Andrew Bain, travel writer and author of Ultimate Cycling Trips: Australia, spent 14 months cycling around the country at the turn of the millennium. Bain, author of Ultimate Cycling Trips Australia, spent 14 months cycling across the country around the turn of the millennium. He says that Australia wasn’t a popular destination 20 years ago. The network of Australia’s cycling trails has grown rapidly in the past 20 years, catering to both first-timers and seasoned road warriors.
Bain, who is from Tasmania, has seen “mountain biking go nuts” since Derby opened in 2015. There are now dozens, if not hundreds, of mountain bike parks all over the country. Rail trails, particularly in Victoria, have become more common and are a great way to get started with cycling. They offer gentle gradients, easy access, and no traffic.
The e-bike has improved downhill and road biking. Bain said: “I’m constantly bumping into people in their 60s or 70s who are starting to cycle because they can now hop on an electric bike… basically, there has never been a better time to start cycling touring.”
January
Santos Tour South Down Under Ride
Adelaide and its surrounding areas are popular destinations for spectators, but the Challenge Tour allows you to get in on the action. The 123.5km third-stage ride includes closed roads, nutrition stations, mechanical support, and more. You can watch the professional riders as they roll to the finish.
Take the popular Linear Park Trail for a leisurely walk. The 46km route begins in Athelstone and meanders along the Torrens River between red gums and banks made of reeds. It then passes through Adelaide’s city center before ending at West Beach.
February
Victoria Australian Alpine Epic Trail
This summer-only ride is the first in the Southern Hemisphere to be awarded the “epic’ designation by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. It stunningly descends 40km, losing over a kilometer in altitude. The trail descends from the top of Mt Buller through stands of mountain gum and snow ash, under granite overhangs, and along exposed ridgelines.
Sydneysiders who want to experience thrills close to home should head to the Thredbo Valley Track. This 35km track follows the Thredbo River through dense forests, fern-filled ravines, and open grasslands. It becomes more difficult as it approaches Jindabyne.
March
Margaret River, Western Australia
Margaret River is already known for its world-class wineries, restaurants, and surf breaks. But in the last few years, a number of new trails have been built. The 31km Wadandi Track, rated “easy” by mountain bikers, is an excellent way to explore this region.
Wadjemup is the perfect option if you want to stay on sealed roads. The 25-minute trip from Fremantle will bring you to a mostly car-free island. There are shuttle buses, cyclists, and quokkas sharing the road.
April
Blue Derby, Tasmania
Derby, in northeast Tasmania, is not only home to Australia’s best mountain biking destination. Blue Derby’s 125km of singletrack caters to riders of all levels. It is one of the most extensive networks in the entire world. Chocolate soil ribbons wind through giant boulders and ferns. Kumma-Gutza is a double black trail that Enduro World Series has named as the best-specialized trail in the world. You can also combine several trails to create a day-long epic journey.
Bain suggests Maria Island, off Tasmania’s East Coast. He says that the island is car-free, but it still has wide roads and trails, which pass by the main attractions, such as Painted Cliffs or Fossil Cliffs. You’ll also see wombats everywhere you go, and it’s all possible right off the ferry.
May
Victoria Murray-to-Mountain Rail Trail
Bain says that cyclists who are looking for beautiful autumn colors will enjoy the ride between Myrtleford and Bright, which is known for its abundance of gold, crimson, and burnt umber leaves. The rail trail offers spectacular views of the Alps but is also relatively flat and sealed. It is also a great place to stop at wineries, breweries, and food producers. You can make it a three-day trip, with stops at Beechworth and Myrtleford. This is a great itinerary for your first overnight cycling trip.
June
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Queensland
Cycling enthusiasts will find a vast network of multi-day and single-day rides as the temperatures in southern Australia begin to drop. This 161km rail trail is the longest in Australia. The trail meanders downhill over three days from Yarraman through a valley with fertile farmland and blackbutt, cedar, and cedar forest before ending at Wulkuraka. The Brisbane River Loop is a short option for those who want to explore the city. It connects bike paths along the Brisbane River.
August
Alice Springs, Northern Territory
For years, locals have explored the rugged landscapes surrounding Alice Springs in 4WD. More recently, mountain bikers are joining them to take advantage of an expanding network of trails. Over 200km of singletrack are within easy riding distance from town. They range from fast, flowing trails to technical descents. Winter temperatures are comfortable, with daytime temperatures around 20 degrees. This is perfect for long rides along the red escarpments.
August
Smithfield Mountain Bike Park in Queensland
Australia’s first Mountain Bike Park opened on the opposite end of the country long before Derby attracted thrill-seekers across the world. Smithfield, located just outside Cairns, hosted world tour events in the 1990s. The tight curves of track that twist through dense jungle, along steep ridges, and across crystal clear creeks are still intact. It’s best to ride these trails during the dry season, but be aware that the rainforest can get very hot. If you don’t own an e-bike, it is better to start early in the morning.
September
Riesling Trail, South Australia
This rail trail, which runs through the Clare Valley to the north of Adelaide, has been in existence since 1994. It is now one of the most popular cycling routes in Australia. This shaded 33km trail passes within meters of many vineyards and cellars, making it a great choice for beginners. For those seeking a more challenging route, the Rattler trail continues south for 19km. In spring, the region is best when the vines are in full bloom and surrounded by golden fields of canola.
October
Western Australia Munda Biddi
This trail stretches over 1,000km from the suburbs of Perth all the way to Albany. It is the longest continuous off-road trail in the world. The trail passes through jarrah, tingle, and farmland, as well as mining leases. It is open all year round, but in spring, the grasslands are carpeted with wildflowers. The average rider takes a full month to complete the distance. They sleep in specially built huts after each stage.
November
MS Gong Ride Classic, New South Wales
This annual event, which has been held for 40 years now, travels from Sydney’s central area through Sutherlandshire and Royal National Park before continuing south along the Grand Pacific Drive towards Wollongong. Closed roads offer a unique opportunity to see the Pacific Ocean. The 52km and 79km options are ideal for new cyclists. The event has raised over $40m in research for multiple sclerosis since its beginning. If you are not ready to take on this challenge, Royal National Park offers a variety of shorter options. One is the 10km Lady Carrington Drive.
December
Victoria Great Ocean Road
Bain loves the coastal route and says it is “so better to ride it than drive it.” However, he warns that school holidays are a bad time to take it as it can be crowded. The 243km journey between Torquay and Warrnambool should be tackled early in December. You can avoid the traffic while still enjoying long summer days.
