8 Must Ride Cyclng routes in melbourne & Surrounding regions
Words: Scott Macallister & Charlie Coquillard / Pictures: Charlie Coquillard
Looking for a reason to go cycling interstate? Melbourne is one of Australia's premier cycling destinations. A dizzying mix of eclectic city life and cafe culture nestled Australia's Southern coast line. You've got every option you could want to explore the region on your bike, bayside vistas, inner city parklands and surrounded by weekend escapes.
We explore some of the most popular, scenic and challenging road cycling routes in Melbourne and the surrounding regions.
1 | Down to Beach Road
Wanting to explore Melbourne scenery on two wheels? Beach Road is the place to start. A smooth and flat road that hugs Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay this is a ride for all levels, fast and cruising. You won't be short of places to stop and enjoy some of Melbourne's famous coffee culture at the many cafes along the way. Spend a short day on the saddle and see the iconic coast line.
2 | CBD to Yarra Boulevard
Melbourne has many cycleways, bike paths and bicycle friendly routes within the city. It's something local cyclists make the most of and one of the most popular routes takes in Yarra Boulevard. With little traffic Yarra Boulevard is a perfect hit out for any time of day, mid week or weekend. Those looking to push the pain barrier can even take the Yarra Street challenge that reaches a 17% gradient.
3 | St Kilda to Portsea Return
A long cruise South of Melbourne the Portsea Return is an incredibly scenic cycling route. 185km's of amazing coastline riding taking in rolling climbs. Want an extra challenge? Throw in a quick dash up Arthur's Seat, a climb made famous by the Herald Sun Tour. Taking in the Bayside suburbs of Brighton and surrounds you'll soon find yourself soaking in the hills around Mt Martha Esplanade.
4 | Dandenong Ranges: 1/20 & The Wall
Wanting more of a challenge? This ride covers two of the most frequented climbs in the Dandenong Ranges just outside Melbourne. Follow the turning and twisting roads up the popular 1 in 20 climb, a route Melbourne cyclists use as a PB setting course. At an average of 10% in parts you can see why they call it The Wall.
5 | Yarra Valley & Yarra Glen
Looking for a scenic day trip? You can't go past a cycling adventure out to the famous Yarra Valley, one of Australia's most famous wine regions and especially suited to being explored on a bike.
6 | Kinglake Weekender
This small town outside Melbourne has become a staple for city cyclists eager to challenge themselves, particularly on the 7km Kinglake cycling segment.
7 | Hotham Hero
King of the Mountain need only apply for this cycling route up Victoria's Mount Hotham, a popular ski resort and one of Australia's toughest climbs.
8 | Great Ocean Road
If you're thinking of tackling the Great Ocean Road on your bike you should definitely consider this route. Amy's Gran Fondo, possibly the most popular gran fondo in Australia, is held on this route in September each year.
Whatever you're after, inner city neighbourhoods, hipster cafes, amazing ocean vistas or unique, pristine wilderness you can find it along these cycle routes in Melbourne.
Melbourne's weather turns fast, even mid-ride — see our cold-weather riding gear before you head out.
Checkout our favourite Australian cycling routes for the best rides in cities around Australia here.
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