8 Best Cycling Trips in Australia

The alpine valleys of North East Victoria are home to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, a route famed for its gourmet stops and mountain vistas and considered one of the best cycling trails in Victoria, Australia. As you pedal between the historic towns of Beechworth and Bright, the landscape evolves from rolling hills to steep granite peaks, offering a classic Victorian High Country cycling experience in Australia. The region is a haven for those who appreciate the intersection of physical activity and refined gastronomy on an active escape in Victoria.

• Gourmet Cycling: Stop at local farm gates to sample artisanal cheeses and seasonal berries along the trail on your High Country cycling tour.
• Craft Breweries: Visit microbreweries in Bright and Mount Beauty for a refreshing break after a morning ride in regional Victoria.
• Boutique Vineyards: Taste cool-climate wines at cellar doors situated directly along the winding mountainside paths of the Victorian High Country.
• Historic Beechworth: Explore the preserved gold-rush architecture and the legacy of outlaw Ned Kelly in one of Victoria’s most atmospheric towns.
• Alpine Ascents: Challenge yourself with the 7 Peaks Ride, traversing the highest road climbs in the Victorian Alps for a signature cycling challenge in Australia.

Start your alpine adventure after viewing our Best Tme to Visit Australia article.

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most recognizable coastal routes and one of the best coastal cycling routes in Australia. It features over 150 miles of riding between Torquay and Warrnambool. While the road is famous for its driving vistas, experiencing it by bike provides an unfiltered look at the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles and the power of the Southern Ocean along Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. Choosing the shoulder season ensures quieter roads and a more intimate cycling encounter with the Southern Ocean on your Australia trip.

• Coastal Descents: Enjoy sweeping downhill runs with panoramic views of the rugged Shipwreck Coast on this iconic Great Ocean Road cycling route.
• Twelve Apostles: Arrive at the iconic limestone formations by bicycle for a perspective often missed by vehicle tours along this famous stretch of Victoria, Australia.
• Otway Rainforest: Cycle through the cool-temperate rainforests of the Great Otway National Park, one of the lushest corners of southeastern Australia.
• Port Campbell: Relax in this seaside village after a day of navigating windswept cliffs and sandy beaches on your Great Ocean Road bike tour.
• Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye on the roadside eucalyptus trees for wild koalas and native birdlife along this coastal route in Victoria.

Incorporate a cycling segment into an Australia tour for couples for a romantic, active escape along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.

Located just offshore from Perth in Western Australia, Rottnest Island is a protected wildlife paradise where cars are restricted, making it a cyclist’s dream and one of the best car-free cycling destinations in Australia. The island features 63 beaches and 20 secluded bays, all connected by mostly flat, well-paved roads ideal for relaxed day rides on a Western Australia holiday. It is the ideal destination for a relaxed day of exploration, where the most frequent traffic you will encounter is a friendly quokka.

• Island Circuit: Pedal the entire coastline to find your own private stretch of white sand and turquoise water on this classic Rottnest Island cycling loop.
• Quokka Encounters: Observe these famous marsupials in their natural habitat as you cycle through the interior of this Western Australian island.
• Beach Hopping: Carry your snorkeling gear to explore the coral reefs at Parker Point or Little Salmon Bay between cycling segments.
• Lighthouse Vistas: Climb to the Wadjemup Lighthouse for a 360-degree view of the Indian Ocean and Rottnest’s rugged coastline.
• Seafood Picnic: Enjoy a lunch of fresh local lobster at a seaside table overlooking the harbor on your Western Australia cycling day trip.

See our Underrated and Emerging Destinations in Australia for more information on Perth.

Wollemi National Park offers some of the most remote and ancient landscapes in New South Wales, making it ideal for a wilderness-focused cycling tour in Australia. The cycle trail leads you through towering pine forests and hidden canyons, with sections that pass through historic glow-worm tunnels, showcasing a wilder side of NSW. It is a journey into a region that feels untouched by time, located just a short distance from the sophisticated hub of Sydney, Australia.

• Blue Mountains: Begin your ride in the elevated lanes of Katoomba in the Blue Mountains before descending into the deep valleys.
• Glowworm Tunnels: Experience the unique phenomenon of thousands of bioluminescent larvae in abandoned railway tunnels along this New South Wales cycling route.
• Newnes Plateau: Cycle across high-altitude plains with views stretching over the UNESCO-listed wilderness of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
• Private Guiding: Use a local expert to navigate the most secluded sections of the trail for a secure and informative cycling experience in NSW.
• Riverside Camping: Opt for a luxury glamping setup along the banks of the Wollemi River for a night under the stars in the Australian bush.

For more inspiration, take a look at Zicasso’s sample Stunning Beauty of Australia Tour.

The Tasmanian Trail is a multi-use route that stretches from the north to the south of the island state, making it one of the most immersive cycling routes in Australia. It offers a combination of dusty tracks and quiet country roads that wind through dense forests and open plains, reflecting the wild character of regional Tasmania. Cycling in Tasmania provides a sense of isolation and purity, where the air is among the cleanest in the world and the wildlife is uniquely prehistoric.

• Forest Trails: Ride beneath the canopy of ancient giant ferns and towering eucalyptus trees in Tasmania’s wilderness.
• Wildlife Observation: Spot the elusive Tasmanian Devil or Bennett's wallabies along the quiet trail edges on your Tasmanian cycling adventure.
• North-South Traverse: Experience the full diversity of the island's terrain over a private, multiday journey from northern Tasmania to the south.
• Heritage Towns: Stop in historic villages like Richmond to sample local cider and explore colonial history in Tasmania.
• Eco-Luxury Lodges: End your day in a high-end sustainable lodge designed to blend into the Tasmanian bush, combining comfort and nature.

Explore our Romantic Tasmanian Food and Wine Tour. Then ask our travel specialists to incorporate cycling into your itinerary.

The Mawson Trail is South Australia’s premier long-distance route, extending from the Adelaide Hills into the heart of the Flinders Ranges and showcasing classic Outback cycling in Australia. This is a journey through the red earth and vast horizons of the Australian Outback, ideal for adventurous cyclists. While the terrain is barren and beautiful, the trail also passes through the world-class Barossa wine region, offering a sophisticated contrast to the rugged road on your South Australia cycling tour.

• Outback Horizons: Experience the immense scale of the Flinders Ranges as you cycle through ancient geological formations in regional South Australia.
• Barossa Detour: Take a break from the dirt tracks to sample elite shiraz in the historic Barossa Valley on a combined cycling and wine experience.
• Adelaide Hills: Begin with a ride through the cool-climate orchards and European-style villages near the city of Adelaide.
• Farmland Vistas: Pedal through golden wheat fields and pastoral stations that define the South Australian interior landscape.
• Starry Nights: Enjoy the unparalleled clarity of the Outback sky during an evening at a remote luxury station in the Flinders region.

Add a wine segment to your ride with our sample Australia wine tours.

In Northern Queensland, cycling is a gateway to the intersection of the rainforest and the reef on an active tropical Australia holiday. The Lake Placid Loop offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city of Cairns, guiding cyclists through lush tropical flora to the banks of a sparkling lake. The route concludes along the Cairns Esplanade, where the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea meet the green mountains, making this one of the most scenic cycling routes in Queensland, Australia.

• Tropical Canopy: Cycle through dense greenery filled with the calls of exotic birds and native butterflies in Far North Queensland.
• Lake Placid: Enjoy a quiet picnic overlooking the water before continuing on the forest paths near Cairns.
• Esplanade Ride: Conclude your trip with a gentle pedal along the shoreline as the sun sets over the reef on the Cairns Esplanade.
• Reef Access: Combine your land-based adventure with a private boat charter to the Great Barrier Reef for a classic reef-and-rainforest itinerary.
• Atherton Tablelands: Extend your ride into the nearby highlands for cooler air and hidden waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands.

See our Great Barrier Reef tours to combine your cycling with marine exploration in Queensland, Australia.

The Darwin Rail Trail follows the path of the former North Australian Railway, offering a journey through the rich history and tropical woodlands of the Northern Territory. The trail is mostly flat and follows the old railway embankments, making it an accessible yet fascinating way to see the Top End on a cycling trip in Australia. It is a route that highlights the resilience of the local landscape and its industrial past near the capital city of Darwin.

• Railway Heritage: Discover abandoned station sites and historic infrastructure hidden beneath the forest canopy in the Northern Territory.
• Tropical Woodlands: Ride through landscapes that change dramatically between the wet and dry seasons near Darwin.
• Howard Springs: Stop at this natural spring for a cooling dip and a chance to see local aquatic life on your Top End cycling route.
• Bespoke Transfers: Use private air-conditioned transport to reach the trailhead in comfort from Darwin.
• Darwin Esplanade: Finish your journey in the vibrant capital, enjoying the warm sea breezes and sunset markets along the Darwin waterfront.

View our Australia honeymoon packages for an active and romantic Northern Territory escape that includes cycling.

When is the Best Time for Cycling in Australia?

Australia’s massive size means cycling conditions vary by region, so the ideal season depends on your route. Spring and autumn generally offer the most comfortable temperatures in southern regions like Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia, while the dry season is preferable for tropical and Outback rides in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

When planning a cycling trip in Australia, it is also worth considering public holidays and school breaks, when popular coastal paths and scenic drives may feel busier. Shoulder periods can offer quieter roads, better availability at boutique lodges, and more flexibility when adjusting daily distances or adding rest days into a longer itinerary.

What Fitness Level Do You Need for Cycling in Australia?

Most Australian cycling routes can be tailored to a wide range of fitness levels, from gentle coastal paths and rail trails suited to casual riders to alpine climbs and long-distance Outback tracks for seasoned cyclists. E-bikes, support vehicles, and flexible daily distances can make even ambitious itineraries accessible if you prefer a more moderate pace.

For travelers unsure where they fit, discussing preferred daily riding time, comfort with hills, and interest in rest days can help shape the right route and bike choice. Guided or supported cycling itineraries often include route options each day, allowing one partner to tackle steeper climbs while the other chooses a scenic, lower-intensity alternative before reuniting in the evening.

What Gear and Support Are Recommended for Australia Cycling Trips?

High-quality bikes, helmets, repair kits, and weather-appropriate layers are essential, with sun protection and ample hydration especially important in Australia’s harsher climates. Many luxury-focused cycling itineraries include bike hire, luggage transfers, navigation support, and on-call vehicle assistance so you can focus more on the scenery than on logistics.

For longer or more remote routes, opt for GPS-enabled devices, spare tubes, and lightweight rain gear to handle sudden changes in conditions. Those staying in boutique lodges or remote camps frequently opt for pre-arranged bike fitting, daily maintenance checks, and scheduled snack or picnic stops that keep the experience smooth and comfortable from start to finish.

Can I Combine Cycling with Other Australia Experiences?

Cycling often works best as one chapter in a broader Australia itinerary, pairing active days with wine tasting, reef excursions, or city stays. Luxury ravelers frequently combine rail trails with gourmet touring in Victoria, coastal cycling with Great Barrier Reef trips in Queensland, or Outback rides with stargazing and cultural experiences in the Red Centre.

This approach allows you to balance time in the saddle with moments of rest and indulgence, whether that means a post-ride spa treatment, a long lunch at a vineyard, or a sunset cruise. By anchoring cycling days around distinctive regions, such as pairing Tasmania’s trails with wilderness lodges or South Australia’s Mawson Trail with the Barossa, each stage of the journey feels cohesive and purposeful rather than rushed.

From the red sands of the Outback to the lush fringes of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s cycling trails offer a profound way to discover the continent’s most secluded corners on an active holiday in Australia. Each route provides a different perspective on the local wildlife, history, and topography, allowing for a personalized Australia cycling itinerary that balances physical challenge with luxury and comfort.

For more information on all you can experience in this Southern Hemisphere country, take a look at our sample Australia tours and trip packages. More inspiration can be found in our Australia travel guide.