| Destinations: AUSTRALIA ON TWO WHEELS |
| To cycle Australia in its entirety would require at least a year at a quick pace. Deserts, thousands of miles of ocean coastline, world class vineyards and much, much more are contained within its borders. The Travelling Two website specialises in providing information on cyling in Australia. >> |
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Destinations Where Cycling
Is King of the Road
There are numerous destinations around Australia where the bicycle is the best way to get around. In some instances, there is an absence of motor vehicles (except for the odd service vehicle), which removes the danger of sharing roads with motor cars, keeps the air you breathe as you travel clean and clear, and ensures you get plenty of healthy exercise as you travel around.
Rottnest Island, WA
Rottnest is a largely unspoilt island off the coast of Perth, Western Australia. Featuring beautiful beaches and bays with crystal clear water, it's the ideal single or multi-day destination when in Perth. Ferries from Fremantle or Hillaries get you (and your bike if you don't want to hire one) there in half an hour. Private motor behicles are banned, so the roads are generally free from vehicular traffic (apart from the odd van or tour bus) and the bicycle is the main means of transport here.
Maria Island, Tas
Maria Island, on Tasmania's east coast, is a great place to visit and there are lots of opportunities to explore on a bike. There are no motor vehicle here, so your only alternative to cycling is to walk everywhere. The island is famous for its historic buildings and convict ruins as well as its stunning coastal scenery. There are no roads, no cars, no shops, no running water and no one lives there, which is perfect if you want to leave civilization behind for a day. Cycle Tour Information
Clare Valley Riesling Trail, SA
Traversing the picturesque Clare Valley wine region, the Riesling Trail is one of the first rail-trails to be developed in South Australia. The 27km trail runs between the towns of Clare and Auburn - approximately two hours drive north of Adelaide - along the old Riverton to Spalding railway line. It is well compacted, making it suitable for recreational walkers, off-road bicycles, wheelchairs and pushers. Named after the grape and wine variety that the region is famous for, the Riesling Trail travels past many cellar doors and other visitor attractions, making it ideal for those wanting a leisurely ride with a distraction or two!
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Cycling Tours
There are a wide range of destinations available for those chose cycling as a mode of transport for all or part of their journey around or within Australia. Cycling tour companies take the risk out of cross country cycling, offering pre-set tours which include accommodation and the option of hiring an appropriate bike if you don't have your own. Tours can be guided, self guided on pre-set roiutes, or custom designed to suit your requirements. We check out some of the options available.
Cycling Australia's Rail Trails
Whether you’re holidaying interstate or looking for a day trip closer to home, why not bring out the bikes and discover the hidden delights along Australia’s rail trails.
Rail trails are paths recycled from abandoned railway corridors. They can be used for walking, cycling and horse riding and are generally shared. Following the route of the railways, they cut through hills, under roads, over embankments and across gullies and creeks. The rails are usually removed when a railway is closed, but remnants of the past such as railway cuttings and bridges still remain. Most trails have a gravel or dirt surface suitable for walking, mountain bikes and horses. Some are sealed and are great for touring bikes too.
Riding or walking rail trails have many advantages. The most obvious is you are not sharing the pathway with motor vehicles. Another is that they are prefect ways to see the countryside of a region you are visiting or passing through, as link big and small country towns and meander through scenic countryside just as railways did in the past. Wineries and other attractions are often near many trails as well as B&B's and other great places to stay.
Every rail trail is different, but whether they are urban, rural or bush they all have one thing in common: gentle grades. Trains are not good at climbing hills, and railways avoid steep grades by contouring around hills, going through cuttings and tunnels and over bridges and embankment. Even the steepest gradients are gentle in comparison to some roads and tracks, which makes rail trails easy to pass over.
Apart from being great places to walk, cycle or horse ride, rail trails are linear conservation corridors protecting native plants and animals. They often link remnant vegetation in farming areas and contain valuable flora and fauna habitat.
Many local government and tourism organisations have put time, effort and money into developing their local rail trails, and provide trail notes and signposting to help travellers negotiate the trails. Often you can walk or ride the trail one way, and return by public transport. Some local tour operators provide return transport.
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There are rail trails all around Australia. Click on a state or territory map to find details of rail trails there. |
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