Whether you’re tricycle restricted or a family of avid cyclists, there is a massive selection of family bike tracks Melbourne has to offer.
Hot Tips
Melbourne is home to a bike share service that helps those who don’t have a bike full time. Melbourne Bike Share is a super convenient app, which lets users unlock bike rental from their smartphone.
Melbourne’s major on-road cycling tracks include Royal Parade, Canning Street, Exhibition Street and St Kilda Road.
In Melbourne, you can ride on a footpath only if you are under 12 or are accompanying a child under 12. Sorry big kids, everyone else has to ride on the road.
You also must have a properly fitting and fastened helmet that meets Australian safety standards.
Click here for a City of Melbourne TravelSmart map.
Click here for more Melbourne bike laws, safety tips and family cycling.
Read on for the 21 best family bike tracks Melbourne has to offer.
EASTLINK TRAIL
Lined with funky Eastlink-funded sculptures, bridges, architecture and coloured sound screens, this gentle trail winds in and out of various tracks, parks and reserves. Officially beginning at Croydon railway station and joining the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail, the trail can be joined and finished at various access points.
Length: 43.3km
More information.
Click here for a map.
ANNIVERSARY OUTER CIRCLE TRAIL
Sitting in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne and following the old steam Outer Circle Line track, the intermediate ride begins in Kew and ends in Hughesdale. The track is predominantly sealed, with a variation of hill and flat land. The trail displays a treasure hunt of 12 signs displaying historical photographs along the way.
Length: 15km
More information.
MAIN YARRA TRAIL
This track is adored state wide by pedestrians and cyclists alike. Following the Yarra River from Princes Bridge, the path ventures through the north eastern suburbs of the city and ends on the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail.
Length: 33km
More information.
EDWARDES LAKE
There’s nothing better than cycling along Edwardes Lake in the Melbourne sun. Starting at Reservoir Station, this track follows the road to Merri Creek and then Coburg Lake. The cycle ends at Rushall Station, but you can finish the route on the Upfield Line for an easier ride.
Length: 16km
More information.
SEVILLE TO KILLARA
This open bushland trail passes the traditional stock yards and 1901 platform at Killara station. The gentle trail is super accessible for families, decked out with picnic tables and rest stops, and is one of the shorter Warburton trail rides.
Length: 3.6km
More information.
BROADMEADOWS GLIDE
This leisurely cycle follows green pastures and shady woodlands. Starting at Craigieburn Station, the long hill track visits Broadmeadows Valley Mark and the Jacana Wetlands.
Length: 22km
More information.
CAPITAL CITY TRAIL
This car-free trail circles the Melbourne city centre. Having recently undergone adjustments, the renovated path is shared by cyclists and pedestrians and consists of clippets of other trails including Merri Creek, Inner Circle Rail and Main Yarra. The trail is perfect for families as it’s lacking in inclines.
Length: 29km
More information.
Click here for a map.
BASS COAST RAIL TRAIL
Cycling with views of the Bass Strait? We’re in. The trail stretches from the old Wonthaggi Railway to the Woolamai Racecourse and across the rugged Bass coastline.
Length: 17km
More information.
Click here for a map.
FIREHOUSE TO ROYAL PARK CIRCUIT TO MUNI OVAL
This 5.3km Melbourne city route heads through the University of Melbourne and the neighbouring oval before looping around Princes Park.
Length: 5.3km
More information.
LILYDALE MOUNT EVELYN
Another section of the Warburton, this trail begins at the Olinda Creek bridge and recreation reserve.
Length: 6.9KM
GARDINERS CREEK TRAIL
Gardiners is one of the best bike tracks Melbourne has on offer. Shared by cyclists and pedestrians, this eastern suburbs trail follows Gardiners Creek through the suburbs. There is current campaigning for a connection between Winton Road and Warrigal Road to complete the trails gap.
Length: 17km
More information.
Click here for a map.
GREAT VICTORIAN RAIL TRAIL
This cycle giant can be tackled in any length and direction. The longest trail in the state, The Great Victorian Rail Trail winds through the countryside between Tallarook and Mansfield in the foothills of the Victorian Alps. It’s size means the trails are packed with eateries and bathroom stops.
Length: 134km
More information.
Click here for a map.
HIGH COUNTRY RAIL TRAIL
The High Country Rail Trail has a fun family twist. Following the shores of Victoria’s Lake Hume, the 35km track follows the Wodonga to Old Tallangatta railway line. The trail has received recent additions and adjustments, so it’s worth picking up and recent map.
Length: 35km
More information.
Click here for a map.
MERRI CREEK TRAIL
Heading through the suburbs of northern Melbourne, this inner-city cycle begins at Dights Falls. Passing the Brunswick Velodrome, Coburg Lake Reserve (and playground), hidden horse paddocks and picnic spots, the trail ends in Coburg.
Length: 21km
More information.
Click here for a map.
WALHALLA GOLDFIELDS RAIL TRAIL
Once a gauge railway route running from Moe to Walhalla, the Goldfields Rail Trail heads through long stretches of forest and by the Thomson River.
Length: 7km
More information.
Click here for a map.
ST KILDA BEACH
Following the beachside path, this popular cycle route passes Brighton and Sandringham, and ends in Half Moon Bay. As it follows the coastline the trail is completely flat and easy to navigate and boasts spectacular views of the sea.
Length: 13km
More information.
FERNDALE TRAIL
This inner eastern suburb trail provides a shortcut between the Gardiners Creek Trail and Anniversary Trail. At 2.4km it’s perfect for families with a mix of walkers or beginner cyclists, and routes can pass the parks of Summerhill and Nettleton.
Length: 2.4km
More information.
MOONEE PONDS CREEK TRAIL
This pedestrian and cyclist trail follows Moonee Ponds creek through the northern suburbs of Melbourne. The gentle track begins at the Melbourne Docklands and is jam-packed with parks, meadows and picnic spots.
Length: 25km
More information.
BELLARINE RAIL TRAIL
Melbourne’s mega Around the Bay ride follows a 210km track around Port Phillip Bay and involves a ferry ride. Unfortunately, we aren’t cycling pros. The Bellarine Rail Trail from Geelong to Queenscliff is a more friendly alternative. The track is a shorter 32km, but can be accessed from various points if that still sounds too lengthy.
Length: 32.5km
More Information.
MAROONDAH AQUEDUCT
This sealed loop ride includes a decommissioned section of the aqueduct built in 1886 to take water from the Watts River to Preston Reservoir. The disused channel sits in the outer eastern suburbs of Eltham and Research and provides a gentle scenic ride.
Length: 18km
More information.
LAUNCHING PLACE LILYDALE
Located East of Melbourne’s CBD by the Yarra Ranges, this trail follows the Warburton Highway to Yarra Junction.
Length: 2.4km
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