The best cycling routes in Sydney in 2026, including harbour rides, coastal rides, mountain rides, and family-friendly paths, with maps,
Fitness Desk is a contributing writer covering fitness and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
Sydney has a growing network of cycle paths and bike lanes, but the quality and connectivity of the network varies by area. The best cycling routes are those that are separated from traffic, have smooth surfaces, and have scenic views. The routes below are selected for their scenery, their surface quality, and their suitability for different types of cyclists, from families with children to experienced road cyclists.
Sydney Harbour Bridge to Manly is one of the most popular cycling routes in Sydney. The route is approximately 20km one way and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The route starts at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and follows the North Shore line to Milsons Point, then crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the city, then continues along the harbour to the Sydney Opera House, then across the Harbour Bridge to the North Shore, then follows the Manly path to Manly Beach. The route is mostly on separated cycle paths and is suitable for families and inexperienced cyclists. The Manly to Sydney Harbour Bridge ferry is an option for the return journey.
Cockatoo Island Loop is a 7km loop around Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour. The route starts at the Cockatoo Island ferry terminal and follows the island's foreshore path. The route is flat and sealed and is suitable for families and inexperienced cyclists. The route has views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney CBD. The ferry to Cockatoo Island departs from Circular Quay.
Sydney Olympic Park Loop is a 12km loop around Sydney Olympic Park. The route starts at the Sydney Olympic Park ferry terminal and follows the park's cycle paths. The route is flat and sealed and is suitable for families and inexperienced cyclists. The route has views of the stadium, the Aquatic Centre, and the surrounding parkland. The ferry to Sydney Olympic Park departs from Circular Quay.
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Ride is a 10km one-way ride from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. The route follows the coastal walk and has views of the ocean and the beaches. The route is mostly on shared paths and is suitable for families and inexperienced cyclists. The route has several hills, including the steep descent from Bronte to Clovelly. The ride can be combined with a swim at one of the beaches.
Manly to Shelly Beach Ride is a 5km one-way ride from Manly to Shelly Beach. The route follows the coastal path and has views of the ocean and the headlands. The route is flat and sealed and is suitable for families and inexperienced cyclists. The route has a dedicated cycle path for most of its length. The ride can be combined with a swim at Shelly Beach.
Cronulla to Bundeena Ride is a 30km one-way ride from Cronulla to Bundeena in the Royal National Park. The route follows the Coast Track and has views of the ocean and the national park. The route is mostly on sealed roads and is suitable for experienced cyclists. The route has several hills, including the climb out of Bundeena. The ride can be combined with a ferry return from Bundeena to Cronulla.
Blue Mountains Cycle Routes are approximately 90 minutes from the Sydney CBD by car. The Blue Mountains have a range of cycle routes, from gentle valley rides to challenging mountain climbs. The most popular route is the 40km loop from Katoomba to Leura to Wentworth Falls and back to Katoomba. The route follows sealed roads and has moderate hills. The route has views of the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters. The Blue Mountains are also home to the Jamison Valley descent, which is a challenging 20km descent from Katoomba to the valley floor.
Western Sydney Parklands is a large parkland area in western Sydney with a network of sealed cycle paths. The parkland has several loop rides, including the 25km Bungarribee Loop and the 15km Nurragingy Loop. The routes are flat and sealed and are suitable for families and inexperienced cyclists. The parkland has picnic areas, playgrounds, and wildlife.
Bicentennial Park in Homebush Bay is a large park with a network of sealed cycle paths. The park has a 5km loop that is flat and sealed and is suitable for families with children. The park has picnic areas, playgrounds, and a water park.
Centennial Park in the eastern suburbs is a large park with a network of sealed cycle paths. The park has a 5km loop that is flat and sealed and is suitable for families with children. The park has picnic areas, playgrounds, and a horse riding trail.
Parramatta River Cycle Path is a 30km shared path that follows the Parramatta River from Parramatta to Sydney Olympic Park. The path is sealed and mostly flat and is suitable for families and inexperienced cyclists. The path has views of the river and the surrounding parkland.
Glenbrook to Mount Riverview is a 40km loop in the Blue Mountains. The route follows sealed roads and has moderate hills. The route is suitable for experienced road cyclists. The route has views of the Nepean River and the Blue Mountains.
Hornsby to Ku-ring-gai Chase is a 50km loop on the upper north shore. The route follows sealed roads and has moderate hills. The route is suitable for experienced road cyclists. The route has views of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the Hawkesbury River.
Appin to Wollongong is a 70km ride from Appin to Wollongong. The route follows the Princes Highway and has moderate hills. The route is suitable for experienced road cyclists. The route has views of the Illawarra coast and the Illawarra escarpment.
Cycling in Sydney can be dangerous if you do not follow safety guidelines. Always wear a helmet, use lights at night, and obey traffic rules. Use separated cycle paths where available and avoid busy roads. Carry a basic repair kit and a mobile phone in case of emergencies.
The NSW Government provides a cycling safety guide at Roads and Maritime Services Cycling. The guide includes information about cycling laws, safety equipment, and cycle paths.
More information about cycling routes in Sydney is available at Bicycle Network and your local council website.
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