Athletes from across the nation and internationally will descend on East Gippsland from October 22 to 23, 2016 for an adventure experience they won’t forget. The ultimate event for adventure sports in Australia returns this October for the second annual Australian Adventure Festival and registrations are now open.
There’s something for everyone, with trail running, mountain biking, adventure racing, a Kids Adventure Challenge, and family events including a children’s hub and a 5km and 10km adventure fun run.
Designed to take advantage of the region’s renowned natural assets, the Australian Adventure Festival last year challenged even the most seasoned endurance athletes over distances of up to 100 kilometres through some of East Gippsland’s most stunning landscapes.
East Gippsland has it all for the adventure racer and endurance athlete, with nine national parks taking in Alpine high country, beaches, wilderness coast and forests, and Australia’s largest inland lake system – the Gippsland Lakes – and its network of rivers.
On the Saturday, adventure racers will paddle the mighty Mitchell River before taking on a 24km mountain bike course followed by a 14km trail run along the Mitchell River Walking Trail.
The course can be completed in teams or as individuals. Trail runners have the option of a half marathon or 55km ultra run in the spectacular surrounds of the Mitchell River National Park, regarded as one of the best courses in Australia.
“[This event] really does offer one of the best 21km trail runs in Victoria, and potentially Australia. It is an amazing course,” Chris Ord, of Trail Run Magazine, says.
Mountain bikers can test their credentials on 25km, 50km or 100km rides through the Colquhoun State Forest near Lakes Entrance, while a 10km course will be offered for children. New to the program this year is the Kids Adventure Challenge, an exciting outdoor obstacle course for 4–13 year olds.
The Kids Adventure Hub will provide hours of entertainment for kids including fitness demonstrations, games and giveaways. Sunday is fun run day, with 5km and 10km adventure fun runs from Lakes Entrance giving participants a taste of the trails while overlooking the Gippsland Lakes.
Chairman of East Gippsland Marketing Inc, Richard Rijs, said East Gippsland has some of the best natural assets in Australia and is already a popular destination for adventure seekers.
“We are thrilled to be able to showcase our magical region by hosting this event that will challenge athletes in some of the most spectacular and diverse environments within close proximity to the event hub at Lakes Entrance.
“We look forward to welcoming all athletes and their families to East Gippsland this October for the Australian Adventure Festival, because we know they will love it as much as we do.”