7 Stunning Cycling Road Rides in and around Canberra

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

Ever wanted to go cycling in Canberra? Australia's capital city sits roughly halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, so it takes a dedicated trip to get there — but it's 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.

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

Around 15km from Canberra's CBD, Stromlo Forest Park is one of the ACT's major cycling destinations, and no cycling visit to Canberra is complete without taking it in. Alongside its extensive mountain-bike network and a feast of road, gravel and off-road terrain, the park has a dedicated 1.2km criterium circuit and connects into Canberra's wider network of cycling paths and trails. Mount Stromlo was home to the 2009 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, and it's an easy detour to add onto a ride around the lake.

3. 8 Peaks of Canberra

Up for a real challenge? This is our pick of the toughest peaks Canberra has to offer — a route of our own design for the mountain goats, rather than an official event. 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 a loop through 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, around 60km away. At around 120km round trip 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. Get out and explore the nation's capital and its surrounds.

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

Explore more of Australia's best cycling routes: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & the Gold Coast and Perth.

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