Bonza Bike Tours, The Royal Botanic Garden SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
Cycling through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden, backdropped by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, with Bonza Bike Tours.
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Scale mountain tops, weave through ancient forest, zip past vineyards and take in ocean views — the options for exploring New South Wales on two wheels are as diverse as they are dramatic. From the Snowy Mountains to Sydney, the state’s dedicated cycleways and cross-country mountain-bike trails range from short, easy rides suitable for the whole family, to full-day adventures across challenging terrain. Whichever you choose, bring your pedal power.
Sydney
Cycling is the ideal way to explore Sydney, which is blessed with expansive parks and gardens, blissful beaches linked by clifftop trails, and vast tracts of protected national parkland. For a day of flat-trail fun with the family, bike the 3.5km loop around Centennial Parklands in the city’s inner-east. For something more challenging, tackle the 60km Three Gorges loop in the north of Sydney, with views of the Hawkesbury River and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park en route.
Snowy Mountains
There are plenty of reasons to visit the Snowy Mountains in winter. But once the weather warms, Australia’s highest mountain range — 600km south of Sydney — becomes a mecca for cyclists, offering a textbook mountain-bike experience across dirt tracks and sealed roads. For a solid workout, test the Thredbo Valley Track, with routes of between 12km and 35km traversing alpine terrain through Kosciuszko National Park and along the Thredbo River.
Another highlight is the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail — 21km of sealed and safe tracks following the region’s onetime rail line. Historic sites, rolling fields and eucalypt forest are just some of the scenic attractions.
Blue Mountains
Nothing beats the adrenalin rush of zipping along clifftops, through deep canyons and around untouched bushland in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains on two wheels. Test your stamina on the hilly 58km between Glenbrook and Wentworth Falls along the Oak and Anderson fire trails.
Or enjoy never-ending vistas of Lake Burragorang on the McMahon’s Point trail, a challenging 36km return from the Blue Mountains town of Wentworth Falls, a 1.5-hour drive west from Sydney.
Centennial Park Cycles, Centennial Park Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a day out at Centennial Park in a hired 4-seat pedal car from Centennial Park Cycles.
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Centennial Park Cycles, Centennial Park Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a day out at Centennial Park in a hired 4-seat pedal car from Centennial Park Cycles.
Mountain Biking, Blue Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a day of mountain biking in the Blue Mountains National Park.
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Mountain Biking, Blue Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a day of mountain biking in the Blue Mountains National Park.
South Coast
Pedal the scenic 90km from Sydney to Wollongong via the Royal National Park — the oldest national park in Australia — across the breathtaking 665m Sea Cliff Bridge and along the Grand Pacific Drive. From clifftop lookouts to deserted beaches, it’s a route you won’t forget in a hurry.
Other heart-starting cycle routes take you through Mogo State Forest, south of Batemans Bay (280km from Sydney); the Narooma trails, through Bodalla State Forest (350km from Sydney); the Bundanoon trail through Morton National Park (140km from Sydney); and the cross-country trails around Murramarang National Park (270km from Sydney).
Hunter Valley
Explore the rolling vine-laced countryside of the Hunter Valley, 250km north of Sydney, at your own pace, using pedal power to visit cellar doors, sample local produce or drop in on art galleries. Not for the faint of heart, the 22km Big Yango loop trail traverses through the Yengo and Wollemi wilderness areas in Yengo National Park, with steep climbs, challenging descents and tight switchbacks. Admire the rugged landscape and keep an eye out for wombats, wallabies and goannas as you navigate this tricky trail.
Lord Howe Island
It’s just a two-hour flight from Sydney to Lord Howe, but you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you touch down. Explore the 12km-long island’s wild, Jurassic-like landscapes on two wheels, cooling off at beaches, pausing to wander through rainforest and popping your stand down when you find a café that takes your fancy. The island’s roads have a 25km/h speed limit, making cycling the favoured mode of transport for residents and visitors.
Events and competitions
For competitive cyclists, NSW offers the chance to partake in a number of events, not in the least the L’Étape Australia by Le Tour de France. This annual festival of Lycra — held amid the rolling hills of Kiama, Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands on the South Coast — covers two distances: 80km and 136km.
Not just for cyclists, Gears + Beers unites bikes with beer, cider, great food and entertainment. There are multiple courses pencilled out around Wagga Wagga, 450km southwest of Sydney, catering to riders of all ages and fitness levels.
Cycling, Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a relaxing and scenic bike ride on Lord Howe Island.
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Cycling, Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a relaxing and scenic bike ride on Lord Howe Island.
L'Étape Australia 2016, Snowy Mountains Credit: L'Étape Australia
Cyclist competing in the L'Étape Australia in the scenic Snowy Mountains.
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L'Étape Australia 2016, Snowy Mountains Credit: L'Étape Australia
Cyclist competing in the L'Étape Australia in the scenic Snowy Mountains.
More Inspirational Stories
The Living Desert, Broken HillCredit: Destination NSW
Man watching the sunset from The Living Desert Reserve in Broken Hill.
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There’s so much to see and do in the NSW outback city of Broken Hill. You can renew your love of art and discover a thriving gallery scene. Ignite your sense of wonder with an unforgettable stargazing experience. Recharge in a glamorous hotel suite inspired by an iconic movie. Or strike out on your own desert adventures. The choice – and the endless horizon – is yours.
Recharge in the Priscilla Suite
Broken Hill has been associated with drag culture ever since the Australian movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was released in 1994 – several crucial scenes were filmed in the historic Palace Hotel. Catch yourself grinning as you step into the Priscilla Suite and put down your bags – it’s the very room that the movie’s characters stayed in, although it’s been redecorated in flamboyant style. Join in the fun at the pub’s regular drag bingo nights, and try to snag a room in September when colourful queens from around the country descend on the town for the popular Broken Heel Festival. Relish the dramatic contrast to the Priscilla vibe at the Mad Max 2 Museum in Silverton, a 20-minute drive out of town, where the filming of 1981’s Mad Max II in the area is celebrated with passion.
Discover outback art
The Broken Hill region has a long history of producing and attracting artists who find inspiration in the surreal landscape. Two of the best known local painters were Pro Hart and Jack Absalom: each has a retrospective gallery that’s part of the diverse offering of more than 20 art galleries around town. Feast your eyes on the remarkable collection of Aboriginal art at the Broken Hill City Art Gallery, which an excellent calendar of exhibitions, including the annual Maari Ma Indigenous Art Awards, displayed from November to February. Then step across the road from Broken Hill City Art Gallery to browse the paintings of local artist Amanda Johnson at Willy Nilly Art. If you’re driving to Broken Hill via Wilcannia, stop in to see the works of past, present and emerging artists alongside artefacts and oral histories of the local Barkintji people at the town’s Baaka Cultural and Art Centre.
Head to the Living Desert
Photography enthusiasts will love capturing the golden light in the Broken Hill area – especially at the Living Desert State Park, with its 12 sandstone artworks created by artists from all over the world. Create your own timeless images of the old prospector’s mine site and quartz outcrops on the 2.2km cultural walk trail through the reserve’s John Simons Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, which covers 180 hectares of native plants and wildlife and features a Sturt’s desert pea wildflower display. Feel the desert air cool with the setting sun when you stay overnight at the park’s Starview Campsite.
Satiate your hunger
Refuel for a big day in the desert with breakfast at The Silly Goat café, where the frequently changing menu might include granola bowls and smoked salmon bagels. Put some pep in your step with a stiff espresso and Italian-style treats at Giovanni and Co. Step back in time and grab a milkshake at Bells Milk Bar – it’s been open since 1892 and much of the décor remains the same as it was in the 1950s. Go behind the scenes on a tour of Broken Hill Distillery before sampling the spirits at the distillery door. Settle in for a cocktail at Red Lush, the sister bar to The Astra’s Trinders Restaurant, which offers a modern Australian menu as well as more casual tapas and gourmet pizza. Or mark the end of a memorable day of sightseeing with a meal of upmarket pub fare at The Palace Hotel or the Broken Hill Pub.
Broken Heel Festival 2017 Credit: Destination NSW
The Silver City Stiletto train bound for the Broken Heel Festival winds its way through Outback NSW.
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Broken Heel Festival 2017 Credit: Destination NSW
The Silver City Stiletto train bound for the Broken Heel Festival winds its way through Outback NSW.
Mutawintji National Park, Mutawintji Credit: Destination NSW
Mutawintji National Park tour guide Keanu Bates showing visitors Aboriginal rock art at Mutawintji Historic Site.
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Mutawintji National Park, Mutawintji Credit: Destination NSW
Mutawintji National Park tour guide Keanu Bates showing visitors Aboriginal rock art at Mutawintji Historic Site.
Soak up the night skies
Outback skies are something to behold: make sense of what you see with one of Outback Astronomy’s Sky Shows at its sky dome just outside Broken Hill. Peer into a pitch-black sky as knowledgeable guides point out individual stars and constellations. Gaze and graze on a hearty curry or stew and dessert during a Dinner with the Stars evening, and sleep in a glamping tent made for two with the stars for nightlights (loan of binoculars included) in the cooler months.
Dream outback dreams
Find a charming home to stay in among the selection of Broken Hill Heritage Cottages’ historic properties; enjoy deluxe or superior rooms at the Art Deco Royal Exchange Hotel; sleep at The Astra, a restored 1890s heritage building in the centre of town; or in Broken Hill Outback Church Stay’s restored 1911 church. Or settle in to one of the spa cabins and caravan and camping sites at the Broken Hill Outback Resort, just out of town.
Further afield, have a night to remember by staying at the iconic Silverton Hotel, 20 minutes out of town; continue another 25 minutes past Silverton to enjoy views over the Mundi Mundi Plains and the Southern Barrier Ranges at the Eldee Station farm stay; or enjoy an authentic outback experience at Mt Gipps StationStay, a working sheep station around a 40-minute drive north of town.
After getting to know Broken Hill, buckle up to explore the wider region and its national parks. Gain a fascinating insight into Australia’s pastoral history by staying at the Kinchega Shearer’s Quarters in Kinchega National Park, an 80-minute drive southeast of Broken Hill – the guest rooms are basic but air-conditioned. Find a shady spot among the gum trees at the Coach and Horses campground, beside the Darling River in Paroo-Darling National Park, three hours northeast of Broken Hill.
Be prepared for visiting remote outback NSW national parks by checking the latest updates from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service before you set off. And remember to check the conditions before you set off for the day, as some roads can be cut off in wet weather.
Slip underground at White Cliffs
Take a three-hour drive northeast of Broken Hill to roam across White Cliffs, in the heart of opal country. Admire the ‘pineapple’ opals – so named for their spiky shapes – found in Australia’s oldest commercial opal field, and marvel at the way many dwellings here have been built underground to escape the heat. Get a feel for the town and learn about its colourful history on a White Cliffs Bus Tour, and sleep deeply in the subterranean White Cliffs Underground Motel, which has a honeycomb of whitewashed rooms.
Outback Astronomy, Broken Hill Credit: Destination NSW
Couple star gazing beneath the Milky Way at Outback Astronomy, Broken Hill.
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Outback Astronomy, Broken Hill Credit: Destination NSW
Couple star gazing beneath the Milky Way at Outback Astronomy, Broken Hill.
Silverton Hotel, Silverton Credit: Destination NSW
A vintage Mad Max inspired VW Beetle outside the Silverton Hotel in Outback NSW.
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Silverton Hotel, Silverton Credit: Destination NSW
A vintage Mad Max inspired VW Beetle outside the Silverton Hotel in Outback NSW.