If you’re on the hunt for the best bike adventures in Brisbane, you’ve just landed in the right gear!

I’ve pedaled my way through the city’s nooks and crannies, dodged some rogue kangaroos (just kidding), and discovered the absolute gems of cycling routes Brisbane has to offer.

Whether you’re a cycling newbie or a two-wheeled pro, I’ve got your back. So, grab your helmet, pump those tires, and let’s dive headfirst into a two-wheeled exploration that’s as epic as a cycling festival in Brisbane. Saddle up, it’s gonna be a wheelie good time!

1. Northern Bikeways

Distance: 48 km

Elevation: 405 meters

Difficulty: Moderate

Brisbane’s Northern Bikeways offer cyclists an incredible journey through the city’s diverse landscapes, making it one of the top cycling routes in the region.

This 48-kilometer loop encompasses several well-loved cycleways, seamlessly connecting urban areas with natural beauty.

Starting your ride in the heart of Brisbane, you’ll pedal out of the city through Redhill, where you’ll soon encounter the Old Northern Road, a historic route linking to Beckett Road and the picturesque coastline.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Bramble Bay and the Gateway North Cycleway, which runs alongside the Gateway Motorway near Brisbane Airport.

The true beauty of the Northern Bikeways lies in its variety. As you continue your journey, you’ll seamlessly transition onto the Jim Soorley Bikeway at Nudgee.

This segment of the route guides you along a serene river path, through captivating wetlands, and eventually delivers you back to the bustling heart of Brisbane city.

2. Two Peaks: Camp Mountain & Mount Samson

Distance: 73 km

Elevation: 1,577 meters

Difficulty: Advanced

The Two Peaks promises an exhilarating cycling expedition through the untamed terrain of Brisbane’s northwestern region. This cycling route spans 73 kilometers, promising a challenging ride that’s perfect for those seeking to test their mettle against the terrain.

Beginning your journey on Waterworks Road, you’ll head through The Gap, setting your sights on the first peak of the day: Camp Mountain.

This ascent, standing just over 300 meters, provides the ultimate test for your legs, with a short but steep climb that will push your limits.

As you conquer Camp Mountain and descend on the other side, your ride continues northward towards the second peak, Mount Samson.

While this climb reaches an elevation of 200 meters, it’s a quick and intense sprint to the top, making it an exhilarating challenge.

As you wind your way back into Brisbane City along Old Northern Road, you’ll have a sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering not one but two challenging peaks.

3. Inner City Brisbane River Loop

Distance: 26 km

Elevation: 246 meters

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Looking to experience the heart of Brisbane on two wheels? The Inner City Brisbane River Loop offers a versatile cycling experience that’s perfect for both locals seeking a quick loop and visitors eager to explore the city’s vibrant character.

This 26-kilometer route starts by heading west out of the CBD, taking you along the stunning Brisbane River through Milton. As you cross the river via the Indooroopilly Bridge, you’ll be treated to beautiful waterfront views.

The journey continues through Brisbane’s southern suburbs, offering a glimpse of the city’s diverse neighborhoods and landscapes.

One of the highlights of this ride is Southbank, a cyclist-friendly tourist area nestled on the river’s edge. Here, you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere, take a break at a riverside cafe, or explore Fortitude Valley’s local brewery scene, a quick pedal away.

As you loop back into the CBD, you’ll have experienced a diverse slice of Brisbane, and if time allows, a detour to the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens is the perfect way to cap off your tourist-friendly day on the bike.

4. Ipswich & The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Distance: 124 km

Elevation: 1,858 meters

Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced

For the adventurous cyclist seeking a taste of the rugged outback near Brisbane, the Ipswich & the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail offers an unforgettable 120-kilometer gravel road journey.

This iconic trail leads you through picturesque landscapes, making it one of the most sought-after cycling routes in Brisbane.

Beginning your expedition south west of Brisbane, you’ll trace the scenic Centenary Highway, passing through Riverhills and Goodna. Soon, you’ll reach Ipswich, a vibrant town situated inland from Brisbane and a gateway to the adventure that awaits.

At Ipswich, the real adventure begins as you connect with the gravel road of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

Stretching 161 kilometers from Wulkuraka to Yarraman in Queensland, this trail is a haven for adventurers, hikers, and gravel riders yearning to escape the urban bustle and embrace nature up close.

As you journey northward to Fernvale and ascend Mount Nebo, conquering over 500 meters in elevation, you’ll savor the challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery.

The ride concludes with a leisurely, mostly downhill descent into Brisbane’s northern suburbs, providing a well-earned respite for your journey’s grand finale.

5. South East Coastal Loop

Distance: 99 km

Elevation: 909 meters

Difficulty: Moderate

If you’re a cyclist looking for a fantastic ride through Brisbane’s natural wonders, the South East Coastal Loop is one of the city’s premier cycling routes.

This idyllic loop embraces the Southeastern coastline along Moreton Bay Marine Park, offering an ideal blend of urban exploration and coastal serenity.

Kicking off your adventure from downtown Brisbane, you’ll embark on a southward journey via Fortitude Valley and Spring Hill, eventually reaching the Pacific Motorway.

Here, the Veloway, a dedicated cycling lane adjacent to the motorway, allows you to cruise effortlessly towards your coastal destination. The path then leads you to the Beenleigh Redlands Bay Road, where the coastal charm of Redland Bay beckons.

Heading northward, you’ll trace the coastline, passing through bayside towns like Cleveland and Wellington Point. The captivating views of Moreton Bay will be your constant companion as you pedal back towards the heart of Brisbane.

To complete the loop, cross the river into Eagle Farm, roll through Newstead, and finally return to the bustling CBD.

6. Gold Coast Hinterland Loop

Distance: 94 km

Elevation: 1,831 meters

Difficulty: Advanced

For avid cyclists seeking the ultimate test of mountain-climbing prowess, the route in Gold Coast Hinterland is an irresistible choice. It beckons adventurers to conquer the heights and revel in the exhilaration of the journey.

Nestled inland from the renowned Gold Coast beaches, this route offers a thrilling 100-kilometer loop through the mesmerizing Australian bushland. What sets it apart? The two formidable peaks that will put your climbing legs to the test.

Setting out from Surfers Paradise, your journey unfolds along the challenging Gold Coast Springbrook Road.

This winding ascent, characterized by steep grades and zigzagging turns, propels you upwards to the breathtaking Wunburra Lookout, perched at an elevation of 500 meters.

It’s a climb that demands both physical stamina and mental fortitude, but the panoramic view of the nearby ranges is your hard-earned reward.

After a heart-pounding descent, you’ll enjoy a 20-kilometer respite for your legs before embarking on the second and final ascent to Turtle Rock. This formidable climb also reaches heights of over 500 meters, offering another test of your climbing mettle.

However, the payoff is sweet, as a long and leisurely downhill stretch awaits, leading you back to the Gold Coast’s inviting beaches for some well-deserved relaxation.

7. Mount Tamborine

Distance: 86 km

Elevation: 1,551 meters

Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced

Nestled inland from Surfers Paradise, the majestic Mount Tamborine is an unmissable gem on the Brisbane cycling circuit.

Rising 500 meters above sea level, this natural wonder offers not only panoramic coastal vistas but also a challenging and exhilarating cycling experience. It’s a draw for tourists, hikers, and cyclists alike, making it one of Brisbane’s top cycling routes.

This 90-kilometer journey takes riders through two pristine national parks, Tamborine National Park and Nerang National Park, and the seaside bays that grace the northern end of the Gold Coast.

As you venture westward from Surfers Paradise, you’ll find yourself gradually ascending into the hinterland’s welcoming foothills. Mount Tamborine boasts several distinct peaks, each requiring bursts of energy to conquer.

The reward, of course, is the awe-inspiring view that greets you from the summit. Before beginning your descent, pause for a while to step off your bike, soak in the breathtaking scenery, and relish the sense of accomplishment.

To complete the loop, you’ll journey back to Surfers Paradise along the inviting waterfront parks of Runaway Bay and Labrador, basking in the coastal charm that the Gold Coast is renowned for.

8. Gold Coast Cruise Adventure

Distance: 118 km

Elevation: 1,099 meters

Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced

The Gold Coast, renowned for its stunning beachside allure, unveils its coastal splendor in a cycling adventure like no other. It offers not one, but two enticing routes, allowing cyclists to explore this seaside paradise from the saddle.

Whether you opt for the 50-kilometer or the more ambitious 120-kilometer journey, your adventure begins in the heart of the Gold Coast at Broadbeach.

As you set out southward along the cycle-friendly coastline, you’ll pass through charming locales like Mermaid Beach and Miami, where hidden cafes, restaurants, and bars await discovery.

But the real highlight awaits at the uber-cool Burleigh Heads, an iconic beachside hub that epitomizes the quintessential coastal lifestyle.

For those embarking on the shorter loop, the adventure continues as you cross the Tallebudgera Creek bridge and veer inland towards the Hinterland. Following Somerset Drive North, you’ll loop back into Surfers Paradise through the inviting outer suburbs.

Meanwhile, riders on the longer route journey further south, tracing the Coolangatta strip to Tweed Heads and the NSW border.

The true challenge comes when you turn right at Cabarita Beach and ascend Mount Tomewin, perched on the state border, a climb that reaches over 300 meters.

The reward? A long, mostly downhill ride that guides you through the serene Gold Coast Hinterland, completing this scenic cycling loop of the Gold Coast.

9. Regatta to Mount Coot-tha

Distance: 16 km

Elevation: 287 meters

Difficulty: Moderate

For those who relish a Strava challenge and seek breathtaking rewards, the Regatta to Mount Coot-tha cycling route beckons.

While Mount Coot-tha may not boast towering heights, at 287 meters, it stands as Brisbane’s highest peak and a beloved training ground for cyclists.

The journey begins at the Regatta City Cat terminal, setting the stage for a memorable ride. Pedaling along Sylvan Road and onto Mount Coot-tha Road, you’ll soon encounter signs guiding you to the scenic route, known as Samuel Griffith Highway.

As you ascend, you’ll find yourself surrounded by natural bushland teeming with vibrant wildlife. The road winds through this natural splendor before presenting a traverse to the summit.

At the pinnacle, the Mount Coot-tha lookout unveils Brisbane City’s finest panorama, stretching from the heart of the city out to the captivating Moreton Bay.

This 16-kilometer loop, while not for the faint of heart, is an ideal adventure for moderately fit cyclists seeking both a physical challenge and the splendid vistas that make Brisbane’s Mount Coot-tha a must-visit gem on the cycling map.

10. Teneriffe to Fortitude Valley

Distance: 9 km one-way

Difficulty: Easy

If you’re looking for a self-guided urban cycling adventure, the Teneriffe to Fortitude Valley route offers a captivating tour of Brisbane’s vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods.

Starting your journey is a breeze; simply pick up a city cycle from Vernon Street in trendy Teneriffe, an area that has transformed from its industrial roots into a hub of loft apartments, unique boutiques, and inviting microbreweries.

Your path will lead you to the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse, a creative epicenter that once fueled the largest tram network in the southern hemisphere.

As you continue, the 37-hectare New Farm Park beckons, adorned with towering fig trees, and introduces you to New Farm, one of the city’s oldest suburbs.

Following Brisbane’s iconic river pathway, your cycling journey will gracefully guide you into Fortitude Valley, a gentrified district infused with a distinctive bohemian vibe.

Conclude your ride by returning your bike at the city cycle station on chic James Street. Here, you can reward yourself with a well-deserved beer, a glass of bubbly, or a sip of wine amidst the Valley’s trendy establishments.

Covering a distance of 9 kilometers one-way, this route is a leisurely ride that remains mostly flat along dedicated bike paths. It’s suitable for riders of all levels, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to explore Brisbane’s art and culture at their own pace.

11. The Boondall Wetlands Trail

Distance: 12 km roundtrip

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Calling all bird enthusiasts and nature lovers! The Boondall Wetlands Trail is a must-visit cycling route in Brisbane, spanning over 1,000 hectares of diverse landscapes, including tidal flats, salt marshes, woodlands, forests, and grasslands.

These internationally important wetlands provide a habitat for a variety of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. So, keep your camera ready to capture stunning sightings of cormorants, darters, egrets, ibis, and herons throughout the year.

You can begin your journey at the Nudgee Beach Reserve and follow the flat, well-maintained cycle paths that wind through this natural wonderland.

Your cycling adventure concludes at the Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre, where you can delve deeper into the environmental and cultural significance of these wetlands.

Whether you’re a beginner or a moderately fit cyclist, this 12-kilometer round-trip trail promises a rewarding and immersive experience in Brisbane’s captivating natural world.

12. Kangaroo Point Bikeway

Distance: Over 3 km 

Difficulty: Easy

The Kangaroo Point Bikeway is a perfect choice for a relaxed and scenic cycling experience in Brisbane. Starting from Captain Burke Park, nestled beneath the iconic Story Bridge, this leisurely route offers over three kilometers of riverside riding.

It effortlessly connects to the Woolloongabba Bikeway and the CBD, making it an ideal choice for a stress-free cycling journey.

As you pedal along the Kangaroo Point Bikeway, you’ll be treated to charming river views and lush greenspaces, particularly when you continue your ride towards West End via the Riverside Drive Bikeway.

One of the most appealing aspects of this route is the absence of car traffic, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just starting, you can set your own pace and choose your preferred distance.

What’s more, you don’t even need to bring your own bike! Exploring is a breeze with e-bike rentals available across the CBD. Just download the Neuron or Beam app, register, and you’re set to enjoy this scenic route at your pace.

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