Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN MELBOURNE
Thinking of taking your bike on vacation? Melbourne is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, and it’s packed with epic routes that balance nature, culture, and urban energy. From breezy beachside rides to long parkway trails and riverside escapes, Melbourne serves up everything a cycling tourist could ask for. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best cycling and bike touring routes in Melbourne, using kilometres and a tone that’s as chill as your vacation plans.
Beachside rides and bay views
Nothing says Melbourne quite like a ride along the coast. With dedicated bike paths hugging the shores of Port Phillip Bay, you’ll get salty breezes, ocean views, and plenty of stops for coffee or a cheeky scoop of gelato.
The iconic Bay Trail
The Bay Trail is a classic coastal ride stretching about 49 kilometres from Port Melbourne down to Seaford. The entire trail runs parallel to the beach, making it ideal for relaxed cruising or longer fitness rides. Expect wide paths, well-kept lanes, and easy access to cafés, playgrounds, and waterfront parks.
Start at Station Pier in Port Melbourne for easy city access
Stop in St Kilda for beach vibes, food trucks, and penguin-spotting
Brighton Beach offers iconic colourful bathing boxes—perfect for photos
The path continues to Sandringham, Mentone, and all the way to Seaford
Great for families, beginners, and riders with panniers or trailers
Coastal snacks and coffee breaks
Melbourne’s café culture is alive and well on the Bay Trail. You’ll pass a dozen spots like Brighton Schoolhouse Café and Combi Elwood, perfect for mid-ride brunches or iced coffees. Plenty of bike racks are available, and locals are used to sweaty cyclists stopping in for a flat white.
Don’t forget your sunscreen—the bayside sun can be brutal even on cloudy days.
Inner city bike adventures
Cycling through central Melbourne gives you the best of both worlds—urban exploration with green retreats. Thanks to an expanding network of protected lanes and shared trails, you can roll through the heart of the city without battling traffic. Bring your curiosity and your camera.
Capital City Trail loop
This 29-kilometre loop wraps around central Melbourne, connecting parks, rivers, and neighborhoods. It’s a go-to for locals who want a full-city experience without venturing far from home. You'll pass the Yarra River, Royal Botanic Gardens, and even Melbourne Zoo—talk about a scenic commute!
Start near Federation Square for city-centre access
Ride counterclockwise for smoother intersections and better flow
Join the trail near the Docklands for easy bike parking and riverside cafes
Use the Melbourne Bike Share system if you didn’t bring your own
Combine with Merri Creek Trail for an extended ride
Ride and refuel: Inner city eats
The beauty of cycling through Melbourne is that food is always within reach. Near Abbotsford, stop at Three Bags Full for a brunch feast. Fitzroy’s veggie-friendly joints are also top-tier for riders who want a lighter bite. And for serious refueling? Queen Victoria Market’s got you covered with pastries, fresh juice, and bike-friendly open space.
The Capital City Trail is paved, mostly flat, and welcoming to cyclists of all experience levels—perfect for a city-day loop on holiday.
Street art, parks, and pop-ups
This loop also takes you past some of Melbourne’s best street art and cultural pop-ups. Don't be surprised if you stumble on a jazz performance in the park or a mobile food stall dishing up gourmet bites on the go. It's part ride, part city tour.
Nature rides and outer trails
If you’re up for a full-day ride or multi-day adventure, Melbourne’s outer trail network has plenty to offer. From rail trails to riverside rides, these routes give you space to breathe, pedal, and forget about your phone for a while. Perfect for bikepackers, fitness riders, or anyone chasing distance and fresh air.
Main Yarra Trail: The long ride
Stretching over 38 kilometres from the CBD to the outer suburbs, the Main Yarra Trail is a local legend. It follows the Yarra River through lush parklands, past rowing clubs and bridges, and eventually into bushland. The scenery shifts constantly, which makes the long ride feel shorter—and totally worth it.
Start at Princes Bridge and head northeast
Pass through Abbotsford, Fairfield, and Heidelberg
End near Westerfolds Park for picnics and kangaroo-spotting
Plenty of water stops and toilets along the way
Path is sealed but narrow in some spots—watch for pedestrians
The Warburton Rail Trail
Want to turn your ride into an overnight escape? The Warburton Rail Trail runs 40 kilometres from Lilydale to Warburton, following a disused railway line through forests, farms, and valleys. It’s a bike touring dream—flat, scenic, and full of rural charm. Stay in a guesthouse, hit a winery, or just cruise through eucalyptus-scented air.
Start at Lilydale Station—accessible via train from Melbourne
Bring a gravel or hybrid bike for the unsealed track
Campgrounds and B&Bs are scattered along the route
Great bakeries in Woori Yallock and Yarra Junction
Ideal for slow touring or weekend trips
Bikepacking and big rides
For the bold riders out there, Melbourne’s a great starting point for bikepacking trips down the Great Ocean Road or into the Grampians. Start early, pack light, and prepare for all weather. You’ll find caravan parks, camping spots, and the kind of open-road freedom that only a bike can give.
Just make sure to check local fire warnings and track conditions, especially in summer. And always carry extra water—hydration is key on those rural legs.
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