With many of Canberra’s inspiring attractions located so close to each other, surrounded by nature, cycling is the ideal way to see the nation’s capital.
Book a five- or six-day adventure of Canberra and surrounding countryside with Mulga Bicycle Tours. The Spring Tour takes you to the city’s three main lakes, as well as into rural NSW to see Gunning, Crookwell, Goulburn and Bungendore. The average daily distance covered is 56km. Along the way, you’ll see and experience some of the region’s cultural, artistic and natural treats.
As part of your daily cycling adventure, you’ll also savour excellent food and wine, and recharge your weary legs in comfortable beds each night. Plus, the support vehicle stays with you the entire way if you ever need a pedalling rest.
Mulga Bicycle Tours also offers special multi-day tours during the Enlighten Festival and Floriade, as well as excellent tours of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, where you can get a glimpse of the local wildlife.
Leisurely ride through the nature of Stromlo Forest Park
3. Private tours
Canberra Bike Tours will take you on a journey around Canberra’s historic, cultural and natural surrounds. Operated by Mulga Bicycle Tours, these relaxed group tours range from four to six hours and cover many of Canberra’s national attractions. You’ll see the National Museum of Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Archives of Australia, the High Court of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery, Questacon, the National Library of Australia and the Australian War Memorial. Phew, that’s a lot of culture!
Don’t worry – you’ll also have lots of rest time along the way, stories from your guide, and superb photo opportunities, plus a tasty lunch at Kingston Foreshore.
In the warmer months, the fun twilight tour is also a treat, punctuated with fish and chips by the lake
Tackle the adrenaline pumping trails at Stromlo Forest Park
4. Mountain biking fun
With Cycle Canberra, you can get a little muddy with great tours of the trails surrounding Mount Majura or Stromlo Forest Park.
The Majura mountain biking tour takes you through the scenic pine forests and along fire trails. You’ll also enjoy the twists and turns of single-track riding. At the conclusion of the tour, you can stop for a wine tasting at Mount Majura Vineyard accompanied by morning or afternoon tea. Then a bus will take you back to your start location.
To truly capture the adrenalin of mountain bike riding, join the Cycle Canberra team at Stromlo Forest Park. Whether you’re a beginner or expert level, there are tracks to suit every ability. The team will help you brave the mountain so you can feel the wind whistle through your helmet on the way down!
Stop off at Parliament House
5. Personalised for you
With Livelo, you can customise a road bike tour to suit your interests and fitness levels. They offer two-hour and five-hour guided tours of Canberra – at your chose pace and duration. Tell the team what you want to see and the type of terrain you prefer, and they’ll personalise a route just for you.
The two-hour tour normally includes Lake Burley Griffin or a climb up Mount Ainslie with a delicious coffee stop at one of Canberra's iconic cafes along the way.
Ride the Canberra Centenary Trail
6. Self-guided Centenary Trail
The Canberra Centenary Trail is a fantastic option for cyclists. It’s a mix of fire trails, walking tracks and shared paths covering 145km of Canberra’s natural and urban sites. Choose to ride a small section within hours, or attempt the entire trail over a three-day self-guided ride, averaging just over 45km each day. It’s nicely signposted, but download the trail section maps and plan your journey before you set out.
Cycle around Lake Burley Griffin
Explore even further
If you’re interested in taking your own cycling holidays around Canberra’s region – including the south coast and snowy mountains – check out the tips and suggestions on Australian Cycling Holidays or CycleLifeHQ.
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