8 Must-Ride Cycling Routes in Melbourne & Surrounding Regions
Words: Scott Macallister & Charlie Coquillard / Pictures: Charlie Coquillard
Looking for some of the best cycling routes in Melbourne? From bayside roads and inner-city loops to the Dandenong Ranges and some of Victoria's most iconic climbs, Melbourne gives road cyclists plenty of options.
Start with an easy spin along Beach Road, chase elevation in the Dandenongs, or make a weekend of it and head further afield to Mount Hotham or the Great Ocean Road. Here are eight rides worth putting on your list.
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 coastline.
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, midweek 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 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. Yarra Glen itself sits around 55km from the Melbourne CBD, with most riders passing through Eltham and Kangaroo Ground on the way out. If you're after a proper climb to finish the day, Skyline Road near Yarra Glen is a well-known local test — 2.5km at an average gradient of 5.8%, for around 144m of elevation gain.
6 | Kinglake Weekender
This small town outside Melbourne has become a staple for city cyclists eager to challenge themselves, particularly on the 7km Kinglake climb via Heidelberg-Kinglake Road from St Andrews — an average gradient of 4.8% for around 350m of elevation gain, with a full loop from the city typically totalling somewhere around 120km. The climb winds through bushland that regenerated after the 2009 Black Saturday fires. Riders after a quieter alternative often take the nearby Humevale Road climb from Whittlesea instead.
7 | Hotham Hero
Climbers 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.
Explore more of Australia's best cycling routes: Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane & the Gold Coast and Perth.
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