Classic Australian scenery along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail | Tourism and Events Queensland
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5 Australian Cycling Trips Trending with New Zealanders
Kia ora! Come cross the ditch and say g'day while cycling some of the best bike routes that Australia has to offer. Whether you're interested in the sweeping plains and rural charms of the countryside, lush rainforests and tropical waters, or seeing native wildlife in their natural environment, there's a cycle tour in Australia that will suit you.
How does a cycle tour in Australia work?
Many New Zealanders are already enjoying their cycling experiences in Australia because we make it easy as. Our services include everything you need:
✅ Top quality bike or ebike
✅ Cosy accommodation that's full of character
✅ Daily luggage transfers
✅ Helpful navigation app
✅ Any transfers
✅ 24/7 support hotline
Read on to discover the top 5 Australian cycle tour itineraries loved by New Zealanders, or
get in touch with Erin and the team if you need advice or questions.
1. Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
At 161km in length, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) qualifies as the longest rail trail in Australia. Our self-guided cycle tour starts at the top of the range, giving you an easy start downhill to the plains of the Brisbane Valley and back to Wulkuraka over three days. The cycling is on mixed surfaces of gravel, dirt and asphalt and is achievable for anyone of reasonable fitness and cycling ability.
Along the route, you'll pass through prime agricultural land, a rugged mountain range and forests of Blackbutt, Hoop Pine and Cedar. Stops at historical townships with good coffee and bakery treats, interesting museums and friendly pubs are all part of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail experience.
"I cycled the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail with 8 friends on e-bikes. The trail was lovely, great surface, really well maintained and very few other cyclists. The Linwood Pub was pretty cool on a Saturday night with music and great restaurant and new motel units at Esk camping ground. The transfers and bag transport were perfect." S. Rowe, Katikati. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How to get there? Fly into Brisbane, then train or bus to Ipswich.
2. Central West Cycle Trail
The 400km long
Central West Cycle Trail takes cyclists on a loop through country New South Wales. There is everything you would expect from rural Australia, including sweeping views, lonely roads and charming towns packed with character. The route traverses the territory of the Wiradjuri people, the First Nations people of this area.
We have handpicked accommodation in a combination of country pubs with shared bathrooms and family run motels with private facilities, with friendly hosts and tasty food options. The sense of achievement as you roll into Mudgee on the last cycle day is a true highlight on this groundbreaking cycle trail.
"Great experience. We have completed many cycle trails, especially in NZ, and recommend this trail as worth doing." T. Jackman, Auckland. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
How to get there? Fly into Sydney then drive/bus to Mudgee.
3. Townsville, Rainforest & Magnetic Island Cycle
This tour captures the wonder of the World Heritage Paluma National Park, the beauty of the North Queensland coast, the vibrant city of Townsville and the tranquil beauty of nearby Magnetic Island. There are opportunities to explore the amazing World Heritage Great Barrier Reef or head off on a self guided cycle or walk along the east coast of this fascinating island.
Highlights include seeing rock wallabies, local birds in the wetlands and and the opportunity to join a snorkelling trip to explore the undersea wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Kylie, a journalist from Stuff, recently went on this trip and
described her cycling adventures.
"My wife and I are in our 60s and were looking for an ebike tour that provided a chance to do some sightseeing, as well as get a little bit of a workout. This trip provided both. Ian and Julia were very professional and provided us with great support throughout the tour. We had a great time and made new friends. We enthusiastically recommend this tour." M. Robb, Christchurch. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How to get there? Fly into Townsville in Queensland.
4. Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail
Spend your time taking in the beautiful scenery and enjoying the local produce and wines of regional Victoria while cycling the
Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. This itinerary follows sections of the old Wangaratta to Bright railway line and sees you cycle on gentle, flat roads or fun downhill trails while soaking in the views of verdant farmland, bushland, forests, valleys and mountains.
"Some great rides with a moderate amount of challenge on the longer days. Great variety with the accommodation." L. Craw, Wanaka. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Starting in the historical town of Beechworth, you will get your first taste of the fine produce of the region on a scenic day cycle to Milawa, with stops to sample cheese, mustard and wines.
You then cycle onwards to picturesque Myrtleford through shaded forests and eucalyptus trees with a relaxing lunch at a beautiful winery. Your final day's cycle takes you to Bright, the perfect town to explore the nearby Mount Buffalo National Park and Alpine National Park.
"Very easy cycle trail with outstanding views and interesting small towns." R. Stephenson, Te Anau. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How to get there? Fly into Melbourne, then drive or bus to Beechworth.
5. Northern Rivers Rail Trail & Tweed Valley Cycle
The Tweed Valley is a special place. It's where the ocean shores rise to the world's largest expanse of subtropical rainforest, creating a beautiful region that is truly breathtaking. You can experience it all on the
Northern Rivers Rail Trail & Tweed Valley Cycle.
The whole Tweed Valley was formed by an extinct volcano leaving behind a caldera. Right in the very centre of this timeless landscape sits Wollumbin (Mt Warning), the vent of this ancient volcano which is held with due reverence by the Bundjalung Indigenous people. After exploring this, you head out along the new Northern Rivers Rail Trail, one of the jewels of Northern NSW. Then turn east to the Tweed Coast and the sparkling beaches and coastline, where you'll stay in premium accommodation by the beach.
"The self-guided cycling tour out of Murwillumbah was terrific. Explored different landscapes and wonderful towns and got to know some of the locals. I enjoyed the route to Tyalgum and around Wollumbin. The gravel section around Wollumbin was in good shape and very peaceful, very nice riding. Riding the Northern Rivers Rail Trail was a treat and is well used by locals and visitors, a real bonus for the area. The logistics was well organised and communicated and everything worked seamlessly." M. Mahoney, Forrest. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How to get there? Fly into Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
Have you been cycling in Australia before? Where did you go, what did you experience? Let us know in the comment section below.