Whether you like to ride with friends, cycle solo, or head out on ambitious adventures, if you love being on a bike, you’ll love Melbourne. Every summer, tourists and locals take to the trails in their thousands. They’re seeking excitement, beautiful landscapes, and that unique thrill of moving very fast on two wheels.
It helps, of course, that Melbourne is a city full of cycling enthusiasts, so it’s really easy to source bike accessories and get information on the best routes. You can have fun exploring the urban areas or if you head out a bit further and wander around a host of gorgeous gardens and parks. Whatever you preference, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this corner of the world.
A Trail for Checking Out the City
If you’re new in town or you just fancy a trip around the city, follow the Capital City trail. Most riders start out at Princes Bridge, near Flinders Street Station. You have the option to travel either east or west, but the westerly side tends to get quite crowded.
If you’re confident moving about Melbourne and want to avoid the tourists and congested areas, ride east. This trail follows the Yarra River to Yarra Bend Park, which is the largest area of natural bushland in the region. It is home to playing friends, rivers, and open woodlands.
A Trail for Getting Close to Coast
The Bass Coast Rail Trail is nothing short of spectacular.
It offers breath-taking views of the Bass Strait from the Bourne Creek Bridge at Kilcunda. This is the ideal route for those who want to get out of the built up areas and experience a much older side of Melbourne.
The trail is built around the railway line which links Anderson to Wonthaggi.
However, there are safe channels for bikes and walkers to travel through. It should be pointed out that this isn’t the smoothest of cycling routes. It gets a bit rugged in places, so experienced riders only.
A Trail for Sun Worshippers
For a slightly less rugged, but no less beautiful cycling route, there is the Bay Trail.
It begins at St Kilda Pier and winds south through the iconic Luna Park. Here, you’ll spot scantily clad beachgoers and a host of super lavish yachts and speedboats.
The route finishes at Bayside Brighton, where you can hop off the bike and spend some time lounging in the sun. There are beachfront cafes, fish and chip shops, and ice cream sellers aplenty, so treat yourself.
A Trail for Spotting Wildlife
If you’d rather kangaroo watch than splash in the surf, choose the Lysterfield Park Trail.
It is a little further out at just about an hour from central Melbourne. However, it is worth the journey, because the place is overrun with ‘roos.
The region is well-known for its mountain bike trails. The area features in the 2006 Commonwealth Games and it occasionally plays host to competitive events. You don’t have to be a daredevil to visit, however, because there are plenty of family and easy ride routes.
The Beauty of Hitting the Saddle in Melbourne
The great thing about this part of Australia is that has something to offer everybody.
Whether you’re heading out for a bike ride with the kids or searching for a coastal picnic spot, it’s just a matter of finding a trail which suits your abilities. Don’t forget to pack emergency essentials every time that you head out. You should carry a puncture repair kit, plenty of drinking water, a fully charged mobile phone, and, if possible, a mini first aid kit.