Best cycling destinations in Oceania
Best cycling destinations in Oceania
Top road routes and singletrack trails in Oceania
Oceania may not be the first region that comes to mind for cycling, but it offers a riding experience that rewards those who look into it seriously. The landscapes range from dramatic alpine terrain to coastal roads with open ocean on both sides, and the relatively low traffic volumes on many routes make for a quality of riding that's genuinely hard to find.
Infrastructure is strong in certain parts of the region, with well-maintained roads, reliable facilities, and a growing network of dedicated cycling trails. More remote areas require additional preparation, but the payoff in terms of scenery and solitude is significant. The distances involved in getting between destinations within the region are worth factoring into the planning.
Seasonality and weather patterns vary considerably across a region that spans from the tropics to the sub-Antarctic. Getting the timing right for a specific route matters here, and conditions can change quickly in mountainous and exposed areas. Whether you're after a relaxed coastal tour or a more demanding multi-day ride through remote terrain, Oceania has routes that are worth making the journey for.
Lists by region
Town in New Zealand
Queenstown
Adventure capital with alpine beauty
The Queenstown Trail links lakeside paths, vineyard roads and river gorges across roughly 130 kilometres. Cyclists can ride from town to the historic Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, birthplace of bungee jumping. Gondola-served mountain bike trails drop steeply from the Skyline complex above the city. Vineyards in nearby Gibbston offer tastings for riders passing through.
Island in Australia
Tasmania
Wilderness, Wildlife and Wild Coasts
Blue Derby's 125 kilometres of singletrack transformed a former mining town in Tasmania's northeast. Trails wind through temperate rainforest, granite slabs and sub-alpine terrain above the Ringarooma River. The Bay of Fires Trail descends from the network's highest point to a beach picnic on the coast. Road cyclists elsewhere climb past orchards and sandstone towns.
Island in Australia
Kangaroo Island
Wildlife, Wonders and Rugged Coast
Quiet, mostly empty roads make Kangaroo Island a favourite for cyclists seeking solitude. Wildlife including kangaroos, echidnas and koalas is a common sight along the island's back roads. Coastal routes pass rugged cliffs, sea lion colonies and secluded beaches. Ferries from the mainland make it easy to bring a bike over for a multi-day trip.
Landmark in Australia
Great Ocean Road
Coastal cliffs and turquoise waves
The Great Ocean Road hugs Victoria's coastline past limestone stacks, surf beaches and pockets of rainforest. Cyclists share the winding route with cars, so quiet early mornings suit riders best. The Twelve Apostles rock formations mark a popular turnaround point for longer rides. Coastal towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay offer easy stops for food.
City in Australia
Cairns
Gateway to Reef and Rainforest Wonders
Cyclists near Cairns can ride from tropical coastline into the rainforested Atherton Tablelands within an hour. Smithfield Mountain Bike Park offers technical singletrack cut through dense jungle just outside the city. Waterfalls and crater lakes break up longer rides further inland. Sugar cane fields line many of the flatter coastal roads near town.
City in Australia
Adelaide
Festivals, wine and laid-back charm
The Amy Gillett Bikeway links Adelaide's city centre to the Adelaide Hills along a dedicated, mostly flat path. Cyclists can continue into wine country around Hahndorf and the Barossa Valley from its end. River Torrens paths wind through parklands near downtown, popular with commuters. Coastal routes south of the city offer flatter, breezier riding.
National Park in Australia
Blue Mountains National Park
Majestic Views and Untamed Nature
Cyclists in the Blue Mountains ride winding roads past sandstone cliffs and eucalyptus forest west of Sydney. Six Foot Track and other fire roads give mountain bikers access to rugged terrain below the escarpment. Lookouts near Katoomba offer sweeping views over the Jamison Valley. Cooler mountain air makes for a break from summer heat.
City in New Zealand
Rotorua
Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
Whakarewarewa Forest, known locally as the Redwoods, offers more than 180 kilometres of trails beneath towering redwoods. Riders pass geothermal vents and mud pools on parts of the nearby Te Ara Ahi cycle trail. Volcanic soil drains quickly, keeping trails rideable even after rain. Bike shops and craft breweries cluster near the main trailhead.
Region in New Zealand
North Island
Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
The North Island's cycle trails link geothermal valleys, coastline and native forest across the region. Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Forest offers some of the country's most famous mountain biking beneath towering redwoods. The Timber Trail crosses former logging railways through native bush near Pureora. Coastal routes near Wellington and the Bay of Islands add scenic riding.
Region in New Zealand
Marlborough
Wine Country Meets Stunning Coastal Sounds
Cyclists in Marlborough pedal flat, well-marked paths through New Zealand's largest wine region. The Wither Hills Farm Park offers hiking and mountain biking trails just above Blenheim. Vineyard cellar doors along the routes make for easy tasting stops between rides. Queen Charlotte Track, reachable by ferry, adds coastal singletrack through native bush.
Town in New Zealand
Wanaka
Alpine Adventure, Lakeside Serenity
Wanaka's lakeside paths connect to some of the South Island's most scenic road climbs. The Cardrona Valley road winds towards Queenstown through tussock-covered hills and old gold mining sites. Mountain bikers can access the Sticky Forest trails just outside town for a quick technical ride. Snow-capped peaks frame nearly every route around the lake.
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