Best Australia Cycling Tours 2022/23

Discover the magic of Australia’s countryside by taking your adventure off two feet and onto two wheels.

There’s something special about exploring some of Australia’s most beloved landscapes from the seat of a bike. The rush of fresh air as it cools your skin, the peaceful quiet only punctuated by bird calls and spinning tyres, the extraordinary scenery rolling past as you pedal at an enjoyable pace – it’s an outdoor adventurist’s paradise. From winding through some of South Australia’s best wine regions and rolling your way along Queensland’s captivating coasts to uncovering the beauty and charm of Victoria’s High Country, our Australia cycling tours are sure to show you a different side of this remarkable land.

Our Australia cycling tours

Cycle South Australia's Wine Regions

6 Days From 1560

Explore South Australia’s famed wine regions the best way – on a 6-day cycling...

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Cycle the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail: Beechworth to Bright

4 Days From 695

Cycle Victoria's High Country, from historic Beechworth to charming Bright. Follow the...

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Cycle South East Queensland: Islands, Beaches & Rail Trails

5 Days From 975

Experience Queensland's famed coastline and hinterland on a 5-day cycling adventure....

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Things to do on an Australian cycling tour

Cyclists riding their bikes through the South Australian wine region

Cycle through wine country

If you’re heading off on our ‘Cycle South Australia’s Wine Regions’ tour then you’ll be spoilt with exploring not one, not two, but three different wine regions – Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley. Known for their seemingly endless cool-climate vineyards, luscious paddocks, exceptional produce, and delicious wine, these regions offer incredible scenery and plenty of cellar doors to rest (drink wine) and recuperate (eat tasty food).

A group of cyclists smiling for the camera in different coloured tops

Explore the best of Beechworth

Beechworth may have been put on the map in the 1850s as part of the Victorian gold rush and then made infamous by the Australian bushranger Ned Kelly in the 1870s, but its well-preserved architecture and abundance of charm have ensured it’s remained a Victorian must-visit in the centuries since. With various museums and bakeries to fill your mind and your stomach, this town boasts enough urban legends and historical sights to enchant you for days.

Landscape view of the beach from Point Lookout in North Stradbroke Island

Take in Queensland’s coastal scenery

From the sparkling sand of Peregian Beach to the crashing crystal-clear waves at Noosa’s North Shore Beach, cycling your way through Queensland’s coastal landscapes will clear your mind and refresh your soul. Explore quaint seaside towns and visit a market or two as you combine on-and-off-road riding for a relaxing journey past quiet bubbling rivers, serene national parks, and beachside villages.

Cyclist riding over Kurilpa Pedestrian Bridge in Brisbane.

Pedal along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Boasting the title of Australia’s longest rail trail, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail will take you on a scenic adventure saturated with spectacular views of forested woodland, gushing rivers, and red-soiled open country. Revel in the sounds of birds calling out to each other, feel the wind as it whips through your hair, and delight in the knowledge that tasty refreshments will be waiting for you at the end of your ride.

Two cyclists riding in the Victorian High Country with beautifully coloured autumnal trees in the background

Embark on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail

Nestled in Northeast Victoria, among the charming gold mining town of Beechworth, lies the beginning of your cycling adventure - the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Recognised as one of Australia’s best multi-day trails thanks to its spellbinding scenery and fascinating historic sites, this trail will take you past vineyards, through quaint towns, and deliver you straight into the heart of the High Country.

A bunch of grapes from a vineyard in the Barossa Valley.

Taste some of South Australia’s famous wine

Sometimes cycling can be a little tiring and sometimes the only refreshment that’ll revive you comes in the form of a glass of wine from some of South Australia’s most famous vineyards. Whether you’re more of a fruity Riesling drinker or a bold Shiraz is your drop of choice, get lost in the rich flavours of each individual region, stopping to relax among the vines and delight in the stunning sights as you go.

Australia cycling tour reviews

Australia cycling FAQs

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join an Intrepid trip in Australia?

Everyone travelling on an Intrepid trip must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of carriage. 

All travellers are required to produce:

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
All children aged 5 to 17 years old must provide proof of vaccination (if eligible), proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.

In all cases, you must be fully inoculated. This means you must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow enough time for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for inoculation, so please check the relevant medical advice associated with your vaccine.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy

How fit do I have to be to go on a cycling tour in Australia?

Our Australia cycling tours aren't set at a race speed, but rather at a pace that you can enjoy while taking in the spectacular scenery. While there are some long cycling days on our itineraries, there are also plenty of stops along the way so it won't ever feel too strenuous. As long as you can comfortably ride a bike then you're fit enough!

What to pack for a cycling trip in Australia

Along with the things you'd usually pack for a trip away (camera, reusable bottle, backpack, weather-appropriate clothing etc), there are also some cycling-specific things you should pack as well. These things include:

A helmet (if you don't want to hire one at your destination)
Closed and comfortable shoes
Cycling shorts
A sunhat/cap
Quick-dry socks
Lightweight waterproof/windproof jacket

Do I need to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle in Australia?

Yes, Australian law dictates that any person (regardless of age) needs to be wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle in a public setting. All Australian states adhere to this law and do uphold the same safety standards as each other. This means you'll need to either bring a helmet with you or hire one at your destination to join a cycling tour in Australia with Intrepid.

What are some of the best bike trails in Australia?

Australia is a large and beautiful country presenting various landscapes that are perfect for bike riding. Here are some of our favourite bike trails so you can get your cycle on:

Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Victoria
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Queensland
Goulburn to Crookwell, New South Whales
Denmark to Nornalup Rail Trail, Western Australia
Southern Flinders Rail Trail, South Australia

Are Intrepid's cycling tours easily accessible?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid