8 Best Cycling Trips in Australia

The alpine slopes and valleys of Victoria create the High Country. Villages, gourmet restaurants, boutique wineries, and micro-breweries change the dynamic of cycling along the winding mountainside trails.

The spectacular landscape follows the footsteps of notorious Australian outlaw Ned Kelly between Melbourne and Beechworth, or leads to elevated prairies and protected wildlife reflected in the glassy lakes at Mount Buffalo. Combine the rush of cycling, the beauty of the scenery, and the pleasures of craft beer on the road from Glenrowan to Mount Beauty when visiting four local breweries during intermittent breaks between mountain biking.

Cycling Victoria’s High Country Trail is an excellent adventure activity to add to two-week Australia tours visiting the popular and unexpected across the country.

The two-lane roadway that winds along the southern coast of Victoria is best known for its gorgeous views of dramatic landscapes and offers a 150-mile stretch for cycling between Torquay to Warrnambool.

The road grows crowded with tour buses and slow-moving cars filled with people gawking at the scenery, making the shoulder season the best time to cycle the narrow road without succumbing to the chill, wind, and rain during the low season.

The winding cliffs, beaches, ocean stacks, rainforest, and sandy beaches make for an unforgettable introduction to Australia’s diverse topography and fantastic cycling trips, and a perfect addition to a 10-day Australia tour passing through Victoria.

Brilliant scenery encapsulated by endless beaches, colorful cliffs, and mostly traffic-free roads, Rottnest Island provides the perfect cycling destination in Australia.

With the exception of buses, the roads are clear of cars, covering mostly flat landscape for seven square miles. Cyclists of any experience level can enjoy circling the island or venturing to different beaches to relax on the soft sands or surf the waves.

As one of the best places to view wildlife in Australia, cycling trips in Rottnest Island will also reveal the friendly quokkas and other curious creatures thriving in the protected wildlife paradise.

Pine forests that give Wollemi National Park its name, small towns nestled inland, and remarkable natural phenomena draw cyclists to the New South Wales trail.

The entire trail can take multiple days to complete, but new cyclists and veterans can experience the beautiful route by choosing sections of preference. You could explore the lanes of Katoomba and veer off the beaten path to villages beneath the magnificent Blue Mountains. Other trails wind to the untouched Newnes Plateau and guide cyclists through glow-worm tunnels.

One of the most remote and remarkable natural regions of New South Wales, every inch of this route is surrounded by sensational scenery. Most travelers choose to explore the region on tours from Sydney that provide room to arrive at and discover the many wonders of Wollemi.

The Tasmanian Trail takes cyclists through national parks and forests that create a beautiful backdrop of green countryside and sparse plains.

Combining multiple easy rides, cyclists of varying levels can choose short trips or longer journeys through the immense Tasmanian countryside. Dusty tracks, wooden pathways, and steep slopes make cycling through the region feel disconnected from the rest of the world. There is something magical about venturing across the thriving island state with few others in sight.

Along the way, you can stop to spot wildlife and may catch a glimpse of the elusive Tasmanian devil, wallabies, kangaroos, and more of Australia’s unusual animals.

The Mawson Trail weaves across the South Australian Outback, inviting travelers onto one of the best bike trips in the barren reaches of the Adelaide Hills and beyond.

For almost the entire length of the journey, you will cycle along dusty trails, through farmlands, and reserves. There is no traffic and no main roads to worry about as you venture out across the immense South Australian Outback.

Country towns and the stunning Barossa wine region, one of Australia’s best wine regions, are highlights to experience along the trail, as well as much more in the Flinders Ranges.

Cairns is a stunning coastal getaway in Queensland, with fantastic cycling routes across the city. Lake Placid trails remain favorites as they offer starts within the city and roads that wind to the famous Lake Placid Loop.

The loop guides cyclists along the lake’s forest paths to picnic shelters that overlook sparkling water. You will hear birds and view the flourishing flora that creates the green hub surrounding Lake Placid.

This cycling trip reveals the natural beauty of Queensland and concludes along the Cairns esplanade, where you can relax looking out over the reefs fringing the Coral Sea. As a popular stop on Great Barrier Reef tours, travelers can combine cycling in Cairns with exploring Australia’s iconic marine sanctuary.

Many magnificent routes run across Australia’s Northern Territory and the Darwin Rail Trail is one of the most historic and beautiful.

The paths follow the former North Australian Railway, guiding cyclists along old railway embankments beneath forest canopies. Beyond woodlands and thriving environments, the rich history of this railway route comes to life.

You can visit charming towns and Howard Springs as you enjoy views of Australia’s Northern Territory on comfortable or challenging cycles during your vacation.

Explore the eight best cycling trips in Australia, visiting the Outback, coastline, and national parks on one of our tailored Australia vacations and tours. These trailblazing routes are recognized for their panoramic views of gorgeous land and seascapes, giving you the opportunity to witness the local wildlife or stop at historic towns.

As you plan for your cycling trips in Australia, you can also find more insight and information to help you prepare for your adventure in our Australia travel guide.