The “Attack of the Buns” is an absolute Aussie gravel classic — a 320km bikepacking adventure that crosses the Great Dividing Range on the outskirts of our Nation's capital and will take you through some of the most beautiful (and *cough* challenging) landscapes you've ever ridden your bike over. Whilst this route can be undertaken in the north to south direction - we've found our Unbound Velo adventure works best when we start in Bungendore, then cruise through Sassafras, veer through to Coolendel (instead of taking in the roads of Nowra), and finish on the testing Meryla Pass Climb for a tasty finish in Fitzroy Falls. The result? A more remote, wilder, and point-to-point adventure.

Ride Commentary (Unbound Velo)

Starting in Bungendore changes the rhythm right away as you dive straight into the open farmland and head north towards the lip of the Tallaganda Ranges. The gravel here is fast and wide, the sort that begs for a cheeky paceline before the first gate forces everyone to chill. The tough morning of climbing is rewarded with the wide streets of Braidwood, a classic country town with a bakery, pie shop or classic pub on located on every corner. The perfect pit stop. It’s the classic prelude: legs still fresh, banter flowing, and the mountains of Morton looming ahead. 

As the day 1 sun sets, there a couple choices for accommodation near Nerriga. Nerriga Pub is rough, is country, they do amazing chicken parmies, but we reckon the perfect over night pit stop is Corange River Air BnB which is just off the route. The team there are well-versed in taking in AoTB riders as they tackle this gravel adventure. 

(Day 1 Strava Route: Bungendore to Nerriga) 

The Bun’s first real test comes on Day 2 on the grind up towards Sassafras Plateau. Long, quiet, sometimes exposed, it feels like the route is reminding you that this isn’t a coffee ride - this is Australian adventure riding at its best. Think landscapes of Uluru - rock monoliths and views stretching in both directions, the sort of scenery that makes you forget how heavy your bike is.

From there, it’s a classic Morton rollercoaster: down into the depths, up the switchbacks, then another valley drop. The Griffins fire-trail descent is the undisputed highlight — a wild, grin-plastered blast that feels like it goes on forever. Camping at Griffins Farm is an absolute must if your knocking out this trail self supported, and have got the daylight and legs: big grassy flats, star-shot skies, and the kind of campfire vibe that makes a long day vanish into laughter.

Instead of pushing into Nowra, we tilt left and take the less-ridden line through Coolendel. This detour turns the ride from a civilised tour into something far more wild. Coolendel is raw — chunky fire-trail, steep pinches, creek crossings that may or may not play nice after rain. The remoteness is dialled up to 11 here: fewer cars, more roos, and the kind of silence you only get deep in the bush. It’s slower going, but richer for it.

(Day 2 Strava Route: Nerriga to Coolendel) 

We chose to venture, not towards the asphalt and Nowra, but the gravel and serenity of Coolendel. The glamping set up, saves hauling tents, and gives you a fresh river to swim off the days dust. That same river, you are hike-a-biking across in the morning.

The next push towards Kangaroo Valley is mercifully short but sharp. The Hampden Bridge marks the unofficial final checkpoint before Meryla — also a mandatory pie stop, maybe a cheeky iced coffee if it’s warm. Here the ride shifts again: we aim west and north, keeping the escarpment in view, climbing 'the Pass' back towards Fitzroy Falls.

The final day has bite. From Kangaroo Valley it’s a steady grind back onto the high plateau. The climbs stack up, and with legs three days deep it feels like proper Type 2 fun. But cresting the edge into Fitzroy Falls is a cinematic finish. Water crashing over sandstone, highland air cooler on the skin, and the satisfying knowledge that you’ve stitched together one of NSW’s most varied multi-day gravel routes.

Bungendore to Fitzroy Falls via Coolendel isn’t just a variation on Attack of the Buns — it’s an upgrade for riders who want more wilderness, fewer towns, and a point-to-point story that feels like an epic journey, not just a loop.

(Day 3 Strava Route: Coolendel to Fitzory Falls) 

Practical tips & navigation

• Train travel: NSW regional trains accept bikes but you’ll need the box and to arrive early — there’s a small fee and a 20kg box limit. Book ahead — regional trains have limited bike spots.
• Gates & hikers: Parts of the route pass walkers-only territory; expect locked gates and occasional bike-lift obstacles.
• Water & weather: Treat water, carry enough in dry seasons, and layer for cold plateau nights. Check in with Coolendel Camp Site to see whteher the river is high or low - this is where you need to cross on the bike. If its high. Its a ride into Nowra back to Fitzroy Falls.