Cycle a Rail TrailView trips
5
Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 5 days self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotel/inn accommodation

Price

6 daysfrom

$2250AUD

 
 
Trip Code: NSC

South Coast Cycle Trip highlights


  • Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
  • Visit the Kiama Blowhole
  • Explore the charming town of Berry and sample the excellent food it has on offer
  • Enjoy rest day in Berry or undertake challenging Kangaroo Valley cycle
  • Take in the stunning scenery and beaches of NSW's South Coast
  • Explore Seven Mile Beach
  • Cycling along beautiful backroads lined with Eucalyptus and Farmlands

The NSW South Coast is the perfect destination to explore by bike. With breathtaking beaches, excellent food and wine, stunning natural scenery and plenty of charming towns to explore. On this six day adventure you can soak up all the delights of this popular region. Starting in Thirroul, the northern seaside suburb of Wollongong, you'll meander your way down the coast. You'll take in Kiama and its famous Blowhole before cycling to the historic town of Berry. Here you have the option of enjoying a rest day to explore the coastal cliff walks, beaches and sample the fine local produce at award winning wineries. If you are up for a challenge you may wish to complete the Kangaroo Valley cycle, a challenging but extremely rewarding 43km circuit. Then you'll continue to Nowra and Huskisson with one of the worlds whitest sandy beaches on the shores of Jervis Bay. On a self guided cycle each day is up to you. You can stop for a swim at the beaches en route, enjoy a quick coffee break at one of the cafes you pass, visit vineyards for lunch, or join a dolphin cruise around Jervis Bay. The choice is yours!

Itinerary

Please make your way to Thirroul, a popular seaside suburb and surf beach made popular by English author D. H. Lawrence. Our cycle starts from the heritage-listed train station where you will be met for your bike handover and luggage collection. The bike handover will be set up based on your arrival time. We recommend arriving between 9:00 and 10:00am. Today's journey spends the majority of the day on cycle-ways as we make our way to Kiama. The trail follows the spectacular coast, passing beautiful beaches and the outskirts of Wollongong. There are plenty of cafes overlooking the coast to stop for a cold drink, an ice-cream or a coffee. The trail continues further south to the Nan Tien Temple, one of the largest Buddhist Temples in the Southern Hemisphere. You can stop here and explore the temple, paying respect to the Buddhas and lighting the incense available. From here, it's back on the bikes as you hug Lake Illawarra and head into the hilly environs of Kiama, via Bombo. Kiama is in a stunning setting and famous for it's coastal cliffs and blowholes that we can visit tomorrow. We spend the night in Kiama, where there is a choice of pubs and restaurants to choose from for dinner. Overnight: Kiama

Meals:  Nil

Kiama is a wonderful area to explore with rugged coastal cliffs making for a lovely walk, spectacular surf beaches, ancient rainforrest and the famous blowholes. After a leisurely breakfast, you can head down to the coastline to visit the famous Kiama Blowholes. The name Kiama allegedly means “where the sea makes a noise”. When you see the blowholes it will become obvious why. On a good day, it can spray water 20 metres or more into the air. After some time spent exploring the area it is back to the bikes for the cycle to Gerringong. The cycle starts out on the highway for a few kilometres until you reach the turnoff to Gerringong. *(If you wish to avoid the highway section you will need to catch the train from Kiama to Gerrigong. It is also possible to walk between Kiama and Gerrigong - this takes 3 hours and we will need to arrange for your bike to be transferred to Gerrigong). From Gerringong, you'll descend into Gerroa which has marvellous coastal views and is a nice place to stop for a coffee and refuelling before crossing the Crooked River, and cycling past Seven Mile beach. This 12.5km stretch of white sandy beach is one of the longest beach stretches found on the Southern Coast and was used by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith as a runway for the first commercial flight from Australia to New Zealand. It is a great spot for a break and swim before we continue inland to Berry, your destination for the night. After lunch sampling the fine local produce we can recommend heading to the Drawing Room Rocks walk in the afternoon. Overnight: Berry

Meals:  Nil

A challenging circular route to Kangaroo Valley – this is a 45km loop with 1178 metres of climbing, along windy country roads, not for the faint hearted. There are some steep stretches and it’s important to take enough water. We recommend an additional bottle for this one. Kangaroo Valley itself is a beautiful little town with a great choice of restaurants. The road is sealed with the exception of one brief section, about 1km long, which is unsurfaced but very rideable. For those up for the challenge it is a very rewarding day and well worth the effort! Overnight: Berry

Meals:  Nil

If you cycled the Kangaroo Valley loop yesterday, you will appreciate a relaxing short, spectacular cycling day today. After breakfast, we start our relatively flat cycle to Nowra. There’s not much climbing today, so it’s a nice easy ride on a quiet road. There are a number of sites you can stop and take in including Coolangatta Estate winery, a recommended stop for lunch. After lunch you'll follow the Shoalhaven River and cross over it into Nowra. Nowra is the largest coastal town in the Shoalhaven region, surrounded by rich farmland and vineyards, perfect for exploring at handlebar level. Only a short distance from the delightful centre lies the stunning beaches of the NSW South Coast. Overnight: Nowra

Meals:  Nil

The cycle today heads toward the aerodrome, you may wish to make an optional stop at the Fleet Air Museum. It is well worth a visit, and has around 30 aircraft on display, a basic helicopter simulator which you can have a go on, and more. From here it’s a ride along a beautiful back road featuring classic Australian bush scenery with eucalyptus trees and farmlands either side. You then cross the highway and head back towards the coast and the run into the bustling coastal town of Huskisson and nearby Jervis Bay. The beaches here are a must-visit, the beach sand is some of the whitest sand found anywhere in the world! Your hire bike will be collected this afternoon. Overnight: Huskisson

Meals:  Nil

You are right on the doorstep of the Jervis Bay Marine Park, teaming with a vast array of marine life including bottle nose Dolphins along with stunning coastline. You can use this morning to take a dolphin watching cruise around Jervis Bay (or join a whale watching tour if you're travelling between mid-May to mid-November). The trip concludes today in Huskisson.

Meals:  Nil


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 5 nights accommodation in hotels on a twin share basis with private facilities
  • Hybrid bike hire including helmet, bike lock, handlebar bag and pannier
  • Route information available to download through our app
  • Luggage transfers

  • Travel to Thirroul and from Huskisson
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, car parking, towel etc
  • Travel insurance
  • All meals
  • Whale/dolphin cruise in Jervis Bay
  • Phone handlebar mount

Bike information


Accommodation


Grading

Moderate  
5

This self guided trip involves 5 days of cycling over undulating terrain. Daily cycle distances are between 27 to 58km, which should take between 3-6 hours although this might be longer depending on your overall pace on riding a bike with a pannier. Being a self guided trip you determine the pace and schedule. The cycling will be on a mix of bike paths and quiet roads. There are some short, unavoidable sections where you will cycle along the highway. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health and be a very confident and capable cyclist. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions which can also add to the timing and comfort of a trip, for example riding into a head wind will take more time than when the wind is behind you.


Departure dates

Daily departures except 15 Dec to 31 Jan

Notes

Note:
A seasonal supplement applies for departures in November, December, January and February and during NSW school holidays/public holidays. Please contact us for details as the supplement is in addition to the advertised price and the rates vary with availablility. .
DN2
This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tour suggestions.
DN3
If you are staying in Huskisson over a weekend (Fri/Sat) a two night stay will be required between 1 October and 30 April, and during NSW school holidays.
DN4
Please note, when we book your accommodation some hotels may request a deposit/full payment to secure your booking. This amount will be payable, in addition to the Australian Cycle Tours deposit. Any extra payments, along with the $400 AUD deposit, are non-refundable.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events or just tailoring a trip to suit your own needs - learn how you can tailor your own Customised Tour.

Priceper person from

$2250AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount to remove bike hireAUD$-300
  • Transfer Huskisson to Thirroul, including bikes 1-2 paxAUD$370
  • Transfer Huskisson to Thirroul, including bikes - 3 to 4 peopleAUD$420
  • e-bike supplement (min 2 e-bikes) ppAUD$520
  • Single SupplementAUD$750
*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Thirroul to Huskisson Self Guided Cycle trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Frequently Asked Questions

The easiest way to get to Thirroul is by car. If you are coming from Sydney the drive is around 1.5 hours.

You can also take the train from Sydney to Thirroul. This is a 90 minute journey

The bike handover will take place at Thirroul train station. We will arrange the bike handover based on your planned arrival time, however we recommend arriving between 9:00 and 10:00am.

Your luggage will also be collected at this bike handover and then transferred to your first hotel.

You can catch a local bus to Bomaderry, then a connecting train to Thirroul.

Alternatively, we can arrange a transfer between Huskisson and Thirroul. Please speak with our staff for more details.

Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. You will cover up to 58km in a day and you will need to be confident cycling on roads. There are some unavoidable sections where you will need to cycle along the highway so you will need to be confident cycling on the road.

Yes, if you prefer to bring your own bike you can. Please speak with our staff about this at the time of booking and a small discount will be applied.


South Coast Cycle Trip reviews


Why cycle with us

SELF GUIDED EXPERTS

As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Australia you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.

TRUSTED LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about cycling and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for you.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. We've sourced the highest quality bikes and most authentic accommodations so you can enjoy a stress free cycling trip.


Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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