Ten Epic Australian Cycling Holiday Destinations

Find your next Australian bike trip with these 10 regions that are perfect for cycling.

Should I Hire an Electric Bike for my Trip?

Are electric bicycles worth it? How do they work? Read our helpful guide on what you need to know about ebikes.

10 of the Best Sights to Explore in the Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands Cycle is so much more than just a cycling trip; discover delicious food, wineries, waterfalls, museums and more!

Bike at the Bundanoon Train Station | Kate Baker

Australian Cycling Holidays 2026

Want to do a cycling trip in Australia in 2026? Discover our unforgettable bike tours and experience the real Australia in 2026.

A cyclist on the Tweed Valley Coast | Erin Wileman

Great Victorian Rail Trail vs the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail

Which Rail Trail in Victoria will you cycle? With classic Australian landscapes, divine regional produce, and well-maintained paths - ideally, you pedal both.

Cycling the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail near Bright

Watch: Central West Cycle Trail

While nothing can compare to actually riding the Central West Cycle Trail for yourself, we think our new film gets pretty close!

Cycle the charming streets of Gulgong | Tim Charody

More Inspiration

Cycling the Great Ocean Road | Tracey Croke

Australian Cycling Holidays, Australian Cycle Tours

Australian Cycling Holidays 2027

Australia's rail trails and coastal routes keep expanding every year, and 2027 brings a strong line-up of self-guided and supported departures across the country. Whether you're chasing a flat rail trail with a cellar door every afternoon, a multi-day coastal run, or a genuine leg-burner with an e-bike upgrade on standby, here's where to start planning your 2027 ride with Australian Cycle Tours.

Enjoy cycling in Gippsland & the Snowy River National Park

Fan-favourite rides to book for 2027

These are the trips our team fields the most calls about, and the two in bold are the ones we'd point a first-time self-guided cyclist toward. Every trip below runs point-to-point or as a loop, with your bike, luggage transfers and route notes sorted before you arrive.

Central West Trail Cycle (7 days, self-guided)
Central West Trail Highlights (5 days, self-guided)
Kosciuszko to the Sea (8 days, self-guided)
Capertee Valley in Comfort (4 days, self-guided)
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycle (4 days, self-guided)
Brisbane Valley & Kilkivan Rail Trail Cycle (8 days, self-guided)
Northern Rivers Rail Trail Cycle (3 days, self-guided)

Shaded road on the route between Mendooran and Ballimore | <i>Michele Eckersley</i>

Ride, eat, repeat: cycling trips for food and wine lovers in 2027

A day in the saddle earns you the right to a proper feed at the other end. Each of these routes runs through wine country, farm-gate produce, or country pubs worth detouring for, and the cellar-door stops are built into the itinerary, not an afterthought.

Southern Highlands Cycle (6 days, self-guided)
Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail Short Break (4 days, self-guided)
Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail Extended Cycle (7 days, self-guided)
Great Victorian Rail Trail (4 days, self-guided)
Mudgee Self-Guided Cycle Explorer (5 days, self-guided)
Clare Valley Cycle Explorer (5 days, self-guided)

Reward your cycling with a Mudgee wine | Tim Charody

Trips that will test your legs in 2027

Not every holiday needs to be restful. These four routes climb, cover real distance, or both, and every one of them can be upgraded to an e-bike if you'd rather save your legs for the descents.

Sea to Kosciuszko (8 days, self-guided)
Thirroul to Huskisson (6 days, self-guided)
Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail Downhill Edition (5 days, self-guided)
Gippsland and Snowy River National Park (7 days, supported)

Cattle grids feature on the route to Bombala while cycling between Kosi and the Sea | <i>Ross Baker</i>

Cycling with a side of luxury in 2027

A bike holiday is still a holiday. These four trips pair the riding with boutique stays, unhurried daily distances and a few indulgent extras, think cellar-door tastings and a proper hotel bed waiting at the end of the day.

Capertee Valley in Comfort (4 days, self-guided)
Clare Valley Cycle Premium Explorer (5 days, self-guided)
Southern Highlands Cycle (6 days, self-guided)
Northern Rivers Rail Trail & Tweed Coast (3 days, self-guided)

Relax at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa in Kingscliff on the North Coast.

Coast-hugging rides for 2027

There's a particular kind of good mood that comes from cycling with the ocean in view all day, knowing a swim is never far away. These South Coast and Northern Rivers routes add cellar doors, whale-watching lookouts and some of the whitest sand in the country to that equation.

Sydney to Jervis Bay (7 days, self-guided)
Thirroul to Huskisson (6 days, self-guided)
Kiama to Huskisson (4 days, self-guided)
Northern Rivers Rail Trail & Tweed Coast (3 days, self-guided)

Cyclist taking in the views on the route to Kiama | <i>Kate Baker</i>

>> Ready to lock in a multi-day bike tour for 2027? Call Linda, Erin and the team on 1300 113 966.

Have you got a 2027 cycling trip on the cards? Tell us where in the comments below.

Run the Northern Rivers Rail Trail | Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Parkrun, Rail Trails

Parkrun while Cycling Australia

A cycling holiday and a Saturday morning Parkrun go together better than you'd think. Both are great fun, both reward a bit of local exploring, and both are a great way to meet people in a town you're only passing through. We went looking for every parkrun that sits in or near a town on one of our cycling tours, plus a broader list of Parkruns held on Australia's rail trails, and put the whole lot together here, state by state.

All Parkruns are free, timed, 5km events open to walkers, joggers and runners of every ability, starting between 7am and 9am each Saturday. Exact start times and locations can shift, so always check the individual event page (linked below, or search parkrun.com.au) before you go.

Where a Parkrun sits on the route of one of our tours, we've linked straight to it. A handful of the rail trail Parkruns aren't on a trail we currently run a tour on. We've linked those to Rail Trails Australia, the national rail trails directory, with thanks to the RTA team for compiling the original trail-by-trail list this post grew out of.

Queensland

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail parkrun, Blackbutt. Ride the trail on our Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Self Guided Cycle, the guided version, or the Brisbane Valley and Kilkivan Rail Trail Combined Cycle.
Old Esk Railway Station parkrun, Esk. Same trail, same tours as above.
Ipswich QLD parkrun, Ipswich, on the same Brisbane Valley Rail Trail tours.
Wondai parkrun, Wondai. Ride out on our South Burnett Rail Trail Cycle Explorer or the guided South Burnett Rail Trail and Vineyards tour.
Bundaberg parkrun and Gayndah River Walk parkrun, on our Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Supported Cycle, which overnights in Gayndah.
Mareeba Rail Trail parkrun and Atherton parkrun, both on the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail.
Yeppoon parkrun, on the Capricorn Coast Pineapple Rail Trail.

Exploring the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail | Jack Hart

Victoria

Timboon parkrun, Timboon, on our Great Ocean Road Cycle, which rides the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail on day two before joining the coast to Port Campbell.
Lorne Beach parkrun, Lorne, further along the same Great Ocean Road Cycle.
Yackandandah Rail Trail parkrun, Bright parkrun and Ovens River Trail parkrun in Myrtleford, all on our Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail tours: the Extended Cycle, Short Break and Downhill Edition.
Bairnsdale parkrun and Lakes Entrance parkrun, both on our East Gippsland Rail Trail Cycle, which you can start from Orbost or Bairnsdale, or ride as a supported tour.
Koonwarra parkrun and Great Southern Rail Trail parkrun in Korumburra, both on the Great Southern Rail Trail.
Newborough parkrun, on the Moe to Yallourn Rail Trail.
Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun, Mirboo North.
Tallangatta Station parkrun, on the High Country Rail Trail.
Red Hill Rail Trail parkrun, Mornington Peninsula.
Rokeby Crossover Rail Trail parkrun, on the Rokeby to Neerim Railside Trail.

Murray to Mountains Rail Trail | Ride High Country

New South Wales

Dubbo parkrun and Cameron Park parkrun, Wellington, both on our Central West Cycle Trail tours.
Mudgee parkrun, Mudgee, on our Mudgee Cycle Short Break, Mudgee Self Guided Cycle Explorer and Capertee Valley in Comfort tours.
Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens parkrun, Bowral, on our Southern Highlands Cycle.
Jindabyne parkrun, Jindabyne, on our Kosciuszko to the Sea and Sea to Kosciuszko tours.
North Wollongong parkrun, Wollongong, and Huskisson parkrun, Huskisson, both on our Sydney to Jervis Bay Self Guided Cycle. Huskisson also features on our Kiama to Huskisson tour.
Sandon Point parkrun, near Thirroul on our Thirroul to Huskisson Self Guided Cycle. This parkrun is actually held in Bulli, the suburb next door to Thirroul, not Thirroul itself.
Kingscliff parkrun, Kingscliff, on our Northern Rivers Rail Trail and Tweed Cycle Explorer and the other Northern Rivers Rail Trail tour variants.

Cycling the coastline between Thirroul and Wollongong | Kate Baker

South Australia

Clare Valley parkrun, Clare Valley, on our Clare Valley Cycle Short Break and the other Clare Valley cycle tours.
Nuriootpa parkrun, Nuriootpa, on our Barossa Valley Cycle Short Break and Clare and Barossa Valley Combined Cycle.
Gawler parkrun, Gawler, on the same two Barossa tours. Gawler is a stop along the way on these tours rather than an overnight town.
Shiraz Trail parkrun, on the Coast to Vines Rail Trail.
Seacliff Esplanade parkrun, on the Coast Park Rail Trail.
Copper Trail parkrun, on the Copper Rail Trail.

Enjoying a break from cycling at the Eldredge Vineyards

Western Australia

Mt Clarence parkrun, Albany, and Wilson Inlet Heritage Trail parkrun, Denmark, both on our Munda Biddi Southern Cycle, which starts in Albany and stops three nights in Denmark.
Mount Helena parkrun, on the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail.
Margaret River parkrun, on the Ten Mile Brook Trail.

(Jarrahdale Heritage parkrun runs on a piece of former rail corridor that technically doesn't form part of either the Jarrah Dale Heritage or Balmoral Trail, so we've left it off the list above.)

Tasmania

Railton parkrun, on the Railton to Sheffield Rail Trail.

Make a weekend of it

A good chunk of this list is an easy add on to one of our tours: ride the Brisbane Valley, Murray to Mountains, South Burnett, Central West, Clare Valley or Munda Biddi trails with us, then stick around for a Saturday morning parkrun before you head home or on to the next leg. Browse our full range of cycling tours to start planning, or see our dedicated rail trail cycling tours if it's the trail riding you're after.

The rail trail parkrun list this post grew out of was compiled by Rail Trails Australia, and we're grateful to the RTA team for putting it together.

Did we miss any? Let us know!

Come ride the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Webinar, Australian Cycle Tours Webinar, Rail Trail Webinar

Webinar: Australia's Best Rail Trails

Hear Erin, one of Australian Cycle Tours' bike tour experts, share everything you need to know about cycling Australia's best rail trails. In this session she covers rail trail highlights, how a self-guided cycle tour works, a range of itineraries to suit different fitness levels, and insider advice from someone who has ridden these trails herself.

Whether you are new to cycling holidays and looking for a safe and accessible introduction, or an experienced rider searching for your next great Australian adventure, this webinar gives you the honest, practical insight you need to start planning with confidence.

>> View all rail trail cycling tours

About Rail Trails in Australia

Rail trail cycling trips offer a safe, enjoyable experience along dedicated cycling paths - making them one of the most popular choices for first-time cycling holiday guests, families and experienced riders alike. Free from traffic and following the gentle gradients once designed for trains, rail trails wind through spectacular countryside, linking small country towns with larger regional centres.

Pedal a mountain bike on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail | Tourism and Events Queensland

Upcycled from abandoned railway corridors, most rail trails have a gravel or packed dirt surface and are shared with walkers and, in some cases, horse riders. They cut through hills, under roads and across gullies and creek crossings that few travellers would otherwise discover.

Soaked in history, Australia's rail trails pass old station buildings, heritage cuttings and timber bridges that have stood since the railway era. They have revitalised regional communities, with small towns now welcoming cyclists with warm hospitality at family-owned accommodations, cellar doors, restaurants and local galleries.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is Australian cycling at its finest

With luggage transfers, hand-picked accommodation and detailed route notes all taken care of, a self-guided rail trail holiday lets you focus entirely on the ride - and everything you discover along the way.

>> View all rail trail cycling tours

>> View all self-guided cycling tours

>> View all supported cycling tours

Cycling along Myrtle Mountain Road | Kate Baker

Webinar, Australian Cycle Tours Webinar

Webinar: Epic Rides of Australia

Hear Kate, one of Australian Cycle Tours' cycling experts, share everything you need to know about four of Australia's greatest bike routes. In this session she covers what's involved on a self-guided bike tour, top tips for preparation, and an in-depth look at four iconic Australian cycling itineraries: the Great Victorian Rail Trail, the Great Ocean Road, Capertee Valley, and the Kosciuszko to the Sea route.

Whether you are considering your first self-guided cycling holiday, wondering which route suits you best, or simply looking for practical advice before you go, this webinar provides honest, personal insight from someone who has ridden these trails - helping you plan your next adventure with confidence.

>> View all Australian cycling tours

About Epic Rides of Australia

Australia has a remarkable range of cycling itineraries — from the lush rainforests and rail trails of Victoria to the dramatic mountain descents of the Snowy Mountains and the stunning coastal scenery of the Great Ocean Road. Self-guided cycling is one of the best ways to explore the country at your own pace, with luggage transfers, hand-picked accommodation and detailed route notes all taken care of in advance.

In this webinar, Kate takes a closer look at four standout itineraries that showcase the very best of Australian cycling.

Cycling through the Cheviote Tunnel on the Great Victorian Rail Trail | Robert Blackburn

Great Victorian Rail Trail

Stretching through the beautiful Victorian high country, the Great Victorian Rail Trail is one of Australia's longest dedicated rail trails. Ride through historic gold rush towns, eucalyptus forests and rolling farmland, with the charming town of Mansfield as your base. It's an accessible and rewarding ride that suits a wide range of fitness levels.

>> View the Great Victorian Rail Trail

Cycling the Great Ocean Road | Tracey Croke

Great Ocean Road

One of the world's most iconic coastal drives is even better by bike. The Great Ocean Road cycling itinerary takes you along the rugged Victorian coastline, past the Twelve Apostles and through the lush Otway Ranges. With spectacular scenery around every corner, this is a ride that will stay with you long after you've finished.

>> View the Great Ocean Road Cycle

Cycling out of Glen Davis | Ross Baker

Capertee Valley

Just a few hours from Sydney, the Capertee Valley is one of Australia's best-kept cycling secrets. Ride through the world's largest canyon, past sandstone cliffs and through peaceful bush landscapes that are home to an extraordinary variety of birdlife. A wonderful escape from the city on two wheels.

>> View the Capertee Valley Cycle

Cycling out of Wyndham | Ross Baker

Kosciuszko to the Sea

An epic point-to-point adventure from the roof of Australia to the Pacific Ocean. The Kosciuszko to the Sea route takes you from the alpine landscapes of the Snowy Mountains all the way to the NSW South Coast — through national parks, river valleys and charming country towns. One of Australia's great cycling journeys.

>> View the Kosciuszko to the Sea Cycle

>> View all Australian cycling tours

>> View all self-guided cycling tours

>> View all supported cycling tours

Sydney to Newcastle Rail Trail

Rail Trail, Sydney to Newcastle Rail Trail

Government Announces High Speed Rail Trail: Sydney to Newcastle and Beyond

After 44 years of proposals, reports, business cases, funding announcements, funding withdrawals, further reports, and at least one very expensive study into the feasibility of commissioning another study, the Australian government has made a decision on high-speed rail between Sydney and Newcastle.

They're skipping it entirely.

In a move that surprised absolutely nobody who has been paying attention since 1984, the federal government has announced it will bypass the $61.2 billion high-speed rail project and proceed directly to what transport experts are calling "a much better idea anyway" - a 194-kilometre dedicated cycling rail trail from Sydney to Newcastle.

We at Australian Cycle Tours could not be more thrilled.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the decision on Tuesday, noting that after four decades of planning, the most shovel-ready option was, in fact, a rail trail.

"Australians love the outdoors," he said. "The more people exploring Australia by bike, the better."

Why a Rail Trail Makes More Sense

On the new Sydney to Newcastle Rail Trail, a fit cyclist will complete it in around six hours, but we recommend taking the more leisurely two-day option with an overnight stop on the Central Coast. We have already identified excellent accommodation options along the way. Natually, luggage transfers will be available.

More than half the proposed route - approximately 115 kilometres - will run through tunnels, a legacy of the original high-speed rail corridor design. The government has confirmed these will be retained, creating what may become Australia’s most atmospheric cycling experience.

The Long-Term Vision: Sydney to Melbourne by Bike

The government's broader ambition remains that by 2060, a connected corridor will link Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. We think this is an outstanding idea and have already begun drafting self-guided cycling itineraries.

Sydney to Melbourne is currently the world's sixth busiest aviation route. It is also, we would argue, one of the world's great potential cycle touring routes - through the Southern Highlands, across alpine country, down into Victoria with options to connect with the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and Great Victorian Rail Trail.

What's Included on an Australian Cycle Tours Rail Trail Journey

As always, we handle the logistics so you can focus on the riding.

Daily luggage transfers
Comfortable, handpicked accommodation
An easy-to-use navigation app, adapted for extended periods without mobile coverage (particularly useful in tunnels)
E-bike hire for the full 194-kilometre route

Vote for your Favourite Rail Trail

While the Sydney to Newcastle Rail Trail works its way through the planning process (we expect the first report to land sometime around April 1, 2031), we want to celebrate the brilliant rail trails Australia already has.

We are currently running our Vote for Australia's Favourite Rail Trail promotion, and we want to hear from you. Australia is home to some of the world's best rail trails - relaxed, scenic cycling through regions rich in history, food and local character - and we want to know which ones you love most.

Cast your vote for up to three of your favourite Australian rail trails and you will go in the draw to win a $2,000 Australian Cycle Tours voucher, redeemable on any cycling holiday of your choice in 2027. The Sydney to Newcastle Rail Trail is not yet on the list, but watch this space come April 1, 2031.

How excited are you for the Sydney to Newcastle Rail Trail? Let us know in the comment section below!

Can't wait? Discover the Bass Strait Bridge Cycle Tour now.

Riding the Munda Biddi Trail

Munda Biddi, Munda Biddi Cycle

Riding the Munda Biddi Trail: A Guide’s Perspective

By Morgan Stewart, Australian Cycle Tours Guide

The Munda Biddi Trail in Western Australia is not just a cycling route - it’s an immersion into some of the most spectacular forests and coastlines in the country. We asked our guide Morgan Stewart to share her experience of riding and guiding this iconic trail.

Riding the Munda Biddi Trail

Why I Love Cycling - and Guiding

I love the places that bikes can take you and the way they allow you to truly immerse yourself in the environment around you. Cycling is slower than travelling by car, so you notice more. You can stop for a photo whenever something catches your eye. Compared to hiking, you cover more ground and can look around without constantly watching your footing.

There’s also something special about the feeling of flow on a bike. The wind rushing past your face, the rhythm of the pedals, the forest or coastline unfolding around you - it leaves no room for stress or distraction. And at the end of the day, there are always a few hills you can feel proud of conquering.

I could ride my bike every day and never get tired of it. Sharing that joy with others is what makes guiding so rewarding.

Riding the Munda Biddi Trail

Preparing for the Munda Biddi

To prepare for this trip, I tried to spend as much time on the bike as possible. The Munda Biddi includes sections of single track that are very different from paved roads or standard gravel riding. If you can practise on single track beforehand, those skills will definitely come in handy.

When packing, be prepared for changing conditions. Western Australia can throw a bit of everything at you. Bring warm layers, especially something windproof for riding.

Riding the Munda Biddi Trail

What Makes the Munda Biddi Special

It’s hard to choose just one highlight. The itinerary offers incredible variety, and when I think about the Munda Biddi, so many images come to mind. But what really stands out is the quiet. The trails and roads feel wonderfully remote. You’re riding through stunning environments without the crowds.

The wildflower season in the south-west is particularly special. This region is a biodiversity hotspot, with countless species that can’t be found anywhere else. The colours, shapes and sheer diversity of the flowers are unforgettable.

Riding the Munda Biddi Trail

A Favourite Stop: Walpole

Walpole was my favourite town along the route. There’s a lovely feel to it, and because we spend a few nights there, it starts to feel like home. It’s the perfect base to soak up the surrounding forests and coastline.

Cycling along the Munda Biddi Trail from Albany to Walpole

Advice for Future Riders

The Munda Biddi will throw a bit of everything at you – smooth gravel roads, flowing single track and rewarding climbs. It’s a true adventure.

I’d recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys riding a bike and is looking for something more immersive than a vineyard-hopping holiday. There are plenty of scenic stops and great food along the way, but this tour celebrates the riding itself. And the riding is just too good not to focus on.

Riding the Munda Biddi Trail

If you’re ready for an adventure through towering forests, wild coastlines and some of Western Australia’s most diverse landscapes, the Munda Biddi Trail delivers.

>> View the Munda Biddi itinerary

About Morgan Stewart

Not only is Morgan a passionate cycling guide for work, this extends to her free time as well! Morgan recently won the Whaka 100 MTB race (open women's age group) in New Zealand. Plus she has plans to traverse the Andes over 8 months, from the equator to Ushuaia.

>> View the Munda Biddi itinerary

Family cycling the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Tweed Valley

Australian Cycle Tours Joins the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Connect Program

We are proud to announce that Australian Cycle Tours is now an official member of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Connect Program.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of Australia’s most exciting new cycling experiences, linking vibrant regional communities across Bundjalung Country through a scenic, traffic-free trail. As a specialist in Australian cycling holidays, joining the Connect Program reflects our commitment to supporting local tourism, regional businesses and exceptional rider experiences.

Cycling the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

What is the Connect Program?

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail Connect Program brings together like-minded businesses that share a passion for authentic local experiences, quality products and unforgettable journeys.

The program connects operators across five key categories:

Taste – food and beverage experiences
Stay – accommodation providers
Move – transport services
Explore – tours and on-trail experiences
Enjoy – events and entertainment

By becoming part of this network, we collaborate with accommodation providers, local producers, transport operators and tourism partners who all contribute to making the Rail Trail a truly memorable experience.

Cycling the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Why this matters for riders

When you travel with Australian Cycle Tours on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, you are not just riding a beautiful traffic-free trail. You are supporting a network of passionate local businesses that bring the region to life.

Our involvement in the Connect Program means:

Stronger local partnerships across the region
Smoother coordination with trusted accommodation and service providers
Deeper regional knowledge and on-the-ground insight
A shared commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism

The Northern Rivers region is known for its vibrant food scene, welcoming towns and lush hinterland landscapes. Being part of the Connect Program allows us to integrate the very best of these experiences into our cycling holidays.

Supporting local communities

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a collaborative project involving Tweed Shire, Byron Shire, Lismore City and Richmond Valley Councils. It also recognises and honours the Bundjalung people as the traditional custodians of the land the trail traverses.

As a Connect Program member, we are proud to align with the Rail Trail’s broader mission: to connect communities, celebrate culture and care for Country while delivering outstanding visitor experiences.

Family cycling the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Ride the Northern Rivers Rail Trail with us

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail offers smooth gradients, restored tunnels, sweeping hinterland views and easy access to charming towns along the way. It is an achievable and enjoyable cycling experience for riders of all levels.

Through our carefully designed itineraries, including handpicked accommodation and luggage transfers, we make exploring this iconic trail simple.

We are excited to be part of the growing community behind the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and look forward to helping more riders discover this outstanding regional experience.

All cycling. No worries.

>> View our Northern Rivers Rail Trail itineraries

Cycling the Great Ocean Road | Tracey Croke

Tracey cycles the Great Ocean Road

Tracey Cycles the Great Ocean Road

When veteran adventure writer Tracey Croke declared she'd never cycle the Great Ocean Road, we understood. Tourists, traffic, and tight shoulders? It’s not the usual cyclist’s dream.

But Tracey’s experience on our Cycle the Great Ocean Road trip changed everything.

Swapping the highway hustle for forest trails, remote coastal roads and a few smart logistics, Tracey and her husband discovered an entirely different side of one of Australia’s most iconic routes. One that’s car-light, crowd-free, and quietly spectacular. (Read Tracey's article here)

A different way to ride the Great Ocean Road

Rather than sticking to the main road, Tracey’s route zigzagged through lesser-known tracks and peaceful hinterland lanes. From towering redwood forests to the thundering Southern Ocean, the scenery was always shifting - and always dramatic.

The Twelve Apostles? Yes, they’re in there. But so are eucalypt forests, wildlife encounters, local produce stops, and a deep sense of calm that’s rare on such a famed route.

Her favourite moment? That magical post-ride beer with a view - the ultimate reward.

S&P Paddle Ale while cycling the Great Ocean Road | Tracey Croke

Why self-guided cycling works here

The route Tracey rode is part of our self-guided Great Ocean Road cycling trip - a format that lets you go at your own pace, with the confidence of knowing the logistics are sorted. Your luggage moves ahead. The route is mapped. The scenery? All yours.

You don’t need to be a seasoned cyclist, either. With e-bike options and flexible daily distances, it’s a refreshing, empowering way to see a world-famous destination from a more personal perspective.

Cycling the Great Ocean Road | Tracey Croke

See it like Tracey did

If Tracey's story has you rethinking your own Great Ocean Road experience, you're not alone. More and more travellers are turning to self-guided cycling to escape the crowds and reconnect with the landscapes that matter.

Enjoying a scoop at Timboon Ice Cream | Tracey Croke

Tasty seafood meal while cycling the Great Ocean Road | Tracey Croke

And like Tracey, you might just find that the trip you thought wasn’t for you - becomes one you’ll never forget.

>> View itineraries for Cycling the Great Ocean Road

>> Read Tracey's article here

>> View all rail trails in Australia

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, BVRT, Queensland, Cycle Queensland

Watch: Trevor Cycles The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Trevor and some mates tackled Australia's longest rail trail: the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. For an inside look into his trip, watch his film that highlights the history, scenery and events of his adventure (such as hail stones in Queensland!).

The BVRT was the longest, hardest and most rewarding of the 30 Rail Trails I have ridden in Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan. - Trevor

About Trevor's Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Film

Cycling Brisbane Valley Rail Trail 2025 is a FHD video about cycling 170 km with mates on the longest and most challenging Rail Trail in Australia over 3 days in August 2025, from Yarraman to Wulkuraka near Ipswich in Queensland. For best viewing, use Firefox or Brave Browsers, (Not Chrome or Opera) and set YouTube quality to play at 1080p on a large PC screen, not on a Smartphone. For making this fantastic trip possible, I would like to thank Alana at Australian Cycle Tours for giving us information about the trip and booking our accommodation from start to finish along the BVRT.

Classic Australian scenery along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail | Tourism and Events Queensland

Follow Trevor's cycling adventures in Australia and around the world on his YouTube channel, Cycling Australasia.

Ride the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail for yourself. View all tours here.

What did you think of Trevor's adventure? Let us know in the comment section below!

Viewing the Wreck Viewpoint on the Great Ocean Road | Kate Baker

Victoria, Great Ocean Road Cycle

We Cycled the Great Ocean Road...And Found a Whole New Side to It

Kate and Ross are fond leisure cyclists who recently rode the Great Ocean Road. Read on for their story.

We’d driven the Great Ocean Road before, like most people. But cycling it? That was something we’d never considered...until now.

We weren’t looking for a fast ride or a fitness test. Just something that gave us time to take in the landscape. To pedal at our own pace, eat good food, and not worry about logistics. The self-guided Great Ocean Road Cycle tour gave us all of that, and a whole lot more.

Here’s how our ride unfolded.

Enjoy the coastal views as you cycle on the Great Ocean Road | Kate Baker

Day 1: Crater Views and Country Charm in Camperdown

We took the train from Melbourne - an easy 2.5-hour ride - and arrived in Camperdown mid-morning. Right away we felt the shift. Big skies, crater lakes and wide-open roads.

After checking into our accommodation (Camperdown Mill - friendly and central), we wandered up to Mt Leura for the views. It was a short walk, but the scenery was a perfect welcome to the volcanic plains. The town has a relaxed feel, and dinner at the local pub topped off the day.

Camperdown town

Day 2: Rail Trails, Ice Cream and a Coast-Side Brewery

The next morning, our bikes were delivered to our door and our luggage whisked away. That’s one of the reasons we love self-guided travel – everything’s sorted, but you still feel like it’s your own adventure.

We followed the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail through bushland, forest and farmlands – so peaceful. We stopped in Timboon for lunch and couldn’t skip the ice cream (we now understand the hype), before joining the wonderful cycle trail to Port Campbell.

We stayed at the Sow and Piglets – part microbrewery, part hostel, part chill coastal pub. We loved the atmosphere and enjoyed a beer on the deck before a well-earned sleep.

Cyclist at the entry to Timboon Rail Trail | Kate Baker

Day 3: The Apostles and Lavers Hill

An early ride out to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge meant we had the place to ourselves. We’ve seen them before from a car, but arriving by bike made it feel… earned. Quieter.

Stop off at the Twelve Apostles as you cycle on the Great Ocean Road | Kate Baker

After soaking up the views, we continued on the old Great Ocean Road before rejoining for the big ascent to Lavers Hill. Having a well-deserved lunch at the Perch with its creative cuisine was a real highlight. A transfer took us back to Port Campbell, where we spent the afternoon walking the coastal trails for viewpoints of the magnificent cliffs.

The suspension bridge over Port Campbell Creek

Day 4: Redwoods and the Old Beechy Rail Trail

Dropped back at Lavers Hill we cycled on to the Old Beechy Rail Trail with a section through an old rainforest.

You can take a detour and cycle on the Beech Forest Rail Trail | Kate Baker

Back on the backroads to Apollo Bay, we found ourselves surrounded by towering Californian redwoods, a surreal moment that felt worlds away from the coast and a great spot for a picnic lunch. By the time we reached Apollo Bay we were tired but happy. The variety of scenery today - rainforest, farmland - blew us away.

Witness the Otway Redwoods in Victoria

Day 5: Koalas, Coastal Curves and Into Lorne

Today was all about the Great Ocean Road itself. We rode from Apollo Bay to Lorne, with the sea on one side and lush forest on the other. There was a good verge for most of the ride, and the traffic naturally slowed around the bends. There were multiple stops to take in the coastal views, side trips to waterfalls and a visit to the Koala Café (yes, there was one in the trees) for a coffee before tackling the last few hills. Lorne was the perfect spot to finish - great food, a swim at the beach, and the sense that we’d properly arrived.

Viewing the Wreck Viewpoint on the Great Ocean Road | Kate Baker

Day 6: Through the Arch and Reflecting on the Ride

On our last day we cycled to Aireys Inlet which is a short, satisfying stretch that includes the famous Memorial Arch. It was a nice final moment to cap off the trip before returning to Melbourne.

Cyclist at the iconic Great Ocean Road sign | Kate Baker

What We Didn’t Expect

What surprised us most was how different this ride felt to others we’ve done. It wasn’t just one landscape but many. The peaceful rail trails, the quiet inland detours, the big-name coastal icons… it all added up to a real journey.

And not having to carry our bags or work out where to stay each night? Game-changer.

If you’re considering cycling the Great Ocean Road, this is the way to do it. Let someone else handle the logistics – and just enjoy the ride.