The classic, the one, the only. The Centennial Parklands are the perfect place for cruising with a picnic blanket in tow – with over 189 hectares of wide open green space, ponds, forests and even golfing greens, you can enjoy something new each time you pop by. The parklands are made up of three parks, Centennial Park, Moore Park and Queens Park and are hugely popular with cyclists of all kinds, especially with families as it’s easy to park the car and get the little ones out and on the move!View this post on Instagram
Do your own triathlon if you dare down in Manly, where you can run, cycle and swim across protected ocean reserves, national park and through the heart of Manly’s shopping precinct. Simply hop the famed Manly ferry from Sydney Harbour (right by our Sydney Harbour YHA, which has secure bike storage for you!) and ride right down the Steyne and to the beach bike path.View this post on Instagram
One of Sydney’s oldest bike trails, you can follow the Cooks river all the way from Ryde to the sea. Start wherever you’d like and follow the 30km winding trail all the way through Ryde to Botany Bay, passing Rhodes, heading through the beautiful Bicentennial Park in Homebush, and wrapping up in Kyeemagh. Passing through some of Sydney’s oldest suburbs and close to plenty of delish food and bevvie spots, you’ll want to dedicate a day to meander down this slow and steady ride!View this post on Instagram
Up for a challenge? This iconic cycle route will get you wanting to wear your best lycra, get that fitted helmet, and pack water… lots of water. This huge route takes you up and down the winding hills and dips of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where you’ll brave the infamous Spit Road, the Bilgola Bends, and cruise downhill to the stunning reserves and bays of Pittwater.View this post on Instagram
Another Northern Beaches gem, the Narrabeen lagoon loop won’t leave you quite as knackered and is the perfect spot for cruising. A 16km loop, or 8.6km one way, you can plan your trip to start or finish by the many cafes and restaurants on Pittwater Road – ‘cause everyone deserves a treat after a big ride, right? This track is adored by the locals, and you’ll find families with prams, fur babies and kayaks on your way, so get ready for a bit of stop-start if you’re there on a Saturday morning.View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Keen to keep it close to the city? Sydney Park and the famous Bay Run are two bike-friendly loops are two options within a 15min drive from the CBD, close to Sydney Central YHA and easily accessible by train and light rail.
The Bay run is the perfect excuse to stay close to the water, and see both ANZAC Bridge and the Harbour Bridge all from Sydney’s hip Inner West suburbs, and if you’re up for some doggo cuddles, make sure to head to Sydney Park in the afternoon, this off leash park is filled to the brim with good boys and girls who love to say hello to passersby.
If you’re heading out of town, why not give the Narrowneck Trail a go? A short ride from Katoomba Station and Blue Mountains – Katoomba YHA, Narrowneck has certainly earned its name, with parts of the path so slim you’ll feel like you’re cycling in the clouds, especially on a foggy day! Recently opened after the 2019-20 bushfires, you’ll still find some changes to the landscape, but with fluffy trees growing back and stunning views of the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary, it’s worth the train ride out of town!
It’s easy being green when you stay with YHA – our hostels are packed full of energy-efficient and water-saving features like solar panels, rainwater tanks and recycling facilities.
YHA is a not-for-profit organisation. This doesn’t mean we don’t make money – it means we’re constantly re-investing back into our hostels to meet the needs of our guests.