Read 1 review
Price
Sale
Share this trip with a friend
From
From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
With its combination of dedicated cycle ways and scenic roads, the coastline south of Sydney offers cyclists a diverse array of attractions to explore at handlebar level. Breathtaking beaches, vineyards, award winning restaurants, pretty towns and dramatic coastal scenery characterise this 6 day cycle trip from the outskirts of Sydney to Jervis Bay. Beginning in Otford, on the edge of the Royal National Park, the route hugs the coast, taking in the impressive Sea Cliff Bridge, suspended over the Pacific Ocean. Following a dedicated cycle way to Wollongong, the route then continues to Kiama and its famous Blowhole before cycling to the historic town of Berry. Further south the quiet rural roads, with grazing cows and vineyards are replaced by the buzz of Huskisson and the white sands of Jervis Bay. A full day has been set aside to explore Jervis Bay by bike, taking in Hyams Beach and the cliffs of Booderee National Park where humpback whales can be seen during the May to September whale migration season. The benefits of a self guided cycle holiday cannot be underestimated as you dictate your timetable, setting out at a slow or fast pace, stopping where you like and really absorbing the atmosphere of the region. With your bags transferred each day, all you need to do is make your way between hotels at your own pace and celebrate a sense of achievement on travelling under your own steam.
25kg of CO2-e PP per day
(151kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Otford, cycle to Wollongong (33km)
Make your way to Otford, just over an hour by train from the centre of Sydney. On arrival you will be met by our representative who will hand over your bike and take your luggage. The bike handover will be set up based on your arrival time. We recommend arriving between 9:00 and 10:00am. The cycle begins with a short ascent before you take in the coast on a superb stretch of road including the Sea Cliff Bridge suspended over the Pacific Ocean. From Thirroul, a popular seaside suburb and surf beach made popular by English author D. H. Lawrence route you follow a cycleway hugging the coast all the way to the heart of Wollongong. There are plenty of cafes overlooking the coast to stop for a cold drink, an ice-cream or a coffee. Overnight: Wollongong
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle along the coast to Kiama (43km)
The cycle today continues along the spectacular coast, passing beautiful beaches and the outskirts of Wollongong. Enroute you can visit the Nan Tien Temple, one of the largest Buddhist Temples in the Southern Hemisphere. You can stop here for a tea break and explore the temple, paying respect to the Buddha's and lighting the incense available. Back on the bikes the route takes you past Lake Illawarra from where you 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
Day 3
Visit the Kiama Blowhole, then cycle to Berry via Seven Mile Beach (27km)
Kiama is a wonderful area to explore with rugged coastal cliffs making for a lovely walk, spectacular surf beaches, ancient rainforest and the famous blowholes. After a leisurely breakfast, you can head down to the coastline to visit the famous Kiama Blowhole. 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. We recommend taking the train between Kiama and Gerringong to avoid this section. *(If you wish to cycle on the highway, it is possible but you do need to be a confident road cyclist. It is also possible to walk between Kiama and Gerringong - this takes 3 hours and we will need to arrange for your bike to be transferred to Gerringong). 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 you 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
Day 4
Continue cycling to Nowra (28km), with optional loop to Greenwell Point (38km)
A spectacular cycling day today which can be done at a leisurely pace. After breakfast, we recommend you take some time to explore Berry before you start the 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 and Two Figs Winery (check opening times - usually from late morning), then follow the Shoalhaven River and cross over it into Nowra where you can stop for lunch or a coffee. 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. An optional loop is recommended to Greenwell Point, past dairy farms and the Shoalhaven River following a flat road. The small fishing town is famous for its fresh seafood and thriving trawler fleet. Relax in town, sample oysters and take a walk along the Crookhaven River, before returning to your accommodation in Nowra. Overnight: Nowra
Day 5
Cycle to the coastal town of Huskisson, featuring some of the worlds whitest sand beaches (49km)
The cycle today heads away from the coast, through south Nowra 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! Overnight: Huskisson
Day 6
Explore Jervis Bay on a cycle route showcasing the jewels of the Bay (50km)
Its recommended to begin early on this cycle route as the road can get quite busy, particularly in the holiday season. The loop cycle takes you first along the foreshore from Huskisson through to Vincentia on a dedicated cycle route with almost constant views of the bay. Continuing through Jervis Bay National Park, there is an option to take an offroad short cut or continue on the paved road which takes you all the way to Murrays beach at the southern end of Jervis Bay. Enroute you can stop at Hyams Beach, said to have the whitest sand in the world and sights which can be reached via walking tracks such as 'Hole in the Wall', Governor Head Lookout and the ruins of the Cape St George Lighthouse. During whale watching season, walk out to the cliffs to spot humpback whales. Murrays Beach is a beach within the Booderee National Park, ideal for swimming and relaxing. Return to Huskisson for overnight accommodation. Your hire bike will be collected this afternoon. Overnight: Huskisson
Day 7
Optional whale/dolphin cruise in the morning, trip concludes
The Jervis Bay Marine Park is teaming with a vast array of marine life including bottle nose Dolphins and in the season, hump back whales. 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. Return by local bus to the train station at Bomaderry where there are services to Sydney (change at Kiama). Alternatively, we can arrange a private transfer back to Otford.
What's included
What's not included
The bicycles we provide are high quality hybrid touring bikes, with 7 or 8 speed gears. You will also be provided with a helmet, bike lock, handlebar bag and pannier.
The majority of the route is on reasonable bitumen road. Most of the roads are quiet roads, however there are some short and unavoidable sections where you will cycling on the highway and some busier sections of road cycling. Day 2 starts with a few kilometres on the highway heading out of Kiama. This can be avoided if you prefer by taking the bikes on the train between Kiama and Gerrigong and continuing from there.
There are some sections where you will cycle on paved cycle paths as you follow the coast towards Wollongong.
You'll spend 6 nights in clean, comfortable 3 star hotels. The rooms are spacious double/twin rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The hotels chosen are all well located; close to town and to the bike trail. Pictured here is the Berry Inn, one of the properties we use.
This self guided trip involves 6 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. If you bring your own electric bike this adjusts the grading of this trip to Introductory to Moderate.
Per Person, Twin Share
The easiest way to get to Otford is by car. If you are coming from Sydney the drive is just over 1 hour.
You can take the train from Sydney to Otford. This is a 75 minute journey.
The bike handover will take place at Otford 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.
At the end of the trip you can catch a bus to Bomaderry, then a connecting train to Otford (or back to Sydney). There are 4 buses each day from Monday to Friday and one bus on a Saturday or Sunday morning. The journey takes around 1 hour. From Bomaderry there are regular services to Kiama where you will need to change trains for services to Otford and Sydney.
Alternatively, we can arrange a transfer between Huskisson and Otford. 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.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|
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.
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.
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.
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.
4Days
Moderate
7Days
6Days
Introductory to Moderate
3Days