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.

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.

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.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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>> View all supported cycling tours

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

Why a Rail Trail Makes More Sense

The Long-Term Vision: Sydney to Melbourne by Bike

 

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

Vote for your Favourite Rail Trail

Tracey Cycles the Great Ocean Road

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.

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.

See it like Tracey did

Watch: Trevor Cycles The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

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

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.

  

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

  

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. 

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

Exploring the Northern Rivers Rail Trail With My Family

As manager of Australian Cycle Tours, Erin is constantly in the field researching and improving our cycling holidays. With the release of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail she instantly knew she needed to enlist the help of her young family to experience this fantastic bike route. Read about Erin's cycling adventure with her family and how it helped her shape our Family Friendly Northern Rivers Rail Trail itinerary.

When we first heard about the newly opened Northern Rivers Rail Trail, it sounded perfect for our first proper family cycling holiday. What we didn’t realise was just how magical, fun and easy it would be to roll along forested paths, pedal through tunnels, and let the kids find freedom on two wheels.

As a parent, it’s rare to find something that balances everyone’s needs - active time for the kids, safe trails, great coffee, comfy accommodation, and just enough adventure to keep things exciting. This self-guided trip ticked all those boxes and more.

Getting to Murwillumbah and Settling In

We drove up from Sydney over two days and arrived in Murwillumbah, the starting point for the journey. The town itself is creative and welcoming - we wandered its colourful streets and stopped in for pastries and cheese tastings.

Our accommodation was spot on for families - clean, close to town and with a pool for afternoon downtime. It even had views of Mt Warning (Wollumbin), which was a stunning backdrop for the days ahead.

This first day gave us time to check in, stretch our legs and explore Murwillumbah. For families flying in, transfers from Gold Coast Airport can be arranged, but driving gave us the added freedom to explore.

Dinner was easy - there’s a great mix of dining options within walking distance.

Day 2: The Rail Trail Ride - Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek (28km)

This was the day the kids had been waiting for - hitting the trail. The e-bike pickup was smooth and simple. Rory (8) rode confidently on his own electric bike while Jacob (6) rode on a tag-along behind mine. My husband and I also had e-bikes, which made the ride even more enjoyable.

The trail was wonderfully flat and peaceful. We rode through farmland, bush, and heritage tunnels - the 500m Burringbar Tunnel was a highlight, with built-in bike lights making it easy to navigate.

Midway, we took a detour to Hosanna Farmstay, just off the trail. This is a must for families - Jacob fed the animals while we grabbed coffee and relaxed. In warmer months, there’s even a giant waterslide into the dam!

We finished the trail at Crabbes Creek and then cycled a few more kilometres to Mooball for our scheduled transfer back. It’s absolutely possible to ride the return route (48km total), and we actually chose to do this with plenty of breaks - the trail is that achievable.

Day 3: Tweed Coast Cycleway - Pottsville to Salt Beach (15km)

The coast called us today, and after a short transfer to Pottsville, we jumped on the dedicated Tweed Coast Cycleway. Think ocean breezes, raised boardwalks through melaleuca groves, and glimpses of white sand just beyond the dunes.

The kids loved the freedom of the path - it’s almost completely separate from traffic, so they could ride at their pace and stop often. The short distance meant no rush and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.

Our overnight stay at Salt Beach gave us access to wide, uncrowded beaches and a resort-style setup, with pools and dining options all within the complex. It felt like a reward for the kids after two big days of cycling.

Day 4: Optional Ride to Fingal Head (11km)

On our final morning, we enjoyed a relaxed breakfast, a swim, and then set off for an optional ride to Fingal Head. It’s a quieter stretch but worth it for the lighthouse views and quiet coastal track.

The return transfer to Murwillumbah wrapped up the trip perfectly - unless you're keen to cycle the full loop back (we decided to soak in the views from the van this time!).

What Made This Trip Work So Well?

• Supportive infrastructure: Bikes, transfers, family-friendly accommodation all organised for you.
• Tailored for families: The distances are manageable, and there are tag-alongs or trailers for younger kids.
• Flexibility: You can cycle as much or as little as you like each day.
• Wildlife & nature: From farm animals to coastal birds, there’s plenty to keep little ones engaged.
• Quiet, safe trails: The Northern Rivers Rail Trail and the coastal paths are largely off-road, flat and scenic - a real win for family confidence.

We came home recharged and already planning our next ride. For families looking to explore somewhere new, without the stress of logistics or long drives every day, the Family Friendly Northern Rivers Rail Trail offers the perfect blend of nature, activity and comfort.

Cycling Western Australia's Munda Biddi Trail

The premier cycling trail in the south-west of Western Australia is undoubtedly the Munda Biddi Trail. This is a cycle path that takes riders through beautiful jarrah and karri forests, presenting a diverse mix of Australian landscapes and indigenous heritage.

No matter what your cycling ability is, the Munda Biddi Cycle Trail is worth experiencing. The southern Albany to Walpole Munda Biddi itinerary is a guided cycle with several departures each year.

About the Munda Biddi Cycling Trail

The Munda Biddi Trail stretches from Mundaring (near Perth) to Albany, covering over 1000km. As such it’s one of the longest off-road cycle tracks in the world. 

The trail passes through several regional towns, including Pemberton, Denmark and Donnybrook. These towns provide a nice break from cycling through bushland and are a great opportunity to discover the local lifestyles, as well as supporting the communities there.

The Munda Biddi Trail has a rich indigenous heritage. ‘Munda Biddi’ means ‘path through the forest’ in the language of the local Noongar people.

Fun fact: As of May 2017, the record for completing the complete Munda Biddi Trail is four days, six hours and 39 minutes.

There’s plenty of off-road cycling fun to be had on the Munda Biddi trail. The surface changes to reflect the surrounding environment; on the northern end, you’ll pedal over red pea-gravel whereas on the lower sections you’ll encounter moist earthy soil. There are some hills, some gravelly sections and some narrow trails on the route, which makes it suitable for intermediate riders. 

Munda Biddi Trail Highlights

Riding through the eucalyptus forests, famous for the jarrah and karri trees. Air has never smelt better! Also, wildflowers start blossoming in August, adding to the pretty scenery.

Visit Greens Pool, a sublime white sandy beach known for its granite boulders and turquoise waters. Find Greens Pool in William Bay National Park.

About the Munda Biddi Southern Cycling Adventure

We’ve created a 6-day cycling itinerary that features some of the best parts of the southern end of the Munda Biddi Trail. Professional local guides will lead the way and provide fascinating insights about the route. This is a fully supported trip so you don’t have to carry any luggage and you can cycle as much (or as little) as you like.

The bikes we use are modern Giant Talon e-bikes with front suspension – necessary for some of the bumpier sections.

At night you can rest easy with our comfortable accommodation. We stay at three different locations on this tour (Albany for 1 night, Denmark for 3 nights, Walpole for 1 night) that have been handpicked for their local charm as well as quality and value. The ideal place to explore the town's attractions and recharge for the next day’s pedal.

>> View the Munda Biddi Southern Cycling Adventure