Explore the Sunny Coast by Bike!

The Sunshine Coast has long been a family favourite when it comes to heading to the beach, but next time why not pack the bikes too? This leisurely ride offers families a great network of cycle ways and offers some of the best ocean views!

Head down Alexandra Parade and ride past the Alex Surf Club towards Maroochydore. Here you take a right hand turn onto Sixth Avenue and then double back onto the extension of Alexandra Parade. Continue spinning the legs past Maroochydore Surf Club towards the beautiful Cotton Tree.

Choose to head back after a relaxing break at the Cotton Tree Park by the river or you can cross the bridge and continue along Duporth Avenue through to Maroochydore Town Centre. *Please note the map shown below highlights the entire Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway including the section mentioned.

Following the Turtle Trail past Mon Repos

Nothing beats a leisurely ride that meanders along the coast, it always makes for a perfect day out! Parking at Christsen Park is your best bet and then you can gather the family and start your ride along the shared 2m wide bitumen pathway.

For 2km ride along the esplanade pathway until you get to the Bargara Beach camping ground at Neilson Park, all while keeping an eye out for the beautiful turtles painted on the bitumen. From here continue your ride along Holland Street until the start of the Mon Repos Turtle Cycle Track. Continue another 1.2km until you find Mon Repos Road. Turn left and then right into Rookery Road which will then lead you into the Reserve itself where you can ride through until it meets the start of the esplanade pathway. Follow this all the way to Burnett Heads for a longer ride and enjoy!

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Ride through Stanthorpe’s Granite Country

The beautiful Quart Pot Creek takes you through granite country and natural Australian bushland. You will pass through the town of Stanthorpe, and continues out through the south-west, where it meets Spring Creek to form the Severn River. Turn back whenever you want – just enjoy the scenery!

Best parking is at the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre (there is also an awesome kidspace with a monkey-themed playground) or park closer at the small parking lot where Rose St meets Anzac St at Heritage Park. From here you can follow the creekside pathway heading away from the town centre. You will eventually be lead to the not so “Red Bridge” which is a great spot for families to adventure.

If you are wanting to do a guided or self-guided bicycle tour while in Stanthorpe make sure to check out Granite Belt Bicycle Tours and Hire who have a great range of tours and hire bikes available in the area.

Take the whole family out riding!

Enjoy a family ride that is mostly on dedicated paths. Choose to ride up the gentle gradient of West Creek and back down East Creek at your own pace. There are many playgrounds and other points of interest to entertain children along the way. Why not pack lunch & a rug and enjoy a picnic during your ride – click here to find out what else to pack!

If you are new to cycling in the Toowoomba region, the council has created this handy guide which includes a map highlighting recreational routes and pathways. View it here.

Below is a picture from Kearneys Spring which you will pass on this cycle route – the perfect spot for that aforementioned picnic.

Yeppoon to Capricorn Resort is under 10km each way and a great ride for all skill levels. Starting from Yeppoon’s main beach, this ride is a perfect way to explore Yeppoon’s surrounding areas at a relaxing pace. From Yeppoon’s main beach, make your way up through Barlow Hills all the way to Capricorn Resort.

Related: First Turkey MTB Reserve

This part of Queensland is a hotspot for beautiful beaches and has warm temperatures all year round, so embrace the laidback lifestyle and get on your bike for a cruisy ride along the coastline!

Learn more about Yeppoon here.

If you’re in Mackay and looking for a leisurely ride to unwind, the Bluewater Trail is for you.

The Bluewater Trail is a shared pedestrian and bicycle pathway skirting around the city of Mackay, therefore making it perfect for sightseeing!

Not only is the trail great for sightseeing, but it also links to some of Mackay’s most popular attractions. Stop by the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens or the Bluewater Lagoon swimming facility for a relaxing end to your ride.

Check out the Bluewater Lagoon

Located in the heart of Mackay’s city centre, the Bluewater Lagoon is the perfect place to wind down after a fun relaxing ride. In fact, the three-tiered lagoons are free and family-friendly! Head to the Bluewater Lagoon late afternoon to watch the sunset over the picturesque Pioneer River.

The city area has plenty of on-street parking if you’re driving to the trail, as well as access for people with disabilities to the trail.

View the trail PDF here.

Taking the family on their first group ride? Check out our resources for first time riders here!

Swim, ride and play

Cairns Esplanade is a great hub of activity for the whole family to enjoy. Not only is it a leisurely ride, but the esplanade is also home to the Cairns Swimming Lagoon. The Cairns Swimming Lagoon is a wonderful gathering place for both locals and tourists to swim, sunbake and exercise. There is also The Esplanade Boardwalk, a place for little children and family to learn to swim and play.

Download the ride route from Cairns Esplanade to Lily Creek here.

Do you have kids riding with you? Make sure they know their bike basics before hopping on their bike. Explore our bike basic tips here.