Cycling
Set out for the one ride to rule them all in Victoria, on the Great Ocean Road with its wild coastal scenery, sheer limestone cliffs and beach resort towns.
Myriad microclimates
While the coastal road and its breathtaking views (best enjoyed mid-week during non-peak periods) will dominate your ride, be prepared to be blown away as you round bends and turns into lush inland pastures, dramatic rainforests, magnificent lakes, volcanic craters and steep sand dunes.
Cruising into coastal life
Get a unique perspective of the seaside resort towns and historic villages as you pedal through, from bustling metropolitan Geelong, elegant Queenscliff, surfy Torquay, upmarket Lorne and alternative Port Fairy.
Historic rail trails
Take advantage of the well-maintained rail trails around the region, which offer superb whistlestop history lessons of the region. Complete entire trails or opt for sections of the routes according to your ability and inclination.
Beechy and Bellarine are the most well-known, but you can also explore the Barwon River Trail, the Birregurra - Forrest 'Tiger' Rail Trail, Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail and the Camperdown to Timboon (Coast to Crater) Rail Trail.
Time your visit to spectate or participate in one of the first-class cycling events, like Around the Bay in a Day, the Amy Gillet Gran Fondo or the Otways Rainforest Ride.
Regional rides
Geelong (33 kilometres)
Explore the bustling Geelong waterfront then cycle along the shores of Corio Bay, along the Barwon River and Buckley Falls, through the tranquil Eastern Gardens and back to the waterfront.
Bellarine (98 kilometres)
Cycle the historic charm of the Bellarine Peninsula, including Point Lonsdale and the treacherous Rip, Ocean Grove, and the coastal dunes around Barwon Heads.
Bellarine Rail Trail (32.5 kilometres)
Cycle from Geelong to Queenscliff on a rail trail that takes in fine wineries, cafés and restaurants, fantastic beaches and magnificent landscapes.
Bells Beach (60 kilometres)
Cruise into Bells Beach on your sweet ride. Change scenery at the Ironbark Basin Reserve, the Lake Connewarre wetlands and the dunes at Breamlea.
[Those looking for an easier ride should consider Torquay’s Esplanade]
Surf Coast (65 kilometres)
Take to two wheels to check out the Bells Beach breaks and brave the Great Ocean Road. Turn into the heathlands of Anglesea and return to Torquay over Mount Duneed.
Forests and Flowers Ride (48 kilometres)
Hit the Great Ocean Road and through the back streets of Anglesea, to Mount Ingoldsby and into Angahook-Lorne State Park in spring for carpets of wildflowers.
Lorne Coast and Mountains Ride (35 kilometres)
Prepare to climb and climb before arriving victorious at Erskine Falls. Delve into the tall timber forests of the eastern Otway Ranges and back to Lorne for recharging.
Riding in the Otways (50 kilometres)
Explore the Great Otway National Park on this Forrest loop as you ride along a ridge to the fern-lined banks of King Creek against grey gums and Messmates.
Colac (78 kilometres)
Explore the region's many lakes and volcanic craters by bike and compare the deep blues to reddish tints of the fresh and salty waterways.
Warrnambool Promenade
Cycle to be seen along with the joggers, skaters and wanderers on Warrnambool’s Foreshore Promenade along the coastline to the famous Southern Right Whale Nursery.
Great Ocean Road (277 kilometres total)
Choose one stage of this epic ride according to interest and ability or train well in advance to complete the lot in either direction. Take in golden, sandy beaches, rainforests and rugged coast, being sure to check wind directions and safety information at all times.