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.
WHAT ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CYCLING ROUTES IN AUSTRALIA?
Discover the most beautiful cycling routes in Australia, where scenic coastlines, lush rainforests, and rugged mountain passes await. This guide highlights iconic trails like the Great Ocean Road, Munda Biddi Trail, and Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, offering detailed insights on difficulty levels, terrain, access points, and travel tips. Whether you're a weekend rider or a serious cyclist, these handpicked routes promise epic views and unforgettable rides.
Coastal rides with ocean views
Australia’s coastline is a cyclist’s dream, offering dramatic sea cliffs, quiet beach roads, and panoramic ocean views. These coastal routes combine stunning scenery with smooth tarmac and occasional gravel stretches, making them perfect for leisure and endurance rides alike.
The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
One of the world’s most iconic coastal rides, the Great Ocean Road stretches over 240 km between Torquay and Allansford. With views of the Twelve Apostles, cliffs plunging into the Southern Ocean, and winding curves through seaside towns, it’s a bucket-list ride.
Distance: 243 km (one way)
Best for: Road cyclists, multi-day tours
Tip: Ride east to west for prevailing wind advantage
Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania
The route to Port Arthur through Eaglehawk Neck offers epic coastal cliffs, wild landscapes, and light traffic. It’s perfect for cyclists seeking solitude, sea breezes, and raw natural beauty.
Distance: Approx. 90 km round trip
Highlights: Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen
Best season: Summer or early autumn
Gold Coast Oceanway, Queensland
Spanning 36 km of shared paths from Point Danger to The Spit, the Oceanway is perfect for relaxed rides with surf views, beach cafes, and iconic skyline backdrops.
Type: Mostly flat, sealed shared-use path
Family-friendly with rest stops and lookouts
Great for sunrise or sunset rides
Epic inland and forest adventures
Beyond the beaches, Australia’s heartland is a hidden cycling gem. Rolling hills, eucalyptus forests, old railway lines, and vast outback stretches create varied terrain for all cycling styles, especially gravel and endurance riders.
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Queensland
At 161 km, this is Australia’s longest rail trail, running from Wulkuraka to Yarraman. It’s entirely off-road, packed with rural charm, historic bridges, and scenic farmland.
Surface: Gravel and compacted earth
Suited for: Gravel bikes, touring bikes
Multi-day friendly with towns every 20–30 km
Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Victoria
This 116 km sealed trail from Wangaratta to Bright and Beechworth meanders through vineyards, alpine valleys, and charming country towns. It’s one of the best gourmet-cycling experiences in Australia.
Highlights: Local wineries, Mt Buffalo views
All sealed—great for road bikes and e-bikes
Plenty of bike-friendly accommodation
The Munda Biddi Trail, Western Australia
“Munda Biddi” means “path through the forest” in Noongar. Stretching over 1,000 km from Mundaring to Albany, it’s one of the world’s longest off-road cycling trails. Expect dense jarrah forests, wildflowers, and wildlife.
Best for: Mountain bikes, bikepacking setups
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Free campsites and shelters along the route
Alpine climbs and unique terrain
Australia may not have the Alps or Pyrenees, but its alpine regions still pack a punch. Snowy mountains, extinct volcanoes, and desert ridges offer climbs and landscapes that rival Europe—without the crowds.
Mount Buffalo Ascent, Victoria
This 20 km climb begins near the town of Porepunkah and ascends to Mount Buffalo Chalet. With switchbacks, epic vistas, and steady gradient, it’s a favorite for Aussie climbers.
Gradient: Avg 5.4%, max 10%
Road surface: Smooth tarmac
Ride early to avoid wind and heat
Stuart Highway, Northern Territory
For true adventurers, the Stuart Highway from Darwin to Adelaide offers a unique desert ride across the Outback. Remote roadhouses and red dirt landscapes define this journey.
Total distance: Over 3,000 km
Recommended for experienced cyclists only
Essential: Water planning, spare parts
Thredbo to Jindabyne, New South Wales
This high-country ride follows alpine roads and trails with sweeping mountain views, snow gums, and quiet switchbacks. Ideal during spring and summer months when the snow melts away.
Distance: Around 35 km one way
Elevation: 1,300m to 900m descent
Optional MTB trails along the way
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