For a fun, stress free, tour cycling weekend. Perfect for beginners.
With cycling routes that wind along the rivers, through the cities and on to wide open beaches, Australian cities are great places to cycle.
With FarOut App the paths are easy to follow, find return transport, places for lunch and camping/accommodation options to plan your overnight stay. There is fun stuff too!
Perfect for your very first cycle tour or visiting cyclists.
Distance: 83km Time: 2 Days Transport: Train return
Wow Brisbane has changed. I could never have imagined, growing up in Brissie in the ‘60s, that this city would be so beautifully transformed by cycle paths.
We have chosen a mix of paths to create a first cycle tour that will leave you wanting more. Start the Kedron Creek cycleway from the Grovely station. This is a lovely parklands ride along the creek with shady trees and birdcalls. Then cycle into Brisbane city and join the hustle and bustle on river paths with city views, street art, rock climbers, Botanic Gardens, and the stunning Riverwalk. We really wanted to see more and experience the Brissie dining scene, so we stayed in town for the night.
After a fresh tasty breakfast, we jumped on the bikes bound for Redcliffe on the Moreton Bay Trail. River, wetland and beach cycling constantly surprised us as we rounded the curves in the trail. We stopped for lunch in Redcliffe at one of the many cafes with good vibes and great views all the way to Moreton Island and its sandy beaches. Our last pedal took us to Deception Bay before our cycle return to Brisbane.
We recommend you take 2 days for this ride. Total Distance ….. .
Find the ride in FarOut Queensland Rail Trails and Paths.
Distance: 115km Time: 2-3 Days Transport: Train return from Ringwood
The stately city of Melbourne is a perfect place to start your tour cycling life. We arrived midmorning at the bustling Melbourne Southern Cross Station to begin.
It was a warm and sunny winter morning and we were excited to be heading to Warburton in the beautiful Yarra Ranges. The trail from Southern Cross takes you straight to the Yarra River, past the rowers, through native bushlands and right into the beautiful Yarra Valley, with sweeping country vistas, to meet up again with the Yarra at Warburton.
There are plenty of places to stop for the night along the way – you might make this a 2- or 3-day trip. You can even return from Warburton to Lilydale by bike so you can train back to Melbourne. There is plenty of accommodation along the way.
This ride has some hills so you will need a little training – or just take it slowly.
Total Distance 115km.
Find the ride in FarOut App Melbourne Paths Network.
Distance: 80km Time: 2 Days Transport: Train transport both ends
Just south of Sydney, easily accessed by train from Central Station and the Airport, are the beautiful Wollongong beaches and stunning beachfront cycle paths perfect for your first Sydney cycle tour.
Hop off the train at Thirroul Station and follow farOut App straight to the beaches. We lucked in on a beautiful sunny day and were very excited to see a pod of whales cruise past almost as soon as our cycle began.
The ride to Kiama took us along the surf beaches, alongside Lake Illawarra with plenty of time to enjoy the famous rock swimming pools. At Kiama, after you marvel at the blowhole, it is easy to access the train for your return journey.
Or you can take an extra day to enjoy the Kiama Coastal Walk.
This ride is best during the whale migration season – north bound May to July or south bound with their calves September to November. We suggest that this 80km ride is enjoyed over 2 days leaving you time to see, taste and experience everything along the way.
Find the ride in FarOut App NSW South and ACT Network
Distance: 67km / Optional 153km Time: 2 / 3 Days Transport: Circuit ride
Canberra is the first city where I found a bus with bike racks! Such a great idea in a flat city with plenty of places to build cycle paths.
This first cycle tour is all on paths with a challenging optional out and back section which takes you to Hospital Hill Lookout. Worth it we think!
Start out anywhere around Lake Burley Griffin or the Acton District Park close to North Canberra. There is certainly a day of exploring on this loop – historic Blundells Cottage, the Chinese garden, Government House, The National Art gallery, lots of little beaches and sandy coves with great views all sprinkled throughout. At the end of your lakeside circuit its time to ride out to Tuggeranong, also set on a lovely little lake with lots of ducks and a perfect place to enjoy the sunset. We stayed in Tuggeranong overnight. You can sleep in and return to Canberra around the other side of Lake Tuggeranong and Lake Burleigh Griffin. 66km 2 days.
Find this ride on the NSW & ACT Rail Trails and Paths
Extension Option to Hospital Hill: Alternatively, after leaving Tuggeranong in the morning we headed out to Namadgi National Park on the quiet roads through Tharwa. The road is very pretty and winds uphill through the countryside until a final steep section just before you reach Hospital Hill with its spectacular views of the Bimberi Wilderlands and Gudgenby Valley. After a break and a snack turn around and cruise back to Canberra. You might make this a 2 or 3 day trip. Total Distance 153km.
Find this ride on the NSW South ACT Cycling Network
Distance: 83km Time: 2 Days Transport: Train return
South Australia is the leader in linking Rail Trails and city paths to make the longer ride for your first cycle tour. Laid back and friendly, Adelaide loves bikes.
Start This tour starts in central Adelaide and heads towards the coast along the pretty Linear Park Trail where there are lots of parks and places to stop for a coffee.
What we Love On the coast we loved the quirky artworks backed by the landing planes and seascapes. The paths thread through Adelaide with lots of lunch options and onto the Coast to Vines Rail Trail where you meet the vineyards and finish your first day at McClaren Vale where there are lots of accommodation options and great restaurants. Next morning, finish the Coast to Vines trail to Willunga for breakfast before you head back to Seaford Railway Station where you can train back to central Adelaide or ride back the way you came.
When to Go: Autumn is a great time to do this trip as the vineyards are spectacular with all of the beautiful autumn colours.
This ride is part of the South Australia – Rail Trails and Paths
We suggest 2 days, 83km.
Distance: 80km Time: 2 Days Transport: Circuit ride
Hobart is surprising. For a small city it has wonderful rides all with views of the ever-changing moods of Mt Wellington which can be covered in mist, snow, or sunshine on any given day.
Start at Constitution dock in the historic centre of Hobart. Follow the Derwent River to visit the world-famous and quirky Mona, Museum of Old and New Art. Return and cross the Derwent River. You may feel like walking across the bridge as it gets windy! The views are excellent. Then turn north on the Clarence Foreshore Trail. Enjoy the views across the Derwent to Hobart and Mt Wellington as you ride to Geilston and its protected little harbor. And then to Shag Bay. The rough tracks towards the end of your ride make this feel like a real adventure! Retrace your tracks to Orana House where we suggest you stay for the night.
After their yummy breakfast, continue cycling under the bridge to Clarence Foreshore South. You cycle through Rosny, Bellerieve and finish at Tranmere. We loved this harborside ride with lots of places to stop and enjoy a café or vista. Return ride to Hobart, or take the ferry from Bellerieve, and finish your first cycle tour with a ride along the Hobart Rivulet to the Cascade Brewery. The beer will be cold and the buildings impressive!
This ride is 80km and we suggest you do it over 2 days.