Back to grid

Best cycling destinations in Oceania

Back to grid
Queenstown
Adventure capital with alpine beauty
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw
  • ⚡ Zipline through the pine trees at Bob's Peak
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views
Tasmania
Wilderness, Wildlife and Wild Coasts
8.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Tour the convict ruins at Port Arthur Historic Site
  • ⛰️ Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park trails
  • 🏖️ Hike to Wineglass Bay and marvel at its white sand
Wanaka
Alpine Adventure, Lakeside Serenity
8.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🧗‍♂️ Climb the world's highest waterfall via ferrata at Wildwire
  • 🌳 Snap photos of the iconic Wanaka Tree by the lake
  • 🥾 Hike Roys Peak for breathtaking lake and mountain views
North Island
Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
8.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌃 Walk along Auckland’s Sky Tower observation deck
  • 🧙‍♂️ Visit Hobbiton and stroll through the Shire movie set
  • 🔥 Explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua’s hot springs and geysers
Marlborough
Wine Country Meets Stunning Coastal Sounds
8.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚴‍♀️ Cycle the scenic Marlborough Wine Trail through rolling hills
  • 🚤 Cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds by boat
  • 🍷 Savor world-class Sauvignon Blanc wines in local vineyards
Kangaroo Island
Wildlife, Wonders and Rugged Coast
8.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🦭 Swim with playful sea lions at Seal Bay
  • 🪨 Marvel at the Remarkable Rocks and their surreal formations
  • 🦘 See wild kangaroos and koalas roaming freely at Flinders Chase
Adelaide
Festivals, wine and laid-back charm
7.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏟️ Catch a game or event at Adelaide Oval
  • 🌿 Wander through the lush Adelaide Botanic Garden
  • 🛒 Explore fresh local produce at Adelaide Central Market
Rotorua
Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
8.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🛷 Experience thrilling rides at Skyline Luge tracks
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views
  • 🌋 Explore the colorful thermal pools at Wai-O-Tapu
Cairns
Gateway to Reef and Rainforest Wonders
8.1
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.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Explore the tropical waterfalls and swimming holes of Atherton Tablelands
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway above the treetops
  • 🐠 Snorkel or dive in the Great Barrier Reef
Blue Mountains National Park
Majestic Views and Untamed Nature
7.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the Wentworth Falls track for breathtaking views
  • 🚞 Ride the Scenic Railway through the stunning Jamison Valley
  • ⛰️ Admire the iconic Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌲 Hike to Lorne's rainforest trails
  • 🏞️ Explore the Twelve Apostles rock formations
  • 🌅 Drive along the Great Ocean Road at sunrise
Feedback