For those looking to ride from the Hume Highway, and small town of Chiltern — to the Beechworth, and up to Stanley, we’ve shared a snapshot of how it might look…
The tyres hum over the smooth tarmac as you roll out of Chiltern, a town that feels paused in time. Nestled in the Chiltern–Mt Pilot National Park, this is where the ride begins — quiet streets, historic shopfronts, and a long, gradual pull toward the high country.
Leaving town on Beechworth–Chiltern Road, the first few kilometres are gently rolling — smooth bitumen, wide verge, and minimal traffic. The gradient is mild, hovering around 1–2%, perfect for warming the legs as the forest starts to close in. The scent of eucalyptus is thick here, and you’ll likely have the road to yourself apart from the occasional wallaby darting from the scrub.
After about 10 km, the climb begins to announce itself. The gradient ticks up past 4%, and the forest canopy deepens — a shaded, steady rise that winds through the Chiltern–Mt Pilot National Park. The road surface remains good, with some freshly sealed in parts — but the gradient fluctuates between 4–6% for the next 7–8 kilometres, long enough to find a rhythm but steep enough to keep the heart rate honest.
At roughly the 18 km mark, the climb reaches its first crest near the Mt Pilot turnoff, a good spot to catch your breath and take in the views back across the plains. From here, the road rolls gently — a mix of short descents and false flats — as it approaches the Beechworth plateau. There’s a short but punchy rise just before you enter the township (a 7–8% pinch for about 400 metres), and then suddenly, you’re gliding into Beechworth, where stone buildings and shady trees signal both civilisation and reward.
Beechworth’s roads are lined with history. Riders often pause here: Grab a coffee at Project 49, or a pastry from the bakery…or if time permits a chilled wine from Cellar Door Wine Store. The town sits around 550 metres above sea level, so even summer mornings carry a cool breeze.
From here, the route to Stanley adds another dimension — shorter, steeper, and far more intimate. Leaving Beechworth via Stanley Road (C315), the first few kilometres roll through farmland and open forest. Around 3 km out of town, the gradient sharpens dramatically — a 1.5 km section that bites hard, averaging 8–10%, with short ramps above 12% in spots. It’s the kind of climb that demands a small gear and steady pacing.
The road narrows through Stanley State Forest, the air cooler and the light dappled through tall mountain ash. The surface is sealed and in good condition, but it’s a winding climb — visibility short, corners tight, gradients constantly shifting between 5–9%. The final kilometres ease slightly, rewarding your effort with the sight of orchards, vineyards, chestnut groves, and the quiet main street of Stanley, perched around 800 metres above sea level.
There’s not much in Stanley — just stillness, altitude, and the satisfaction of having climbed from the plains to the edge of the mountains. Oh, and there’s The Stanley Pub – It’s the perfect place to catch your breath and stay for lunch or a glass of local Chardonnay — every bit as layered and complex as the road that brought you there.
Ride Snapshot:
-
Distance: ~45 km (Chiltern → Beechworth → Stanley, one way)
-
Elevation gain: ~850–900 m
-
Road surface: Fully sealed; smooth, low-traffic country roads in excellent condition
-
Climbing profile:
-
Chiltern → Beechworth: 25 km with a steady climb of ~550 m, mostly 3–6% with short ramps to 8%
-
Beechworth → Stanley: 10 km, climbing another 300 m; steeper middle section averaging 7–9%, short pinches above 12%
-
-
Highlights:
-
Quiet climb through Chiltern–Mt Pilot National Park
-
Wide, flowing corners and sweeping valley views near Mt Pilot
-
Historic Beechworth — cafés, cellar doors, and a welcome mid-ride break
-
Cool, shaded ascent into Stanley’s high-country forests
-
-
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging — ideal for fit recreational or experienced road cyclists who enjoy long climbs and quiet backroads
Keen for more?
To view the ride from Myrtleford to Beechworth, see here.
To view the ride from Wangaratta to Beechworth, see here.
To view the ride from Wodonga to Beechworth via Yackandandah, see here.