The “Attack of the Buns” is an absolute Aussie gravel classic — a 320 km 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. Whilst this route can be undertaken north → south, we’ve found our Unbound Velo adventure works best when we start in Bungendore, cruise through Sassafras, veer to Coolendel (instead of taking in the roads of Nowra), and finish on the testing Meryla Pass climb for a tasty finale in Fitzroy Falls. The result? A more remote, wilder, point-to-point adventure.

Quick facts

• Distance: ~320 km (depending on variation)
• Suggested time: 3 days (4 if you want maximum pie stops and a cruise down into Wollongong)
• Best time to ride: March–November (avoid extreme summer heat; expect cold nights on the plateau in winter)
• Route source & official GPX: Strava route and RideWithGPS track (linked in credits below)

Why ride it 

Bungendore → Fitzroy Falls via Coolendel: fewer towns, more wilderness, bigger story.

Our Unbound Velo highlights

• Switchbacks & descents: Griffins Fire Trail drop — pure grin fuel.
• Kangaroo Valley: Hampden Bridge + pie stop = non-negotiable.
• Coolendel detour: Raw, remote and worth the river crossing.
• Finish line drama: Rolling into Fitzroy Falls for a cinematic waterfall finale.

Quick kit notes

• Tyres: 40–45 mm gravel tyres for mixed fire-trail and short sealed stretches. Tubeless is a must.
• Navigation: GPX on phone or dedicated device — networks are patchy.
• Water: Carry a day’s worth in drier months; creeks and tanks can be dry after summer.

Ride Commentary (Unbound Velo)

Day 1 — Bungendore to Nerriga

Starting in Bungendore changes the rhythm right away as you dive straight into 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 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, you’ve got a couple of options near Nerriga. The Nerriga Pub is rough (country as), they do excellent chicken parmies; but our pick for a quiet night is the Corang River Airbnb just off route — they’re well-versed in taking in AoTB riders tackling this adventure.

Day 1 Strava Route: Bungendore → Nerriga (here)

Day 2 — Nerriga to Coolendel
The Bun’s first real test comes on the grind up towards the Sassafras Plateau. Long, quiet, sometimes exposed, it’s a reminder this isn’t a coffee ride — it’s Australian adventure riding at its best. Think 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 you’re self-supported and have the daylight and legs: big grassy flats, star-shot skies, and a 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: chunky fire-trail, steep pinches, creek crossings that may or may not play nice after rain. Remoteness dials up to 11 here — fewer cars, more roos, and that deep-bush silence. It’s slower going, but richer for it.

We chose gravel and serenity over asphalt: the Coolendel glamping setup saves hauling tents and gives you a fresh river to swim off the day’s dust. That same river you’ll be hike-a-biking across in the morning.

Day 2 Strava Route: Nerriga → Coolendel (here)

Day 3 — Coolendel to Fitzroy Falls (via Kangaroo Valley & Meryla Pass)
The push towards Kangaroo Valley is mercifully short but sharp. Hampden Bridge is the unofficial final checkpoint before Meryla Pass — also a mandatory pie stop (cheeky iced coffee if it’s warm). Then it’s 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’s 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 you’ve stitched together one of NSW’s most varied multi-day gravel routes.

Day 3 Strava Route: Coolendel → Fitzroy Falls (here)

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.

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 20 kg 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.
• River level check: Call ahead to Coolendel Camp to confirm whether the river is high or low — you’ll need to cross it. If it’s high, reroute via Nowra to reach Fitzroy Falls safely.