Moothi Estate Vineyard in Mudgee | Ross Baker
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Winter Cycling Holidays in Australia
A cycling trip in winter has a lot of great things going for it: fewer tourists around, fresh weather, a reason to get out of bed and make the most of your holidays - plus, you can snuggle up with a welcoming glass of red in front of a fireplace at many of our regional accommodations. So make the most of winter and explore Australia by bike; you won't regret it!
Here are our top Australian cycling holidays to experience during the winter season (or see our
full range here).
1. Capertee Valley in Comfort
Discover the outstanding scenery of the Capertee Valley - the second widest canyon in the world (1km wider than the Grand Canyon). Surrounded by World Heritage listed wilderness such as the Wolemi and the Gardens of Stone National Parks, you'll be able to explore a little known part of NSW. During the trip you’ll stay in deluxe bed and breakfast accommodation; think bathrobes, ensuites with heated towel rails, comfortable beds, and incredible views.
2. Great Victorian Rail Trail
The Great Victorian Rail Trail affords inspiring views of the Victorian High country foothills, and come evening, you'll settle into a local atmospheric hotel to enjoy the regions exceptional food and wine set in iconic country towns. With the ease of our luggage transfer service, an app to guide you each day and your accommodation all taken care of, this cycle journey opens up a whole new way to appreciate the natural beauty of this special corner of regional Victoria.
3. Townsville & Magnetic Island
Chase the winter sun in North Queensland! The beauty of the North Queensland coast and nearby Magnetic Island is captured on this interactive cycling holiday combining Townsville with the Great Barrier Reef. On a series of guided cycles, explore the wetlands, river systems and coastal landscapes of the Townsville surrounds.
Then on Magnetic Island, cyclists will be immediately transported into a tropical paradise of palm tree lined sandy beaches fringed by coral reefs. This cycle trip will appeal to those seeking a combination of active exploring, relaxation and swimming.
4. Southern Highlands
We know that the Southern Highlands is renowned for its frosty mornings in winter, but with easily manageable cycling distances each day, you'll soon be fireside with a beverage of choice knowing you earned your dinner and experienced amazing scenery along the way. Our tailor made trip takes the back roads between iconic towns, where there is much to feast your eyes on as you pedal past grand estates, vineyards and green rolling hills. With the help of an e-bike, the hills are no problem, leaving you with plenty of time to linger over lunch, stop for wine tasting and explore the local sights. Plus, cosy up to inviting fires at your warm accommodation in charming villages such as Bundanoon.
5. Hunter Valley
Pedal from vineyard to vineyard while encountering kangaroos and cheese boards on the pleasant cycling paths in the Hunter Valley. Best of all, there's plenty of award winning wine on hand to help celebrate memorable cycling.
6. Central West Cycle Trail
The newly established 400km long Central West Cycle Trail takes cyclists on a loop through New South Wales' Central West Region. There is everything you would expect from rural Australia including sweeping views, lonely roads and charming towns packed with character. During the week-long trip, you will be supported with ebike rental and luggage transfers between towns, giving you the freedom to cycle at a relaxed pace and take in the ever-changing landscape of grazing country, vineyards, national park' and reserves.
We have handpicked accommodation in a combination of country pubs with shared bathrooms and family run motels with private facilities, with friendly hosts and tasty food options. The sense of achievement as you roll into Mudgee on the last cycle day is a true highlight on this groundbreaking cycle trail. There are a variety of trips to experience the Central West Cycle Trail.
7. Top End & Kakadu Supported Cycle
Become immersed in the Top End of Australia on the ultimate cycling trip. Over 5 days we’ll ‘hike and bike’ to some of the best locations in the region, enjoying two nights at our private semi-permanent campsite in Kakadu with a million-star view and the crackle of a campfire. We’ll swim in remote rockpools, meet Indigenous guides who will share their connection to land then create some dust as we cycle down back roads and along some selected scenic roads. This is an amazing round trip of over one thousand kilometres travelling a round circuit south from Darwin then east to Kakadu before circling back west from the southern reaches of Kakadu to Litchfield National Park before returning to Darwin.
8. Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
At 161km (100mi) in length, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) qualifies as the longest rail trail in the country. Our cycle tour starts at the top of the range, giving you an easy start downhill to the plains of the Brisbane Valley and back to Walkuraka over three days. The cycling is on mixed surfaces of gravel, dirt and asphalt and is achievable for anyone of reasonable fitness and cycling ability.
Along the route, you'll pass through prime agricultural land, a rugged mountain range and forests of Blackbutt, Hoop Pine and Cedar. Stops at historical townships with good coffee and bakery items, interesting museums and friendly pubs are all part of the BVRT experience. At night, stay in comfortable accommodation and soak up the atmosphere of country Queensland towns. It's also possible to extend the rail trail adventure by combining this trip with the Kilkivan Rail Trail.
9. NSW South Coast
The South Coast of NSW isn’t just home to some of Australia’s most idyllic beaches, it also features top food and wine locations, magical wilderness walks, Aboriginal cultural experiences as well as many vantage points to spot dolphins, whales and even seals in their natural element.
A self-guided cycling trip along the NSW South Coast is the best way to take in the beauty and activities in the region. Whether you choose to cycle the South Coast’s coastline or venture further into the hinterland towns there is no shortage of things to do out of the saddle. Relax on some of the whitest sands you’ll find anywhere in the world, shuck a fresh oyster, walk through a rainforest or hit the water for some stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking.
Want more cycling options? Take a look at our full range of bike holidays in Australia for June, July and August.