The 3 Best Riding Tracks in Australia

Australia has earned a reputation as a cyclist’s Promised Land. With challenging climbs leading to awe-inspiring peaks, endlessly diverse natural scenery and a welcoming community of likeminded riders, Australia is truly the place to test your mettle on the road or track.

With so many incredible routes and so much to see along on the way, we’re almost spoiled for choice on where to begin. But the following three tracks are a good place to start. Mountain riding, jaw dropping coastline and relaxation spots in abundance, the following three routes are the best place to start your conquest of Australia’s top riding tracks.

#1 The Queen Victoria Loop, Bright, Vic

Widely renowned as Australia’s most difficult mountain ride, the Queen Victoria Loop is the closest you will get to riding the European Alps Down Under. The ride traverses a near-250km loop with almost 4,500m of vertical ascent. Ridden anti-clockwise, the route takes on the legendary climbs of Mount Hotham, Tawonga Gap and the feared Back O’Falls climb.  

This ride is no easy feat, and many complete it after months of training with the likes of the Alpine Classic or Peaks Challenge. But once you have emerged from the tree line on Mount Hotham to take in a clear day’s view or have conquered the 15% grades of the Back O’Falls, there is an unrivalled feeling of accomplishment.  

#2 The Great Ocean Road, Victoria

One of Victoria’s go-to tourist attractions, the Great Ocean Road bends and winds its way around coastal towns, surf beaches and rugged headlands of the Victoria coast from Geelong to Warrnambool. Popular with cyclists and motorcyclists alike, it’s a ride you want to experience at quieter points of the day to avoid the whirl of traffic passing you around those bends. Closed-road events like Amy’s Gran Fondo are also a good option.   

Although the road technically begins in Geelong, the most popular section for cyclists is between Lorne and Apollo Bay. The road becomes more difficult at this point, but it also provides cyclists with the choice between heading on to legendary tourist points like the Twelve Apostles or ascending inland before rapidly descending into beautiful Lorne.

#3 The Captain Cook Highway, Cairns, QLD

Heading north from Cairns, the Captain Cook Highway is the tropical equivalent of The Great Ocean Road. Like The Great Ocean Road, the ride plays host to stunning views of sandy beaches, clear seas and lush headlands.

Whilst you can choose to ride from Cairns, a lovely departure point is from Palm Cove. Here you will avoid the traffic-heavy northern-bound city roads. The Captain Cook Highway is generally taken as an out-and-back trip, with multiple turnaround points such as Port Douglas, Wangetti or Rex Lookout. If you are feeling truly adventurous you can head north over the Daintree River and through the prehistoric rainforest to Cape Tribulation. Here you can enjoy a pizza and cold beer at PK’s Jungle Village.

Get Your Gear Right Here

Like the sound of these stunning riding tracks? If they are something you can see yourself giving a proper go in the near future, come to Bikes Instore. We have a huge range of bikes, gear and accessories to ensure you traverse these legendary rides with skill.