When exploring a new city, you can cover more ground on two wheels! Newcastle is a very bike-friendly place – from leisurely cycle routes throughout the CBD to longer rides and mountain bike trails a little further afield, there’s plenty to keep bike enthusiasts of all ages and experience happy!
Newcastle has a large network of cycle paths – to see them all and plan your own route, check out our Newcastle Cycleways Map.
However, we’ve put together some of our favourite routes for visitors to explore our beautiful city, and experience what makes Newcastle so special.
Two route choices, 20km or 10km
The lowdown: Experience Newcastle via our stunning Bathers Way – a coastline shared path that connects Nobbys Beach and Merewether. Enjoy a leisurely cycle and the spectacular views!
Route: Both routes start in the CBD and take in Honeysuckle and Foreshore before joining Bathers Way and enjoying views of Nobbys Beach, Ocean Baths, Newcastle Beach and the Bogey Hole. From there you’ll journey towards Merewether and then cut back down Watkins Street to The Junction. The 10km route then heads back into town via Corlette Street, while the 20km route ventures towards Hamilton on Parkway Avenue and Dumaresq Street before visiting Islington, Maryville and taking the harbourside route back into the CBD.
22km (one way)
The lowdown: Discover inner-city Newcastle on quiet streets before hitting converted railway line the Fernleigh Track on this out-and-back ride. The Fernleigh Track takes in beautiful bushland and wetland, while former stations and railway memorabilia are visible.
Route: From the CBD head out on Laman Street, Parkway Avenue and Dumaresq Street, past the racecourse, before joining the Fernleigh Track next to Adamstown Train Station. Enjoy the converted railway line track and the 180m curved tunnel that takes you under the Pacific Highway.
25km loop
The lowdown: If you’re visiting Newcastle to decide whether or not this is the place for you to study, this is a great ride to take – cycle paths and quiet back streets take you past the University’s main Callaghan Campus.
Route: This loop mainly follows shared paths and backstreets, taking you out of the city via Honeysuckle and along the waterfront shared path through Wickham and Maryville before heading past Waratah Train Station and up to the Uni. The loop begins its inbound route towards Lambton and Broadmeadow before heading back into the city on Dumaresq Street.
12km (one way)
The lowdown: Explore the suburbs of Newcastle with this mixture of cycle paths and backstreets. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue from Wallsend to Glendale on the Tramway Track.
Route: From the CBD head out on Laman Street, Parkway Avenue and Dumaresq Street, past the racecourse, and then hit the back streets and cycle paths past McDonald Jones Stadium and through Lambton’s sports fields. Take the cycle path through Lambton and Jesmond Park before returning to back streets to get to Wallsend.
If you’re after something a little less straightforward, and enjoy the thrills and spills of mountain biking, then Glenrock National Park is for you!
You’ll find almost 35km of trails of varying difficulty, enough to keep you challenged for a day!
Car parking is available at the various entry points to the park, or you can cycle there, too.
Cycling is an excellent way to get around, save money, keep fit and reduce your impact on the environment. A bike trip of less than 5km can be even quicker than taking the car. Many of the key attractions in Newcastle are within a short bike trip of each other.
