South Australia

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A haven for road cyclists featuring rolling vineyards, eucalyptus-lined ridges, and iconic climbs made famous by the Tour Down Under. Riders can test themselves on ascents like Norton Summit and Checker Hill while enjoying world-class wine regions.

Access. Directly accessible from central Adelaide via a short pedal into the foothills. Bike rentals and guided tours are widely available in the city.

Notes. Ridable year-round, with summers bringing warm weather and January hosting elite racing events.

Canberra

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Circumnavigating the nation's capital, the Canberra Centenary Trail links urban green spaces, nature reserves, and pastoral landscapes via a mix of smooth gravel tracks and quiet backroads. Canberra's extensive cycling infrastructure makes it a dream for urban and adventure riders alike.

Access. Starts and ends directly in Canberra, which has robust bike rental networks, repair shops, and public transport connections.

Notes. Accessible year-round; well-signed and suitable for gravel bikes or hardtail mountain bikes.

Christmas Island

David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Explore the dramatic limestone cliffs, dense tropical rainforests, and rugged coastal loops of this remote Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. Riders navigate steep climbs to the central plateau and rolling roads winding past pristine beaches and unique red crab migration routes.

Access. Bike transport requires shipping via flight or cargo to Flying Fish Cove, as local specialized rental options are extremely limited.

Notes. Tropical climate with high humidity; steep gradients demand good climbing legs and disc brakes. Watch for wildlife on roads.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

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The Cocos (Keeling) Islands offer a unique, flat, and scenic cycling experience across the main atoll. Riders can pedal along the quiet, palm-lined roads connecting West Island's settlements, enjoying pristine turquoise lagoon views and a relaxed tropical pace.

Access. Bicycles can be rented from local operators on West Island. The islands are accessible via flights from Perth, Australia.

Notes. Best visited during the dry season (June to October). The terrain is flat and suitable for all levels, though tropical heat requires early morning or late afternoon riding.

Tasmania

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Carved into the historic tin-mining terrain of northeast Tasmania, Derby offers an extensive network of hand-built singletracks through fern glades and rocky outcrops. It is widely regarded as one of the world's premier mountain bike trail centers.

Access. Located an hour and a half northeast of Launceston. Multiple shuttle operators, bike shops, and accommodation options cater specifically to cyclists in the village.

Notes. Ridable all year, with purpose-built trails that drain exceptionally well after rain.

Victoria

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Explore the diverse landscapes of regional Victoria along converted railway corridors passing through rolling dairy country, coastal wetlands, and eucalyptus woodlands. The Great Southern Rail Trail and surrounding backroads provide a smooth, traffic-free cruising experience.

Access. Easily reached from Melbourne via the V/Line train network, which allows bikes on board. Rentals and tour support available in towns like Leongatha and Korumburra.

Notes. Suitable for all skill levels year-round, though spring and autumn offer the most pleasant touring temperatures.

Victoria

Matt Hrkac from Geelong / Melbourne, Australia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Ride along one of the world's most dramatic coastal touring routes, featuring sweeping ocean vistas, towering cliffs, and lush rainforest sections of the Otway Ranges. Challenging rollers and breathtaking viewpoints make it a bucket-list journey for endurance riders.

Access. Starts near Geelong or Torquay, easily reached from Melbourne. Bus and coach services along the route accommodate bicycles with advance notice.

Notes. Best ridden outside peak tourist summer months (December-January) to avoid heavy traffic on narrow coastal stretches.

Western Australia

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The world's longest continuous off-road cycling trail, stretching over 1,000 kilometers through the towering eucalyptus forests and tranquil river valleys of Western Australia. The route features purpose-built singletrack, forestry roads, and dedicated bike-packer campsites.

Access. Begins just outside Perth and terminates in Albany. Easily accessible via local shuttle providers and regional train links.

Notes. Best ridden in spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). Sections vary from easy gravel to rugged forest tracks.

South Australia

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A remote and challenging 900-kilometer bike-packing route traversing the Flinders Ranges, rural farmland, and rugged outback tracks of South Australia. It offers an unforgettable wilderness cycling experience away from paved roads.

Access. Starts north of Adelaide and winds up through the Flinders Ranges. Requires self-supported preparation, with provisions available in rural towns along the way.

Notes. Best undertaken between April and October to avoid extreme summer outback heat. Requires a robust gravel or mountain bike.

Victoria

Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Rising through dramatic mountain passes and eucalyptus forests, the Victorian Alps offer some of Australia's premier high-altitude road cycling. Conquer famous ascents like Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, known for their punishing gradients and breathtaking alpine vistas.

Access. Accessible via Bright, a major cycling hub with bike rentals, cafes, and support services. Connected from Melbourne by car or regional coach.

Notes. Best ridden from November to April. Expect steep climbs, changing weather, and occasional vehicular traffic on major passes. E-bikes are widely available for hire.

Victoria

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Pedal past rolling vineyards, towering mountain ash forests, and historic country townships just outside Melbourne. The quiet winding roads and the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail offer delightful routes for both road cyclists and recreational tourers.

Access. Accessible from Melbourne via the Lilydale railway line with bicycle carriage. Local bike hire and wine-tasting cycling tours are readily available.

Notes. Pleasant year-round riding conditions, peaking during spring and autumn harvest seasons.