BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN BRISBANE (AUSTRALIA)

Brisbane River Loop

Iconic city route for every cyclist

If you ask any Brisbane local where to start your cycling adventure, chances are they’ll point you straight to the Brisbane River Loop. This is the city’s most iconic cycling route, and for good reason. It offers a solid mix of urban sights, parklands, and riverfront serenity. The loop is around 35 kilometres and is beginner-friendly but still fun for experienced riders looking to maintain pace and rhythm. It’s popular all week long, but weekends buzz with a true cycling culture vibe.

The route usually starts at South Bank, with its scenic views and coffee spots for a pre-ride caffeine fix. From there, it follows the Brisbane River through leafy suburbs like St Lucia, Indooroopilly, and over the Walter Taylor Bridge. Riders then cross over to the north side, roll through Toowong and Milton, and loop back via the Coronation Drive Bikeway. The views of the city skyline across the river are spectacular, especially in the golden light of early morning or late afternoon.

• Distance: ~35 km

• Route type: Loop

• Surface: Paved, mostly dedicated bike paths

• Highlights: South Bank, city skyline, university vibe in St Lucia

• Best for: Road bikes, touring bikes, casual rides

It’s perfect if you’re easing into the Brisbane cycling scene and want a balanced mix of nature and city vibes. There are plenty of rest stops and even ferry terminals if you want to shortcut the loop. Don’t forget to stop for brunch at one of the many cafés along the way – this route is as much about the coffee as it is about the cycling!

Mount Coot-tha Challenge

For those who like a good climb

Feeling brave? Mount Coot-tha is the ultimate cycling climb in Brisbane – a right of passage for local and visiting riders. Just a short ride from the city centre, this 9.5-kilometre loop offers a proper hill challenge with epic payoffs in the form of panoramic views over Brisbane. It’s not overly long, but don’t underestimate the burn: the climb averages about 9% gradient over roughly 2 kilometres, with some pinches above 12%.

The climb itself is a one-way road up Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, so you’re safe from oncoming traffic, and there are multiple lookout points where you can catch your breath (and your Instagram shot). Once at the summit, the café at the top serves legendary muffins and coffee. You’ve earned it.

• Distance: ~9.5 km loop

• Route type: Climb and descent loop

• Surface: Sealed road, quiet traffic

• Highlights: Summit views, forest atmosphere

• Best for: Road cyclists, climbers, fitness buffs

If you’re touring Brisbane with panniers, you might want to shed some weight before tackling this one. But even loaded bikepackers will appreciate the quiet roads, lush greenery, and sense of achievement at the top. You can descend back the same way or continue around the backroads through Chapel Hill for a longer loop.

Mount Coot-tha is also part of longer cycling itineraries that take you into the western suburbs and beyond. If you’re building a multi-day tour, this climb adds spice and elevation to your route.

Bikeways, beaches and bayside

Easy coastal riding with views

For a totally different vibe, Brisbane’s eastern suburbs offer some of the best coastal riding in the region. Start your journey from the city centre and head east via the Bulimba Creek Bikeway – a green corridor that stretches through parks, wetlands, and leafy neighbourhoods. This path is flat, shaded, and largely separated from traffic, making it ideal for loaded touring bikes or families.

Eventually, you’ll connect to Wynnum and Manly – charming seaside towns on Moreton Bay with calm beaches, boardwalks, and lots of fish and chips. The loop from the city to the coast and back can stretch over 50 to 60 kilometres, depending on the path you choose, but it’s mostly flat and very doable in half a day at an easy pace. There are train stations along the way, so you can hop on public transport if needed.

• Distance: ~60 km return (variable)

• Route type: Out-and-back or loop with options

• Surface: Mixed – bike paths, shared pedestrian zones

• Highlights: Mangrove boardwalks, coastal views, beach towns

• Best for: Touring cyclists, leisure riders, nature lovers

Manly Harbour Village has plenty of spots to refuel, and you can take a side detour down to Lota or further along the bay trail if your legs still feel fresh. The sea breeze, pelicans flying overhead, and shimmering bay views make this one of the most relaxed rides in Brisbane. Don’t forget sunscreen and maybe a picnic blanket for a longer chill stop by the water.

This route is especially great for travellers who want to combine riding with sightseeing, photography, and some good old-fashioned sunshine therapy. Brisbane’s bikeways really shine in these outer areas – it’s the kind of ride that makes you want to stop and stay a while.