On your bike!
Great bike rides in and around Geelong and the Bellarine.
Sunny days and cooler temperatures make for perfect cycling weather.
And when it comes to bike rides, Ashbury residents are spoilt for choice, with nearly 20kms of bike and walking trails around the estate. Added to this, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula are also home to some truly magnificent riding tracks and trails.
Spread throughout the area, these offer you anything from a leisurely pedal to a challenging circuit, every one of them offering up picture-perfect vistas.
Here are several of our favourites catering to every level of skill and experience for you to choose from.
Casual Weekend Cyclists.
If you’re feeling energetic, take the 33 kilometre Geelong Trail and explore bustling Geelong Waterfront before cycling along the shores of Corio Bay, along the Barwon River and Buckley Falls, through the tranquil Eastern Gardens and back to the waterfront.
For an abridged version, the 12.5 kilometre Bay Trail follows the foreshore of Corio Bay from Rippleside Park in Drumcondra to Eastern Beach, which features a range of sights and attractions including the Baywalk Bollards scattered along the Geelong foreshore and the Carousel.
The Barwon River Trail takes cyclists along 20 kilometres of sealed paths along both banks of the river, while history fans and foodies will enjoy the Bellarine Rail Trail. Cycle along part or all of the 35-kilometre trail linking South Geelong to Queenscliff following the historical railway line, taking in fine wineries, cafes and restaurants, spectacular coastal views, fantastic beaches and magnificent landscapes along the way.
Mountain biking.
Adventurous mountain bike riders should head to the You Yangs Regional Park which boasts over 50 kilometres of designated, exciting and environmentally sustainable trails that cater for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Its purpose-built XC and downhill trails are split into two main areas. The Western Plantation includes a 30-kilometre single-track loop, while the Stockyards has 35 kilometres of downhill rides and XC trails. Choose your level and have yourself a gnarly ride!
The diverse terrain throughout the region also means there are also plenty of other places to get off-road including the Waurn Ponds Trail, running almost 6.5 kilometres along the Waurn Ponds Creek, through the Waurn Ponds Valley Parkland to Belmont, and the 12kilometre Ted Wilson Trail which follows the alignment of the Geelong Ring Road from Corio to Herne Hill. Or head to the beach, and cycle alongside the dunes between Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.
Road Cycling Options.
For the seasoned roadie, there are also plenty of amazing routes to choose from. Take your pick from some spectacular options including…
Geelong to Torquay. 52.98 km, 3-hour ride.
Geelong to Bells Beach. 81.27 km, 5-hour ride.
Bellarine Peninsula Loop. 115.49 km, 6-hour ride.
Geelong to Lorne.140.51 km, 6-hour ride.
So many trails, so much fun! So what are you waiting for?