10 great bike tours in New South Wales (and ACT)

This stunning scenic tour starts from Cowra and cycles along scenic gravel roads of the Lachlan Valley to Gooloogong, Eugowra, Forbes, Parkes, Eugowra, Canowindra and finishing in Cowra. The Lachlan Valley Region of the Central West is very scenic and picturesque region known as the golden circle of food production across all sectors grain, vegetables, wine and meat. You will be able to taste the fresh produce. The roads are 90% gravel back roads with low traffic carefully selected so that you can peacefully enjoy the scenery and highlights of our region.

You will visit Amazing Forbes, Parkes home of Elvis Festival, Eugowra the town of murals, Canowindra home of Age of Fishes Museum, Cowra home to Prisoner of War Camp and learn about the Japanese Breakout. Relax in the beautiful Cowra Japanese Garden.

Learn and visit the history the many historical towns and villages of this stunning scenic valley. Bushrangers once roamed this gold rich region.

The Central West Cycle trail provides a 400 km circuit through the rolling rural landscape away from the main road. Located in the state of New South Wales, Australia the circuit has been developed by local cyclists who know the backroads between the towns.

• Day 1: Dubbo to Wellington via Geurie – 64km
• Day 2: Wellington to Gulgong via Goolma – 76km
• Day 3: Gulgong to Dunedoo – 58km
• Day 4: Dunedoo to Mendooran – 63km
• Day 5: Mendooran to Ballimore – 52-61km
• Day 6: Ballimore to Dubbo via Wongarbon – 55km

In 1839 Explorer Sir Paul Edmund de Strzelecki set off from Sydney on a journey of scientific discovery. We follow his 5-month journey into the Great Dividing Range through the Snowy Mountains to Melbourne. Spend a rest day in the skiing township of Thredbo, NSW, giving you a chance to explore Australia’s highest peak. Strzelecki climbed and named Mt Kosciuszko in March 1840.

Stage 2 of this Australian bike tour heads into bushranger county and along the Murray River before turning back into the mountains and summiting Mt Hotham, Australia’s highest sealed road at 1,840 metres.

A beautiful descent through forested wilderness continues over two days to the coast from where Strzelecki’s expedition took a turn for the worse and he was forced to leave his horses and mineral samples behind. Strzelecki would have likely died of starvation had it not been for the knowledge and hunting skills of his two Aboriginal guides as they made a 3-week long dash to Melbourne.

With much of the dense forest which caused Strzelecki’s expedition so much trouble now open farmland, we instead skirt the mountains and ride through the fern-filled Yarra Ranges before entering Australia’s most cycle-friendly city: Melbourne.

Stage 3 of this Australian cycling tour starts with an overnight ferry journey from Melbourne, VIC, to the port town of Devonport in Tasmania. Strzelecki spent 2 years exploring almost every part of the island and our route heads to what he considered (and thankfully still is) the wildest and most beautiful parts of this southern gem — known internationally as offering some of the most scenic cycling in the world. After exploring the mountainous heights and the rainforest lined west coast of Tasmania, the cycling tour finishes in Hobart, Australia’s second-oldest capital and its historical charms are still evident to this day.

We're delighted to confirm that Mike Tomalaris is joining us for part of the journey.

The New South Wales south coast is famous for raw, uncrowded beaches, whale watching and quaint country towns. Explore this coastal gem using the scenic cycling paths that follow the coastline, whilst having all the logistics looked after for you.

This cycling tour is an easy self-guided 4-day/3 night ride along the beautiful south coast of NSW. Within each reach of Sydney, starting in the beautiful beachside suburb of Thirroul and following the coast south to the dramatic headland and lighthouse in Kiama. The route is primarily flat and runs mainly along cycle paths, and there is plenty to see and do along the way.

Highlights

• Watching out for whales and dolphins along the coast.
• Swimming at the beaches and unique beach pools dotted on route.
• Dining on freshly cooked fish and chips on a beachside picnic after a day of gentle cycling.
• Visiting the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Cycling the picturesque Lake Illawarra and the sparkling blue waters of Windang Beach.
• Enjoying the waterside accommodation and the sound of the sea in the evenings.

The Hunter Valley is where wine-making started in Australia and remains one of the most important wine producing areas in the country. It is also a fantastic area to explore at handle bar level. In 1832, armed with 20,000 cuttings from Spain and France, James Busby established the first vineyards in Australia. Now, the region is famous for its Semillon and Shiraz. It’s also home to some great Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvigon and Verdelhos. On this self guided cycle we’ll take you on a journey around the Hunter Valley to experience some of the best it has to offer. It’s not just the wine on show – artisan olive producers, chocolatiers, chefs and bakers showcase the best of the region at the many farms, cafes and restaurants. Staying in the heart of the valley at Pokolbin, the primary wine-growing area within the Hunter Valley, everything is waiting to be discovered. The beauty of the cycle is that you are free to set your own pace, with time to enjoy a long lunch, sample local delicacies or stop for wine tastings en route. With two days spent cycling in the Valley you can really gain an appreciation for the exceptional wine and produce of the region. Staying in our deluxe accommodation allows you to relax at the end of each day, delighting in the surrounding vineyard views.

Highlights

• Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
• Delight in the local wines and food of the Hunter Valley region
• Cycle through the countryside, passing vineyards and farms en route
• Deluxe accommodation to relax in at the end of the days exploring
• Stay in the heart of the valley at Pokolbin
• Travel at your own pace visiting the sites you want to focus on
• Cycle past world heritage wilderness and classic Australian countryside

A favourite weekend getaway, the beautiful beaches may draw visitors to the far north coast of Australia, but if you join us on this cycling and yoga escape, you will soon discover that the Northern Rivers Hinterland is also worth exploring. With its green rolling hills, fertile farmlands, historic towns and rainforest, the Tweed Valley offers a scenic and cultural contrast to the region's coastal lifestyle.

Escape for a long weekend with 4 nights in a boutique luxury homestead nestled in the in the hinterland. Set on 5 lush acres and backing onto 100 acres of wooded forest with 360 degrees tree top views, the property boasts 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 4 living rooms, and a therapeutic magnesium mineral swimming pool! Removed from the tourist trap but within close reach of all the region has to offer, this is a true hinterland getaway. We will cruise the maze of quite country roads and discover tiny, picturesque villages. Indulge at some of the region's best cafes and restaurants all the while surrounded by World Heritage-listed tracts of ancient, untouched rainforest.

The farm to table food philosophy of the region and surrounds is well known. A foodies delight. The Tweed Valley is spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh produce and it abounds with thriving and forward-thinking dining experiences not to be missed. Eat with friends by the sea and indulge in ethical seasonal and local produce. Or, the quaint historic riverside villages where seasonal food is sourced from artisan producers with edible gardens and native and wild Australian ingredients.

After a morning of cycling, we will unwind with a truly unique rum and gin plantation distillery experience on a working cattle and cane farm. Learn about the paddock to bottle rum production processes, and the star botanicals used in the gin, then soak in the beautiful rural location while sipping an original rum or gin cocktail.

Begin or end your day, every day, with yoga in the tranquil and private gardens of the surrounding homestead. For all abilities and flexibility, you’re body will feel as actively refreshed as your brain will feel peacefully restored. Reset your body with some hands on attention, and enjoy a luxurious in-house massage to round off a wonderful cycling and yoga escape.

We take a very holistic approach when designing our itineraries, creating a balance where you will encounter opportunities that will engage your body, mind, and spirit.

Wonder in the highlights of the hinterland and relax by the beach for a truly undiscovered experience in Australian paradise.

Love the beaches, cafes, sights and sounds of the stunning beaches, art- works and coastal scenery of the NSW South Coast.

Cycling is mostly on sealed roads and paths.

farOut App is designed so that you can create and enjoy your own cycle tour, rail trail, day ride or gravel road adventure using the information that the app provides.

Highlights

• The escarpment from the Sea Cliff Bridge
• A swim at a beach pools or surf between the flags. Food
• The wild headlands of the Kiama coastline
• Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
• The historic township of Berry with its antique shops, collectables, art galleries and cafes.
• The fabulous views across the Shoalhaven from the hills at Two Figs Winery.
• The views along the quiet little roads - watch out for the kangaroos.
• The Jervis Bat Marine Park with the huge cliffs of Point Perpendicular towering above you

Pedal amongst the paddocks and tip toe through the tulips with this invigorating and varied cycling holiday of Canberra and surrounding region.

Enjoy riding under wide blue skies, breathing the crisp, clean, spring air on this peaceful journey through the quiet country roads, historic villages and sweeping plains between Goulburn and Canberra.

Experience the historical, cultural and natural delights of Canberra, recently named by Lonely Planet as one of the top places to visit in 2018, and take in the cheerful ambience of Floriade; the largest floral festival in the southern hemisphere.

It’s one good thing after another in Canberra, as it is with Mulga Bicycle Tours. Good food and wine, comfy beds, small groups, expert support and a commitment to safety ensure an Australian cycling holiday like no other.

Transfer options: If you’re coming from Sydney, why not catch the train and meet us in Goulburn? We can also provide car transfers to and from Canberra. Simply book a transfer with us on the tour booking form.

It's an easy ride through parks, along the harbour, and past all of Sydney's iconic sites. You'll get to ride on the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and relax in one of Sydney's oldest pubs - it's the one tour in Sydney that shows a little bit of everything along the way!

Mudgee is a mecca for food and wine lovers. The region has an intense concentration of amazing cellar doors. And being almost completely flat, it's perfect for some gentle cycling.

This is a self guided cellar door cycling tour that will have you visiting at least 5 wineries. You will be treated to a gourmet winery lunch, with a glass of wine. The package includes bike hire, lunch, breakfasts, printed itinerary and cycling maps. The package also has 2 nights accommodation together with your day of fun cycling.

The cycling directions provided will ensure you don’t miss any secrets in this fantastic food & wine hub. You will visit famous cellar doors including beautiful di Lusso Estate, famous Robert Stein, Robert Oatley iconic Peter Van Gient cellar doors to name a few.

Highlights

• Discover lesser known cellar doors and the impressive wines of Mudgee
• Gourmet winery lunch included in your tour
• Easy relaxed cycling on quiet country back roads, with rolling vineyard scenery
• Your getaway is all organised with a single booking, including accommodation, bikes, tastings…the lot!