Best places to ride in Melbourne for new riders

Words by cycling coach, Kate Perry

It wasn’t until the lockdown in 2020 that I discovered the true extent of Melbourne’s bike path network. Having lived in Melbourne’s inner west and north most of my bicycle riding years, I am a creature of habit when it comes to my favourite loops. But being restricted to a 5km radius around Richmond forced me to look closer to home, to seek out the bike paths at my doorstep, and then as restrictions eased I started to explore further and further.

Rather than riding the busy roads out to the Dandenongs, I explored the bike paths that could drop me at the Basin – the base of the popular 1 in 20 climb. Not only is it more enjoyable and safer, but it offers less traffic lights and a more non-stop pedal out to some of Melbourne’s most picturesque climbs.

From there, I ventured further North East and discovered the Lilydale-Warburton trail – 40kms of Melbourne’s finest, most compact gravel. Along the way I discovered some other loops incorporating the Main Yarra and Mullum Mullum Creek trail, which offer a comfortable few hours on the bike.

My advice for those starting out on the bike, and who may be feeling a bit adventurous? Start local, then spread those wings a little bit further each time. Whether you are up for the 20kms, 60kms or perhaps 135kms, there really is something for everyone when it comes to cycling in Melbourne.

Below I have listed a few of my favourites, which hopefully can soon become some of your favourites too. Happy riding!

Inner north – Mount Pleasant loop from Chandler Hwy

A “Mt P” loop is becoming increasingly popular amongst riders in search of some vertical metres. The great thing about this loop is that it never gets any easier! How is that a good thing you ask? Because you can take it as hard or as easy as you like and still get a workout.

There are a few ways in which you can get out to a Mt P loop, but the one linked here is via the Main Yarra Trail, namely to avoid the traffic. Depending on how you get out there, you could easily get 500m of vert per hour, but the linked loop here is about that in total if you opt for the flatter route out there.

Route details

• Distance: 53km
• Elevation: 578m
• Level: Intermediate

View route

Melbourne’s east – out to the Basin and into the hills

You don’t have to be a cyclist to enjoy the Dandenongs, but it is a great way to take in the fresh air and scenery, that’s for sure! Usually, the only deterrent from riding out to the ‘Nongs’ is the traffic, so here is a great way to get out to the base of the 1:20 (The Basin) which avoids the busy roads.

Taking in the 1:20, the ‘Wall’ and Perrins Creek Road, these are some of the most popular climbs. But once you have mastered these, the opportunities are endless.

The route below starts in Melbourne’s inner suburbs of Richmond, and follows the Main Yarra Trail out towards Bayswater, but again, you could jump onto the Eastlink trail from numerous spots. Dropping you at the Basin, from there you can begin to explore. Stopping for coffee at Proserpina Bakehouse is a must – be sure to have worked up an appetite before stopping though, as their cabinet is filled with pastry goodness!

Route details

• Distance: 118km
• Elevation: 1450m
• Level: Intermediate/Advanced

View route

Inner north east – Main Yarra Trail & Mullum Mullum Creek

I have pinched this loop from a good friend of mine, who is the king of finding inner city gravel paths. 50 kilometres of goodness, this loop includes some of the paths in the Mt P loop, but then circles back along the Mullum Mullum Creek trail. Perfect for packing a light lunch and picking one of the many stops along the way to park under a tree by the river and enjoy a homemade sandwich and thermos of coffee. Alternatively, if you want a quick burn around on two wheels in an hour or two, then this is a good option.

Starting at the same point on the Main Yarra Trail (Chandler Hwy) it then snakes its way through Kew towards Box Hill, Ringwood, Park Orchards, Templestowe, Heidelberg, then back through Ivanhoe to the Main Yarra Trail