7 Stunning Cycling Road Rides in and around Canberra

Words: Scott McAllister / Pictures: Charlie Coquillard
Featuring Soomom cycling ambassador: Adam Nelson

Ever wanted to go cycling in Canberra? Australia's capital city Canberra is inconveniently located halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, but it is always worth the drive to spend time exploring the area. A city seemingly built for cyclists with plenty of wide, open, tree lined roads with little traffic, and set across a sprawling mostly flat terrain the local cyclists have unlimited options to explore.

For the mountain goats there's plenty of peaks surrounding the city to test your legs, while the burgeoning cafe and bar culture, and a large professional presence of workers, means you won't have to go far for a good coffee or some mates to ride with.

When cycling in Canberra all roads lead to Mount Stromlo, the premier cycling destination in the area, so it's become an increasingly important cycling location for Australians. Here we look at some of the best and most iconic cycling routes in Canberra and its surrounds. Soomom Ambassador and local Canberra cyclist Adam Nelson shares some of his favourite rides too.

1. Lake Burley Griffin to Mount Ainslie Loop

The best introduction to Canberra you're going to need. At 50km this ride takes in many of the highlights and landmarks of Australia's capital city on an easy, mostly flat ride. Take in the centrepiece of Canberra as you cycle around Lake Burley Griffin and you'll pass major national landmarks like the National Gallery of Australia, High Court, Australian National University and Yarralumla, the Governor General's Canberra residence. If you want to add some hills take a short detour to Mount Ainslie for a spectacular look back over the lake.

2. Canberra City to Mount Stromlo Return

A cycling visit to Canberra is not complete without taking in Mount Stromlo and the feast of road, gravel and mountain biking terrain it has to offer. Mount Stromlo was home to the 2009 Mountain Bike World Championships and it boasts exceptional terrain for off-road riders. Just 5km from the Canberra CBD you can add a detour onto your cycle around the lake.

3. 9 Peaks of Canberra

Up for a real challenge? This is the ultimate Canberra cycling route for the mountain goats. Starting at the iconic Mount Stromlo you'll head South to take in the major climbs below Canberra: Oakey Hill, Red Hill and Mount Mugga Mugga before heading into Mount Pleasant and Mount Ainslie. Next you'll head North for Mount Majura and Black Mountain before finishing with the Canberra Arboretum.

4. Big Canberra Bike Ride: City to Stromlo & Uriarra

For something a bit more challenging this loop will take you past Mount Stromlo into the peaks and gorges to the west of Canberra, taking in Mount MacDonald and several river crossings including the Murrumbidgee River along the 80km route.

5. Canberra to Yass Return

Something for those longer days on the saddle, head North out of Canberra along the Barton Highway to the regional town of Yass. At 150km you'll want to pack for a longer day on the bike, but this ride is accessible to most riders with the energy.

6. Mount Stromlo to Corin Dam Return

Starting near Mount Stromlo and heading south this ride takes you to the Corin Dam, taking in several impressive climbs with over 700m in vertical gains along this 110km route.

7. Mount Stromlo to Rendezvous Creek Return

Heading South West from Canberra once again, you'll be heading deep into the Namadgi National Park on this nearly 140km ride, with 600m of elevation gain testing your legs and endurance.

Canberra is a region of extremes in weather, from scorching Summers to frozen Winters. The variety in weather is only matched by the variety in cycling opportunities for the adventurous. Follow the lead of Soomom rider Adam and get out to explore the nation's Capital and its surroundings.

Canberra mornings get cold, even outside of Winter proper — here's what to layer up in.

Checkout our favourite Australian cycling routes for the best rides in cities around Australia here.

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