14 of the Best Cycling Routes in Sydney

Cycling is an amazing way to see and experience Sydney. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced cyclist or brand new to riding, there’s a cycling route for everyone in this stunning city. Discover expansive parklands, tranquil lagoons, beautiful beaches and national parks all on two wheels. Whether you want to find a leisurely ride with picturesque lookouts or challenging routes to test your cardio, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the best bike routes in Sydney.

 

Centennial Parklands

• Distance: 3.5km loop
• Difficulty: Easy

Centennial Parklands is one of the most cycle-friendly public spaces in Sydney, with more than 750,000 cyclists riding in and through it annually. Located in the Eastern Suburbs, you’ll find yourself riding under trees and passing by beautiful ponds, open green spaces, and an abundance of nature. It’s perfect for people wanting to keep fit, or those looking for a leisurely ride to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The Grand Drive Cycle Lane is a 3.5km loop and is most popular for cyclists but you can also create your own route to explore more of the park. For the less confident cyclists (children and beginners), there is a Learners Cycleway which can be used to practice on. If you’re sticking to the main loop, remember to keep left and look out for the faster, more experienced cyclists overtaking. There are a few food and drinks outlets to stop at along the way to stay refreshed and if you haven’t got a bike, hire one at Centennial Park Cycles.

 

Prospect Loop Cycleway

• Distance: 29km - 35km
• Difficulty: Medium

Explore Western Sydney on a 35km sealed cycleway separated from the road. The Prospect Loop follows a lot of the Sydney water infrastructure and has a range of varied terrain and scenery, making it ideal for experienced and first time riders. This long loop connects Guildford and Canley Vale on the Parramatta-Liverpool train line and takes you as far as Abbotsbury.

If you’re getting to the loop via public transport, start from Guildford Station and look for Prospect Canal Cycleway running adjacent to Trenton Road. Bring your own food and break up the ride by stopping off for something to eat at Prospect Dam picnic ground. It’s the ultimate trail to get your legs moving so take plenty of food, water and sunscreen.

 

Parramatta Valley Cycleway

• Distance: 15km - 25km
• Difficulty: Easy

Get away from the busy Sydney roads and cruise along dedicated bike paths, quiet streets and the river foreshore between Parramatta Park and Sydney Olympic Park. The Parramatta Valley Cycleway meanders along the Parramatta River and is perfect for all ages and riding abilities.

The route can be as long or as short as you want it to be. Add on a few loops of Parramatta Park, ride all the way to Morrison Bay Park, choose to take either the Silverwater Bridge or John Whitton Bridge, or you can even add on a few kilometres in Sydney Olympic Park. Be sure to explore the latter as there are plenty of things to see and places to eat.

 

Olympic Park Circuit

• Distance: 7.5km
• Difficulty: Easy

With more than 35km of cycle paths for safe bike riding, Sydney Olympic Park is ideal for cyclists of all skill levels. Why not check out the popular 7.5km Olympic Circuit and relive memories of the Sydney Olympic Games. Start within the Town Centre and take a journey past iconic Olympic venues like the ANZ Stadium, the Olympic Cauldron, Cathy Freeman Park and the Games Memories poles installation, a permanent tribute to the volunteers who made the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games such a magnificent occasion.

Cycle hire is available within Olympic Park so don’t worry if you haven’t got a bike. With lots to see and many places to eat and drink, you’ll be able to keep the whole family entertained. Also check out the River Heritage Circuit (running along the Parramatta River) and The Parklands Circuit (starting in Bicentennial Park and finishing in Waterbird Refuge via Lake Belvedere).

 

Cooks River Cycleway

• Distance: 23km one way. There are numerous entry and exit points, so you can ride for as little or long as you like.
• Difficulty: Easy/Medium

Find one of Sydney’s oldest and most popular rides on a 23km stretch between Ryde and Botany Bay. The cycleway starts at Settlers Park and crosses the Parramatta River via the path on the eastern side of the Ryde Bridge, but you can access from numerous entry points, such as Bicentennial Park and Gough Whitlam Park.

Journey through parks, mangroves, historical sites, bridges, wildlife and more. This enjoyable ride is well signposted but there are many junctions so follow carefully. With plenty of places to stop and take a break, it’s perfect for a family day out.

 

The Bay Run

• Distance: 7km loop
• Difficulty: Easy

One of the most popular harbourside shared paths in the Inner West, The Bay Run is a scenic 7km circuit never more than 20m away from the water. The flat pavement route attracts locals of all ages and abilities and can get busy with walkers, runners and rollerbladers, as well as cyclists, so keep an eye out as you ride. Don’t worry though, the gorgeous scenery around the Iron Cove foreshore is worth it. Why not stop off at Nield Park Pavilion for a coffee break and a muffin.

 

Narrabeen Lagoon Trail

• Distance: 8.4km
• Difficulty: Easy

Take your bike up to the Northern Beaches and ride the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail, perfect for the weekend. This stunning 8.4km loop hugging the Narrabeen Lagoon will take you through wonderful ecosystems, wildlife and cultural heritage. The route is flat and consists of sealed paths, smooth gravel and wooden boardwalks. There are plenty of areas to stop for a picnic and public toilets are dotted around.

You can start the loop in a number of places but the main points are Middle Creek Reserve, Jamieson Park, Berry Reserve or Bilarong Reserve. Make sure to take some snaps for the ‘gram along the way, this bike trail is very easy on the eye.

 

M7 Cycleway

• Distance: 40km one way
• Difficulty: Easy/Medium

If you’re looking for a long bike ride to get your blood pumping, free from cars and traffic lights, then check out the dedicated cycleway which runs next to the M7. This $60m project joins Prestons and Glenwood in Western Sydney on a 40km uninterrupted stretch with over 60 entry and exit points. Attracting thousands of riders at the weekend, this is a popular route. If you decide to tackle this one, make sure to take enough water as there is only one place to fill up at about the halfway point.

 

Tempe to Kurnell

• Distance: 30km - 45km one way
• Difficulty: Easy/Medium

Want to enjoy coastal views with plenty of places to stop off? Start at Tempe Recreation Reserve and make your way over the Cooks River on the shared pathway and down towards Brighton-Le-Sands and Sans Souci where you’ll hug the coast of Botany Bay. There are plenty of places to grab food along this stretch before you venture over Captain Cook Bridge. Once over, keep left and continue on the cycle path until you eventually reach Captain Cook Drive, where you’ll stay on this all the way to Kurnell.

Whilst you’re there, explore a little further into Kamay Botany Bay National Park to Cape Solander Lookout where you might even spot some whales. From here you could retrace your steps and head down to the beautiful beach at Cronulla and treat yourself with a well-earned beer and pub lunch. If you can’t face the journey back you can always catch the train from here.

 

Three Gorges

• Distance: 60km loop
• Difficulty: Hard

A classic ride amongst Sydney’s avid cyclists escaping city life, this one will definitely test your fitness. The Three Gorges is a strenuous but rewarding 60km trek in Northern Sydney where you’ll experience some serious climbs, scary switchbacks and great downhill stretches, whilst getting awesome views of the Hawkesbury River and Ku-ring-gai’s scenery. As the name suggests, there are three gorges to tackle: Galston Gorge, Berowra Waters and Bobbin Head.

Starting from Hornsby train station going clockwise, you’ll encounter the first climb just after Galston. When you arrive at Berowra Waters, you’ll have to get a ferry across. It’s a good time to refuel and prepare yourself for the gruelling second climb which is soon to come. Along this route on the weekend, you’ll see plenty of keen cyclists and a lot of flashy gear. As this is all on-road, ensure you’re experienced and comfortable with potentially busy car traffic.

 

Lady Carrington Drive

• Distance: 10km one way
• Difficulty: Easy

If you’re looking for an easy, off-road bike trail for all the family, this is the one for you. It follows the Hacking River and you’ll see blue gums, turpentines and patches of rainforest, whilst heading over a number of creeks. You might encounter a lyrebird, echidna and lace monitor along the way.

This one-way trail can be done in either direction. To start at the northern end, head to Fig Tree Flat car park. Alternatively, go to Forest Path car park, just off Sir Bertram Stevens Drive nearest the Waterfall train station exit for Princes Highway. Remember to watch out for walkers on this shared track and check the weather before going because Lady Carrington Drive can become boggy when it rains.

 

Loftus Loop Trail

• Distance: 10km loop
• Difficulty: Easy/Medium

One of the most enjoyable cycling trails in the Royal National Park, the Loftus Loop Trail is a fun 10km ride consisting of 8km of fire trail and 2km of designated bike track and is accessible from a number of locations, although usually from the NPWS office.

It features varied terrain from flat, wide open trails, to steep rocky fire trails that can get a little rocky. Inexperienced riders should take care along the latter. Whilst you’re there, why not take a picnic and stop for lunch at Ironbark Flat picnic area, or go to the Audley Dance Hall Café for coffee and cake.

 

10B Cycling Trail

• Distance: 15km one way
• Difficulty: Easy/Medium

Meandering through Dharawal National Park, the 10B Cycling Trail is an ideal route for avid cyclists looking for a long bike ride with a picturesque picnic spot along the way. The 15km trail starts near the Appin Road entrance of Dharawal National Park and takes you on an unsealed road through woodlands and open forest.

The relatively easy ride becomes more challenging in the last 3km, when you descend into Stokes Creek Gorge and have to climb back up to the park’s northern entrance at Wedderburn. Highlights of this fun ride includes the creek crossing which has a broad rock platform perfect for a quick break. Also, look out for the yellow-tailed black cockatoo, with its distinctive "kee-ow" contact call.

 

Akuna Bay

• Distance: 72km
• Difficulty: Hard

One of the best places to ride in Sydney, Akuna Bay features waterfronts, bays, beaches, and hills. This beautiful loop winds along the coast and into Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park and has challenging technical climbs and descents that experienced cyclists will love. The all-road ride starts in Mosman and heads over The Spit Bridge towards the coast at Narrabeen. From there, it’s a relatively flat ride through Mona Vale and on to Church Point.

No doubt your hunger will already be starting so it could be a good idea to take on some nutrients at the Waterfront Cafe so that you’re ready for the climbs ahead. The first is up McCarrs Creek Road and then onto West Head Road before you’re rewarded with a wonderful descent down to Akuna Bay. Another big climb out is followed by some fun roads through Terrey Hills and Frenchs Forest until you start retracing your steps back towards The Spit for the end of the ride. The Akuna Bay Loop will not disappoint.