Find a ride for you
Whether you’re a resident of Sydney, or just passing through, cycling is a great way to get around the city.
You could be commuting to work, dropping the children off at school, or making a leisurely ride to the shops. Maybe you’re bypassing traffic on your way to the beach, de-touring to visit Sydney's iconic landmarks, or exploring the surrounding natural beauty. There are so many reasons to ride a bike!
Regardless of skill level or preference, from family-friendly rides to more challenging long-distance tracks, there's a path for every type of rider.
Bicycle NSW has pulled together some of the routes you might want to consider for a fantastic day out. Read on to find out more!
Before you start your ride
It’s a good idea to join Bicycle NSW before hitting the bike paths to benefit from top-of-the-range insurance. Importantly, you will also support our advocacy and campaigns to make everywhere in NSW better for bike riding.
Not quite ready to sign up? Then please consider making a one-off donation to support the work we’re doing.
Centennial Parklands Circuit
Centennial Parklands is the ultimate spot for many of Sydney’s cyclists. The park’s roads can be shared safely with vehicles, runners, other cyclists, and even horse riders.
A 4km lap of the Grand Drive is very popular with road cyclists because of the dedicated cycle lane. There is also a Learners' Cycleway for children just beginning their riding journey.
The Grand Drive loop of Centennial Park is suitable for bike riders of all ages (Image: BIKEast)
The Bay Run
The Bay Run is a beautiful 7km harbourside bicycle track around Iron Cove in the inner-west of the city. The route is lined with places to stop: from parks and cafes, to swimming pools and exercise areas.
The path is extremely popular with walkers, runners, dog walkers and the less mobile so always be considerate of other users and try to avoid the busier times.
Sydney Olympic Park circuit
Developed on a former industrial site for the 2000 Sydney games, the Olympic Park has amazing recreational and sporting facilities. This includes more than 35km of traffic-free cycle paths, ideal for all skill levels. Try this 6km circuit for a great introduction to cycling at the Olympic Park. Cycle hire is also available there.
Narrabeen Lagoon Trail
For a more serene ride, the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail on the Northern Beaches is an 8.5 km loop that passes through diverse ecosystems and native wildlife. The track is flat with sealed tracks, gravel, and boardwalks, making it well-suited for a family ride. Extend the ride to Dee Why Beach using the off-road creekside shared path from South Creek.
Cooks River Cycleway
The Cooks River Cycleway is about 12 km long. It is a lovely scenic route from Botany Bay to Homebush Bay. It's one of Sydney’s quieter locations, with plenty of spots to take a break while enjoying the natural surroundings. At the Tempe end, you can try the fantastic new active transport link opposite Sydney Airport with up close views of the runway action.
Prospect Reservoir loop
For those wanting to stretch their legs over a longer ride, the Prospect Reservoir loop is a 30 km bicycle track that takes you past Western Sydney's historic water infrastructure and through the serene Western Sydney Parklands The track is well-sealed and offers great riding terrain.
M7 Cycleway
This unbroken 40 km path runs alongside the M7 motorway, providing an enjoyable and safe ride. The M7 Cycleway is a perfect track for dedicated cyclists keen to ride faster for longer, and attracts training groups as well as local commuters and families.
The Greater Sydney Bike Trail
One of the city's highlights is the Greater Sydney Bike Trail, a 230km loop around the outer edges of the metropolitan area that pieces together some of the best paths.
We have a whole page dedicated to the Greater Sydney Bike Trail. We also interviewed the creator of the trail, Garry Robinson of CycleSydney.
There are more tips and resources for anyone planning rides in and around Sydney on our page Cycling in Sydney
Beyond Sydney: Riding regional
The Bicycle NSW team has compiled a number of regional rides with help from our local Bicycle User Groups, riding enthusiasts, and local councils.
There is no reason to stop exploring at the edge of Greater Sydney!
More Inspiring Rides
FAQs
Sydney is great for cycling - it has everything from scenic routes, stunning bike paths, hilly terrains, and smooth roads. You can even cycle across the Sydney Harbour Bridge! There are some gaps in the network but these are getting smaller every year.
Head to our dedicated page on Cycling in Sydney for tips, articles and resources.
Yes, you’re legally required to wear a certified bike helmet that fits properly and is securely fastened. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to $410. NSW has the highest fines for not wearing a helmet in Australia.
Yes, but only on the dedicated cycleway. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway is one of the most heavily used bike paths in Sydney with well over 2000 bike trips on some peak days.
The north ramp to the cycleway will soon be completed, bypassing the 55 steps at Milsons Point which currently make the trip difficult or unachievable for many riders. This ramp is expected to be completed by the start of 2026!
In Sydney, you're allowed to ride your bike on the footpath if you meet one of the following conditions: you're under 16 years old, you're accompanying a rider under 16, or you have a medical exemption that permits footpath riding.
For more on the rules that apply in NSW, head to our Road rules for bicycles page.
The first section of the Oxford Street Cycleway opened in July 2025, connecting the Castlereagh Street Cycleway with Taylor Square and the Bourke Street Cycleway.
Eventually there will be a 2.8-kilometre separated bicycle path along the full length of Oxford Street, providing a safer and more convenient connection between the Eastern Suburbs and the Sydney CBD.
The eastern section from Taylor Square to Centennial Park is still under the concept and design phases. This is a major focus for Bicycle NSW’s advocacy work.