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Melbourne is a big and vast city, chock-a-block with hidden gems and natural escapes. One of the best ways to explore them all is by biking. Not only is it a more environmentally friendly choice for our eco-loving Melbournians, but it also allows you to explore the city on your terms while exploring it at pace.
So what are you waiting for? Don your best bike pants, feel the wind in your hair (under your helmet of course), and in the famous words of Freddie Mercury — ‘Get on your bikes and ride!’
In This Blog
- Capital City Trail: Circumnavigate the City
- Main Yarra Trail: Follow the River’s Flow
- St Kilda Beach to Half Moon Bay: Cruise the Coastline
- The Bay Trail: Unbeatable Bay Views
- The Mighty Maribyrong: From North to Central
- Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail: Get Your Heart Pumping
- Fortnightly Wednesday Community Rides: Making Fitness Fun
- Upfield Shared Bike Path: Cycle Your Commute
- Wherever Your Ride, Rest Up Rambla @ Solarino House
Capital City Trail: Circumnavigate the City
If you’re ready for a big day exploring the city, then pedal through the 29 km loop of the Capital City Trail. This loop takes you past all the Melbourne highlights like Melbourne Zoo, Southbank, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Explore all around the city, and even go on some side quests as this Capital City Trail connects up to most of the larger outer suburbs trails too - like the Main Yarra Trail, Merri Creek Trail, Inner Circle Rail Trail and Moonee Ponds Creek Trail. As you can see by this Melbourne cycling map, you could say the Capital City Trail is the road all other bike roads lead to.
A lot of this mega loop is also a shared pathway with pedestrians so make sure you have your bike bell at the ready.
Main Yarra Trail: Follow the River’s Flow
A satisfyingly flat bike path, this 22 km one-way ride starts in Eltham and follows the Yarra towards Fairfield. Pass through leafy corridors towards the sealed road as you get closer to the city.
Most people who do this trail love a few pit stops including the delicious freshly baked scones of Fairfield Boathouse and a stroll through the eccentric Heide Museum of Modern Art’s outdoor sculpture park.
St Kilda Beach to Half Moon Bay: Cruise the Coastline
While others go for a paddle, why not go for a beachside pedal? Ride 13 km from St Kilda to Half Moon Bay on an easy, flat path that follows the famous Melbourne coastline.
When you get to Half Moon Bay, take a stroll along the 100m jetty to see the remains of HMVS Cerberus down below, which was grounded in 1926.
The Bay Trail: Unbeatable Bay Views
If you love keeping to the coastline, then spend a Saturday or Sunday exploring the Bay Trail. Enjoy 17 km of fully paved bikeway starting Head Street in Brighton, all the way to Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron.
Along the way, you’ll spy some historic baths at Middle Brighton and Dendy Street, be spoiled for coffee options, and can even give the little ones a rest on the pirate ship playground.
If you time your ride right, you’ll pass by the Bayside Farmers Market that happens the third Saturday of every month. And closer to the end of the ride you can explore the marine sanctuary near Ricketts Point.
Check out the full Bay Trail Melbourne cycling map here to see why the Bay Trail is one of the favourite cycle paths in Melbourne.
The Mighty Maribyrong: From North to Central
If you’re looking for where to cycle in Melbourne’s north, then you can’t go past the Mighty Maribyrnong Trail. Delivering magnificent views of Melbourne, serene seascapes, little cultural surprises, and then popping you out right in the heart of the city, the Mighty Maribyrnong has it all.
Across its 23 km starting at Moonee Ponds, the ride is mostly flat save for one hill - you’ll know it when you see it - and takes you all the way to Flinders Street Station. This is one of the bike routes in Melbourne that joins up to the Capital City Trail, so if you aren't’ finished exploring…just keep riding.
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Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail: Get Your Heart Pumping
If easy isn’t your style, then push yourself (and your calves) with the 40 km Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail. Loved by cyclists, walkers, and horse-riders, this huge ride is sure to be a rewarding experience.
Over the 40 km, you’ll make your way through bushland, tunnels, vineyards, mountain scenery and more all the way to Warburton township. It’s a big day, but a worthwhile one.
See the breakdown of the whole trail and a map to the path here.
Fortnightly Wednesday Community Rides: Making Fitness Fun
Want more than just exercise from your Melbourne cycle? Join the community ride from Moreland Railway every second Wednesday to get your dose of socialising too. The group meets at 10am and returns around 4.30pm after a long day filled with fun that will get your heart racing.
Upfield Shared Path: Cycle Your Commute
The recently updated Upfield Shared Path is an easy way to swap up your city commute. Attracting more than 2,500 riders and walkers daily, the Upfield Shared Path is one of the most popular paths in Melbourne.
Approximately a 10 km ride, this safe and flat ride follows the Upfield train line – connecting from the Royal Park train station up to Box Forest Road in Hadfield all the way to the Gowrie train station. See the whole ride here on this Melbourne cycling map.
Wherever Your Ride, Rest Up at Rambla @ Solarino House
All finished riding for today? Lock your bike up at the on-site bike racks at Rambla @ Solarino House. Simply cruise in and out to explore the city and beyond like a local, knowing that your bike is safe and sound overnight.
Keen to keep going? Your bike is ready and waiting downstairs to get you back on the front foot of the day… well, the front pedal.
Discover more facilities and the neighbourhood at Rambla @ Solarino House in the heart of Brunswick, Melbourne.
