It can be hard to plan a family biking holiday, especially since it involves preparing the location, planning the meals, budgeting for the trip, and ensuring the kids have enough fun. There are a variety of activities that are ideal for kids and teens, and some are protected tracks that are ideal for them.
There are also bike tours in various regions that you can organize yourself if you prefer someone else to handle the logistics. If you’re planning on taking a family holiday in Australia, why not try one of the country’s many cycling destinations? Everyone has plenty of options, from experienced mountain bike riders to beginner coastal cruisers.
Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Victoria
If you’re looking for a great family-friendly ride with wine, food, and beer, then the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, located in Victoria, is the route for you. It’s been expanded to include trails branching off from the Beechworth and Milawa regions. Although not on the map there is a lovely off-road bike path all the way to Harrietville too. These trails feature several local shops, cafes and restaurants that provide great food for picnics.
You could spend a long weekend, or better a whole week here with the family.
The trails are quite flat with wineries, cute towns, villages and mountains to see as your ride along.
For the adventurous and fit parents there is Mt Buffallo, Tawonga Gap, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek which present some of Australia’s longest and toughest climbs (approximately 30km of climbing for each of Falls Ck and Hotham!). If you make it to Falls Creek, go just past the town to the dam and beyond, the road is glorious and the flowers in the fields are spectacular.
Happy Valley Reservoir, Adelaide
After over 120 years of being inactive, Happy Valley Reservoir has finally opened its doors to the public. It’s been a long time since the public visited this beautiful place, and it’s been amazing to see how people have taken to it. The area has several kilometers of trails perfect for various activities, such as hiking, mountain or gravel biking, and running. There are also plans to create a park run in the area, which would be great for walkers and runners.
Around Adelaide, there are other great bike trails for families as well. There is a bike path that winds all the way from McLaren Vale to Glenelg and then onto Semaphore up the coast. It’s worth doing in stages with the family and there are many wineries, playgrounds, ice cream parlours and beaches to visit along the way.
For parents a venture along Norton Summit Rd and riding around through Stirling to Hahndorf, and riding the Gorge Rd to Cudlee Creek are two of many other beautiful options.
Mission Beach, Queensland
The Mission Beach area is regarded as one of Australia’s coastal treasures. It features several white sand beaches, palm tree-lined beaches, and fantastic sunset views. It’s also made up of four beach villages connected by 14 kilometers of golden beach fronts.
To explore the various beach villages in the Mission Beach area, start at the Mission Beach Visitor Centre. Follow the coastline and take in the views. If you’re looking for a more challenging ride, head west to Djiru National Park and take the Musgravea Trail.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Although driving a car feels excellent, cycling offers a fresh breath of air. One of Australia’s most popular cycling routes is the Great Ocean Road. This route features some of the country’s most prominent coastal sites, such as cliffs, ocean stacks, and beaches. The trail will allow you and your fit kids to get a taste of nature, especially when you’re taking a break from cycling.
Begin in Torquay and follow the coastline until you reach the point where the only thing between you and the ocean is the guardrail. This route spans over 250 kilometers, so it’s ideal for at least four or five days, and best for fit families. You can choose from a few prime sections, depending on how many days you have left.
Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Beautiful Rottnest Island in Western Australia is known for its flat and scenic environment, making it an ideal destination for families. Over 60 kilometers of beach around the island makes it a great place to stop and play. Due to the island’s closed roads, it’s an excellent place for young cyclists. You can rent bicycles on the island and take advantage of the island’s free bus service. Rottnest Island is ideal for parents wanting to bike with their kids.