Brisbane’s Top Five Bike Rides

The iconic Story Bridge. Photo by Michele Macnaughton.

Brisbane has dozens of bike paths and routes that will take you out to coastal beaches or along the river through pretty parklands, koala bush lands, ancient rainforest and protected wetlands teaming with birdlife.

Whether you’re a family looking for a short ride, or a serious cyclist seeking the burn of a mountain climb, Brisbane has the route for you.

Family rides along the river at South Bank. Photo courtesy of Tourism Queensland.

I landed in Brisbane four years ago from the UK with a bag of inappropriate clothes and a sturdy mountain bike. It was almost impossible to ignore the hordes of road cyclists socialising in coffee shops with workouts done by 7am. Once I found Ian Melvin’s book, Where to Ride in South East Queensland, a road bike soon followed and while mountain biking is still my first love, my “pushie” has become a regular outdoor workout with friends.

Crossing the Goodwill Bridge on the River Loop. Photo courtesy of Tourism Queensland.

I’ve chosen these rides for their diversity, close proximity to the city, transport links and above all, the views, which are impossible to tire of. You can enjoy any of my favourite routes on a road bike, mountain bike or hybrid.

How to get there, directions and maps of my top five are detailed in Where to Ride Southeast Queensland, which is available from bike shops and online at Bicycling Australia.

1.The River Loop

Brisbane’s city beach. Photo courtesy of Tourism Queensland.

One of Brisbane’s most popular routes follows the river and meanders through some of its prettiest river suburbs. If you start and finish the loop at the arts and cultural area of South Bank, you can take a dip at “Streets Beach” (Australia’s only beach in the middle of the city), refuel in one of the many trendy restaurants or grab a coffee at a cyclist favourite; the iconic Garage.

Distance: 34.4 km loop
Terrain: Mostly flat along quiet residential streets
Where to Ride rating: Moderately fit.

NB: A shorter riverside route suitable for families is detailed in Where to Ride South East Queensland.

2. Kedron Brook to Boondall

Boondall Wetlands Visitor Centre. Photo courtesy of Brisbane City Council.

This ride will take you through 1,000 hectares of tidal flats, mangroves, salt marshes, woodlands, forests, grasslands and wetlands which support high numbers of international migratory shorebirds between September and March. At low tide, cormorants, darters, egrets, ibis and herons can be seen year-round. Look out for the Nurri Millen art totems to celebrate the culture of local Indigenous Australians and their connection to the land. Learn more about the environmental and cultural heritage of the reserve at the Visitors centre.

Distance: 42km km return
Terrain: Flat, mostly along cycle paths
Where to Ride rating: Beginner / Moderately fit

NB: For a longer ride, continue on the bike path to Shorncliffe and link up to ride three

3. Shorncliffe to Scarborough

Coastal bike path to Woody Point. Photo by Tracey Croke.

Cycle the coastline of Moreton bay with views and cafes galore. On this ride, you’ll pedal through the coastal towns of Sandgate and Brighton before joining a three kilometre dedicated bike and walking path across Hornibrook Bridge to the Redcliffe peninsula with views beyond Hayes inlet out to the Coral Sea. Woody Point is a beautiful spot for a breather at the other side of the bridge, or why not make it a full day out and enjoy some of the aquatic activities such as boating, swimming, skydiving, fishing, scuba diving or windsurfing, at Redcliffe? At the right time of the year, (if you start early enough) you could take a whale watching trip from Redcliffe Jetty or you might even spot a pod of whales swimming off the shore at Scarborough.

Distance: 41 km return
Terrain: Mostly flat
Where to Ride rating: Beginner / Moderately fit

4. Rosalie to Mount Coot-tha

View from Mount Coot-tha. Photo by Tracey Croke.

What would cycling be without a good hill climb? Mount Coot-tha, although not technically a mountain at 287 meters, is Brisbane’s highest peak. The name derives from “ku-ta” – a term meaning honey in local Aboriginal language. The honey, which was collected from the native stingless bee, was highly prized and often traded as a valuable commodity by Aboriginal people. Nowadays, you can reward yourself with a sweet treat near the top at Kuta Cafe and capture the best vista of Brisbane City from the lookout; a photographers favourite.

Distance: 16 km
Terrain: Hilly
Where to Ride rating: Beginner / Moderately fit

5. Mount Glorious

The view from Mount Glorious. Photo supplied by Tourism Queensland.

I’ve left the beast… I mean the best to last. It surprises visitors to learn that lush strands of native rainforest survive only 30 kilometres from Brisbane. The area is part of the magnificent D’Aguilar Range and Brisbane Forest Park. You’ll climb 599 metres through trees chattering with tropical birds and if you’re enticed by a tasting at one of the wineries, remember to use the spit buckets – you’ll definitely need all your wits about you for the windy mountain roads and long descent.

Distance: 63 km Loop
Terrain: Hilly
Where to Ride rating: Experienced cyclist

Transport
Bikes are allowed on Brisbane’s trains and city cat ferry services. For information visit: www.translink.com.au.