The 10 best bike tracks for kids and adults in Sydney to ride this summer

Strap on your helmet, hit the tracks and get pedalling this summer with the best ten bike rides across Greater Sydney.

As we welcome the return of blue skies, it’s never been a better time to jump back on the pedals and get your blood pumping with a bike ride.

Not all of Sydney is a concrete jungle – in fact, there are many hidden circuits woven throughout our city where bicycles rule the roads.

Here are the ten best bike tracks in Greater Sydney to ride on this summer.

Olympic cyclist Matt Glaetzer (right) with Max Rocca, 4. Picture: Tom Huntley

The Sydney Olympic cauldron is relit for the event’s 20th anniversary. Picture. Phil Hillyard

1. Olympic Park Circuit | 35km (various)

You’ll be spoiled for choice at Sydney Olympic Park with over 35km of bike paths to cycle on.

Peddle back in time through some of the park’s heritage-listed, historic monuments linked to the Sydney 2000 Olympics, such as the Cathy Freeman Park, Olympic cauldron, Discobolus and Games Memories installation.

The opening of the new $2.25m upgraded area of the Bay Run in 2016. Picture: Craig Wilson

2. The Bay Run | 7km

This is one of the most popular harbourside tracks – and loops – for runners, walkers and cyclists alike.

It follows the Iron Cove foreshore and weaves throughout the Inner West across Drummoyne, Rodd Point, Lilyfield and Rozelle – to name a few. Rumour has it that this is also a great place to snap a stunning sunset pic.

Pedalling along the Parramatta Valley Cycleway. Picture: AAP Image / Angelo Velardo

3. Parramatta Valley Cycleway | 15km-25km

Opt for a flat and easy bike ride away from the city’s noise and among natural reserves where the little ones can join.

From Parramatta Park to Sydney Olympic Park, pedal as far as you desire alongside Parramatta River with several adjoining tracks and footpaths branching from Morrison Bay Park, Silverwater Bridge or John Whitton Bridge.

Jon Fryar cycles the bridge daily.

4. Sydney Harbour Bridge | 2.5km

Take in some of Sydney’s best sites from the heart of the city.

Pedal westward from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to reach the Anzac Bridge via Pyrmont Bridge or head north into Kirribilli for a blooming purple jacaranda haven.

Raymond Potter of Plumpton rides the M7 Cycleway.

Nurragingy Reserve off M7 Cycleway. Picture: @ebikerdiary.

5. M7 Cycleway | 40km (one way)

This lengthy, uninterrupted shared bike track will get your heart pumping.

Weaving through western Sydney bushland from Old Windsor Rd at Glenwood to Camden Valley Way at Prestons, the M7 Cycleway has about 60 exit points and attracts a 1000-strong crowd of cyclists and walkers on the weekend.

Melissa Matheson, Julie Peterson, Lucy Farrier and Sue Aston-Metham riding on Lady Carrington Drive.

6. Royal National Park | 105km (various)

Grab your gear and strap your helmets on tight before heading out to some of the country’s oldest and most precious natural reserves found in Sydney’s south.

With picnic stops, native animals and secluded beaches to be found, this park is a must-do for the family. Lady Carrington Drive, East Heathcote Trails, and the Loftus Loop Trail are recommended.

Ettalong Beach foreshore.

7. Gosford to Umina Beach | 18km

Hit the freeway and head northbound to the Central Coast this summer for a fairly flat and easy bike ride beside the water.

Starting from Gosford, make your way towards the coast through Woy Woy and Ettalong where you can catch the ocean breeze and a bite to eat.

Akuna Bay during the boating festival Picture: Supplied

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott cycling at Akuna Bay after winning the 2013 election. Picture: Bradley Hunter

8. Akuna Bay and West Head Loop | 44.5km

There are a bunch of underrated cycling spots to be found in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park where you can score breathtaking views.

You’ll clock up the km’s on this track – which is recommended for experienced riders who love deep descents and challenging climbs – but the picturesque panoramic views of Pittwater, Palm Beach and the Pacific Ocean are worth the sweat.

A cyclist on the road near Galston Gorge.

9. Three Gorges | 60km

Another one that is ideal for the experienced cyclist – and arguably the thrill seeker – is Three Gorges. It reaches an elevation of 1.8km and is taxing on the body, but worth the challenge.

Far from a casual pedal, the track is a strenuous ride through the terrain of Hawkesbury River and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park into Galston Gorge, Berowra Waters and Bobbin Head.

Centennial Park is a popular place for cyclists of all levels. Picture: John Grainger

10. Centennial Parklands | 3.5km (loop)

Centennial Park has a deep-rooted history in Sydney’s cycling scene with the sport growing so popular in 1900 that the Cyclists Carriage was opened – five years prior to cars having access.

The Grand Drive loop around the park is the most popular choice for cyclists while families with little ones can enjoy the Learners Cycleway with a nearby playground.