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Best Bike Paths In & Around Brisbane
On the hunt for the best bike paths in Brisbane? Whether you're riding a mountain bike, a comfort bike or the latest e-bike, cycling is not only great for the many health benefits (and there's a lot), but it's also a great way to see the iconic sights around Brisbane.
There are a huge variety of bike tracks in and around Brisbane, so many in fact that we've listed the best bike paths in the outer and inner-city parts of Brisbane so you don't have to go searching. So put on your lycra, strap on your bike helmet and get ready to explore the best bike tracks Brisbane has to offer.
Quick Links:
- Most Commonly Asked Questions
- Best Inner City Bike Paths In Brisbane
- Best Outer City Bike Paths In Brisbane
Most Commonly Asked Questions
Is Brisbane bike-friendly?
Yes, Brisbane is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Australia. When it comes to Brisbane bikeways, you'll find an almost endless supply of brightly green coloured bike lanes and paths that allow Brisbanites to commute throughout the city. In fact, bikeways such as the Bicentennial Bikeway lets you ride from the city to the outer mountains without needing to leave the bikeway!
Do you need a helmet to ride a bike in Brisbane?
No matter what city you are riding in, you are required to wear an AS (Australian Standard) approved bike helmet when riding a bicycle anywhere in Australia. It must also fit securely and be fastened. Failing to do this or wearing a bike helmet that isn't AS approved can result in a fine.
Where can I ride my bike in Brisbane?
If you're wanting to ride your bike in Brisbane then you will be spoilt for choice. From inner-city areas showcasing views of the Brisbane River and CBD skyline to the coastline of Oyster Point, wetlands of Boondall and many more, there's something for everyone.
What is the longest bike path in Brisbane?
The longest bike path in Brisbane is the Bulimba Creek bikeway. Stretching out just over 33kms, it is considered a generally easy route and is extremely popular amongst cyclists, walkers and joggers.
Best Inner City Bike Paths In Brisbane
Teneriffe Boardwalk
Stretching out roughly 2kms along the beautiful Brisbane River, the Teneriffe Boardwalk is a great cycling path to enjoy your morning ride out in the sun and take in the stunning sights of the surrounding Brisbane CBD. Along your bike ride, you'll be passing past plenty of iconic sights including World War landmarks where submarines used to dock, historic industrial buildings, stylish city apartments and the rich blue hues of the Brisbane River.
As one of the many excellent Brisbane cycling routes, the Teneriffe Boardwalk consists mostly of flat surfaces, so it's perfect for all types of bikes. The bike path starts at the Commercial Road ferry stop and goes all the way to the Brisbane Powerhouse, which is the perfect place to grab a drink once you've finished your ride. There's also heaps of cafes to relax at or you can explore nearby New Farm Park.
Bicentennial Bikeway
Beginning at the Goodwill Bridge and finishing at the Regatta Ferry Terminal in Toowong, the Bicentennial Bikeway is one of the best Brisbane bike paths you can find in the inner city. This 4.8km bike route is a mostly flat ride, so it's great for all types of bikes and experience levels. Best of all, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding CBD and the West End skyline.
However, this is a dedicated bikeway and it's one of Brisbane's most popular commuting routes. This means you'll have to keep an extra eye open during rush hour, which is typically between 7am to 9am in the morning and 4pm to 7pm in the afternoon, so if you're planning on taking the kids, it's best to avoid these times.
Brisbane River Loop
If you're looking for some of the most scenic bike tracks in Brisbane, then the Brisbane River Loop has you covered. This bike route begins in South Bank (although Kangaroo Point is a popular starting point) and loops back around, with Indooroopilly marking the halfway point. With a mixture of steep and flat gradients, it's suitable for most fitness levels while still offering a bit of a workout.
Stretching over 35kms, there's plenty to see and do along this bikeway, such as visiting the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Howard Smith Wharves, New Farm Park or hopping off any of the exit points and exploring the city. If you want to give your legs a bit of a rest, you can end your ride with a ferry trip from the Sydney Street ferry stop and watch Brisbane city slowly pass you by.
Kangaroo Point Bikeway
In the long list of iconic Brisbane landmarks, Kangaroo Point stands out among the top, making the Kangaroo Point Bikeway a must-see. You'll also get plenty of magnificent views as this 3km bikeway circles around the entire peninsula. The bike route starts at the Dockside Ferry Terminal and finishes at the Kangaroo Point cliffs.
Snaking around the Brisbane River, you'll ride through the beautiful Captain Burke Park and pass under the iconic Story Bridge, offering plenty of photo opportunities, so make sure you bring your camera with you. If you want to make a day of it, you can plan a lunch picnic at Riverlife which offers BBQ facilities. It's also an easy ride, so it's perfect for saddling up the kid's bikes and bringing them along as well.
West End to New Farm
The West End to New Farm bike path is just over 10kms and is another great spot when looking for the best Brisbane bike paths. Starting at the West End ferry terminal and finishing at the southern end of New Farm Boardwalk, it winds along the Brisbane River and has plenty of great spots to check out along the way including New Farm, Howard Smith Wharves, the Botanic Gardens and South Bank.
As another relatively easy bike path, you will encounter a little bit of elevation in some areas but nothing that will deter beginner riders. The West End to New Farm bike path is also another popular bike route, so make sure you're riding slowly around the hot spots such as the City and South Bank areas. There's also plenty of stops along the way if you ever need to grab a coffee and take in the beautiful sights of the Brisbane CBD.
Murarrie to Hamilton Bike Ride
Roughly 10kms, the Murarrie to Hamilton bike path is one of the most popular and scenic bike rides in Brisbane. If you're commuting, then it's a great way to connect you from the Murarrie train station to Bretts Wharf ferry terminal over the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridge. Crossing over the Gateway Motorway, the Murarrie to Hamilton bike ride also has an off-road shared path as well, so it can get busy during rush hour.
Suitable for all types of bicycles and fitness levels, the Murarrie to Hamilton bike ride is also a good linking point if you're wanting to ride to other parts of the city. Heading southwards, it provides access to Wishart, Eight Mile Plains and Carindale as it links up with the Bulimba Creek Bikeway. It also conveniently links you to the inner eastern suburbs and the CBD as it connects with Lores Bonney Riverwalk and Kingsford Smith Drive.
Best Outer City Bike Paths In Brisbane
Boondall Wetlands Bikeway
Some of the best Brisbane bike paths can also be found outside the city, as is the case with Boondall Wetlands Bikeway. This gorgeous bikeway clocks in at 8km and pushes out to 12.5km if you decide to ride out to Nudgee Beach. With the wind in your hair, you'll enjoy a scenic bike ride through woodland and marshland with a lush variety of fauna and flora on show.
The Boondall Wetlands Bikeway is the best bike path in Brisbane for riders who enjoy getting away from the city and getting back in touch with nature. Make sure you bring a good amount of sunscreen, although there's plenty of shaded areas along the bikeway. With only a small hill, it's the perfect bike ride for families.
Kedron Brook Bikeway
Following the Kedron Book creek that cuts its way through many of the inner suburbs of Brisbane and stretching out to the outer-city areas, the Kedron Brook Bikeway offers an easy bicycle path to spend your weekends. The complete bike route is 29kms, although it can vary depending on which route you take, and features a mixture of both on-road and off-road shared bike paths.
As one of the more relatively easy Brisbane cycling paths, it starts in Mitchelton, the north-western suburbs, and stretches out to the eastern suburbs of Toombul. As one of the best Brisbane bike paths you can find, this bikeway is a favourite amongst the locals. It's filled with plenty of stops to grab a drink or a bite to eat, and plenty of sights to admire including green grassy banks, wildlife, parks and towering trees along the way.
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
As the longest bike ride in Australia, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail covers an astounding 161kms, providing scenic routes for beginners and a challenging bike ride for experienced riders - but don't feel obliged to ride all in one go. The trail officially begins in Ipswich at Wulkuraka station and finishes all the way at Yarraman, taking almost 10 hours to complete by bike.
However, there's plenty of smaller bike routes along the way such as starting at Fernvale Memorial Park and finishing in Ipswich, which will take you on a nice bike ride through the countryside. The terrain will vary, including compacted gravel, grass and dirt, so this bike track is better suited for mountain bikes. It's the perfect way to spend the weekend, taking in the sights of the iconic rural Queensland life with plenty of bushland, fields, dams, paddocks, farm animals and wide open spaces to see.
Mt Coot-tha Riverside Bike Track
As one of the longest bicycle routes in Brisbane, Mt Coot-tha gives you the option of travelling the cyclist-only trails (23kms) or getting a workout along the multi-use tracks (31kms). The most scenic part is the Mt Coot-tha Riverside bike track, which starts at the stunning Botanic Gardens and ends at the riverfront parklands. This section is suitable for any type of bike, but bring along your mountain bike if you're wanting to check out the more off-beaten bike paths.
This bike path is about 12kms, features mostly flat paved ground and follows the freeway all the way up to Jindalee. You'll enjoy riding along the winding river, past luscious grassy reserves and finishing up at the Rocks Riverside Park. There's also plenty of cafes to stop at and stretch your legs. As there's plenty of bike routes to take, you can easily plan ahead according to which one is best suited for you.
Scarborough to Newport Bike Path
The Scarborough to Newport bike path begins at Kennedy Esplanade, taking you up and around the northern tip of the Redcliffe peninsula and finishing at Endeavour Park. This roughly 8km bike path will take you on a scenic journey through the colourful seaside strip of Scarborough to the bustling canals of Newport.
It's perfect for taking the kids along, as you'll be passing parks filled with children's playgrounds and climbable cotton trees. You'll also get a good view of the ocean stretching out into the distance as you ride along Scarborough Beach with its signature Norfolk Pines. You'll encounter some slight inclines, but nothing that will prove a challenge. If you're a Bee Gees fan, then make sure you head over to Fifth Avenue and check out the house they lived in during the 1950s at number 12.
Wynnum to Manly Bike Track
The entire Wynnum to Manly bike track is roughly 10kms and will take you from the blue pristine waters of Wynnum all the way to the vibrant coastal town of Manly. As a great choice when looking for scenic Brisbane cycling routes, this bike track starts at Oyster Point and winds its way to the glistening marina that has made Manly so iconic.
Apart from taking in the gorgeous sights, such as the water park at Pandanus Beach and the lighthouse-like tower at George Clayton park, you can also spot some good fish and chip shops for a delicious lunch on the ride back. Once you reach the Manly marina, there'll also be plenty of cafes and restaurants to refuel if you can't wait.
Bulimba Creek Bikeway
As the final contender on our list of the best bike paths in Brisbane, the Bulimba Creek Bikeway is definitely one you won't want to miss. The bicycle track is roughly 33.2kms and takes just under seven hours to fully complete. This popular bike path is considered an easy ride, but it's also recommended you bring your mountain bike as some sections can be a bit rough and there is a reasonably steep hill that will test your calves.
Even though it's a popular track for walkers and runners, it's a relatively quiet bikeway that doesn't get too busy, making it perfect for relaxing weekend rides. The Bulimba Creek Bikeway begins in Murrarie and finishes up in Wishart, and is used by Brisbanites to travel to Minnippi Parklands, Westfield Carindale and Carindale Recreational Reserve. There's also plenty of smaller bike paths to take along the way, so don't feel like you have to ride the whole bikeway in one go.
When searching for the best Brisbane bike paths, check out some of these fantastic bike tracks in the inner and outer parts of Brisbane and make the most out of your weekend. But before you head out, make sure you're always prepared should the worst case happen by reading our essential bike repair and maintenance tips.
Our massive cycling range has everything you'll need for your ride, and if you need any help with anything bike-related, then our complete guide on what to wear cycling and how to choose riding essentials has you covered.
