Touring Sydney on a Bike
Quick answer: The best routes for touring Sydney on a bike are the Blue Mountains to Falconbridge ride, an art lovers’ ride from Surry Hills to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, a roughly 13 km parks and gardens loop and a guided cycling tour of the Harbour Bridge. There is nothing as fun as exploring a new city on a bike, and Sydney makes it easy. Here are some interesting routes for cyclists visiting Sydney for the first time.
Why Sydney Is Great for Cycling
According to the City of Sydney website, the number of cyclists increased by 100% over the last three years. The city is also supporting this healthy, fun way of getting around by building a network of cycling paths, with 200 km of paths already built, marked and used by Sydney’s residents.
Blue Mountains to Falconbridge Tour
This is a fairly demanding 22 km ride. You start at Falconbridge station, where you will find the beginning of the track, and ride along the Falconbridge Ridge.
The route gets steep only a couple of times, so it is manageable even for beginners, and it shows you the beauty of the countryside outside Sydney. Many people hike here too, so watch out for walkers as you ride. Blue Mountains are an absolute must!
Ride for the Art Lovers
This tour comes in two parts, both with plenty of artsy stops and urban centres along the way. The east ride starts in the heart of Surry Hills and heads towards the Royal Botanic Garden.
- Mark Hanham Art Gallery: the first gallery you will run into, with amazing contemporary pieces.
- Outre Gallery: on your way if you are more into pop art, urban art and street style.
- Art Gallery of New South Wales: a short ride further on. It takes time to see, so rest and have lunch in the Botanic Garden before moving on.
Parks and Gardens Ride
Sydney’s gorgeous parks and gardens make for a relaxing tour of around 13 km. You can start as early as 7 am.
- Royal Botanic Garden: begin with a tour of the grand gardens.
- The Domain and Mrs Macquaries Point: ride through the vast Domain to Mrs Macquaries Point and enjoy the harbour view for a while.
- Hyde Park: head back and visit the park and the Anzac Memorial within it.
- Chinese Garden of Friendship: escape the bustle at this garden. It is a bit further away, so you will be pleased to know you can buy electric bikes in Australia at reasonable prices.
- Victoria Park: if you want to finish the tour with a swim, head straight here.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Ride
Perhaps not the longest, but definitely one of the most amazing rides is the cycling tour of the Harbor Bridge. It is best done with a group and a guide, and tours usually include lunch and stories about Sydney. The views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House are simply stunning.
Sydney Bike Routes at a Glance
| Route | Distance | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Mountains to Falconbridge | 22 km | Countryside scenery |
| Ride for the Art Lovers | Two-part city ride | Galleries and street art |
| Parks and Gardens | Around 13 km | A relaxed day with harbour views |
| Sydney Harbour Bridge | Short guided tour | Iconic views with a guide |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sydney a bike-friendly city?
Yes. The city has around 200 km of marked cycling paths, and according to the City of Sydney the number of cyclists doubled over three years.
Can beginners ride the Blue Mountains to Falconbridge route?
It is 22 km and fairly demanding, but it only gets steep a couple of times, so fit beginners can manage it.
Should I take a guided tour of the Harbour Bridge?
It is best done with a group and a guide; tours usually include lunch and stories about Sydney.
Conclusion
Exploring Sydney on two wheels is one of the most awesome experiences for any tourist who loves bikes. Bikes can be rented or bought, and there are tours for every taste. Check for announced events for bike lovers too: group tours and critical mass rides are organised in Sydney from time to time, and they are tons of fun.
Author Bio:
Roxana is a Sydney-based travel enthusiast with a passion for writing. She loves fashion and has an eye for anything visually appealing and aesthetic. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. You can find her articles on HighStyleLife and StyleByAsia.
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Great post and I always wanted to try different ways to see places. This looks like a great way to start. Love the post, pics. Thank you Roxana