🔥 Ever wondered which bike touring routes across Australia are absolute crackers and which ones will leave you questioning your life choices? After pedalling through loads of trails around the country, I’ve sorted the ripper rides from the ones you can happily skip!
✅ Definitely Recommend These Routes!
Alright mate, these are the ones that’ll give you proper bang for your buck!
🌟 **Murray to Mountains Rail Trail (Victoria)**
This beauty runs from Wangaratta to Bright – about 94km of pure joy. It’s an old rail line so the gradient is gentle as. Perfect for spring when the wildflowers are out! Cost: Free access, just bring your own bike or hire in Bright ($50-80/day).
🌟 **Munda Biddi Trail (WA)**
Stretching over 1000km from Perth to Albany, you can tackle sections or go the whole hog. The name means ‘path through the forest’ in Noongar language. Spring is THE time – wildflowers are absolutely mental!
🌟 **Great Ocean Road (Victoria)**
Yeah it’s touristy, but for good reason! The coastal views are stunning. Do it mid-week to avoid the crowds. Lorne to Apollo Bay is a cracker 45km stretch.
🌟 **Rotorua Lodge to Lake St Clair (Tasmania)**
Oops, wrong island! Let me swap – **Tasmanian Trail** from Devonport to Dover. About 480km of diverse terrain through Tassie’s wilderness. Proper adventure stuff!
🌟 **Gold Coast Oceanway (Queensland)**
36km of coastal paths from Point Danger to the Gold Coast Seaway. Flat, scenic, and heaps of cafes along the way for a mid-ride brekkie stop!
🌟 **Barossa Trail (South Australia)**
Wine country cycling? Yes please! About 40km of trails through vineyards. Spring weather is perfect and the cellar doors are calling your name.
❌ Maybe Give These a Miss!
Now I’m not saying these are rubbish, but they might not be worth your precious time…
🙅 **St Kilda to Port Melbourne (Melbourne)**
Look, it’s fine if you live there, but for a touring experience? It’s just a 5km path through the city with a million other cyclists, joggers, and tourists. Not the adventure you’re chasing!
🙅 **Centennial Park Loop (Sydney)**
Again, great for locals getting their fitness up, but it’s literally just going in circles around a park. 3.8km loop – you’ll be bored after two laps mate.
🙅 **Lake Burley Griffin Circuit (Canberra)**
About 5km around the lake. Nice enough but it’s more of a Sunday arvo cruisy ride, not a proper bike touring route. Can do better!
🙅 **Swan River Loop (Perth)**
Similar story – it’s a pleasant 10-15km ride but you’re basically just riding around the river with the Sunday crowds. Not exactly the rugged Australian cycling experience.
🙅 **Ride around the CBD areas of major cities**
Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane CBDs – traffic is absolute chaos, and you’ll spend more time stopping at lights than actually riding. Head to the outskirts instead!
🤔 Depends on Your Needs!
These ones sit in the middle – could be fantastic or meh depending on what you’re after!
⚠️ **Birdsville Track (SA/QLD border)**
517km of outback road – epic if you’re an experienced tourer with a sturdy setup. But it’s remote, hot, and you need to be self-sufficient. Not for beginners!
⚠️ **Snowy Mountains Highway (NSW)**
Gorgeous in late spring once the snow’s cleared, but those climbs are no joke. Only tackle if you’re fit and prepared!
⚠️ **Kangaroo Island (SA)**
Beautiful scenery, kangas everywhere, but limited services and the ferry adds cost ($98 return for adults plus bike). Great if you’ve got time and budget!
⚠️ **Atherton Tablelands (QLD)**
Incredible biodiversity and rolling hills, but wet season can linger into spring. Check weather forecasts carefully!
📋 Before You Go: Cycling Australia Membership Stuff
Here’s something a lot of mates forget – if you’re doing any serious riding, consider a Cycling Australia membership!
**Cycling Australia Login & Membership**
Head to their website, create your Cycling Australia login, and you’ll get access to race calendars, event registrations, and member benefits. It’s about $150-300/year depending on your membership type.
**Cycling Australia Insurance**
This is the big one – their insurance covers you for:
• Personal accident cover during rides
• Public liability (up to $20 million)
• Bike damage in some cases
Worth it if you’re doing regular long-distance touring! Peace of mind when you’re 100km from nowhere.
🎒 Spring Cycling Essentials
Spring weather in Australia can be bloody unpredictable, so here’s what you need:
🌡️ **Layers, layers, layers!**
Mornings can be crisp (10°C) and afternoons scorchio (28°C+). Pack light but smart.
🧴 **Sun protection**
UV in Australia is no joke. Slip, slop, slap – sunscreen, sunnies, and a lid (helmet is law anyway!).
💧 **Hydration**
At least 2L water capacity. More if you’re hitting remote areas.
🔧 **Basic repair kit**
Spare tubes, pump, multi-tool. Learn to change a tube before you go!
📱 **Downloaded maps**
Telstra has the best coverage but even they have dead zones. Offline maps are a must.
📋 Practical Info
📍 Various locations across Australia – see individual routes
🚗 Most routes accessible by car or train from major cities; some remote trails require 4WD access to start points
💰 $0-$150/day depending on bike hire, accommodation, and food. Cycling Australia membership: $150-300/year for insurance and benefits
🕐 Best riding: early morning (6-9am) or late arvo (4-6pm) to avoid peak UV and traffic
⏱️ Day trips to multi-week adventures depending on route choice
💡 Tips & Warnings
✅ Sort your Cycling Australia login and insurance before any big tour – the public liability cover alone is worth it!
✅ Book accommodation in advance during school holidays – spring is peak season for a lot of these areas
❌ Don’t underestimate the Australian sun – even on cloudy days you’ll get toasted
⚠️ Watch for wildlife on country roads – roos are most active at dawn and dusk and they’re unpredictable!
🚀 What cycling routes would you add to either list? Keen to hear your recommendations for the next adventure! 🚀
#cyclingaustralia #biketouring #springcycling #australiaonabike #cyclelife #exploreaustralia #bikelife #cyclingdownunder
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