With the Tour de France about to kick off in Europe, we’ve picked our top five bike trails for cyclists looking for an Australian bike adventure.
Munda Biddi Trail, Western Australia
The Munda Biddi Trail will eventually stretch for 1000 kilometres from the Perth Hills to Albany, making it the longest dedicated bike track in the country. The final sections of the trail are still being built, but the 600 kilometre section that already exists is no cycle in the park. Taking you from the Perth Hills to Manjimup, this ride has varying degrees of difficulty and you will cycle through some stunning scenery in Western Australia’s south-west. As with the nearby Bibbulmun walking track, there are dedicated campsites along the route.
Mawson Trail, South Australia
Having the awe-inspiring Flinders Ranges National Park at the end of this trail is fantastic incentive to finish this 900 kilometre ride, but the scenery along the way isn’t too shabby either. Starting to the north of Adelaide, this bike ride takes you through the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley, meaning there are options for some wine tasting along the way.
A mountain bike is required for this trail, as you’ll be using a variety of roads, including fire trails and state forestry roads. While the trail is always open it’s best to avoid riding it in the scorching summer months.
Cairns to Cape York, Queensland
Cairns to Cape York is an epic 1100-kilometre trail that finishes at the tip of Australia. The distance is not the only thing you’ll have to contend with on this route. There are challenging road conditions and road trains taking up space, as well as a few animals to watch out for – some to admire and some to avoid while on the road.
Most people use the corrugated Peninsula Development Road, but be aware that this road sustained damage during the recent cyclones and floods, and sections could be undergoing repairs.
But you don’t have to tackle this trip alone. There are numerous tour companies with experienced guides, like AllTrails Bicycle Tours, that offer bike tours of the Far North.
Tasmanian Trail, Tasmania
Riding the Tasmanian Trail is a fantastic way to experience the Apple Isle. Starting at Devonport on the north coast of Tasmania and ending at Dover on the south coast, the trail cuts down the heart of the island. You may have company on the trail as it’s a shared track with hikers and horseriders.
At 480 kilometres long, it’s not as long as some of the other trails on this list, but the stunning scenery, not to mention the hill climbs and river crossings, will ensure this ride is a memorable one. You can also do a slight detour to cycle up the famous Mount Wellington near Hobart.
Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail, Victoria
This newly opened rail trail is the easiest trek in our list, and is suitable for less-experienced cyclists. Extending from Tallarook to Mansfield, this 134-kilometre trail is along a gravel track for much of the way. Much of the rail trail was constructed in the 19th century, so you can enjoy historic sites along the route, like Yea’s railway station, and you’ll even get to ride through Cheviot Tunnel. Of course, there are scenic views as well, mainly of rolling farmland, but you might catch a glimpse of Mount Buller towards the end of the trail.
What are your favourite bike trails?
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Image credit: Mawson Trail, Tourism Australia; Cape York, Tourism Queensland; Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail, Tourism Victoria.
