19 Sydney Cycling Routes That'll Quicken Your Heart Rate

Get on your bike! For beginners to experts and everyone in between.

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1. The Bay Run

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This 7km loop around Iron Cove is popular with runners and cyclists alike. The wide paths mean that you can cycle your heart out without getting in the way of anyone else.

2. Harbour Bridge to Anzac Bridge

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Starting on the north end of the Harbour Bridge, there is now a complete cycleway, meaning that you don't have to share any lanes with cars. Though the ride through the city isn't the most scenic, you're rewarded at the beginning and the end with stunning views from both bridges.

3. Narrabeen Lagoon Trail

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This 8km loop is a flat, paved, easy trail, perfect for a leisurely afternoon bike ride. Chill out afterwards on the grass near the water with some fish and chips.

4. Three Creeks Ride

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Wind around the backstreets and alleyways of the inner west on this loop which will take you past — you guessed it — three creeks!

5. Arncliffe to Taren Point

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This bike path will take you from Riverine Park 13km south to Taren Point. It winds along the waterfront, across Captain Cook Bridge and through the beautiful suburbs of Dolls Point and Sans Souci. You can catch the train home from Caringbah station once you get to the end.

6. Cooks River Cycleway

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A longer version of the Arncliffe to Taren Point ride, this 23km route will take you from Ryde to Botany Bay, along the river. There are many parks along the way which are perfect rest points.

7. Inner East Art Ride

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This 8km loop starts at the Botanic Gardens and winds through Potts Point, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills, with stops along the way at art galleries. Spend a whole Saturday exploring new neighbourhoods.

8. Sydney Olympic Park

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There are three designated bike trails within Olympic Park, ranging between 5km and 12km, plus a kid's path in the neighbouring Bicenennial Park. You can rent bikes there if you don't have your own.

9. Parramatta Cycleway

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Stretching 18km from Strathfield to Parramatta, you get to enjoy the sunshine while riding on flat paved paths along the river, with a train station at each end to make it super easy.

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10. Manly Dam

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This loop around the dam is a little challenging at times, but is only about 10km long. There's a picnic area too so pack your lunch and take a break halfway through.

11. Western Sydney Parklands Ride

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This 33km ride is a little difficult, but is primarily along smooth bike tracks. There are a few hills, and make sure you bring some water and snacks if you plan to have a pit stop.

12. Guildford to Canley Vale

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Set aside a day for this 29km route. Start at Guildford train station, and ride along the water supply pipeline through Marylands and Greystanes to the Prospect Dam. After a lunch break or a rest stop, keep heading south to the Canley Vale train station and head home.

13. Faulconbrige Point

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Catch the train up to Faulconbridge in the Blue Mountains, and take this 22km looped path along the ridge, which offers up breathtaking views of the valleys below. There are hills, but the track is mainly pretty smooth.

14. Narrow Neck Trail

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This 9.5km path, near Katoomba, winds along the Narrow Neck peninsula and offers scenic views across the National Park. Take a map because it's pretty remote.

15. Lady Carrington Drive

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This 20km trail is perfect for people who aren't quite beginners but aren't totally experienced mountain bikers either. There are a few rocky areas, but the track is mostly smooth and level.

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16. Lake Macquarie

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It's an 80km loop around the lake, though there are shorter routes if your legs can't take that. For portions of the trip you'll be riding along a road with traffic, so make sure you're comfortable with that before you head off.

17. Royal National Park Loop

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Take a GPS on this 53km bike track which does a huge loop of the National Park south of Sydney. It'll definitely get your heart (and legs) pumping, and you'll feel so good after its done. You can get there by a train to Heathcote station, or there are a few places you can park your car.

18. Anderson's Fire Trail

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This isn't one for beginners. The 31km trail has hills and is a bit rocky in places, but there are amazing views along the way which will make it all worth it. You can start from Wentworth Falls train station, and end at Woodford station.

19. Oak's Fire Trail

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Not for the faint hearted, this 31km track takes you up and down hills and over a variety of different surfaces. On a clear day, you'll be able to see the Sydney CBD from lookouts.