Ten Epic Australian Cycling Holiday Destinations

Southern Highlands | Andrew Bain

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Ten Epic Australian Cycling Holiday Destinations

Australia is a beautiful country, full of extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and charming hospitality. While key sights such as the Sydney Opera House and Uluru aren’t to be missed, for a truly unique experience of travelling to Australia there’s nothing quite like getting off the beaten track and onto a cycleway.

Whether you’re keen to challenge yourself on an Australian trail or you’re after more of a leisurely pedal, there’s an unforgettable cycling holiday in Australia for you. In no particular order, here are 10 ultimate cycling destinations in Australia that you need to experience.

1. Central West NSW

Exploring the Central West of NSW on a cycling tour is steadily growing in popularity as travellers want to become immersed in the country Australian lifestyle. The recently established Central West Cycle Trail is the main reason for this surge because it links rural towns, such as Mudgee, Dunedoo, Gulgong and Dubbo, together. There are 4 ways to cycle the Central West Cycle Trail route, including self-guided and supported tours.

There is also the centre-based Mudgee Explorer trip that focuses on the wineries and fresh produce of the area. And one of the biggest hidden gems in NSW, the Capertee Valley. This is quite literally 'big', with the valley being 1km wider than the Grand Canyon.

> View all Central West NSW cycling tours

2. The Rail Trails of Victoria's High Country

Cyclists near Yea Station in Victoria's high country

Embrace the diverse landscapes of Victoria's High Country as you follow the Great Victorian Rail Trail, one of Australia's longest rail trails, or the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail. Originally built to take steam engines, these dedicated cycleways showcase classic Australian scenery such as valleys, lakes, rivers and mountains. It’s not just the surroundings that will keep you spellbound; the divine food and wine of rural Victoria is the perfect reward for an enjoyable day of cycling. Take a look at Erin's photo diary of her family cycling holiday along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.

> View all Rail Trail cycling tours in Victoria

3. Snowy Mountains to the Sea

Cycling Myrtle Mountain to Candelo in Bega Shire | <i>Kate Baker</i>

The Snowy Mountains are home to some of Australia’s most breathtaking views.

Popular among cyclists is the rewarding Sea to Kosciuszko route, where you pedal from the glittering coastline at Tathra, on the far south coast of NSW, until you reach the top of Australia in the form of Mount Kosciuszko near Jindabyne. There is also the reverse route, from Kosciuszko to the Sea, and options to use an e-bike for an extra boost to your pedalling. There's also a supported tour if you'd like to join a small group of like-minded travellers.

> View bike tours in the Snowy Mountains

4. Magnetic Island & Townsville's Rainforests

Exploring Townsville and Magnetic Island by bike | <i>Leilani Donovan</i>

On the Rainforests & Magnetic Island tour, you'll capture 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 with 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 the island.

> View the Rainforest & Magnetic Island Cycle

5. South East Queensland & the Brisbane Valley

Cycling the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail | <i>Tourism and Events Queensland</i>

The region of South East Queensland is a sumptuous corner of the 'Sunshine State', offering a wide range of attractions and experiences.

One of the highlights is the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. This excellent bike path features many historic towns and villages, fresh local food and wine, and iconic Australian scenery including rugged mountains and sweeping valleys. It's also possible to cycle the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and the Kilkivan Rail Trail in a combined self-guided trip.

> View the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycle

> View the Brisbane Valley & Kilkivan Rail Trail Cycle

6. Hunter Valley NSW

Follow the Hunter Valley's dedicated cycle route | <i>Bruce Baker</i>

How does a leisurely ride through one of Australia’s premier wine regions sound? The Hunter Valley is just a couple of hours drive from Sydney and a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are many charming vineyards to explore that offer both award-winning wines to try as well as sprawling views of the countryside. There’s a dedicated cycle path linking many of the wineries with gentle distances to cover between them.

On our self-guided cycling tours, we provide an itinerary of recommended vineyards to discover. It’s the best way to experience Australia’s famous wines and if you need convincing read six great reasons why you should do a cycle tour in the Hunter Valley.

> View all cycling tours in the Hunter Valley

7. The Clare Valley in South Australia

Cycling through Sevenhill Cellars in the Clare Valley

The Clare Valley is one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, yet its appeal extends far beyond the cellar door. Discover the township of Clare, a classic South Australian town with heritage buildings built predominantly out of stone during the colonial period.

On the Clare Valley Explorer, ride the full length of both the Riesling Trail and the Rattler Rail Trail. Enjoy visiting internationally acclaimed vineyards and farmer’s markets with fresh local produce. There are plenty of opportunities to pack the panniers with a few treats to take home.

> View all cycling tours in South Australia

8. South Coast NSW

Cycle between charming seaside towns | <i>Bruce Baker</i>

Explore Australia’s spectacular coastline on the south coast of New South Wales. This region has everything a traveller to Australia could want. Highlights include spotting whales and dolphins, the famous white sandy beaches of Jervis Bay National Park, coastal cliff walks, encountering inquisitive kangaroos, plus visiting an award-winning vineyard or two in the historic town of Berry. Read about eight iconic experiences on the South Coast here. All of these experiences are possible on one of the self-guided cycling tours in the South Coast region. The close proximity to Sydney (Wollongong is just an hour away!) makes the South Coast an easily accessible journey.

> View all cycling tours on the NSW South Coast

9. Southern Highlands of NSW

Cycling the quiet route to Robertson | <i>Kate Baker</i>

Discover the beautiful countryside, regional cuisine, and vineyards of the Southern Highlands on a memorable cycling trip. Take the backroads between iconic towns such as Bundanoon, Burradoo and Moss Vale, all the while feasting your eyes on the numerous grand estates, vineyards and green rolling hills.

There are many activities to do in the Southern Highlands when you’re out of the saddle. Discover Berrima's quaint historic centre, take in the viewpoints at Fitzroy Falls, enjoy a lazy lunch at the Burrawang Hotel, browse the vast selection of books at Berkelouw Book Barn and immerse yourself in the Bradman Museum in Bowral.

> View the Southern Highlands Cycle tour

10. Blue Mountains

Cycling in the Blue Mountains | <i>Tim Charody</i>

Rich with indigenous history and significance, teeming with biodiversity and blessed with landforms of overwhelming beauty, the Blue Mountains is one of Australia’s most remarkable wilderness areas.

Set just 90 minutes northwest of Sydney and spanning more than a million hectares, the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area offers a spectacular wild landscape of rugged sandstone mountains, towering pinnacles and sheer escarpments, cut by deep gorges, canyons and waterfalls, and swathed in the dense eucalypt forests whose oils give the mountains their famous slate-blue hue.

> View the Blue Mountains Cycle

Which of these destinations is at the top of your cycling to-do list? Share your choice in the comment section below.

Cycling past a vineyard near Bright on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail in Victoria | Josie Withers

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At the Tin Shed cafe popular with local cyclists | Kate Baker

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Country lanes are part of the diverse cycle landscape on the South Coast Cycle | Kate Baker

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Moothi Estate Vineyard in Mudgee | Ross Baker

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Cyclists taking a break on the Warrumbungles and Pilliga cycle | Shawn Flannery

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Comment (1)

Erik

Hey my name is Erik. I am Swiss and I currently live in Brazil, as my kids (15 year old twins) will be taking an English course in Sydney from 4/1 to 14/1.We would like to do a 4 night wine and bike tour. What would be the best option starting from Sydney? Thanks for more information, Erik and Monica.