Australia's best cycle trails the whole family can ride
Whether you're a mountain biker, unicyclist, or penny-fartherer, Australia has some of the most scenic cycling routes for any level of rider.
Here are some of the best cycling trails that the whole family can enjoy for your next holiday.
South Australia
Barossa Trail (45km)
The Barossa Trail is perfect for families. Credit: SATC
Explore South Australia’s premium food and wine region by bike on an easy to navigate sealed path from Angaston to Gawler and through the historic townships of Nuriootpa, Tanunda, and Lyndoch. Perfect for the slow traveller, take your time to explore the region’s extensive vineyards and cellar doors.
Trail: Barossa Trail
Bike hire: Barossa Cycle Hub
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Barossa Valley
Riesling Trail (35km)
Since the late 1800s, the Clare Valley has been a flourishing wine region in South Australia. True to its name, you’ll find some of the tastiest Rieslings at cellar doors that line this trail. Used almost exclusively for leisure, be sure to leave the lycra at home.
Spend a day or two riding the Riesling Trail and stop at a number vineyards along the way. For more tips, read our guide on how to make the most of your weekend in Clare.
Trail: Riesling Trail
Bike hire: Clare park, Clare Valley Cycle Hire, or Riesling Trail Bike Hire
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Clare
River Torrens Trail (46km)
River Torrens Trail. Credit: SATC
Adelaide is a lucky place. Wine regions north and south, beaches to the east, and hills to the west!
After you've completed the Riesling Trail, make your way to the city centre an enjoy a leisurely meander along the Torrens past Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide Oval, and the University of Adelaide. The Linear Park Trail nearby will keep you on dedicated cycle paths.
If you're more interested in the true Australian bush and getting your workout uphill, go east towards Athelstone. Our favourite part? Being welcomed by a near-white sandy beach and sparkling blue waters at the western end ot the trail at Henley Beach.
Trail: River Torrens Linear Park Trail
Bike hire: Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre and Discovery Parks - Adelaide Beachfront
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Adelaide Beachfront
VICTORIA
Bellarine Rail Trail (32km)
Queenscliff Fort. Credit: Visit Victoria.
Go on a gentle, off-road ride through Victorian farmland and along a sensational stretch of coastline that makes up the Bellarine Rail Trail. There's plenty of birdlife worth stopping for, too. Think kookaburras, blue wrens, and wattlebirds perched on surrounding Eucalyptus.
Be warned that road bikes won't necessarily work on the trail. Better to take a mountain bike that can withstand the gravel - especially if its been wet. Also, 32 kilometres might be long enough to cover your exercise for a year, so consider taking the heritage steam train from Queenscliff back to Drysdale station.
Trail: Bellarine Rail Trail
Bike hire: Bella E-Bike Hire and Geelong Adventure Specialists
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Geelong
The Capital City Trail (29km)
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne are a treat. Credit: Visit Victoria.
A trip to Melbourne usually involves a visit to the MCG, Botanic Gardens, Dights Falls, and the Yarra River - but how do you actually cram that all into one day?
This city circuit starts at Southbank, crosses over wetlands, and hugs the banks of the Yarra River. The trail is flat, easy and has plenty of stops for ice cream or coffee!
Look out for the Studley Park Boathouse, which is the oldest surviving boathouse on the Yarra. It has a cafe with a range of fresh bread and pastries (not to mention uninterrupted views of the river!).
Trail: The Capital City Trail
Bike hire: Rentabike and Bike Now
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Melbourne
NEW SOUTH WALES
Thredbo Valley Track (16.7km)
Thredbo Valley Track is a wild adventure. Credit: Tourism Snowy Mountains.
As snow season ends, mountain bike season gets started. While we get all get a bit teary when the snow melts, we can't wait to see what's hiding underneath all of that powder: wildflowers, ultra-green wilderness, and the blue Blue Lake.
Biking along the Thredbo Valley Track is a brilliant way to welcome warmer temps. The ride is easy, with few climbs, and cris-crosses the Thredbo River. We love the quiet hustle of the wind in the trees and the trickling of freshly melted water downstream.
Trail: Thredbo Valley Track
Bike hire: Sacred Ride
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Jindabyne
Narooma Trails (54 trails) (85kms trail network)
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Experience the Narooma Mountain Bike Trails.
Established by volunteers in 2019, the Narooma Mountain Bike Club has been resilient through the challenges of the Black Summer Bushfires and the Covid pandemic. Thanks to the support of Forestry Corporation NSW, the trails now wind through the stunning Bodalla State Forest. Whether you're seeking adventure or a peaceful ride, these trails are ready to explore.
Trial: Gravity Trailhead
Bike hire: Southbound Escapes Bike Hire – Narooma
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Narooma Beach
Gravity Eden (20 trails) (58km trail network)
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Discover the thrill of nature in Eden. Ride over 58km of gravity-fed mountain bike trails, crafted with premium, machine-built singletrack. Start your adventure at a peak of 300m and journey from the lush beauty of Nullica State Forest all the way to the stunning shores of Twofold Bay. Summit to sea - Eden’s epic trails await.
Trail: Garden of Eden
Bike hire: Cycle N Surf
Were to stay: Discovery Parks - Eden
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Gribble Creek Walk and Cycle Way (12km)
Kalgoorlie Town Hall looks imposing but isn't. Credit: Tourism Western Australia.
You might have heard of Kalgoorlie's Super Pit, but possibly not much else. To uncover the towns gold mine of history, bring your wheels and hit up the Gribble Creek Walk and Cycle Way.
At the Gribble Creek memorial, pay your respects to the WWII servicemen who risked their lives on the Kokoda Track. Look up at the native trees in the Arboretum, and visit the impressive Edwardian-style Town Hall.
Remember to pack your bags with water and nibbles, as you'll want to refuel before the Eucalyptus woodlands and lavender fields in Karlkurla Bushland Park.
Trail: Gribble Creek Walk and Cycle Way
Bike hire: Avanti Plus
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Kalgoorlie and Discovery Parks - Boulder
Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail (4km, 30km or 32km)
Margaret River Chocolate Factory is love. Credit: Tourism Western Australia.
When we found out that the Margaret River Chocolate Company was located somewhere along this trail, we had our tyres pumped faster than you can say "how much are the truffles?" With several other amazing food and wine stops dotted along this route, rest assured that your taste-buds will thank you for staying on the pedals.
To achieve the full Swan Valley experience, pick up some fresh produce, browse market stalls and stop at a coulpe of wineries. Along the way, read plaques outlining the history of the region, alongside tales of the people who made it what it is today.
Trail: Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail
Bike hire: Swan Valley Visitor Information Centre
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Swan Valley
QUEENSLAND
Round Gladstone Trail (20km+)
Tondoon Botanic Gardens are an oasis of bird and plant life. Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland.
Jog, bike, walk, or ride a horse around Gladstone. Opt for the road less travelled and witness the Gladstone Coast through a different lens: on the seat of your bike and through classic Queensland bush. Connected to a network of different trails, we recommend you try them all!
Include a stop at the Gecko Valley Winery, a self-guided tour of the rainforest of Tondoon Botanic Gardens, and the majestic views of Port Curtis from the top of Police Creek. This trail easy to manage and never gets old. Try it for yourself.
Trail: Round Gladstone Trail
Bike hire: Bring your own.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Tannum Sands
Mary to the Bay Rail Trail (13.5km)
Urangan Botanic Gardens; Credit: Sabrina Lauriston, Tourism and Events Queensland.
When the light hits the water just right, the Urangan Pier is a sight to behold. What appears to be a neverending jetty stretches for nearly a kilometre into the blue of the Pacific Ocean. With dolphins and schools of fish below, the vista is a welcome reward at the end of this peaceful ride.
Beginning in Hervey Bay, cycle past the historical village & museum, through beautiful botanic gardens and finally onto the Urungan Pier. There are several shops along the esplanade where you can eat fish & chips; the perfect way to watch the sun go down as you contemplate your ride.
Trail: Mary to the Bay Rail Trail
Bike hire: Hervey Bay Bike Hire and Hervey Bay Rent A Car
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Hervey Bay
TASMANIA
The Great Foreshore Ride (12km)
See the candy cane stripes of Mersey Bluff, the Devonport City Centre and the Mersey River all in one spectacular ride. Featuring a path wide enough for walkers and cyclists alike, the Great Foreshore Ride is a chance to explore this gateway to Tasmania.
The playground on the Mersey Bluff foreshore is a much-loved spot for families and well worth the detour. An all-inclusive play space with views of the water, let your little ones expend some energy while you enjoy the drama of Bluff beach cliffs next door.
Trail: The Great Foreshore Ride
Bike hire: Ulverstone Bicycles
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Devonport
Pipeline Track (24km)
Pipeline Track is easily one of the most scenic rides around Hobart, especially for those looking for an easy cruise. Not long into the ride the Derwent River appears and it won't be long before your overlooking Mount Nelson. Don't stop for too long, though, as dense, sheltered forest and the famous Cathedral Rock are also along this trail. After you've reached here, follow the path to Wellington Falls.
Pro Tip: It goes without saying to make it to the top of Mt Wellington. You may even find some snow!
Trail: Pipeline Track
Bike hire: Cyclingo
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Hobart
