Pedal to Paradise

Scale mountain tops, meander through ancient forests, ride alongside lush vineyards, coastal paths and factor in some two-wheel touring for your next holiday - and you don’t even have to wear Lycra.

NSW boasts plenty of places to go cycling and mountain-biking ranging from short, easy rides suitable for the whole family, half-day and full-day rides through some of the most beautiful scenery to challenging terrain for more experienced riders.

Here is a quick tour of some of the latest and greatest destinations in NSW to explore on two wheels:

Snowy Mountains

Once the snow has melted, the Snowy Mountains becomes an ideal destination to explore dirt tracks and sealed roads for that textbook mountain bike experience. For a solid workout, test the Thredbo Valley Track (TVT). 20 km of alpine terrain that meanders through the Kosciuszko National Park past amazing mountain scenery and along the Thredbo River.

Blue Mountains

Nothing beats the adrenalin rush of careering through the cliffs, deep canyons and pristine bushland of the World Heritage listed Greater Blue Mountains area on a bike. Test your fitness on the hilly 120 km Glenbrook to Wentworth Falls or cruise downhill on the 55 km Wentworth Falls to Glenbrook route. Enjoy the cool rainforest air as the trail takes you through the southern side of the Blue Labyrinth mountain ridge. Whether you want beauty or adrenalin, you can’t beat the Blue Mountains’ bike tracks.

South Coast

Pedal the scenic 90 km from Sydney to Wollongong via the Royal National Park, across the breathtaking Sea Cliff Bridge and along the Grand Pacific Drive into the bustling coastal town of Wollongong. Other top-notch cycle-ways are through Batemans Bay and Narooma, with action-packed trails also found in Morton and Murramarang National Park. 

Hunter Valley

Explore the picturesque Hunter Valley wine region first hand and at your own pace as you use pedal power and two wheels to visit cellar doors, taste local produce or visit a local art gallery. Not for the faint of heart, the 22 km Big Yango loop trail traverses through the Yengo and Wollemi wilderness areas in Yengo National Park, with steep climbs, challenging descents and tight switchbacks. Admire the rugged landscape and keep an eye out for wombats, wallabies and goannas as you navigate this tricky trail.

Lord Howe Island

At just 12 km long, Lord Howe Island lends itself well to discovery on two wheels to visit its beaches, shops, walking tracks and restaurants. The on-road tracks wind around the island’s lush rainforests and scenic roadways. With a 25 km/h speed limit, pedal power is the favoured transport of choice for residents and visitors.

For the more athletic, NSW offers the chance to compete in a variety of cycling competitions:

L’Étape Australia by Le Tour de France, Thredbo, Perisher and Jindabyne, NSW

The perfect cycling event for amateurs held under professional race conditions including closed roads, a challenging route, a Sprint and a King of the Mountain. Riders will compete for the famous Yellow, Green, Polka Dot and White Jerseys. Endorsed by Tour de France Race Director Christian Prudhomme. Held on Saturday 2 December 2017.

But cycling competitions don’t always need to be serious. Take Gears & Beers in Wagga Wagga:

Gears & Beers, Wagga Wagga, NSW

Not just for cyclists, but for all those that enjoy cycling, beer, cider, great food and entertainment. With five different course options available, there is something for riders of all levels. Held 1 October 2017.

For more cycling ideas in Sydney and NSW go to sydney.com/cycling and visitnsw.com/cycling.