6 minute read
The best cycling routes across Canberra and the South Coast
Photography by Fabio Romano
Keen to explore Canberra and the South Coast on two wheels? With routes that weave past picturesque lakes and beaches, or through luscious national parks and bushland, both regions are packed with riding routes for all ages and abilities. Here are some of our favourites.
LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN (ACT)
Canberra is known as Australia’s cycling capital, and as the centerpiece of the city, Lake Burley Griffin offers some of the most scenic routes that also give access to attractions and landmarks. Riders can choose the 30km full loop or opt for smaller sections – the Central Loop (4.9 km) between the two main bridges, the Eastern Loop (9 km) through Jerrabomberra Wetlands, and the Western Loop (16 km) past Scrivener Dam. All sections are sealed and mostly flat, which makes this route perfect for the whole family.
MOUNT AINSLIE (ACT)
Cycling around the Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve offers various routes, from challenging paved climbs to gentler dirt tracks for beginners. The Mount Ainslie Nature Park loop is a popular choice for families and young children, offering an easy 10-km ride through native bushland, following managed fire roads and some offtrail sections.
NATIONAL ARBORETUM (ACT)
This 250-hectare undulating site is home to over 20km of multi-purpose, family-friendly mountain bike trails. Riders of all ages and experience levels can enjoy a variety of trails that pass by wildflowers, forests, gardens and forest sculptures.
STROMLO FOREST PARK (ACT)
This multi-use recreational sporting facility is situated on a 1200-hectare site in the heart of the Molonglo Valley. Here you can find over 50km of mountain biking trails for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders, plus a 1.2km criterium circuit for cyclists. There’s also a 2.5km grass cross country running track, equestrian trails, pump track, bar, cafe, and bike hire facility.
BRUCE RIDGE NATURE PARK (ACT)
The Bruce Ridge Nature Park is a 94-hectare area bordered by the O’Connor Ridge Nature Reserve, Belconnen Way and Gungahlin Drive. Mountain bike riders will find 14km of climbs, bends and descents across a range of hardpack and loose gravel trails through luscious bushland.
CENTENARY TRAIL (ACT)
The Centenary Trail loop opened to the public in 2013 to celebrate the city’s 100th birthday and is a mix of single track, double track, fire road, gravel road and cycle paths that weave through urban and natural areas across the territory. This 145km multi-use trail spans parks, bushland, lakes, rivers and urban areas from Canberra’s northern border all the way to Tuggeranong.
MAJURA PINES (ACT)
This recreational area boasts over 20km of single-track mountain bike trails for all abilities, plus a pump track and dirt jumps. Winding through the stunning tall pine trees, the mapped and signposted multi-use trails are some of the oldest and best in Canberra, also used for walking, dog walking, trail running, orienteering and horse riding.
MANGROVE TOUR (NSW)
Riders of all ages and abilities will enjoy this easy 18km ride from Batemans Bay to Cullendulla wetlands. Start at the reserve opposite the Batehaven shops and ride along the foreshore cycle path into Batemans Bay, then cross the bay bridge to the north to explore the tranquil wetlands of Cullendulla Creek Boardwalk. The return is via the same route.
NAROOMA TO DALMENY (NSW)
The 21km Narooma to Dalmeny route is a family friendly 2-hour round trip. This off-road pathway hugs the coastline, following the scenic shores of Wagonga Inlet, the Pacific Ocean and Mummaga Lake, and passes some beautiful beaches and wetlands. Look out for seals, giant stingrays and sea eagles along the way.
TATHRA (NSW)
Tathra is home to over 50km of biking trails for all riding levels. Some of the best routes include the 23km cross-country Bundadung network, which includes the challenging 1.7km Evil Tom climb, and a 1km meandering rainforest track called Paula’s Path, also known as Evil Tom’s other half.
TUGGERANONG PINES (ACT)
This south Canberra gem offers mountain bike riders 5km of well-built trails that wind through pine forests and past impressive rock gardens. While there’s something here for all experience levels, the trails typically attract the more adventurous rider who enjoys enduro or fast downhill routes with jumps, sharp bends and rocky terrain.
MOGO (NSW)
There’s over 100km of mountain bike tracks throughout the luscious Mogo State Forest. Some of the most well-known routes are located south west of the town at the Maulbrooks Road trailhead and near Deep Creek Dam. The most popular trails include the sharp 300m Thru Track, the scenic 1km AST, the fast 2km Snake Track, and the 1.5km Bump and Grind, a windy, mostly downhill technical trail past granite boulders and rock sheets.
SPOTTED GUM TRAIL (NSW)
This 24km trail connects South Durras to the Murramarang National Park, offering riders picturesque views of the coast, lake and through the forest around the gorgeous spotted gums. This easy to moderate trail is suitable for all ages and abilities using mountain bikes or hybrids.
MORUYA TO SOUTH HEAD (NSW)
The Moruya to South Head trail is a 16km return easy ride along the scenic river flats. Start at Riverside Park or further upstream at the Moruya Water Garden, then head east along South Head Road on the pathway, mostly following the Moruya River, and then eventually merging with the road. Turn left into Charles Moffitt Drive, then once at the Surf Club you can go back the way you came or extend the journey up the hill to the headland where you can visit the historic cemetery.
NOWRA (NSW)
The Coondoo loop is one of the most popular in the area – a clockwise single track offering good variation with short climbs and technical sections between 3km and 10km. The nearby 6km Superbowl trail is a little more challenging, with a mix of technical sections, modest climbs and fast downhill sections. Close to the Superbowl track is the Butterfly, a 5.5km course with a mix of technical sections and downhill runs to break up a range of climbs that are short and sharp climbs and some longer. Further north, Cabbage Tree Lane is a fairly flat, well-signposted trail with loop options of 2.5km, 6km and 9.5km, which are perfect for beginners. Closer to the town of Bomaderry, there’s a well-known 10km network of trails at Bomo Creek with rugged terrain and varying difficulty.
BATEMANS BAY CYCLEWAY (NSW)
This mainly flat, 18km scenic route connects the thriving town with stunning nature. The best place to begin this family friendly bike ride is in Batehaven at Corrigans Beach where it travels into Batemans Bay, over the bridge and then onto the Cullendulla Boardwalk. You’ll enjoy views of the Clyde River foreshore and wetlands, plus have the opportunity to stop at one of the many waterfront cafes or restaurants along the way. You can also take a break at one of the route’s great picnic spots with barbecue facilities or a park for the kids to play.
