Australia might be the smallest continent in the world, but it’s still the sixth largest country on the planet and it has an amazing diversity of landscapes. Merciless deserts, vast plains, impressive mountains, ancient rainforests and beautiful beaches – Australia has it all. No wonder it is one of the most popular destinations in the world when it comes to road trips and cycling trips. Here are some of our favorite routes that cycling enthusiasts shouldn’t miss.
See the best of Australia on the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most popular road trip routes on the entire planet – and with good reason. It’s only logical then, that this route would be even better explored by bike. You will have more time to enjoy the scenery and soak in all of the amazing sites along the way. The road, which in itself is an Australian Heritage site, is brimming with attractions. The winding road takes you down the coast of Victoria, passing such iconic sites as the Twelve Apostles, the Loch Ard Gorge, and the Cape Otway Lightstation. If you can, take the time for a short detour to Beech Forest, north of Skenes Creek. The forest is home to impressive Californian redwoods, otherwise not typical for Australia.
Get some fresh air in the Snowy Mountains
One of the favorite routes for experienced cyclists is from Sydney to the Snowy Mountains. This ambitious route normally takes about a week to complete, as it measures around 500 km. Along the way, you have the chance to enjoy the city, the gorgeous coastline, the New South Wales inland scenery, and, of course, the impressive peaks of the snowy mountains.
It can be a surreal experience to witness the alpine climate on the normally hot continent. Of course, this route requires excellent levels of fitness and stamina, but if you have the time, you can make plenty of stops and turn it into a longer vacation. If you’d love to explore the route, but it sounds a bit too difficult, it might be worth it to get a powerful ebike in Sydney, and switch between pedaling and the electric motor.
Explore the Red Centre on the Simpsons Gap Bike Path
Longer bike routes in the Red Centre area might not be the best idea due to the dangers of the harsh climate. However, this path is only around 17 km long, and not at all difficult. That means that it’s an amazing way even for newbies to truly experience the desert at the heart of Australia.
The route can be reached from Alice Springs, and will take you through the West MacDonnell National Park. Of course, the merciless conditions in the desert should not be taken lightly, even for such a short and simple route. Make sure to take plenty of water with you, and to protect your skin with clothes and a hat.
Join other enthusiasts at Adelaide Hills
Adelaide Hills are the location of the most popular cycling festival in Australia. The festival – called the Tour Down Under – takes place every year in January. Of course, if you’d rather explore the gorgeous scenery on your own, the area is a wonderful location regardless of the season. Adelaide Hills are full of beautiful roads and trails that you can use, but be warned that most of them are challenging and include climbs that might not be the best choice for beginners.
Whether you prefer laid-back cruising, or challenging, bumpy routes, Australia is the place for you. The best of all? Because of the beautiful weather, you can cycle all year round.
