The White Hat Guide to Cycling in Melbourne & Country Victoria

Melbourne, with its wide streets and large numbers of parks and gardens is a great city for cycling.

Below we have suggestions for:

• recreational cycling
• commuter cycling
• competition cycling

Recreational cycling

Most of Melbourne's major parks have bicycle tracks suitable for recreational and family cycling. These include Studley Park, Royal Park and West Gate Park. Other areas such as Melbourne General Cemetery are bicycle friendly.

For something a bit longer you can try the bicycle trails listed below.

You can hire a bicycle underneath Princes Bridge on the north side, and cycle a small or large distance up the Yarra depending on your preference. 

Yarra River Trail

This path runs from near the mouth of the Yarra River underneath West Gate Bridge and follows the river through the city and inner suburbs to Studley Park and beyond to Westerfolds Park. The section near the mouth of the Yarra still involves a certain amount of on-road paths. Underneath the West Gate Bridge is a free bike ferry which runs during daylight hours and links up with the Williamstown Trail (see below) on the other bank. If you are doing an 'up and back' ride from the city, then it is worth noting that there is a lengthy section where there is a path on either bank (between the Swan Street Bridge and near the MacRobertson Bridge). You can choose to go up one side of the river and come back on the other. You may also choose to view the outdoor sculpture park on Herring Island. This again involves a free ferry trip. In Richmond the path meets up with the Gardiners Creek Trail (see below) and at Dights Falls it meets up with the Merri Creek Trail (see below).

Maribyrnong River Trail

The Maribyrnong River Trail stretches from Footscray in the South (where it links up with the Williamstown Trail via on-road routes) to Dumbalk Park in the North. For much of its length there are paths on both banks of the river.

Merri Creek Trail

The Merri Creek Trail  stretches from where the Merri Creek meets the Yarra River near Dights Falls in Studley Park where it connects with the Yarra River Trail (see above) through to Moomba Park in the North. It involves occasional on-road sections.

Gardiners Creek Trail

The Gardiners Creek Trail stretches from where Gardiners Creek meets the Yarra River (where it connects with the Yarra River Trail) through to Glen Iris. It starts with a suspension bridge for bicycles underneath the freeway and follows the creek through parklands into the leafy suburbs

Moonee Ponds Creek Trail

The Moonee Ponds Creek Trail commences in Docklands near where the creek enters the Yarra River. It follows the creek snaking underand around the freeway for many kilometres to Willowbrook Reserve.

Bayside Trail

The Bayside Trail follows the beach along Port Phillip Bay from Port Melbourne to Brighton. Sections of this path are also heavily used by roller-bladers.

Williamstown Trail

The Williamstown Trail follows the waterfront from Williamstown to Altona.

Upfield Trail

The Upfield Trail follows the railway line and stretches form Royal Park to Coburg.

Capital City Trail

If you are fit and have a half day to spare you can always try the Capital City Trail. Starting from Princes Bridge you follow the bike path up the Yarra, follow its meanderings through Richmond until you get to Dights Falls. You may choose to stop for a while and watch the kayakers shooting the rapids. At this point you may wish to take a detour and investigate some of the bike paths in Studley Park, or simply continue up the Merri Creek bike path. You exit from the Merri Creek bike path at Rushall Railway Station (the Merri Creek bike path follows the creek for some considerable distance further). You then follow the on-road bike path through the inner suburbs of North Carlton and East Brunswick until you hit Princes Park and  Royal Park. At this point you could choose to stop off at the zoo. Follow the path out of the park and join up with the bike path provided by CityLink along the Moonee Ponds Creek. Exit at Footscray Road and follow the path through Docklands back to the Yarra River. A short ride through the casino precinct will return you to your starting point.

Of course, because this is a complete circuit, there is no need to go in the suggested direction, or to use Princes Bridge as a starting point.

Free maps of these trails are available at the information centre at Federation Square.

Commuter cycling

If your workplace does not have shower or changing facilities you may need to seek them out nearby such as a gym or a swimming pool. In the city, showers are available at the City Baths and Travellers Aid (both in Swanston Street).

• It is illegal to ride on the footpaths in Victoria unless they are specifically marked for bicycle use

And, of course, as anyone who has grown up in Melbourne will tell you:

• Beware of tram tracks! They are slippery when wet. When crossing them at a slight angle, you wheel can get caught in the tracks. On curves, the tram wheels often sharpen the tracks to a degree where they can cut bicycle tyres.

Bike Tour A free bike tour for mature people to share their experiences. 2nd Wed of Month - Enquiries: (03) 9654 4443

The Great Victorian Bike Ride The ultimate cycling holiday is 25 years young this year and is as popular as ever. Over 4,000 people will join the celebrations of this special bike ride. 2008 will be the first ever loop ride starting and ending in the same place, Ballarat. It will also feature the countryside in and around the Grampians. If nine days is too long come on the 4 day Grampians Explorer Ride. The entry fee is $795 for adults, $630 for children 13 to 17, $330 for children 6 to 12, and free for 5 and under. Enter online and save $20. 29 Nov to 7 Dec 2008 -

More information on cycling in Melbourne can be found at Bicycle Victoria.

Competition cycling

Related cycling links:

10 Great Moments
7 Great Moments
Cycling in Melbourne