Best Bike Trails & Cycling Routes Around Sydney
Sydney might be famous for its harbour and beaches, but its varied bike trails are well deserving of attention. Tucked between forest edges, riverbanks, parklands, and quiet suburban streets, these cycling routes wind through landscapes full of character and contrast. Some feel wild and remote, others flow past playgrounds and cafés, but each one offers a unique way to explore the outdoors on two wheels. From casual cyclists keen for a leisurely pedal to seasoned riders chasing a heart-thumping climb, there’s a trail to match every mood.
And with GoGet, you can book a van, load your bike in the back, and head straight to the trail (no roof racks needed).
Explore Sydney’s best cycling routes along the waterfront
The Bay Run: An Iconic Sydney Loop
The Bay Run is one of the most popular cycle loops in Sydney, hugging the calm waters of Iron Cove. This scenic 7-kilometre, paved loop weaves past mangroves, parks, and the occasional fisherman with his line dangling lazily in the bay. Locals walking dogs, kids on scooters, and Lycra-clad cyclists all share the route, giving it a buzzy, communal vibe.
The bike trail is entirely off-road, making it ideal for families or those who prefer a leisurely bike ride without worrying about cars. Along the way, you’ll pass Bicentennial Park, leafy spots perfect for a post-ride picnic, and several lookouts that catch the water at golden hour. It’s one of those classic cycling routes in Sydney that manages to feel peaceful despite being smack in the middle of the city.
💡 Pro tip: Got a bike but no roof racks? Book a GoGet van and roll it straight in the back — no fiddly straps or tangled bungee cords needed.
Cooks River Trail: A Ride Through Inner-West History
The Cooks River Cycleway is a blend of urban grit and leafy calm, stretching from Gough Whitlam Park near Tempe to Settlers Park in Silverwater. Spanning over 23 kilometres, this cycling route follows the meandering river through suburbs like Marrickville and Canterbury, revealing patches of NSW history in unexpected places.
This bike path is popular with both commuters and weekend cruisers. As you ride under bridges and alongside wetlands, you’ll spot egrets, ducks, and maybe even the odd water dragon sunning itself on the riverbank. The route passes through multiple parks, from Steel Park to Rosedale Reserve, and is dotted with playgrounds, cafés, and shady spots to catch your breath.
Escape the city and discover Sydney’s best off-road cycling paths
Lady Carrington Drive: Forest Vibes in the Royal National Park
Just south of the city lies a bike trail that feels a world away. Lady Carrington Drive is a historic 10-kilometre off-road route that runs deep through the Royal National Park, Australia’s oldest national park. Originally a carriage road in the 1800s, it’s now a dedicated cycling route flanked by tall eucalypts, open forest, and bubbling creeks.
The path follows the Hacking River, and the sounds of whipbirds fill the air. There are lookouts and rest areas where you can spot wallabies or catch glimpses of lyrebirds scratching in the undergrowth. Starting from Audley and winding to Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, this trail is a peaceful retreat into nature and a reminder that the best rides don’t need traffic lights or coffee stops, just dirt beneath your tyres and a sense of adventure.
Narrabeen Lagoon Trail: Coastal Calm on Two Wheels
For a bike ride with serious chill vibes, the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail ticks every box. This 8.4-kilometre loop circles the serene Narrabeen Lagoon on Sydney’s northern beaches, blending coastal breezes with bushland and waterfront views. The shared path is smooth and well-maintained, perfect for beginner riders, families, or anyone looking to soak in some nature without breaking a sweat.
You’ll cycle past sandy edges, wooden bridges, and patches of open forest, with signs explaining the local ecosystem and birdlife. Keep an eye out for pelicans gliding low over the water or black swans trailing lines through the lagoon. Picnic spots and playgrounds dot the way, making it easy to stretch out the day and enjoy the ride.
Soak up Sydney sunshine on leafy urban bike paths
Sydney Olympic Park: Urban Cycling Paradise
Sydney Olympic Park doubles as a sporting venue and a hub of some of the best cycling routes in Sydney. With over 35 kilometres of cycleways, riders can follow the Olympic Circuit, explore the Parklands Circuit, or venture into hidden corners of this sprawling green space. The routes are flat, accessible, and clearly marked, ideal for all skill levels.
The area features wetlands, architectural oddities from the 2000 Olympics, and even Calmsley Hill City Farm, where you can swap your bike for a pat with a kangaroo. You’ll pass by Bicentennial Park, with its boardwalks and scenic bird hides, and Wentworth Common, where native plantings draw in butterflies and blue-tongue lizards.
💡 Pro tip: Sydney Olympic Park has over 35km of cycleways, so why not make a day of it? Pack the bikes, and bring along a picnic for pit stops between laps.
Centennial Parklands: A Classic Pedal in the Heart of the City
If you’re after a quick, scenic bicycle ride close to the Sydney CBD, Centennial Parklands delivers. This heritage park boasts the Grand Drive, a 3.8-kilometre cycle lane loop that encircles the central green. It’s a popular training ground for cyclists but still mellow enough for a chilled lap with mates.
Beyond the main loop, explore quieter paths through open forest, past duck ponds and groves of tall pines. Horses trot along the bridle tracks, and cafés serve post-ride fuel with city views peeking through the trees. It’s a bit of countryside wrapped up in the urban sprawl.
The M7 Cycleway: Western Sydney’s Epic Artery
Spanning 40 kilometres from Prestons to Baulkham Hills, the M7 Cycleway is a ribbon of smooth bitumen cutting through Western Sydney. Running parallel to the motorway, it offers long stretches of uninterrupted cycleway, perfect for clocking serious kilometres or training for a big event.
Despite its roadside location, this bike trail surprises with sections of open forest, gentle climbs, and overpasses offering expansive views of the surrounding suburbs. It connects with trails in the Western Sydney Parklands, giving riders a chance to detour into Prospect Reservoir, Calmsley Hill, and other natural gems. It’s a high-speed escape with pockets of green along the way.
💡 Pro tip: Training for a big ride? The M7 Cycleway is built for distance. Bring plenty of water, and if you’re loading a couple of roadies, GoGet vans have all the boot space you’ll need.
Explore Sydney’s best bike paths and cycling routes
Rolling Home: Bike Paths in Sydney Worth Every Turn
Sydney’s bike paths offer a mix of scenery, challenge, and calm that’s hard to beat. Some routes hug the coast, others cut through forest or follow the curve of a quiet river, each revealing a different rhythm of the city. These trails offer a way to see Sydney differently, at the pace of your own pedal stroke.
With GoGet, hiring a van makes it simple to load up your bike and head out for the day, no roof racks or complicated logistics. Just you, your wheels, and the open path ahead.
Ready to take your bike on an unforgettable ride? Sydney’s trails are calling.
💡Pro tip: Heading further afield? Grab a GoGet van, load up the bikes, and chase down new trails without the hassle of car ownership.
Pedals, Parks, and Paths Made Easy with GoGet
Sydney’s best bike trails are calling — and GoGet makes getting there easy. Book a van by the hour or day, roll your bike straight in the back, and skip the roof rack hassle. From bayside loops to forest rides, your cycling adventure starts with GoGet.
