Cycling around Sydney
Sydney is a city well known for its outdoorsy culture, and beautiful natural scenery. Some of the most iconic landmarks are best explored by bike, whether you are pedalling across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, looping round the Opera House or cruising through Darling Harbour.
Our advocacy work at Bicycle NSW is powered by a desire to make Sydney become a better city for cycling.
Although there are still some gaps in the regional cycling network, it is possible to find a fantastic range of routes via low traffic streets, cycleways and shared paths.
Our page Cycling in Sydney has tips, resources and links to maps and articles to inspire you to ride far and wide across this beautiful city.
Before you pedal away
Please consider joining Bicycle NSW before hitting the bike paths. You will benefit from top-of-the-range insurance. Importantly, you will also support our advocacy and campaigns to improve bike infrastructure, safety and policy in NSW.
Not quite ready to sign up? Then please consider making a one-off donation to support the work we’re doing.
Popular routes in Sydney
Whether you’re just starting out or have been cycling for years there is a riding path to suit anyone.
We’ve pulled together some of the best cycling tracks in Sydney. Here are links to maps of three favourites:
- Centennial Parklands circuit - a 4km lap of Sydney parkland with a dedicated bike lane.
- Sydney Olympic Park circuit - an 6km iconic loop through the home of the 2000 Olympic Games.
- Cooks River Cycleway - a 12km scenic route with plenty of spots to take a break while enjoying the natural surroundings.
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.
Download the Greater Sydney Bike Trail route.
Read the detailed Bicycle NSW feature to learn how you can plan your very own Tour de Sydney.
Or take inspiration by exploring another article, New perspectives on the Greater Sydney Bike Trail.
Bicycle NSW is advocating for the government to support and further develop the Greater Sydney Bike Trail.
A modest investment collaboration by councils to add signage, fix a few missing links and crossings, and develop mapping would turn the Greater Sydney Bike Trail into a premier cycling experience. It would attract tourism and boost the economy of the vibrant and fascinating town centres the route passes.
More Places to Cycle
FAQs
Bicycle NSW has written an article about some of the best places to go bike riding in Sydney. Trails include the Bay Run, the Cooks River Cycleway, Centennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park, Manly Dam, and Royal National Park. These routes offer everything from scenic leisure rides to challenging mountain bike trails.
Yes, cycling is permitted in Centennial Park, Sydney. The park features a 3.8-kilometre dedicated cycle lane along Grand Drive, suitable for riders of all ages and experience levels. There is a 30km/h speed limit and helmets are mandatory.
Yes, you can cycle from Bondi Beach to Sydney CBD, but there isn't a single continuous bike path. A good route combines dedicated cycleways, shared paths, and quieter backstreets. Follow Bondi Beach follow the new Curlewis Street Cycleway and then quiet Birriga Street to Bondi Junction. There is a fantastic separated cycleway through Bondi Junction along Oxford St and Spring St. This leads to a dedicated path along the northern edge of Centennial Park and the Moore Park Road Cycleway towards the CBD.
Cycling is permitted around Bondi Beach. There are some designated bike routes and shared paths in the Bondi area.
No, the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is designated for pedestrians only, and cycling is not allowed on this path.
In summer, the best time to go cycling is early morning or late afternoon. These times offer cooler temperatures, less traffic, and better overall riding conditions. Winter in Sydney is generally mild and dry with great riding conditions all day. However, it gets dark early so make sure you have lights.
Sydney boasts a variety of excellent bicycle trails catering to different preferences and skill levels that include these top picks: the BayRun, Centennial Parklands Circuit, Cooks River & M7 Cycleway, Manly Dam Mountain Bike Trail, and Bicentennial Park. Check out our Bicycle tracks in Sydney page for more details.
The Manly Dam mountain bike trail is approximately 10 to 11 kilometers long. This loop features a mix of singletrack, shared paths, and fire trails, catering to riders of varying skill levels. It's one of Sydney's most popular and well-used mountain biking routes.
The M7 Cycleway is a 40-kilometre shared path running alongside the Westlink M7 Motorway in Western Sydney. It stretches from Prestons in the south to Baulkham Hills in the north, providing a fully separated and sealed route for cyclists and pedestrians.
Sydney boasts an extensive network of bicycle trails, including almost 100km of separated cycleways and hundreds of kilometres of shared paths. Notable routes include the 230 km Greater Sydney Bike Trail, the M7 Cycleway and the Cooks River Cycleway. Check out our Cycling in Sydney page for links and resources.