Australian Cycle Tours

In a landscape where the ocean shores rise to the verdant ranges and the world's largest expanse of sub tropical rainforest, the natural beauty of this region is breathtaking. The whole Tweed Valley was formed by an extinct volcano leaving behind a caldera. Right in the very centre of this timeless landscape sits Wollumbin (Mt Warning), the vent of this ancient volcano. Wollumbin stands like a sentry over the region and is a defining landmark that can be viewed from almost every location in the Tweed. Interestingly, the first rays of morning light on the Australian mainland are cast on the peak of Wollumbin, and as you may expect, this towering peak at almost 1200 metres is held with due reverence by the Bundjalung Indigenous people. This cycle journey combines the timeless majesty of the Tweed Valley and Tweed Coast with Wollumbin and sections of the new and much acclaimed Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Beginning with a full circuit around Wollumbin, cycle along rural roads with sweeping landscapes and the dramatic backdrop of ranges that border the valley, then forest trails through the rainforest of National Parks, to follow rivers and creeks as you loop back to Murwillumbah. The second part of this cycle journey heads out along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail before turning east to the Tweed Coast and the sparkling beaches and coastline for which this region is renowned where you'll spend the night in premium accommodation by the beach. The last stage takes you back into Murwillumbah through the red soil farmlands of the Cudgen Plateau and the floodplains of the Tweed River which still supports significant cane farming operations. This is a cycle journey with breadth and depth from rainforest to superb beaches, dramatic landscapes carved in ancient times as well as a contemporary and colourful community that seems to thrive surrounded by nature's best. During this journey you will be supported with e-bike rental and luggage transfers between towns, giving you the freedom to cycle at a relaxed pace and take in the ever-changing landscape.

Highlights

• Enjoy the independence of self guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
• Cycle a loop around Wollumbin (Mt Warning)
• Experience the new Northern Rivers Rail Trail
• Discover charming rural towns and villages of the creative Tweed Valley
• Cycle to the superb beaches and coastline of the Tweed Coast

This self guided trip involves 4 days of cycling on bitumen or well graded dirt roads with daily ascents ranging from 274m to 679m. Some sections of the daily cycles may have traffic, including trucks. Daily activity is usually between 4 and 6 hours but some days might be longer depending on your overall pace on riding an ebike.

The Great Victoria Rail Trail is Australia’s longest rail trail passing through charming towns and diverse countryside. The dedicated cycle way meanders next to the heritage classified Goulburn River, crossing Lake Eildon before entering the pretty Trawool Valley. Between 1883 and 1970 the Mansfield Line passed through the Cheviot Tunnel, a historic structure constructed with over a million hand made clay bricks. With the rail line decommissioned in 1978 the now cycle trail affords inspiring views of the Victorian High country foothills,and come evening, you'll settle into la ocal atmospheric hotel to enjoy the regions exceptional food and wine set in iconic country towns. With the ease of our luggage transfer service, an app to guide you each day and your accommodation all taken care of, this cycle journey opens up a whole new way to appreciate the natural beauty of this special corner of regional Victoria.

Trip highlights

• Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
• Hassle-free cycling on the dedicated cycle path on the Great Victorian Rail Trail
• Appreciate the views of mountains, lakes and rivers
• Sample the excellent local foods and wines of North Victoria
• Visit historic towns and villages
• Cycle through Victoria's longest rail trail tunnel, the historic Cheviot Tunnel
• Cycle through classic Australian farming communities

The trail surface is made up of either compacted gravel (chert) or granitic sand. The trail is best suited to mountain, hybrid or touring bikes - we provide hybrid bikes.

With its combination of dedicated cycle ways and scenic roads, the coastline south of Sydney offers cyclists a diverse array of attractions to explore at handlebar level. Breathtaking beaches, vineyards, award winning restaurants, pretty towns and dramatic coastal scenery characterise this 6 day cycle trip from the outskirts of Sydney to Jervis Bay. Beginning in Otford, on the edge of the Royal National Park, the route hugs the coast, taking in the impressive Sea Cliff Bridge, suspended over the Pacific Ocean. Following a dedicated cycle way to Wollongong, the route then continues to Kiama and its famous Blowhole before cycling to the historic town of Berry. Further south the quiet rural roads, with grazing cows and vineyards are replaced by the buzz of Huskisson and the white sands of Jervis Bay. A full day has been set aside to explore Jervis Bay by bike, taking in Hyams Beach and the cliffs of Booderee National Park where humpback whales can be seen during the May to September whale migration season. The benefits of a self guided cycle holiday can not be underestimated as you dictate your timetable, setting out at a slow or fast pace, stopping where you like and really absorbing the atmosphere of the region. With your bags transferred each day, all you need to do is make your way between hotels at your own pace and celebrate a sense of achievement on travelling under your own steam.

Highlights

• Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
• Visit the Kiama Blowhole
• Explore the charming town of Berry and sample the excellent food it has on offer
• Take in the stunning scenery and beaches of NSW's South Coast
• Explore Seven Mile Beach
• Cycling along beautiful backroads lined with Eucalyptus and Farmlands
• View the rich marine life of Jervis Bay including Hump Back Whales (in season)

It is South Australia's harsh yet predicable climate that has made the wine regions of South Australia perfect for growing grapes and producing wine renowned around the globe. Yet despite the acclaim of the wine regions the townships that pepper the valley are equally charming and alluring.

The Clare Valley lends itself perfectly to cycling. Over two days of cycling you'll cycle the full length of the Riesling Trail, take a detour along the Spring Gully and other cycle loops and have the opportunity to visit wineries and sample the local produce and perhaps pack the panniers with a few treats to take home.

Highlights

• Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
• Discover charming rural towns and settlements
• Cycle through the picturesque wine regions of the Clare Valley SA
• Visit the historic Sevenhill Cellars winery with Mary Mackillop connection
• Get off the main trail to cycle the Spring Gully, Horrocks and Father Rogalski loops

This self guided trip involves 2 days of cycling on bitumen and well graded dirt roads as well as along the Riesling Rail Trail with daily ascents of 182m to 447m. Some sections of the daily cycles may have traffic, including trucks.

Pedal your way around the pretty towns of the Southern Highlands on this journey of discovery by bike. Skirting the edge of the Morton National Park with its escarpment, massive waterfalls and network of walking trails, the journey begins from the heart of Bundanoon Village. Taking the backroads between iconic towns, there is much to feast your eyes on as you pedal past grand estates, vineyards and green rolling hills. With the help of an e-bike, the hills are no problem, leaving you with plenty of time to linger over lunch, stop for wine tasting and explore the local sights. Discover Berrima's historic centre, take in the viewpoints at Fitzroy Falls, enjoy a lazy lunch at the Burrawang Hotel, browse the vast selection of books at Berkelouw Book Barn and immerse yourself in the Bradman Museum in Bowral. After checking into your characterful hotel, there are numerous superb restaurants dotted on the route to spoil yourself after a day of cycling and exploring. This really is the ideal way to discover this classic region just a couple of hours from Sydney.

Highlights

• Wine tasting at cool climate vineyards
• The natural sites of Fitzroy Falls, Belmore Falls and Echo Point, all in the Morton National Park
• Sampling the local cheese, baked goods and berries
• Staying in characterful hotels, with option to upgrade to deluxe accommodation

And it is certainly evident in the links both towns have, no better expressed than with the seven kilometre cycleway that joins the two towns. The area is the ancestral home for the Indigenous Dabee Clan who are part of the Wiradjuri people. Rylstone is the older of the two towns and developed as a centre serving large pastoral properties not long after the settlement of Bathurst, the first city west of the Great Dividing Range. The Rylstone district was explored soon after. By the 1870s and 80s, wealth from fine wool, horse breeding, cattle and the nearby Turon River gold fields saw Rylstone become a thriving township and government centre. Kandos was created a little later in 1913 to exploit the limestone in the area. It became a huge producer of cement and was labelled 'The Town That Built Sydney'. Over four days of cycling you’ll cover much of what defines this region including cycling though native bushland, along quiet backroads though pastoral sheep country, along ridge lines with amazing views to the peaks in the distance, through areas renowned for bird sightings and passing by koala habitat. Follow country roads past swamps and amazing rock formations known as pagodas and spend two nights in the Ganguddy region of the Wollemi National Park, before returning to Kandos. Opportunities to add kayaking and an Indigenous immersion walk, discover museums, art galleries and vineyards and dine on superb international cuisine compliment the cycling experience.

Highlights

• Cycle through outstanding scenery en route to the Wollemi National Park
• Marvel at the timeless quality of time weathered 'Pagoda' rock formations
• Enjoy very low traffic backroads where the landscape changes considerably as you cycle
• Stop for a roadside lunch with only the sound of the wind and birdsong
• Enjoy the independence of self guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
• Spend the night in comfortable hotel/motel and farm stay accommodation

Cycling is mainly on rural dirt roads and a few sections of bitumen including a 7km dedicated cycleway. Some sections of the daily cycles may have traffic. Daily activity is usually between 4 and 6 hours but some days might be longer depending on your overall pace on riding a bike.

The Hunter Valley is where wine-making started in Australia. In 1832, armed with 20,000 cuttings from Spain and France, James Busby established the first vineyards in Australia. This is a perfect area to be explored during an extended weekend or short mid week break. Our focus is to explore the Hermitage cycle trail allowing us to experience some of the best of what the region has on offer in a three day period. In this self guided cycle you are free to set your own pace, with time to enjoy a long lunch, sample local delicacies or stop for a wine tasting en route. Staying in our deluxe accommodation, in the heart of Pokolbin, you can easily cycle along the cycleway and then 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
• Cycle past world heritage wilderness and classic Australian countryside
• Staying in deluxe accommodation in Pokolbin in the heart of Australia's oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley

This tour captures the wonder of the World Heritage Paluma National Park, the beauty of the North Queensland coast, the vibrant city of Townsville and the tranquil beauty of nearby Magnetic Island with opportunities to explore the amazing World Heritage Great Barrier Reef or head off on a self guided cycle along the east coast of the island. On a series of guided cycles, explore the wetlands, river systems and coastal landscapes of the Townsville surrounds including a cycle/hike tour into the rainforest on day 1. Back on the coast sample the growing culinary scene in Townsville's Palmer Street and take in the balmy evenings while based in hand picked accommodation. Cycling in the Townsville region below Pepper Pot Mountain, the Ross River flows through Townsville before meeting the Coral Sea. With dedicated cycle ways along the river, there will be opportunities to spot birdlife, visit gardens and swim in the landmark Riverside Lagoons. Other cycle days take in WW2 sites, the Pallarenda wetlands and the trails and tracks of Magnetic Island. Arriving at the port at Magnetic Island which is accessed via a short ferry ride from the mainland, cyclists will be immediately transported into a tropical paradise of palm tree lined sandy beaches fringed by coral reefs. Together with the planned biking routes there will be time to walk on trails to scenic vantage points and the opportunity to join a snorkelling trip to explore the undersea wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. This cycle trip will appeal to those seeking a combination of active exploring, relaxation and swimming.

Highlights

• Hike and bike to a lunch and swim in the wet tropical rainforest, Paluma National Park
• Enjoy the tropical climate of North Queensland and escape the winter chills
• Head off from your accommodation for guided cycles of Townsville and Magnetic Island
• Cycle a loop route along the north and south bank of the Ross River and Riverside Lagoons
• View the relics of gunner forts and discuss the WW2 history of Townsville and Magnetic Island
• Explore Magnetic Island on foot, bike or boat with many options available
• Cycle along the stunning coast north of Townsville with morning tea at Pallendara Wetlands

The terrain on Magnetic Island has a number of steep inclines but the use of electric bikes makes these easier to manage. However, the areas around Townsville along the Ross River and north along the coast are fairly flat and make for easy cycling.

Victoria's North East region is a beautiful destination, featuring stunning scenery, world class local produce, beautiful wineries and charming towns. This area is perfect to be explored by bike, as the scenic Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail links the beautiful tourist towns together. Starting in the historical town of Beechworth you will cycle past shaded forests and verdant farmland to charming Myrtleford, enjoying a long lunch stop at a winery along the way. You'll then spend a day experiencing incredible local produce such as pumpkins, berries and wines while you cycle your way to Bright, a beautiful town nestled in the Victorian Alps. On a self guided cycle you get to chose your own adventure each day, you can stop for a coffee, sample wines or produce, or linger at beautiful view points, the choice is yours!

Trip highlights

• Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
• Cycle on the Murray to the Mountains rail trail and surrounds
• Take in the historical, well preserved town of Beechworth
• Appreciate the views of hidden valleys and spectacular mountains
• Sample world class local produce and wines
• Explore the charming town of Bright
• Cycle through farmlands along Eucalyptus lined trails

This edition of the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail cycle uses gravity to your advantage. The major hills are avoided, so you can focus on taking in the beautiful scenery and enjoying the local produce and wines. This program along sections of the old Wangaratta to Bright railway line and surrounds, sees you cycle on gentle, flat roads or fun downhill trails while soaking in the views of verdant farmland, bushland, forests, valleys and mountains. Starting in the historical town of Beechworth you will get your first taste of the fine produce of the region on a scenic day cycle to Milawa, with stops to sample cheese, mustard and wines. You then cycle onwards to picturesque Myrtleford through shaded forests and eucalyptus trees with a relaxing lunch at a beautiful winery. Your final day's cycle takes you to Bright, the perfect town to explore the nearby Mount Buffalo National Park and Alpine National Park. Bright is a charming town located on the Ovens River where views of the Victorian Alps can be admired right from the centre of town.

• Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
• Cycle on the Murray to the Mountains rail trail and surrounds
• Take in the historical, well preserved town of Beechworth
• Focus on the beautiful scenery with all of the major hills avoided
• Sample world class local produce and wines
• Cycle through farmlands along Eucalyptus lined trails
• Appreciate the views of hidden valleys and spectacular mountains
• Explore the charming town of Bright