Central West Cycle Trail

There are many questions or comments left on the ‘Intention to Ride’ on CwC. We appreciate the feedback. Here are some answers:

Better signage along the route would be good

We have not managed as yet to get approval and support from councils for finger post signs at the beginning and end of each leg, and at changes along the way. We are still trying. So, for now our yellow stickers every 2 km or so each way, supported by trip notes and maps are our main stay.

Water tanks along the way are needed.

Yes we agree and we recommend you take plenty of water on your way. Wellington to Gulgong is the longest day trip without a town or café. Recently the locals at Goolma have put a water tap on a large rainwater tank at Goolma hall. We hope too that the Goolma Pub or the Goolma Bakery will re-open. Two local farms are helping too – so check trip notes.

‘Be aware of cyclist’s signs’ on the main roads and some of the busier back roads would be good.

Yes, agreed, we would like some.

Please annotate the maps or trail notes to indicate where phone reception is possible on the back roads and in the forests.

Goonoo Forest, Digilah Road, Cobbora and Slap Dash Creek area are probably the worst with mobile reception dropping out. Sometimes it depends on who your server is. It’s a good idea to tell someone of your intentions to ride, and preferably not alone. Higher land points invariably have better reception.

Try this link from Telstra to check reception : https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/our-coverage

Perhaps have a stamping system at various checkpoints, people stamp a booklet, they email it to someone, submit online and an e certificate is produced to say they have completed the track – this helps with knowing how many people are doing the trail & is a bit of fun for those doing the trail.

A nice idea and future possibility. At present our only way to congratulate riders is via Facebook.

Alternative Routes from Dubbo to Geurie and Mudgee to Gulgong, to save cycling back the way you came.

These alternatives routes are now in the trip notes. Dubbo via Old dubbo Road to Geurie and Gulgong via Henry Lawson Drive to Mudgee.

What towns sell food?

Most of the towns sell some food – but it might be a café or a pub. Mudgee, Gulgong, Dunedoo, Dubbo and Wellington have supermarkets. Everywhere opening hours can be limited, and cafes can be closed on a Sunday, or only opening up late (eg Google  Ballimore Pub for opening times that vary). At the present there is no food for sale at Goolma. Be prepared and carry snacks.

Side Trips

If you want additional cycles from a particular town or some tougher segments email Dave: [email protected]

Correction to trip notes

If you find mistakes please email me, Barbara, at [email protected] .

Luggage, assistance, and support

If you want luggage transfer, cycle support, have bike troubles, or want to join up with others doing the CwC trail then contact Mick Cooper on [email protected]. Or phone him 0437136169.

You will find names and phone numbers for any other question on our web site under Contacts.

Water Essential: With the weather heating up on the CWC consideration to carrying sufficient water is vital. Predictions of days of 40 degrees or more in late November on. It is very easy to go through over a litre of water an hour in hot weather.  Know your requirements, and it is best to carry too much water.  Easy to offload it.

Do not forget the electrolytes, if you are drinking lots of water and sweating the electrolytes need to be replaced!

Dehydration can happen quickly and having to cycle extra kilometres once you need water is a danger.

Given the recent rains there is quite a bit of water around, but it needs to be filtered. Not all is pure in rural areas.  Bushwalking shops have a good range of water filtration and water purification equipment.  This is only a backup to carrying sufficient water.

If you don’t have a car you may want to travel by train and bus to the CwC. There is a planned upgrade of trains to Dubbo, when a train carriage will be able to take wheel on bikes. But that is not until early 2022.

Discussions re getting your bikes to the CwC, by train and/or bus.

• XPT direct to Dubbo. At present you are required to ‘box’ your bike. There is a planned train in 2022 with walk-on-bike carriage.
• Train to Lithgow: great if you can bike walk on for the bus from Lithgow to Mudgee/Gulgong/Dunedoo.

XPT to Dubbo
You can pre-order a bike box and box your bike. (There are very limited numbers – only 5 available).
Catch the XPT from central to Dubbo, Mick Cooper can arrange to pick you up from the station in Dubbo, put your bike together in the bike shed and leave the box there; when finished, re box there and he will deliver you back to the station in Dubbo. (no charge).

• Your boxed bike should be less than 20kg with dimensions of 138cm x 75cm x 23cm.
• Dubbo carries 4 x boxes in stock, Central carries boxes. 
• You will need to purchase a ticket for you and your bike (booking class BK and will cost $12.10 for your bike) and reserve a bike box beforehand.
• Be there at least 30min prior to departure for loading. 
• Phone No. 13 22 32 

Metropolitan train to Lithgow then by coach to Mudgee, Gulgong or Dunedoo

You can travel on the country trains from Central to Lithgow. It seems you can wheel your bike on board. However, when you change at Lithgow for the bus you will still need to box the bike officially, as above, with only 2 places available.

However, these buses are often only lightly used, 6-12 passengers and when the bus is fairly empty they could accommodate a bike – wrapped or bagged- nut no guarantee. Dimension of coach luggage door just over 95cm high so box or bagged bike can stand up. 

There is now a bike transfer option: ‘The Central West Cycle Trail connection’. You can train your bike to Lithgow and from there get accommodation and/or transport to your selected starting point on the CwC. Phone Sean on 0434946930 to discuss and book.