Seven of Melbourne’s best scenic bike paths

IF SANTA delivered a new bike for Christmas you’re no doubt itching to explore Melbourne on two wheels. Here are some of the best scenic bike rides to try.

Round The Bay In A Day for the Smith Family

IF SANTA delivered a new bike for Christmas you’re no doubt itching to explore Melbourne on two wheels. Here are some great scenic bike rides to try.

Bay Trail

One of Melbourne’s busiest trails, the Bay Trail stretches from Port Melbourne along the eastern edge of Port Phillip Bay all the way down to Seaford. The section from Port Melbourne to Elwood is most popular with walkers, cyclists, skaters and others sharing the tarmac and it gets less congested the further south you go.

Take your time as you navigate along the path to enjoy the hubbub of St Kilda, the famous Brighton bathing boxes, Elwood and the bayside suburbs and cafes through Beaumaris, Mordialloc, Parkdale, Black Rock, and Hampton.

Capital City Trail

Riding along the Yarra River toward Melbourne on the Capital City Trail

The Capital City Trail circles the city through the inner eastern and northern suburbs, connecting many of Melbourne’s main bike trails to each other and never straying more than about 5km from the city centre.

The almost 30km long Capital City Trail passes many major Melbourne’s landmarks including Southbank, Melbourne Park, the MCG, Collingwood Children’s Farm, Royal Park, Melbourne Zoo, Docklands.

Lilydale — Warburton Rail Trail

The picturesque Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail follows the old Lilydale rail line.

If you’re a cyclist wanting a challenge and some fresh air, head east to the Lilydale-Warburton Rail trail which extends about 40km along the former Warburton rail line.

You’ll travel through tunnels, forest, farmland and vineyards on the undulating path and there are plenty of places close to the path where you can stop, relax and refuel.

Jells Park

Cycling past the lake at Jells Park in Wheelers Hill.

The 9km of trails around Jells Park in Wheelers Hill are perfect for families, particularly those with young cyclists in tow.

The trails are mostly flat with a few gentle hills, and there are plenty of playgrounds to stop at and even a cafe in the centre of the park for those wanting to explore further, the Jells Park trails link up to the Dandenong Creek, EastLink, Scotchmans Creek and Knox bike trails.

Werribee River Trail

Cycling along the Werribee River.

The flat bike track along the Werribee River is manageable for even young riders. Listen to the birds sing as you cycle along the river.

The trail stretches from Hogans Rd in the north along the river to run along the back of Werribee’s main street (a convenient stop for coffee) and further along through the river bushland to the Princes Hwy. At the Princes Hwy the trail links to the Federation Trail to Brooklyn.

Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail

Williamstown's Stephen Kaye rides along the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail at Williamstown.

There’s nothing more refreshing than cycling along the beachfront and perhaps, if it’s warm enough, stopping for a quick dip. The Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail starts/ends under the Westgate Bridge at Spotswood and meanders for 23km around the beach front through Williamstown and Altona to Skeleton Creek in Altona Meadows.

If you’re keen, you can even cross the Yarra River with your bike from Spotswood to Port Melbourne and continue the ride.

Maribyrnong River Trail

Cyclists cross the old stock bridge over the Maribyrnong River as they ride along the Maribyrnong River Trail.

Cycle along the Maribyrnong River Trail and you’ll pass Flemington Racecourse and be offered fabulous views of the city skyline. The trail, with its landmark palm trees, travels about 25km from Brimbank Park in the north to Footscray Rd and is mostly flat except for some steep sections around Steele Creek and Essendon West.

If you ride early you’ll be in company with rowers and kayakers on the river.