8 Amazing Cycling Road Rides in Brisbane & the Gold Coast
Words: Scott Macallister & Charlie Coquillard / Pictures: Charlie Coquillard
We know Brisbane and the Gold Coast are perfect regions to explore on your bike. We've compiled the best road cycling routes to explore in Brisbane and the Gold Coast for intermediate and advanced cyclists.
Take to the road to see the River City, along its winding park-lined shores as you travel on the many cycling friendly roads around Brisbane. Or, check out the glitzy Gold Coast waterfronts and spend a day riding into the challenging and beautiful Hinterland to test the climbing legs. From Brisbane's riverside bikeways to long Gold Coast coastal rides and challenging hinterland climbs, there's plenty here for intermediate and experienced cyclists.
Here's 8 of the best rides to see the South East coast of Queensland.
1. Inner City Brisbane River Loop
A great recovery ride or quick loop for those visiting the city to get a feel for Brisbane from the saddle. Heading west out of the city along the Brisbane River through Milton you'll cross the river over the bridge at Indooroopilly. Complete the loop through Brisbane's Southern Suburbs and connect back with the Brisbane River along Southbank. Throw in a quick pedal to Newstead and James Street in Fortitude Valley. Loop back into the CBD to finish your 26km loop.
2. South East Coastal Loop
This loop takes in Brisbane's south-eastern coastline, running along the picturesque Moreton Bay Marine Park. Head south from the city using Brisbane's cycling network, picking up sections of the Veloway 1 where useful — the dedicated veloway runs from South Brisbane towards Slacks Creek, but doesn't extend all the way to the coast, so you'll need to plan your own road and bikeway connections from there through to Redland Bay rather than relying on the Veloway alone. From Redland Bay, turn north and follow the coastline through bayside towns like Cleveland and Wellington Point back towards Brisbane.
3. Northern Bikeways
Surrounding Brisbane are many cycleways that make the city accessible for cyclists. This 48km cycling loop takes in a couple of the cycleways used frequently by Brisbane cyclists, heading out through Redhill, meeting the Old Northern Road, connecting with the Gateway North Cycleway around Brisbane Airport, and the Jim Soorley Bikeway at Nudgee back into the city.
4. Ipswich & the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
One for the adventure riders, you're going to need your gravel gear to take on this icon of the Brisbane gravel riding scene along the 120km route, connecting with the 161km Brisbane Valley Rail Trail from Wulkuraka to Yarraman.
5. Two Peaks
This cycling route takes on a couple of challenging peaks North West of Brisbane City along its 73km route — Camp Mountain and Mount Samson — testing the legs with short, steep climbs.
6. Coastal Cruise
The Gold Coast is all about the beachside strip and there's no better way to see it than on your bike. Two options here, 50km or 120km, both starting at Broadbeach and cruising South along the coast through Mermaid Beach, Miami and Burleigh Heads.
7. Hinterland Hustle
Sitting inland from the famous beaches you can explore hundreds of kilometres of mountain roads through stunning bush land. This 100km loop takes you up 2 significant peaks: Wunburra Lookout and Turtle Rock.
8. Mount Tamborine
Sitting inland from Surfers Paradise, at 500m with views up and down the coast, this 90km trip takes you through Tamborine National Park and Nerang National Park and the seaside bays of the Northern Gold Coast.
If you're looking for a cycling trip interstate there's not many better options than heading to the Sunshine State this Winter. The mix of warmer weather, cycling friendly roads and plenty of challenging terrain means you'll never run out of places to explore.
Riding in Queensland heat calls for different kit — see what we'd wear for a hot-weather ride.
Explore more of Australia's best cycling routes: Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth.
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