On ya bike
Explore the best scenic cycle trails in town
NAVIGATE THE CIT Y’S twists and turns with these scenic bike paths across Melbourne. With its well ridden tracks, beautiful river paths and sweat-inducing hills, Melbourne’s prime for a bicycle takeover, so saddle up and clip in.
Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail Total distance: 40km one way Level of difficulty: Medium This historic trail is great for city slickers who wanna go bush. Following the path of the old railway line through the Yarra Valley, the trail kicks off behind Lilydale Railway Station, meandering beside scenic bushland, wineries and farmland. It’s well looked after too – just be weary of the hordes of walkers and horse riders that flock here when the weather’s good. If the distance scares you, make a weekend of it and stay overnight in Warburton before riding back the next day. Main Yarra Trail
Total distance: 22km one way Level of difficulty: Easy-medium Starting in Eltham, this trail is a pretty satisfying ride towards Fairfield that follows the flow of the Yarra. It’s flat most of the way with loads of leafy corridors to pass through. Closer to the city the trail is sealed and your necessary pit stops include the Heide Museum of Modern Art and the colonial-era Fairfield Boathouse for some scones.
St Kilda Beach to Half Moon Bay
Total distance: 13km one way Level of difficulty: Easy It’s easy to forget how close we are to Bass Strait when we’re holed up in the CBD. Get some ocean breeze up in ya with this scenic tour that starts at St Kilda Beach and hugs the coastline as it travels southeast around the bay. Bonuses include no big hills and Insta-worthy views while you pedal.
Merri Creek Trail
Total distance: 21km one way Level of difficulty: Medium Starting at Dights Falls and winding its way across the city to the Western Ring Road, this trail is easy to ride. Running along Merri Creek, the path goes through Brunswick and past CERES environmental park with only a couple of steep stretches that both Lycra-clad and skinny jean weekend riders can handle.
Capital City Trail
Total distance: 29km loop Level of difficulty: Easy-medium Riding this central loop has long been a popular option for Melbourne cyclists. Consisting mostly of sections of other trails, including the Merri Creek, Yarra Trail, Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and Inner Circle Rail Trail, the loop passes landmarks like Southbank, Melbourne Zoo and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Jump off wherever you please.