I’m not going to pretend that I’m an expert in the gravel around Wagga Wagga, but a perfunctory investigation found there were a lot of options in the triangle formed by Wagga, Currawarna and Coolamon.  With Mrs CyclingGravel along for the ride I was not able to get too adventurous, but heading out towards The Gap we found country lanes and gravel a-plenty.  You won’t be disappointed heading this way, particularly with the added bonus of an excellent mid-ride stop option in Coolamon.

Outward bound: Wagga to Coolamon via The Gap and gravel (~46km)

Riding out of town via Old Narrandera Road, the cycling soon becomes countryside idyllic after the turn into The Gap Road.  Narrowly sealed, it receives light traffic and provides great views of the local farmland.  A few small undulations and corners are the only distraction from taking in the scenery, although in parts the asphalt leaves a little to be desired.

We chose Tooyal Road as our gravel route to Coolamon.  Out this way they do build some straight roads, but to break up the linear, it gradually ascends as it heads north.  I did check out some of the side roads, and noted that they had a varying degree of quality – ok for a decent gravel tyre in the dry, but I think you’d want really decent clearance and tolerance for mud in the wet.

Coolamon: Things to do

I had hoped to be able to see the Lamson Cash Railway System at the Up-to-date store.  Unfortunately it was closed, so we had to make do with a peek through the window.  I realise I’m a bit of a history nerd, but I reckon this is worth a visit.

For a mid-ride refuel, I can highly recommend the Coolamon Cheese Company.  It is really cool to be able to check out the stacks of cheese wheels whilst waiting for your café order.  There are other things on the menu from the café, but the cheese boards are tremendous.  Just the ticket before riding back to Wagga.

Return trip: Coolamon to Wagga via Coolamon Road (~41km)

The main road between Wagga and Coolamon has occasional traffic but has an excellent verge.  Relatively flat (actually a gradual descent overall), it makes for a quick return trip to Wagga.  My suggestion is that this is a good choice if you go on a decent gravel adventure first thing – refuel in Coolamon and then power home.  Or, if you want to try another gravel road home, perhaps take a lazy detour by Gap Hall-Coolamon Road and let me know what it is like.

Details of this ride

Travel guidance

• The Cheese Factory café was really busy when we arrived.  We waited for a table, but if you are impatient it would pay to book.