WE’VE GOT A TICKET TO RIDE

A HOLIDAY ON TWO WHEELS WILL OPEN YOUR EYES TO A DIFFERENT ADVENTURE AT EVERY DESTINATION

Add a bike to your holiday and you’ll experience a destination differently. You see more – there’s no barrier between you and the sights, sounds and smells – it’s environmentally friendly, your body will thank you for the boost of O2, and you rarely have to worry about a crowd. Whether your goal is to potter from cafe to winery or blow out the cobwebs on the challenge of a lifetime, there’s a ride to suit everyone. Go independently, supported or fully guided. With e-bikes available to boost your pedal power, there’s no barrier to saddling up.

TWO-WHEEL PLAYGROUND, NSW

With more than 70km of graded mountain bike trails, skills parks, jump zones, skills clinics, and bike maintenance workshops, Thredbo has something to keep every rider happy, from young kids to diehard downhillers. The fact that you can throw in a little fishing, swimming, hiking (the chairlift and walk to the top of Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest, is a must) or just soaking up magical Snowy Mountains views makes this destination even more appealing. Nearby Lake Crackenback Resort is perfect for families with tennis, golf, archery, canoeing and a low ropes course added to its 18km of bike trails.

THREDBO.COM.AU LAKECRACKENBACK.COM.AU

THE SOCIAL RIDE, VIC

Like a family-friendly Woodstock on wheels, the Great Victorian Bike Ride is part cycle tour, part festival with 3000 people of all ages coming together for nine days of riding, entertainment, camaraderie and new friendships. The event is fully supported, providing food, mechanics, and a SAG wagon to carry tents and luggage as the tour moves from town to town. This year’s route spans 532km across western Victoria passing its famed art silos, wineries and the spectacular rugged ranges of Grampians National Park. Three and five-day options are available too. Runs November 27-December 5.

GREATVIC.COM.AU

EASY RIDER, QLD

Flat coastal paths, sea breezes and endless opportunities to pause for a swim or a beer? Yes, please. Saddle up from Surfers Paradise and you can cruise north to The Spit or south to Burleigh Heads. In either direction it’s about a 45-minute, one-way ride, but expect to take much longer once you factor in a crab sandwich at Seaway Kiosk, lunch at waterfront Burleigh Pavilion, and the string of tempting beaches and surf clubs in between. Don’t miss the beautiful rainforest and coastal walking trails around Burleigh Head National Park.

BIKEHIREGOLDCOAST.COM.AU

ISLAND EXPLORER, WA

Some places just lend themselves to exploration by bike, like Rottnest Island. The 19sq km dollop offshore from Perth is virtually car free so if you want to access its 63 blinding white beaches, 20 turquoise bays, 45km of walks, salt lakes and great snorkelling spots (try Little Salmon Bay or The Basin), two wheels is best. While you’re there, explore everything from glass-bottom kayaking to Noongar cultural tours. And did we mention quokkas? Steeds can be rented from Pedal & Flipper.

ROTTNESTISLAND.COM

A MOVING FEAST, SA

Riding on routes with names like Shiraz Trail and Riesling Trail kind of gives away what this one is all about. Tour de Vines operates six-day, self-guided rides through the state’s most famous wine regions – Barossa, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale – including a whole lot of gourmet food and wine tastings en route. Riders only need to manage 25-35km each day and luggage is transported ahead to your accommodation, so even a complete beginner can manage it. With visits to iconic producers such as Penfolds, Seppeltsfield and Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, consider this ride a gourmet’s pilgrimage.

TOURDEVINES.COM.AU

MUD AND LUXE, TAS

In the forests of Tasmania’s north east hides a mountain biker’s Shangri-La. Blue Derby Pods Ride combines world class riding with architecturally designed accommodation and gourmet Tasmanian food and drink. Experience Leaders help riders explore 100km of purpose-built singletrack and flowing bermed trails through lush rainforest before returning to cosy wooden sleeping pods immersed in the canopy. A communal hub has a fireplace and lounge area.

It’s best suited to intermediate riders and above, however guides can help with upskilling from any experience base.

BLUEDERBYPODSRIDE.COM.AU

THE CHALLENGE, QLD

With a sense of adventure, good fitness and a few mountain bike skills under your belt, a nine-day, guided ride to Cape York, the northernmost point of the mainland, offers the bucket list adventure of a lifetime. From fast red dirt roads to rutted tracks and creek crossings, it’s no ride in the park, but with great challenge comes great reward. You’ll pass through remote wilderness, spot wildlife, swim in waterholes and waterfalls, and bond with new friends around the campfire.

Discovering the Indigenous culture of Thursday Island at the end is a bonus.

CAPEYORKMTB.COM.AU

DIY TOURING, VIC

Gippsland’s Great Southern Rail Trail links

half a dozen cute country towns between Leongatha and Port Welshpool, making its 72km length easily tackled in bite-sized pieces, though if you can throw a few belongings into some panniers or a backpack you can complete the whole thing in 2-3 days. Amid rolling green countryside are excellent cafes and restaurants, art galleries, and local produce stores – the authentic Italian at Trulli in Meeniyan is worth stopping for. Other highlights include a picnic on the grass at Gurneys Cider, the short detour to Waratah Hills Winery or walking the 800m-long historic jetty at Port Welshpool.

GSRT.COM.AU

NATURE AND NOSH, NSW

If you like a good dose of waterfalls, wineries and characterful country towns on your bike ride, then the Southern Highlands is for you. Australian Cycle Tours operates a five-day, self-guided itinerary skirting Morton National Park with its dramatic escarpment and the spectacular Fitzroy Falls, Belmore Falls and Echo Point. Fuel up at abundant cafes, cellar doors, cheese shops and bakeries.

AUSTRALIANCYCLETOURS.COM.AU

MOUNTAIN MAGIC, NZ

Is there anything more satisfying than completing a point to point mission? Consider riding from snow-capped Aoraki Mt Cook (NZ’s highest peak) to the Pacific Ocean. The six-day fully guided Alps to Ocean Classic passes through some spectacular scenery with soaring mountains and baby blue lakes, and there’s even time to go for a hike and soak in geothermal hot pools. Good food and excellent guides enhance what is an epic journey. While there are a few climbs on the agenda, there is very much a downhill trend on the elevation profile making it suitable for beginner and intermediate riders.

WORLDEXPEDITIONS.COM.