Get on your bike and get ready to roll on a pedal-powered journey across the breathtaking landscapes of Australia with Lonely Planet’s latest release: Best Bike Rides Australia.

Sunshine Coastal Pathway

Running alongside the ocean from Mooloolaba Beach to the mouth of Maroochydore River, the Sunshine Coastal Pathway offers up a slice of Sunshine Coast lifestyle in under an hour. Every morning, walkers, runners and cyclists can be found huffing and puffing their way along this coastal track, while surfers catch breaks just out to sea. Ideal for young families and casual cyclists, this route comprises a safe paved path that’s best savoured over a couple of hours, with plenty of restaurants, shops, beaches and playgrounds along the way.

Bike Hire EcoTekk offers e-bike rentals from $39 per half day and will deliver bike rentals to you throughout the Sunshine Coast. Have Fun Tours has cruiser bikes from $30 per day, with delivery available around Mooloolaba.

Starting Point Although the Translink bus doesn’t permit bikes, it will get you to the starting point at Mooloolaba, where you can arrange to have a bike delivered. If driving, there’s free two-hour parking at the Beach Tce car park.

1. As a point of orientation, this route never strays far from the water. The Sunshine Coast’s glistening surf and white-sand beaches should always be on your right. Set out from the Mooloolaba Beach car park and head north on the path beside the beach. This section will likely be quite busy with locals making the most of their enviable coastal lifestyle.
2. You’ll soon approach a boardwalk that slopes uphill. Cyclists are required to dismount, so you’ll need to walk your to its end. The rest of the trail has gentle undulations, with a nice mix of small inclines and flat areas to coast along.
3. You’ll know you’ve arrived at Alexandra Headland when you see the surf lifesaving club. This is a perfect place for a small breather, as the beach here is great for a swim and will provide ample opportunity to soak up that cruisey Sunshine Coast lifestyle. Leave your bike at the surf club’s beachside cafe and grab a coffee to sip while keeping an eye out for humpback whales – you can see them migrating offshore in the cooler months.
4. Once back on your bike, the path departs slightly from the ocean. The water will be obscured from view as you cycle alongside Alexandra Pde. After Parker St, the path curves to the right, where you’ll see a lovely park with sculptures carved from Chillagoe white marble. Just past this park, head across Alexandra Pde towards those breathtaking ocean views. You’ll see a small beachside car park for Maroochydore Beach. The path resumes through the car park.
5. Up ahead, you’ll see a holiday park. Hang a left before the entrance, and you’ll pass the busy shops and restaurants of Cotton Tree. In addition to a handful of trendy cafes selling sandwiches, snacks and smoothies – the perfect place to pick up some picnic supplies – you’ll find a thriving market here on Sundays. Follow the path as it curves right and back towards the water and into Cotton Tree Park, at the mouth of the tranquil Maroochy River. Take a breather here and stop to admire the conical Mt Coolum and the wave-shaped Mt Ninderry in the distance.
6. At the western edge of Cotton Tree Park, you’ll reach a small car bridge at Duporth Ave, which crosses one of the tributaries of the Maroochy River. This denotes the spot where Cotton Tree ends and Maroochydore – the final suburb of your bike ride – begins. Past the bridge, you’ll have to join cars on the road, so if you’re not a confident cyclist, you may want to use the footpath for the next few blocks.
7. Turn right and follow the signs for Maroochydore. After Gibson St, hang a right at Picnic Point Esplanade. This will take you to a shady and quiet waterfront park, which – as the name implies – is a serene spot for a picnic. You can unpack and enjoy those picnic supplies now!
8. At the end of Picnic Point, continue north by turning left under the Ken Neil Bridge. Follow the path over the bridge, then left to head back down to the water. The water will still be on your right, but it’s no longer the ocean – now, you’re officially riding alongside the Maroochy River.
9. Look for the narrow pedestrian bridge stretching over the river on your right. Follow it across the water to Chambers Island – one of the area’s best-kept secrets. There’s a good chance you’ll have the 16-hectare park all to yourself. Here, you’ll find shaded picnic tables, barbecues, public restrooms and a playground. The river is better suited to fishing than swimming, however, thanks to the bull sharks that frequent the area. To finish the route, re-turn the same way you came, this time always ensuring the water is on your left.

Indian Ocean Explorer

Marvel at Perth’s glittering coastline on this beach-hugging ride that also takes in the heritage streets and sights of kooky and creative Fremantle. Tick off the port town and nearby Cottesloe Beach while discovering a historic tunnel, large-scale street art, and a slew of outdoor sculptures. Aim to do this ride before 11am; it’s when the local wind, known as the Fremantle Doctor, often starts to blow. The cycleway described here is a shared path; be sure to give way to pedestrians, ring your bell and travel single file when passing.

Bike Hire The City of Fremantle offers free bike hire with a refundable $50 deposit. Bikes are limited so go early to the Fremantle Visitor Centre. For e-bikes, head to Ocean Cycles Fremantle (from $70 per day).

Starting Point The Fremantle Visitor Centre at Walyalup Koort is somewhat hidden behind the large, cream-colored St John’s Anglican Church. Out front is a colorful children’s playground.

1. From the visitor centre, push your bike through the High St pedestrian mall. When you reach traffic, ride along High St in a southwesterly direction. Notice the shops changing from mainstream to boutique and the historic buildings becoming ever grander. Cross Cliff St and head to the Round House, WA’s oldest public building, built in 1831. Stop to explore if you wish.
2. Follow your curiosity through the tunnel beneath the Round House and turn right along the shared path. Discover the garden sculptures fronting the J-shed art studios. A number of artists work from here; pop in and watch them on weekends. You’ll also find Bathers Beach, an almost secret strip of sand with calm waters and small waves perfect for a paddle. With the ocean to your back, ride through the J-shed car park.
3. Pop out on Fleet St and follow the road edged by sawtooth-roof sheds until you reach a stop sign. Follow the main road as it veers left, just before the roundabout. Keep the tall building that says ‘Welcome to Victoria Quay, Fremantle’ to your left – this is the port authority. Continue into a large car parking zone and turn hard left. Cycle until you arrive at the WA Maritime Museum.
4. With the museum at your back, follow the parking lot road parallel to the sheds and past Gage Roads brewery until you reach the E-shed markets, on your right. They’re open Friday to Sunday with a mix of handcrafts, collectables, and food stalls. Continue northeastward, past C and D sheds. Follow the road as it turns right and join the bike path diagonally across the road. Riding northeast alongside the railway tracks, you might see a cruise ship to your left.
5. Follow the bike path underneath the bridge and turn hard left, following the road’s bike path up the gentle hill. Cross at the traffic lights, first southeasterly, then cross northeasterly, watching for oncoming traffic in all directions. Continue up the hill and rejoin the cycle path, marked by green stencils. When you reach the bridge leading to Queen Victoria St, admire a huge street mural depicting an octopus. Allow your eyes to travel further ahead to Containbow, a 9m high rainbow of sea containers which acts as a welcome statement to Fremantle by local artist Marcus Canning. Cross the road and cycle the path to get a closer look, or continue on the cycleway in front of you and cross the Fremantle traffic bridge, using the protected lane for cyclists on the western side.
6. As you leave the bridge, look for the bike path to your left, traveling through an industrial-looking area. At the redback spider mural, turn left and ride under the bridge. This is a heavy truck traffic zone for noisy transport trucks, so stick to the shared path. It will cross three roads and train tracks before arriving at the Port Beach Rd traffic lights. Rejoin the bike path on the ocean side.
7. You could swim at Port Beach or wait for the soft, white sand and turquoise waters of Leighton Beach, further along. There, you’ll see Bib and Tucker restaurant, owned by former Olympic gold medalist swimmer Eamon Sullivan, and The Orange Box, an open-air cafe with sun-drenched deckchairs. Nearby are public change rooms, toilets and showers. Continue along the coastline, passing fragrant pockets of native scrub.
8. As you arrive at Cottesloe Beach, follow the path up a hill and around the front of the surf club. Be mindful of the foot traffic around Perth’s most popular sandy stretch, home to the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition (each March) and a protected swimming enclosure with a submerged shark net (in place October to March). Continue along the sculpture-dotted shared path to finish at North Cottesloe. You can either return the way you came, or ride up Grant St, past Daisies Cafe, and travel back on the Fremantle-bound train, departing Grant St Station.

Coast Park Path

Adelaide’s coastline is a captivating blend of sand, sea, and history, featuring a gorgeous foreshore just begging to be explored on two wheels. The Coast Park Path is a perfect example of the city’s commitment to recreation and sustainability, linking Semaphore, Henley Beach, Glenelg, and Brighton’s waterfronts through a series of lush revegetation zones. The journey is further complemented by easy access to urban beaches and the charm of heritage buildings. Since its first stages of development in 1992, the multi-use path has been a family favorite.

Bike Hire Cit-E-Bike provides a range of e-bikes with baskets, perfect for gathering supplies along the coast. Pick them up in Adelaide before jumping on the train to Outer Harbor. Prices start from $50 per day.

Starting Point Approximately 20km from the city, the trailhead is a short cycle from the terminus of the Outer Harbor train line. Thankfully, bikes are allowed on Adelaide’s trains.

1. Begin at the Outer Harbor lookout, located at the end of the train line on Lefevre Peninsula’s northern tip. Here, witness a flurry of marine activity, with ocean liners, cargo ships, and yachts. The journey starts east, passing Lady Ruthaven Reserve and rounding the North Haven Marina before straightening along a littoral vegetation strip.
2. Running adjacent to Lady Gowrie Dr, the trail is flanked by a row of majestic Norfolk Island pines. Initially valued for their potential as ship masts, their supple wood proved unsuitable for ocean voyages. They now provide shade and stature to SA’s winding coastline.
3. After 4km, the path veers briefly among vegetation, revealing Largs Bay’s white sandy beach and majestic jetty. Beyond the sailing club, the historic Largs Pier Hotel comes into view, its distinctive bluestone facade a highlight of the suburb’s art deco architecture. The venue also boasts a rich musical history, hosting performances from Aussie rock legends like Cold Chisel and AC/DC.
4. The trail eventually diverges from the Esplanade, leading through Semaphore Foreshore, a vibrant parkland with summer festivals and an amusement park. The Palais Hotel, originally built in 1922, now houses a bar and grand ballroom. Nearby, Sotos Fish Shop offers arguably the best hand-cut chips in Adelaide.
5. Continuing south from Semaphore Jetty, the trail runs parallel to the tourist railway line to Fort Glanville. Once past the line’s southern terminus, rejoin the Esplanade briefly before turning left onto Third Ave, then right onto busy Military Rd. A path extension along the coast is currently under development.
6. Cycle 3km southward, then turn right onto Bournemouth St, followed by a left through residential backstreets. The trail rejoins the foreshore across from Cable Station Reserve, leading to the heritage-listed Marine Terraces and the Grange Beach.
7. The shared path grows busier as you near Henley Beach. Soon, you’ll arrive at chic Henley Sq, a modern meeting place offering restaurants, cafes, and a gorgeous beachfront. Try the award-winning salted pecan and maple gelato from Bottega.
8. Progressing south, the path breaks from the Esplanade at Ozone Reserve, then veers east past the pelican sculpture at the mouth of the River Torrens. Climb the left lane up to Seaview Rd, cross the bridge, then return southbound towards West Beach.
9. The trail slants gradually eastward before arcing inland and arriving at the pedestrian bridge over Patawolonga River. Be sure to dismount and walk through the lock before crossing the bridge.
10. Once across ‘the Pat’, you’ve arrived at Glenelg’s retail hub. Turn left along the boardwalk, then right through Wigley Reserve. Skirt Colley Reserve, then head right to Holdfast Promenade. Glenelg, or ‘the Bay’, is another great spot to stretch your legs.
11. Returning to your bike, the track splits around a tree-lined reserve. Take the high road to the left alongside modern apartment towers and heritage villas of Glenelg’s foreshore. The 4km track to Brighton is popular with walkers, so be mindful.
12. Brighton Jetty, with its distinctive spire, will soon come into view. Originally built in 1886, it endured for over a century before being reconstructed with the help of a mobile phone company.
13. As you cycle past Angus Neill Reserve, the Seacliff Beach Hotel emerges – a perfect spot for a drink and ocean view. The waters here are a hub of activity.
14. The trail’s final 1.5km continues along the Esplanade and through the Kingston Park Coastal Reserve. The state’s vision is to develop the path.

South Coast Cycleway

Every section of the NSW coast has its own particular flavour. The near south coast, which stretches down to the port city of Wollongong, is the epitome of chill. A lazy ride down the south coast cycleway, which meanders past beaches, bushland, ocean baths and lagoons, is an ideal introduction with plenty of opportunities to take photographs, swim or stop for a cheeky drink. The route ends at the beautiful and historic Wollongong foreshore and harbour, where it’s well worth giving yourself time to explore.

Bike Hire Bonza Bike Tours in Sydney rents out bicycles complete with locks, helmets and emergency repairs kit for $15 per hour or $30 for four hours. Book ahead online.

Starting Point Thirroul Station on the South Coast train line is about one hour from Sydney. It’s also possible to do the route in reverse starting at Wollongong Station.

1. You can already smell the sea and feel the salt air of the south coast when you hop off the train at Thirroul Station. As you wheel your bike off the platform and onto Station St, though, you’ll catch a whiff of something else: the vibe. Peaceful, quiet and – above all – chilled out. Head east towards the beach and you’ll start to see signs for the coast cycleway, which you can follow from here on out.
2. About 1km from the station, you’ll pass onto the separated cycleway itself as it hugs the coast along McCauley’s Beach and then Sandon Point Beach. Both are pretty, uncrowded stretches of sand with generally gentle surf. The coast around Sandon Point is a significant Aboriginal heritage site, including a burial site more than 6000 years old. Signage along this stretch of the route gives information about the history, culture and significance of the place.
3. The route continues south on winding, mellow track, occasionally bridging small lagoons. A short way down the coast you’ll pass the Bulli Rockpool, the first of the route’s many ocean baths. These baths are a Sydney institution, and a great place to stop for a sheltered dip on a hot day. There’s a cafe nearby if you need a pick-me-up.
4. The track winds onward through parkland past Bulli and Woonona beaches and then past Bellambi Beach, where there’s another excellent rock pool. About 7km into the ride the path suddenly detours near a set of athletics fields – jog quickly right onto the road and then immediately left onto the path, following the signs painted on the pavement. Here, the track bends inland behind the large tree-fringed lagoon of Bellambi Lake, where you might spot waterbirds like the striated mangrove heron.
5. The path winds alongside a suburban street, past a caravan park and across another large bridge spanning a lagoon, then joins the beach once again. Cruise past the Towradgi ocean pool and Towradgi Beach, then dip inland beside housing developments and a small creek. About 12km in you’ll hit the parking lot for Fairy Meadow Beach. It’s possible to continue on the cycleway here as it bends right following Elliots Rd, but a more rewarding route heads up the dirt path into the trees directly off the corner of the parking lot.
6. Follow the wide dirt track through the trees for 1.3km as it tunnels through the lovely swamp oak floodplain forest of Puckey’s Estate Reserve, with the lagoon wetlands intermittently visible just to your right. The track ends at a T-junction, where you turn right, following a pretty section of elevated boardwalk beside the water of Fairy Creek. Here, the track rejoins the road; turn left and cross the bridge, then bend left on the cycle path as it enters Stuart Park.
7. At the edge of the park the cycleway crosses the street and leads onto the seaside promenade at North Wollongong Beach. This stretch of pathway heading into Wollongong is buzzing, and is a great place to stop off for a beachside coffee or some fish and chips. The shared promenade follows the route of the old Mount Pleasant Coal Mine tramway; signage along the way gives its history. A few hundred metres ahead lies the superb rockpool of the Gentlemen’s Baths, where the scandalous activity of men swimming was once hidden from the fairer sex as Victorian propriety demanded.
8. Continue along the path as it skirts the small harbour behind the break wall, following the relevant signage. Pass by the restaurants and bars clustered along the shore, and head up towards the lighthouse atop the hill at Flagstaff Point. There are various points of interest here, including a Vietnam War Memorial, old coastal gun battery emplacement and, of course, the lighthouse itself, which was built in 1936 and is still in use today. From here, you can explore Wollongong or just head up to the train station for the trip back to Sydney.

St Helens Foreshore & Townlink

Known for its sensational seafood and fiery coastline, St Helens is the largest town along the northeast coast of Tasmania and home to an abundance of outdoor activities. The St Helens Foreshore and Townlink trail will take you on a peaceful journey around Georges Bay before testing your endurance as you thread through the coastal woodland to the St Helens MTB trailhead. The real fun begins on the flowing descent back down the Townlink, which will have you squealing in delight and ready for a lazy afternoon by the bay.

Bike Hire There are two rental stores in St Helens. Giant has a variety of mountain bikes and e-bikes from $60, while Vertigo offers beginner mountain bikes and e-bikes from $75.

Starting Point The St Helens Foreshore trail begins at the wharf just south of the town centre. Here, you’ll also find a large car park, playground and two delicious seafood restaurants.

1. Your journey begins on a dual-purpose path leading from the sprawling marina, passing the famous floating Skippers Fish and Chip shop and crossing the bridge onto the St Helens Foreshore track. Tall shady trees hang over the path, providing a buffer from the busy Tasman Hwy and affording a beautiful contrast to the vibrant sea-green bay. The shared trail is often bustling with runners, dog walkers and bike riders, all enjoying the peaceful atmosphere that Georges Bay emanates.
2. Continue weaving along the foreshore path as it hugs the contours of the bay for 1km before briefly climbing behind the Tackle Shop and back down to the water’s edge. Around 500m later, you’ll arrive at a picnic area equipped with a toilet block, barbecues and a grassy spot to sit and watch as locals and tourists alike fish from the pier.
3. Moving past the picnic area, you’ll wrap around a rocky point often occupied by black swans and crested terns diving for their next meal. The views continue to unravel as you ride, revealing the mouth of the inlet and the distant mountains bordering St Helens in the west. After another kilometre, you’ll pass by two long piers and a car park – which offers an alternative starting point if you want to shave 5km off the ride.
4. Continuing on, a small rise shaded by towering gums takes you around a set of buildings and delivers you the final 500m to Lions Park. Here, you’ll find a sheltered picnic area with barbecue facilities, a toilet block and a playground. This is where you’ll leave the peaceful coastal path behind and begin the ascent along the Townlink to the St Helens MTB Park trailhead.
5. Ride along the track sandwiched between Lions Park and the highway and cross the road at the yellow poles approximately 50m ahead. Entering the Boggy Creek Conservation Area and Wetlands, a boardwalk funnels you into a forest of swamp paperbark and tall tree ferns. Keep an eye out for the resident sea eagles flying above and the white-faced heron stalking about in the wetlands below.
6. Leaving the boardwalk behind, the dual-purpose trail takes on a rough and rocky status as you begin winding your way through a vibrant eucalypt woodland filled with enormous blue gums and stringy bark trees. After 1km on the Townlink, you’ll arrive at a bridge leading to a sweeping corner ascending out of the dense forest and into a field of colourful ferns peppered with towering eucalypts.
7. The abundance of wallabies and echidnas that call the open woodland home allows you to shift focus from the consistent climb as you try to spot these elusive native animals. The trail continues to traverse the side of a deep gully for 1km until you reach the infamous switchbacks leading out of Boggy Creek Valley.
8. After the switchbacks, you’re afforded a slight respite as the gradient softens and the undulating trail continues winding through the shrubby coastal woodland full of bright green ferns. On a few occasions, tree roots rise above the dirt track, requiring a little extra attention as you cover the last 1.5km.
9. Arriving at the St Helens MTB Park trailhead, you’ll find a large sheltered area, a car park and a toilet block with a water refill station. On weekends, you’ll also be tempted by the delicious coffee and toasted sandwiches served at The Lid cafe. Stay around for a while and explore the various mountain bike trails or get ready for an exhilarating descent back to Lions Park.
10. Return under the giant wooden archway and follow the Townlink stickers on the orange trail marker signs to the right. The fast and flowing descent will have you back on the shores of Georges Bay in no time, where you can enjoy the relaxing 3km back to St Helens Wharf, perhaps even stopping for a swim along the way.

• Best Bike Rides Australia and Best Bike Rides New Zealand by Lonely Planet, $34.99 RRP.  Contact www.shop.lonelyplanet.com

Want more? Click here for How to Carve on a Snowboard

Zachary Skinner

Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.