Canberra is known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning natural landscapes, and thriving cycling culture. Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned cyclist, Canberra offers an incredible range of cycling routes for everyone. This article will explore five Canberra cycling routes for beginners and enthusiasts, highlighting their unique features and why they’re perfect for various skill levels.

With a well-maintained network of bike paths and on-road cycle lanes, getting around the city and exploring Canberra’s great outdoors by bike is both easy and enjoyable. So, let’s dive into these five Canberra cycling routes for beginners and enthusiasts. You’ll be sure to find many different experiences depending on what type of cyclist you are.

Table of Contents:

• Lake Burley Griffin Loop
  • Why This is a Great Choice for Beginners
  • What You’ll See Along the Way
• Stromlo Forest Park
  • Something for Everyone
  • Shuttle Service Available
  • Your Go-To Resource
• Lake Ginninderra Loop
  • Perfect for a Family Outing
  • Beyond the Loop
• Belconnen Bike Path Network
  • Path Options
  • Helpful Tip for Navigation
• Canberra Centenary Trail
  • Why You’ll Love It
  • Map and Planning Resources
• FAQs about 5 Canberra Cycling Routes for Beginners and Enthusiasts
  • Is it easy to cycle in Canberra?
  • Does Canberra have bike paths?
  • How far is it to cycle around Lake Burley Griffin?
  • What are the best cycling routes?
• Conclusion

Lake Burley Griffin Loop

This classic loop around Canberra’s central lake, Lake Burley, is perfect for a leisurely bike ride. You’ll discover iconic landmarks, serene waterfront views, and plenty of spots to stop for a coffee or picnic. This makes it a great option for families and those wanting a scenic ride with minimal difficulty.

Why This is a Great Choice for Beginners

The Lake Burley Griffin Loop is mostly flat, making it perfect if you’re still building your cycling endurance. You can also adjust the length of your ride, starting with a shorter distance and gradually working your way up to the full loop. Plus, the paved pathways provide a smooth ride free from traffic, allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenery.

What You’ll See Along the Way

This scenic ride around the lake treats you to views of national treasures such as the National Gallery of Australia, the High Court of Australia, and Parliament House. You’ll also ride through Commonwealth Avenue, known for its beautiful gardens, and you may even spot some local wildlife.

For a comprehensive look at cycling options around the lake, check out the cycling loops provided by VisitCanberra. These provide routes with different lengths and points of interest to best tailor your ride to your preference.

Stromlo Forest Park

Stromlo Forest Park, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts and offers a diverse range of trails to test your skills. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, you’ll find a route that matches your skill level at Stromlo Forest Park.

Something for Everyone

This popular spot has a dedicated beginners’ area. This lets you get comfortable with off-road riding before hitting more advanced trails. With over 50 kilometers of trails, there’s plenty of room to progress and challenge yourself as you gain confidence.

Shuttle Service Available

For those who prefer to save their energy for downhill thrills, Dynamic Motivation provides a shuttle service that takes you and your bike to the top of Mount Stromlo on weekends and public holidays. This lets you spend more time tackling the park’s exhilarating descents.

Your Go-To Resource

To plan your Stromlo adventure, the Canberra Off Road Cycling Club can help with everything from maps and courses to clinics and upcoming events.

Lake Ginninderra Loop

Located in Canberra’s north, Lake Ginninderra presents another beautiful lake loop suitable for all cycling levels. This ride offers a mix of paved pathways and off-road trails with scenic water views, parkland settings, and wildlife encounters.

Perfect for a Family Outing

The shared path surrounding the lake offers a peaceful escape with dedicated lanes for both cyclists and pedestrians. Pack a picnic or enjoy a meal at one of the cafes in the area. You’ll find that this is one of the best family-friendly cycling routes Canberra offers.

Beyond the Loop

Feeling more adventurous? Lake Ginninderra also offers connections to various off-road trails leading into the surrounding nature reserve. This makes it a fantastic starting point for combining a relaxed lake loop with some exploration.

Belconnen Bike Path Network

If exploring Canberra’s suburbs is your style, then hopping on Belconnen’s well-connected bike path network is perfect for you. This is great if you’re looking to combine your bike ride with errands, visiting friends, or exploring different parts of the city.

Path Options

You’ll find a mix of dedicated bike paths and on-road cycle lanes throughout Belconnen, offering both traffic-free and shared-road options. This expansive network gives you the flexibility to create your own route, explore parks and gardens, or connect with various other paths for longer rides.

Helpful Tip for Navigation

Download a copy of Transport Canberra’s free “Walking and Cycling Town Centres Guide.” This provides a physical map highlighting the area’s extensive path networks, helping you to confidently navigate different areas of the city.

Canberra Centenary Trail

Calling all experienced cyclists wanting to really experience the best Canberra has to offer. The Canberra Centenary Trail, a 145-kilometer loop, takes you through a diverse tapestry of urban and natural landscapes, with a little something to keep things interesting.

Why You’ll Love It

This challenging but rewarding trail takes you through various terrains, showing off iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and breathtaking lookouts. It offers a unique perspective of Australia’s capital city, Canberra. Whether you choose to conquer the trail in sections or all at once, it’s an experience unlike any other.

Map and Planning Resources

A dedicated guide, “Walking & Cycling Canberra Centenary Trail,” is available for purchase. This comprehensive guide provides all you need to navigate the trail confidently, from maps and detailed notes to local history and environmental information. You’ll be equipped with everything you need to know before heading out on this exciting journey.

FAQs about 5 Canberra Cycling Routes for Beginners and Enthusiasts

Is it easy to cycle in Canberra?

Canberra is renowned for its cycling-friendly infrastructure, boasting an expansive network of dedicated bike paths, on-road cycle lanes, and numerous bike-friendly parks. Whether you’re after a relaxed city ride or exploring scenic trails, there’s an abundance of routes to discover in Australia’s capital.

Does Canberra have bike paths?

Yes, Canberra has a widespread network of bike paths that extend across the city. These pathways cater to both recreational and commuter cyclists, offering safe and scenic options to explore. You will find bike trails for a variety of skill levels.

How far is it to cycle around Lake Burley Griffin?

A complete loop around Lake Burley Griffin covers roughly 35 kilometers of cycling distance. It’s considered an easy-to-moderate ride, accessible to various skill levels. Remember you can easily break the ride into shorter segments or simply choose to explore a particular side of the lake based on your preference.

What are the best cycling routes?

Ultimately, the “best” route will vary from one person to the next, depending on their cycling style and personal preference. Here are a few ideas of where to go for a bike ride.

But some of Canberra’s most celebrated routes for beginners include:

• Lake Burley Griffin Loop
• Lake Ginninderra Loop
• Belconnen Bike Path Network

If you prefer a mountain biking adventure:

• Stromlo Forest Park
• Canberra Centenary Trail

No matter which route you pick, be sure to gear up, follow cycling safety recommendations, and be sure to have fun.

Here’s a detailed list of Top Canberra Cycling Routes, including addresses, phone numbers, and website links for each location:

1. Lake Burley Griffin Loop

• Address: Various entry points around Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra ACT 2601
• Phone: N/A
• Website: www.nca.gov.au/places/lake-burley-griffin
• Why This is a Great Choice for Beginners: The Lake Burley Griffin Loop is a mostly flat, scenic route ideal for beginners. It offers dedicated bike paths around the lake, making it a safe and enjoyable ride.
• What You’ll See Along the Way: Cyclists can enjoy views of the National Carillon, the National Gallery, and the Parliament House, as well as the lake’s beautiful landscapes.

2. Stromlo Forest Park

• Address: Opperman Ave, Stromlo ACT 2611
• Phone: (02) 6207 2087
• Website: www.stromloforestpark.com.au
• Something for Everyone: Stromlo Forest Park offers a range of trails for all skill levels, from smooth beginner tracks to challenging mountain bike courses.
• Shuttle Service Available: A shuttle service runs on weekends, making it easy for riders to reach various trailheads.
• Your Go-To Resource: With facilities like bike rentals, showers, and picnic spots, Stromlo is a one-stop destination for cycling enthusiasts.

3. Lake Ginninderra Loop

• Address: Various access points around Lake Ginninderra, Belconnen ACT 2617
• Phone: N/A
• Website: www.visitcanberra.com.au
• Perfect for a Family Outing: This 7 km loop is perfect for families, offering an easy, flat path around the lake with plenty of spots to stop for picnics.
• Beyond the Loop: The loop connects to the Belconnen town centre and nearby parks, so riders can extend their adventure or stop for a bite to eat.

4. Belconnen Bike Path Network

• Address: Multiple paths around Belconnen ACT 2617
• Phone: N/A
• Website: www.act.gov.au
• Path Options: The Belconnen Bike Path Network provides a variety of paths that loop through parks, around Lake Ginninderra, and to nearby suburbs.
• Helpful Tip for Navigation: Look for directional signs along the path network to help you navigate different route options and reach popular destinations around Belconnen.

5. Canberra Centenary Trail

• Address: Trail begins at multiple points across Canberra, with official start at Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
• Phone: (02) 6207 2900
• Website: www.centennialtrail.com.au
• Why You’ll Love It: The Centenary Trail is a 145 km route designed to showcase Canberra’s natural and cultural landmarks, making it perfect for dedicated cyclists and explorers.
• Map and Planning Resources: The website provides detailed maps and planning tips, making it easy to choose a section of the trail or tackle the full loop over a few days.

FAQs about Canberra Cycling Routes

• Is it easy to cycle in Canberra?

  Yes, Canberra is very bike-friendly with many dedicated bike paths, making it easy for beginners and experienced cyclists alike.

• Does Canberra have bike paths?

  Canberra has an extensive network of bike paths and trails throughout the city and suburbs, designed for both commuting and recreational riding.

• How far is it to cycle around Lake Burley Griffin?

  The Lake Burley Griffin Loop is approximately 20 km and takes about 1.5–2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace.

• What are the best cycling routes?

  Popular routes include Lake Burley Griffin, Lake Ginninderra, Stromlo Forest Park, the Belconnen Bike Network, and the Canberra Centenary Trail, offering a variety of scenic and challenging options.

These cycling routes cater to both beginners and enthusiasts, providing a great way to explore Canberra’s beautiful landscapes and iconic landmarks by bike.

Conclusion

Canberra truly is a paradise for cyclists of all interests and expertise levels. With these five Canberra cycling routes for beginners and enthusiasts to discover and the chance to soak up the fresh air as you pedal through Canberra’s diverse landscapes—you’re in for a treat.