowl, parrots, dingos, emus, wallabies, deer, llamas, alpacas, miniature horses and many more. Come and spend the day at one of Southern New South Wales finest tourist attractions, showcasing a large collection of native and exotic wildlife. The Park also boasts a number of farm animals including miniature ponies, miniature cattle, pigs, sheep and a whole lot more. Free BBQ facilities, keeper talks and complementary animal food are included with entry!

Taralga Wind Farm

Taralga Wind Farm is situated on ridgelines just east of the Taralga township, in the Southern Tablelands of NSW. The wind farm’s 51 turbines generate up to a total capacity of 107MW of clean renewable energy for the life of the project.

OVERVIEW

On this ride you’ll pass many historic homesteads dating from the nineteenth century of Federation and Art Deco architecture: St Edmunds Church, the Court House, Old Pye Cottage (open by appointment) and the Shire Chambers building.

TERRAIN

Despite the perspective from Gunning’s main street itself, the back streets do gain some elevation so be prepared for a few short climbs on this one. Of course, the key advantage of a climb is the views you’ll be rewarded with, overlooking the township.

The ride is on fully sealed, wide roads with slow moving traffic.

ACCESS

We recommend starting this one from the free campsite on the river at the northern edges of town, adjacent to the swimming pool. There is ample carparking available here, as well as public toilets.

FOOD AND DRINK

There are a few food and drink options in Gunning, including cafes and the pub.

FURTHER DETAILS

Because the size of Gunning is quite compact and easily navigable, you may choose to detour or to ride a different series of streets and sights. You can’t really go too far wrong!

Barbour Park

Nestled alongside Meadow Creek, Barbour Park provides toilets, picnic tables, BBQs and play equipment, so it's a good place to start and finish your ride. The park was named in honour of a local doctor who served the district for 50 years, as well as holding the position of Shire President. Turn left out of the park entrance and head north east along Yass Street to Wombat Street

Corner of Yass and Wombat Streets

When you get to this intersection, turn right into Wombat Street and cycle down to Cullavin Street

St Francis Xavier Catholic Church

When you get to Cullavin Street, turn right and you will find St Francis Xavier Catholic Church on your left as you turn into Cullavin.

Corner of Cullavin Street and Gundaroo Street

Continue along Cullavin Street until you reach Gundaroo Street, where you will turn right

Corner of Gundaroo Street and Yass Street

When you get back to the main street through Gunning, which is Yass Street, turn left

The Telegraph Hotel

The Telegraph Hotel will be on your left as you cycle along Yass Street. It celebrates the arrival of the telegraph in 1858. The base of the hotel dates back to this time, the second floor was added in 1916.

London House

A little further on you will find a large red brick building with an arched coach entrance. This is London House, which was built in 1881. This site originally housed the London House department store. It is now home to the Merino Café and Sophera Audio Equipment.

Coronation Theatre (Picture House and Gallery Bookshop)

The theatre was built in 1937 at the time of the coronation of King George VI. Now home to the amazing Picture House and Gallery Bookshop, operated by artists Margarita Georgiadis and Max Cullen

Baileys Garage

The façade of this building that was built in 1920 features fine painted brickwork that celebrates a time when Gunning was a major transport centre. The painted wall of Holden Cars is a popular tourist attraction.

The Cenotaph

As you cross Warrataw Street you will find the Gunning Cenotaph on corner of the intersection. The Cenotaph was erected in 1923 and records the names of local people who served and volunteered during the World Wars

Gunning Post Office

The first part of the Post Office was completed in 1881, with the front extension being added in 1908

Shire Council Precinct, corner of Yass Street and Nelanglo Street

When you get to Nelanglo Street, turn right and you will find the Shire Council Precinct on your left. The precinct consists of three separate office buildings, constructed in 1915, 1971 and 1998.

Pye Cottage Museum

Directly opposite the Shire Council Precinct and on your right as you turn into Nelanglo Street, is Pye Cottage Museum. Originally built in 1860 in the nearby town of Dalton, the cottage was donated to the Gunning & District Historical Society by the Pye family and relocated to Gunning to become an museum in 1974.

Corner of Nelanglo Street and Saxby Lane

When you reach Saxby Lane, turn left

Corner of Saxby Lane and Bond Street

Turn right at Bond Street and continue until you reach Biala Street

Corner of Bond Street and Biala Street

Turn right at Biala Street and head towards Nelanglo Street

Corner of Biala Street and Nelanglo Street

Turn left at Nelanglo Street

Corner of Nelanglo Street and Grovenor Street

When you get to Grovenor Street, turn right. As you turn into Grovenor, the Gunning Railway Station, which was built in 1875, will be on your left.

Corner of Grovenor Street and Warrataw Street

Keep going along Grovenor Street until you reach Warrataw Street, where you will turn right

Corner of Warrataw Street and Saxby Street

Turn left into Saxby Street and keep going to the end

Adam Street

When you get to the end of Saxby Street, turn right into Adam Street and follow it as it curves to the right, eventually becoming Biala Street

St Edmund's Anglican Church

As you turn into Biala Street, you will find the magnificent St Edmund's Anglican Church on your right. The church was built in 1873.

Gunning Uniting Church

As you approach the junction of Biala Street and Warrataw Street, you will find Gunning Uniting Church on the corner, on your left. Turn left here, into Warrataw Street and head back towards Yass Street

Gunning Court House

On the corner of Warrataw Street and Yass Street you will find the Gunning Court House, which was built in two stages, in 1872 as a police station and in 1879 the fine late Victorian government building that faces Yass Street. The last cases were heard in 1979 and the Court House is now a community centre.

Saxby House

Saxby House is now a private residence. It was originally a single story building constructed in the 1860's, with the second story being added in the 1920s.

Caxton House and Caxton Cottage

Caxton House and Cottage are now a private residence. These buildings date back to the early 1800s.

Gunning Rural Supplies and Barbour Park

The land between the current Gunning Rural Supplies and Barbour Park housed many buildings that are no longer standing, including a blacksmith and wheelwright, Moore and Baker's Garage, Lawton's Produce Shop and the auctioneers and commissioners Sands and Emery.

OVERVIEW

This is a nice circuit of around 45km to and from Crookwell. It undulates throughout most of the ride, with your main climb once you ride along Boorowa Road back towards Crookwell. On the final approach to Crookwell, you get beautiful vistas looking back down on the township, almost hidden amongst the greenery of trees.

The ride passes primarily through grazing land and farmlands of cattle and sheep. It’s a very pleasant ride.

On your first 10+km out of Crookwell, you have an almost perfect 10km time-trial section should you wish to race/train this section. It’s near flat; near straight; a fully sealed section and with no interruptions from intersections or stops.

TERRAIN

This route is mainly sealed, with a short section – around 10km – of gravel along Range Road.

ACCESS

We recommend starting and ending this one in Crookwell, where you will find plenty of suitable places to park your car in a quiet side street or at the campground by the river.

FOOD AND DRINK

There are plenty of food and drink options in Crookwell, including cafes, takeaway, pubs and an IGA supermarket.

Crookwell Hotel Motel

Your route starts at the Crookwell Hotel in the heart of Crookwell. Cross the road and head towards Goulburn (heading south east along Goulburn Street).

Matt's Bakery and the Crookwell Services Club

A short distance up the road you will come to an intersection with Colyer Stree. Matt's Bakery will be on your right and the Crookwell Services Club on the opposite corner. Turn right into Colyer Street.

Crookwell Hospital

As you follow Colyer Street, it eventually becomes Kialla Road and you will find Crookwell Hospital on your right. From here on you are leaving the town and venturing out into open countryside, with green paddocks on either side. It's lovely country, but do keep an eye out for potential livestock and wildlife on the road!

Junction with Range Road

Keep following Kialla Road until you reach the junction with Range Road, where you will turn right.

Junction of Range Road and Grabben Gullen Road

Range Road takes you to the little village of Grabben Gullen. As you come into Grabben Gullen, you will turn right, where Grabben Gullen Road becomes Camp Street, and then shortly after turn left into Wheeo Road.

Junction of Camp Street and Wheeo Road

Turn left at Wheeo Road. Technically the left turn is potentially confusingly still Camp Street, and the road you have been following becomes Brittania Street, but you will be taking the Wheeo Road. If you are in Grabben Gullen on a Saturday or a Sunday and feeling peckish, the Albion Hotel is open for lunch between 12.00 noon and 2.30 pm.

Junction of Wheeo Road and Hawthornes Tree Road

Keep following Wheeo Road until you reach Hawthornes Tree Road, where you will turn right.

Junction of Hawthornes Tree Road and Boorowa Road

When you reach Boorowa Road, turn right again.

Junction of Boorowa Road and Binda Road

The Boorowa Road takes you to Binda Road, where you will turn right and head back towards Crookwell. This is the main road leading from Bathurst and Orange towards Crookwell and Goulburn and can be very busy at times, so it's definitely time to take extra care and try not to be too distracted by the breathtakingly beautiful countryside as you head back into Crookwell.

Paul's Cafe in Crookwell

As you come into Crookwell, keep heading up to the roundabout in the heart of the town. On your left will be Paul's Café and on the opposite corner will be the Crookwell Hotel Motel, where you started off your adventure.

OVERVIEW

This is one for those who like a long ride exploring relatively quiet, country roads and enjoy the picturesque countryside.

While a long-ish ride at 127km, you can do this one at a leisurely pace, enjoying some long refuel breaks in Taralga and at Goulburn.

Please note that all roads involved are used by large trucks and can be quite busy at certain times of day. Ensure you remain vigilant and aware of other road users at all times!

TERRAIN

The road from Crookwell to Taralga is sealed and relatively quiet – perfect for a gentle cruise in the lush green countryside of the Upper Lachlan Shire. Beyond Taralga and into Goulburn and then onto Crookwell, the road is also sealed and while still considered to be relatively quiet, both Tarlaga – Goulburn and Goulburn – Crookwell can be busy at certain times.

The route climbs around 1,000m in total, with most of this done between Goulburn and Crookwell, so your legs will get a good workout!

ACCESS

We’ve mapped this one from Crookwell as a circuit via Taralga and Goulburn. However, you could choose to start in either Taralga or Goulburn as well. Particularly if arriving by train, you might find Goulburn an easier option.

FOOD AND DRINK

There are plenty of refuel options in both Taralga and at Goulburn.

Crookwell Hotel Motel

Located at the corner of the roundabout in the heart of Crookwell, this is a good starting point. From here you will head down the main street of Crookwell (north west).

Laggan Road

You will be turning right at Laggan Road, which is the first street to your right after the famous Lindner Sock Factory. The Crookwell Caravan Park is on the opposite corner, so if you are looking for an easy landmark, this is it!

Laggan

Keep following the Laggan Road and you will eventually arrive at a crossroads with Peelwood Road. Continue across the intersection and the road becomes the Taralga Road.

Taralga

Follow the Taralga Road all the way to the end and you will get to Taralga, which is a great place to take a break and maybe have some refreshments. You have completed approximately one third of the trip. If this is your plan, turn left into Orchard Street (the main street in Taralga), or if you want to keep going turn right and head south towards Goulburn.

Chatsbury Street, Goulburn

The ride from Taralga to Goulburn takes you through some very lovely and very tranquil countryside. As you approach Goulburn it can be a shock to suddenly find yourself surrounded by buildings, cars and people! Keep following the road into Goulburn. It changes names a few times along the way, from Taralga Road to Tarlo Street and then Union Street, but stick with it and you will reach a little roundabout, where the road you have been following intersects with Chatsbury Street. urn right here.

Joshua Street and Kinghorne Street

As you cruise down Chatsbury Street you will come to the intersection with Joshua Street. Turn left and then immediately left again into Kinghorne Street

Fitzroy Street

Follow Kinghorne Street all the way to the end, until you arrive at the intersection with Fitzroy Street, where you will turn right. You are now on the Crookwell Road, and you have completed the second third of your journey. It's time for the most challenging part of the trip as you climb the hills leading back to Crookwell!

Marsden Weir

It's on the Wollondilly River, right next to Gehl Garden Centre, and it's probably a good spot to stop if you need a break. There's a little park with picnic tables and public toilets. And if you are feeling extra energetic, there's an outdoor gym too!

Pejar Dam

Another potential rest stop at picturesque Pejar Dam, located approximately half way between Goulburn and Crookwell. This too has picnic tables and public toilets.

Crookwell Hotel Motel

Back to your staring point in the heart of Crookwell. Well done, that was quite a ride!

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