10 of the best Cycling tours in Australia

The humble bicycle meets rolling countryside… hop on for one of these luxury cycle tours through some of the finest scenery and fecund food baskets in all of Australia.

1. Gourmet Cycling for Softies, Victorian High Country

If you’re inspired by our experience, the aptly named ‘gourmet cycling for softies’ just might also appeal. This five-day fully guided tour through Victoria’s High Country will have you pedalling from Milawa to Myrtleford, indulging in fine produce along the way. $1950 per person, twin-share including breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

It's all about the cycling (but mostly the gourmet pit stops) - Murray to Milawa Rail Trail — It’s all about the cycling (and the gourmet pit stops) – on the Murray to Milawa Rail Trail.

2. Discover Tasmania

From white sandy beaches to rugged mountains, Tasmania has the full package when it comes to natural wilderness. Check out Discover Tasmania to learn more about some of the epic tracks available, including Wild West MTB Tours, which see you crossing a very slim suspended bridge. Eek!

3. Be-spoke Hunter Valley

This two-day tour around NSW’s popular winemaking region will get you from vineyard to vineyard with relative ease. With a support vehicle for back-up, this is a great way to experience the Hunter while sampling some of its fine produce and wine. The Hunter Valley Cycling tour starts from $245 per person, twin-share, mid-week.

4. In your bike in Noosa & the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Bike On offers a range of tours around the Sunshine Coast for riders of all levels, from self-guided tours to more intense road-riding weekends. Start simple with a self-guided trip around Noosa from $35 per person or challenge yourself to the seven-night Noosa road-riding holiday from $1620 per person.

5. All trails lead to the Great Ocean Road

More commonly explored by four wheels, the spectacular scenic views of Victoria’s southern coastline could arguably be better savoured on two. Check out the Twelve (now eight) Apostles, Port Campbell and Lorne on the way down to Queenscliff on a three-day tour, before catching the ferry across to Sorrento to join in the annual Bupa Around The Bay In A Day cycling event. Full tour costs $1695 per person, twin-share and includes all meals and entry into the Bupa event. Visit All Trails for more info.

6. Self ride around the NSW South Coast

Pedal with your family at your own pace on a self-guided ride along the NSW South Coast with Australian Cycling Holidays . Catering to all riding abilities, all you have to do is choose the destinations, like Jervis Bay, Shoalhaven and Kiama, and accommodation (budget or luxury). A three-day, Jervis Bay return tour starts from $665 per person.

7. Clare Valley Riesling Trail

Pedal and quaff your way around one of Australia’s best-known wine regions, enjoying the view of rolling vineyards, the signature grape variety riesling, and some mighty fine local produce too. And don’t worry about the wobbly ride home – if you have one too many wines, there’s a support vehicle on hand. Full-day tours start from $675 per person from Taste SA and include all meals and wine tasting.

The Clare Valley Riesling Trail, Taste SA

8. Mudgee’s Tour de Vine

Ride all the way to the cellar door visiting Mudgee’s top winemakers and breweries too. This one-day, self-guided tour by Tour de Vines is a great way to indulge in the region’s bounty of wine and produce. (If you need some more convincing, see p94). Prices start from $249 per person, twin-share, including bike hire, two nights’ accommodation and daily breakfast.

9. Bike Byron Bay

Cruise the coast or head for the hinterland around Byron Bay on your treadly, taking in beautiful scenery and stopping to enjoy organic produce at Harvest Café. The four-day coastal cycle rides from Ballina to Kingscliff; or take an extra day to explore the hills around Uki at the foot of Mt Warning. Five-night Cycling Tours coastal tour $1795, twin-share. Six-night hinterland village tour $1995, twin-share.

10. East Coast Tasmania

Make your way down the magnificent east coast of Tasmania from Launceston to Hobart on the five-day pure Tasmania experience, which includes a sunset ride to the Bay of Fires, the stunning Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay, Mt Wellington and the heritage-listed Port Arthur. Cycling Tours prices start from $2495 per person, twin-share.

Coastal grasses Bay of Fires — Coastal grasses adorn the path that leads you to the remarkable shoreline of the Bay of Fires

Come with us on a gourmet cycle through the Victorian High Country

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com