Bicycle NSW has mapped over 300 rides across the state and 10 of the top ones are below! If you're after more rides, don't forget to check out our full NSW Rides Route Map.
Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail
Photo Credit: Snowy Valleys Council
In case you missed the news, NSW opened a new Rail Trail in April! Unfortunately, this also coincided with the start of COVID-19 restrictions and many people have yet to experience its scenic beauty and history.
Built through the abandoned rail corridor, the 21km rail trail offers scenic views over gentle gradients and sweeping curves between the towns of Tumbarumba and Rosewood. It’s the perfect off road experience for families, novice riders or those who prefer their rides traffic free.
You can even enjoy some local history through the historical display of the two heritage listed buildings, the Wolter Cottages, at the Tumbarumba trail head.
With plenty of shops and experiences to discover in the local area, you should plan a (long) weekend trip for this one.
Narooma’s Wagonga Inlet Loop
It might be a little cold for a dip in the water this time of year, but the scenery along this route is simply amazing. Ride through beautiful forest, alongside coastal wetlands and enjoy an amazing stretch of coastline through the Narooma area.
The ride is undulating and is for fit riders, but is one of the best the coast has to offer. With so much to do by bike through this area, don’t miss a weekend getaway here.
Distance: 39km
Total elevation: 643m
Elevation profile: Hilly
Surface: Sealed and unsealed
Traffic: Medium – on main roads and dirt roads
Difficulty: Hard
Newcastle Cycleway Discovery
Discover the best of the Newcastle cycling network on this ride! It takes in the full length of the Fernleigh Track (15km), crosses over to the popular Warners Bay Foreshore path and joins up to the Glendale Tramway Track. 45 kms of this route is off road shared paths and is one not to be missed in this area.
You can make this a day trip from Sydney or make it a longer trip and enjoy the sites of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Distance: 58km
Total elevation: 598m
Elevation profile: Undulating
Surface: Sealed
Traffic: Medium to heavy – on shared pathways, residential streets & main roads
Difficulty: Moderate
Southern Highlands Experience
From waterfalls, heritage buildings to some of the best coffee in NSW, explore what the Southern Highlands has to offer on this ride. Tackle their beautiful hills as you cycle through Berrima, Bowral, Robertson, Fitzroy Falls and Exeter. This is a challenging ride with over 1800m in elevation but you’ll be rewarded with some of the best scenery in NSW.
If you’re after a shorter ride, there is a great loop from Mount Gibraltar & Berrima. Find all the things to explore in the Southern Highlands here.
Distance: 112km
Total elevation: 1832m
Elevation profile: Hilly
Surface: Sealed
Traffic: Medium to heavy – on main roads and residential streets
Difficulty: Hard
Bellinger and Kalang River Loop
Ride through rural countryside and farmland beside the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers on this lovely flat scenic ride. You might even find some great spots for fishing along the way, or if that’s not your thing why not stop for a coffee at one of the local cafes instead.
There are plenty more rides and things to do in the Coffs Harbour area.
Distance: 30km
Total elevation: 174m
Elevation profile: Flat
Surface: Sealed
Traffic: Medium to heavy – on main roads, residential streets and shared pathways
Difficulty: Moderate
Ballina Loop
River, lake and a creek – this ride of Ballina has it all! Views along this route, including Shelly Beach, Ballina Head and Lighthouse Beach, will take your breath away.
You can even extend this 11km loop into a 30km ride up to Lennox Head to further explore what this area has on offer.
With heritage trails, farmers markets and beaches, there is lots to see and do in Ballina.
Distance: 11km
Total elevation: 64m
Elevation profile: Flat
Surface: Sealed
Traffic: Light – on shared pathways
Difficulty: Easy
Explore Dubbo and The Zoo!
Explore Dubbo along an easy loop around town called the “Tracker Riley Cycleway”. This cycleway, which is suitable for all abilities and ages, is named after the region’s first Aboriginal tracker who reached the rank of Sergeant. See historical buildings along the way, including the Dundullimal Homestead, before venturing out to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
As a major regional centre in NSW there is always something to do in Dubbo.
Distance: 14km
Total elevation: 122m
Elevation profile: Flat – few small inclines along the route
Surface: Sealed
Traffic: Light - on residential streets and shared pathways
Difficulty: Easy
Wagirra Trail & Yindyamarra Sculpture Trail in Albury
This shared path meanders through the riverside parks (Noreuil, Australia, and Hovell Tree) to Wonga Wetlands. There are many places to stop and picnic or just enjoy the tranquillity of the Murray River.
The Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk features a series of stunning contemporary Aboriginal sculptures lining the Wagirra Trail from Kremur Street to Wonga Wetlands. Eleven sculptures created by local Aboriginal artists have been installed along the five kilometres of trail. Each sculpture is accompanied by interpretive panels and videos available via mobile devices.
Distance: 16km
Total elevation: 109m
Elevation profile: Flat
Surface: Sealed
Traffic: Light – on shared pathways
Difficulty: Easy
Discover Mudgee
Cycling out of the historical town of Mudgee on Henry Lawson Drive is characterised by vineyards and rolling farmland. This beautiful scenery continues throughout the ride and even showcases some of the region's large granite rock formations.
You can extend this ride, by cycling the extra 40km out along Henry Lawson Drive to the historical town of Gulgong. Unfortunately, the popular annual Henry Lawson Festival over the June long weekend has been cancelled but there is still plenty to see and enjoy in Gulgong.
Distance: 37km
Total elevation: 391m
Elevation profile: Undulating
Surface: Sealed
Traffic: Medium to light – on main roads residential streets
Difficulty: Moderate
Parramatta River Loop
A family friendly ride along the Parramatta River highlighting the beauty of Sydney’s hidden urban history.
Following the shared path of the Parramatta Valley cycleway, this ride crosses over Silverwater bridge and the John Whitten Bridge near Rhodes. At the armoury you can spot historic railways previously used to move missiles and torpedoes, along with the sunken ships in Homebush Bay.
To extend this ride, continue under the Silverwater Bridge on the Shared Path towards Parramatta Park.
Distance: 14km
Total elevation: 120m
Elevation profile: Flat
Surface: Sealed
Traffic: Light - on shared pathways
Difficulty: Easy
