Find the best bicycle tracks in Sydney, from family-friendly trails to long-distance rides, including routes and maps.
Sydney may not yet be the world’s most bicycle-friendly city, but things are improving quickly. The city is seeing a growing number of cycle lanes, dedicated bike tracks, and shared pedestrian and cycle paths.
There are also classic bike tracks in Sydney with little to no motorised traffic, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for cycling.
In this article, we’ll highlight 12 of these Sydney cycle tracks, arranged by distance and complete with links to Google Maps.
Top 12 Bicycle Tracks:
| Cycle Track | Distance | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Centennial Parklands Circuit | 4 km (circuit) |
| 2 | The Bay Run | 7 km (circuit) |
| 3 | Olympic Park Circuit Ride | 7.5 km (circuit) |
| 4 | Narrabeen Lagoon Circuit | 8.5 km (circuit) |
| 5 | Lady Carrington Drive | 10 km (one way) |
| 6 | Cooks River Cycleway | 12 km (one way) |
| 7 | Parramatta Valley Cycleway | 12 km (one way) |
| 8 | 10B Cycling Trail | 15 km (one way) |
| 9 | West Head to Akuna Bay | 16 km (one way) |
| 10 | Tempe to Cronulla | 20 km (one way) |
| 11 | Prospect Reservoir Loop | 30 km (circuit) |
| 12 | M7 Cycleway | 40 km (one way) |
1. Centennial Parklands Circuit
Let’s start this list of top Sydney bike rides with one of the most popular tracks: the Grand Drive Circuit in Centennial Parklands.
This 4-kilometre loop around Centennial Park is shared by cars, cyclists, joggers, pedestrians, and even horses, with a dedicated cycle lane to ensure safe riding. Be sure to keep to the left whenever possible, as both beginners and experienced cyclists use Centennial Park as their go-to cycling spot.
You’re not limited to Grand Drive, as there are several other roads within Centennial Parklands where you can enjoy cycling. There’s even a Learners Cycleway, perfect for kids to practice and build their bike-riding skills.
See route on Google Maps.
2. The Bay Run
Another classic Sydney bike ride, and a popular running track, is the Bay Run around Iron Cove in Sydney’s west.
This 7-kilometre Harbour-side shared path hugs the water’s edge of Iron Cove, winding through the inner-west suburbs of Haberfield, Five Dock, Rodd Point, Drummoyne, Rozelle, and Lilyfield.
With picturesque scenery from start to finish and a variety of nearby cafes for a post-ride coffee, the Bay Run is a fantastic track for an enjoyable workout.
See route on Google Maps.
3. Olympic Park Circuit Ride
Sydney Olympic Park in the city’s west is a cyclist’s dream, boasting a range of bike paths to explore. The Olympic Circuit is an excellent starting point for discovering this expansive area.
To make the most of your day cycling in Olympic Park, it’s a good idea to plan ahead by listing the landmarks you’d like to visit. One of the standout attractions is the Brickpit Ring, an elevated circular walkway that overlooks a protected habitat for endangered frogs and other wildlife.
For a handy guide, check out the map on the Sydney Olympic Park website, which highlights landmarks, dining spots, and other essentials to help you plan your visit.
See route on Google Maps.
4. Narrabeen Lagoon Circuit
The 8.5-kilometre circuit trail around Narrabeen Lagoon is a picturesque track, popular with cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians alike.
This flat ride winds through diverse ecosystems and landscapes, all while staying close to the lagoon’s tranquil shores.
Keep in mind that the trail can get quite busy on weekends, so it’s essential to ride cautiously, especially as children and dogs often share the path.
See route on Google Maps.
5. Lady Carrington Drive
Lady Carrington Drive is a 10-kilometre, family-friendly off-road bicycle trail in the Royal National Park.
This designated cycle track follows the Hacking River, stretching between Audley in the north and the starting point of the Forest Path in the south.
The trail can be ridden in either direction, with small car parks and picnic areas conveniently located at both ends.
See route on Google Maps.
6. Cooks River Cycleway
The Cooks River Cycleway is a 12-kilometre multi-use path ideal for cycling, walking, and running. It stretches from Tempe in the east to Strathfield in the west.
The path follows the meandering Cooks River, passing through several suburbs and offering a variety of flora and fauna to enjoy along the way.
With numerous stops and multiple entry and exit points, this cycleway can be tailored to suit your preferred distance, making it as short or as long as you like.
See route on Google Maps.
7. Parramatta Valley Cycleway
Running roughly alongside the Parramatta River in Sydney’s west, the Parramatta Valley Cycleway is a 15-kilometre shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians.
The cycleway begins at Morrison Bay Park in Putney and continues along the river to Parramatta Wharf, with the option to extend your ride into Parramatta Park.
With its mix of bridges and boardwalks, the path is mostly car-free, apart from a few short sections on suburban streets.
See route on Google Maps.
8. 10B Cycling Trail
The 10B Trail offers an adventurous cycling route through Dharawal National Park, running from north to south, with its southern entrance on Appin Road and its northern entrance in Wedderburn.
This 15-kilometre unsealed road is suitable for both mountain bikes and road bicycles, featuring a challenging descent and ascent at Stokes Creek near the northern entrance.
For more information about this part of Sydney, check out our guide to Dharawal National Park, which includes a summary of its most popular sights and trails.
See route on Google Maps.
9. West Head to Akuna Bay
The route between West Head and Akuna Bay is a classic cycling experience in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, north of Sydney.
Starting at West Head Lookout, the ride follows West Head Road to its intersection with General San Martin Drive, which leads down to the picturesque Akuna Bay on Coal and Candle Creek.
While the road is shared with cars, drivers and cyclists generally coexist well in this area, provided everyone exercises care and consideration.
See route on Google Maps.
10. Tempe to Cronulla
The Tempe to Cronulla ride is a 20+ kilometre cycling adventure that, surprisingly, is almost entirely on dedicated cycle lanes and shared paths.
Starting at the Cooks River in Tempe, the route heads south along the coastline west of the airport, crossing the Georges River into the Sutherland Shire.
Before reaching Cronulla, you can extend your ride with a scenic detour north to Kurnell via Captain Cook Drive, adding even more variety to this fantastic route.
See route on Google Maps.
11. Prospect Reservoir Loop
Prospect Reservoir is a heritage-listed water storage facility created by the Prospect Dam on Prospect Creek in Sydney’s west.
The reservoir’s eastern side features a large recreational area with parks, picnic spots, playgrounds, and lookouts to explore and enjoy.
While the reservoir itself has cycle paths, the Prospect Reservoir Loop is a 30-kilometre bike ride that follows the Lower Prospect Canal Reserve from Guildford Station to the reservoir.
From there, the ride loops back via Orphan School Creek, or you can opt for a shorter route along Prospect Creek. For the most part, this is a dedicated cycle path, free from traffic.
See route on Google Maps.
12. M7 Cycleway
The 40-kilometre M7 Cycleway is a shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians, running alongside the M7 motorway between Prestons and Baulkham Hills.
This uninterrupted path, free from cars and traffic lights, is a favourite workout spot for cycling enthusiasts.
While it can get quite busy on weekends, the numerous entry and exit points along the route make it accessible for anyone looking to enjoy a ride on the M7 Cycleway.
See route on Google Maps.
