An in a single day bicycle journey – or bikepacking – is an incredible solution to uncover what’s simply past the doorstep. Right here’s our high picks for bikepacking routes in NSW.
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Bikepacking Routes in NSW
You don’t must lust over spray-on lycra or drool on the considered carbon-fibre to take pleasure in using a bicycle. Biking is probably the most accessible mode of transport on the planet and there’s no higher solution to discover stated planet than from the seat of a bicycle.
Under is a choice of bikepacking routes inside just a few hours of Sydney, all of that are accessible by public transport. The beginning and end areas are all at practice stations that may get you to and from the town shortly and tremendous low-cost. All of the tenting areas talked about are primary and are both free or value lest than a pub burger. Let’s go!
1. Lithgow to Mittagong (by way of Jenolan & Wombeyan Caves)
Distance: 210km
Period: 2-3 days
Campsite: Werong State Forest
A hefty mountainous route, this bikepacking journey from Lithgow to Mittagong meanders previous Jenolan Caves and thru the towering pines of Jenolan State Forest. Pitch up for the night time in Werong State Forest, earlier than placing tyre to grime once more on the Oberon-Colong Inventory Route by way of Mt Werong the following day.
Fly previous Wombeyan Caves and down into the valley at Wollondilly earlier than crunching it again up the hill to Mittagong.
Catch the practice to Lithgow station to start and find yourself at Mittagong station for the journey again to Sydney.
2. Bundeena to Kiama (by way of Royal Nationwide Park)
Distance: 120km
Period: 2 days
Campsite: Bass Level
The journey from Bundeena to Kiama follows the shoreline, offering an abundance of ocean views and sea breeze to fly via your hair.
Beginning on the northern finish of Royal Nationwide Park, comply with Bundeena Drive, Bertram Stevens Drive, and Girl Wakehurst Drive to the southern finish of the park.
Soar on the winding coastal street / bike path that meanders between the ocean and toppling cliffs of the Illawarra Escarpment to fly down the coast to Wollongong.
Follow the bike path because it saunters alongside the sand and sea, previous Windang, Shellharbour, and roll into the surf seashores of Kiama.
To get to the beginning of the journey, catch the ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena. The practice at Kiama will take you again to Sydney in just some hours.
Learn extra: Your Information to a Distinctive Journey Weekend in Kiama
Kiama Pool | @jonharris_photography
3. Yerrinbool to Kiama (by way of Bowral, Kangaroo Valley & Berry)
Size: 177km
Period: 2-3 days
Campsite: Bendeela
This bikepacking route begins within the Southern Highlands, and winds down the mountains all the way in which to the South Coast.
Beginning at Yerrinbool, comply with Outdated South Rd via farmland and into Bowral, the place you’ll be able to fill up on provides. Take Kangaloon out of Bowral and again into the countryside.
Learn extra: Glamping & Biking In Bowral (Excellent for Children)
You’ll cross by the village of Glenquarry, in addition to Wingecarribee Reservoir earlier than coming to an intersection with the Illawarra Freeway. Proceed straight via on Sheepwash Rd, passing via Avoca and arriving at Fitzroy Falls, a great place for a chunk to eat whilst you take a look at the waterfalls and equipment your self up for the massive descent.
Barrengarry Mountain is stuffed with twists and turns and lined in luscious sub-tropical rainforest. Glide down the mountain as you enter into Kangaroo Valley. You’ll know you’re there if you cross the historic Hampden Bridge!
Pitch up for the night time at Bendeela Recreation Space, simply exterior of city by Kangaroo River.
The following day, journey via city and head up Berry Mountain for scenic farm views again throughout the valley, earlier than rushing down the otherside into Berry itself. Deal with your self right here to a espresso and lunch, earlier than making the final break for it via Broughton Village, to the coast by way of Gerringong, ending up in Kiama.
4. Maitland to Newcastle (by way of the Hunter Valley & Dungog)
Distance: 143km
Period: 2 days
Campsite: Wallaroo State Forest
Pedal via the charming city of Maitland to the funky coastal metropolis of Newcastle, taking within the scenic great thing about the Hunter Valley and the luxurious landscapes of Dungog. This 143km path gives a mix of light vineyards, rolling hills, and inexperienced, inexperienced forests, offering a picturesque backdrop the entire means. With loads of quiet nation roads, you’ll really feel like the one one in world.
Spend the night time underneath the celebs in Wallaroo State Forest, and ensure to change off and take all of it in. The following day, proceed your journey in direction of Newcastle, the place you’ll be able to reward your self with a refreshing dip within the ocean and a well-deserved meal!
5. Canberra Loop (by way of Naas Hearth Path)
Size: 157km
Period: 2-3 days
Campsite: Camp anyplace!
Embark on an exhilarating loop across the nation’s capital, beginning and ending in Canberra. This 157km route by way of the Naas Hearth Path gives an exhilarating mixture of rugged trails, sweeping vistas, and secluded spots good for tenting.
Learn extra: The place To Journey, Run, and Rock Out in Canberra: A Native’s Information With Athlete and Muso Charlie Hamilton
With the liberty to pitch your tent virtually anyplace, you’ll be able to immerse your self within the pure great thing about the area at your personal tempo. Whether or not you resolve to deal with the loop in two days or take a extra leisurely three-day strategy, this journey guarantees a memorable expertise stuffed with the sights and sounds of the Australian bush.
Learn extra: Bear in mind to go away no hint!
6. Mooney Mooney to Windsor (by way of Wisemans Ferry)
Size: 130km
Period: 2 days
Set off from Mooney Mooney and journey to Windsor, navigating via the historic city of Wisemans Ferry. This 130km route takes you alongside scenic riverbanks and thru serene nationwide parks, providing an ideal mix of nature and historical past. Passing via Berowra Valley Nationwide Park and Ku-Ring-Gai-Chase Nationwide Park will problem your willpower to stay to your deliberate route as there’s a lot nice surroundings to take pleasure in!
Camp in a single day in one of many many nationwide parks alongside the way in which, (or hit up a mate for lodgings on their sofa!) to catch some relaxation in a single day. The next day, proceed your journey in direction of Windsor, soaking within the picturesque landscapes and the wealthy heritage of the Hawkesbury area. Don’t overlook your bandana!
Notice: there bookings are sometimes required for campsites in nationwide parks in NSW so remember to test this earlier than you head out.
7. Berrima to Goulburn (by way of Belanglo State Forest)
Size: 150km
Period: 2 days
Campsite: Tarlo River Nationwide Park
Begin your journey within the historic village of Berrima and make your solution to Goulburn, passing via the dense woods of Belanglo State Forest. This 150km route gives a mixture of difficult trails and serene countryside, making for an thrilling and rewarding bikepacking expertise.
Spend the night time in Tarlo River Nationwide Park, the place you’ll be able to loosen up by the river and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. On the second day, proceed your journey in direction of Goulburn, taking within the expansive views and the wealthy biodiversity of the area.
Undecided what to pack? Take a Have a look at Tom Connell’s Bikepacking Journey Rig
8. Yass to Canberra (by way of Wee Jasper)
Size: 170km
Period: 2 days
Campsite: Bondo State Forest
Embark on a scenic journey from Yass to Canberra, passing via the quaint village of Wee Jasper. This 170km route winds via picturesque valleys and rugged terrain, providing an ideal mixture of journey and pure magnificence.
Camp in a single day in Bondo State Forest, the place the tranquil atmosphere and star-filled sky create an ideal backdrop for a restful night time. The following day, proceed your journey in direction of Canberra, having fun with the varied landscapes and the sense of accomplishment as you strategy the capital metropolis.
Need to stick round longer? A Vacation Park Would possibly Be the Excellent Alternative
Important Gear for Bikepacking
Crucial factor to recollect right here is that costly gear isn’t important! In truth, with some artful Gumtree buying and a few cheeky borrowings from pals, you possibly can get every part you want for a bikepacking weekend for lower than $100.
The primary issues to get your fingers on are;
- your bike
- a rack (which sits on the again)
- two rear panniers to place your worldly weekend possessions into
For tenting you’ll want;
- tent or hammock
- sleeping bag
- recent change of heat garments
- loads of meals and water
- first assist equipment
- transportable gasoline cooker (together with pots, pans and so on)
Extra equipment ought to embrace;
- digicam
- bike spares
- a map!
- duct tape
- cable ties
It is best to by no means step out the entrance door with out these (and your bike restore equipment!) in your possession – whether or not you’re Macgyver or not.
In Case You Weren’t Convinced Already, Here Are 10 Reasons To Love Bikepacking
- It’s ridiculously low-cost
- It’s superbly uncomplicated
- Getting utterly misplaced in your personal dreamworld of thought and that immense feeling of freedom
- Really connecting with Mom Nature (with out a window between you and the world)
- It retains you match as a fiddle
- Offers a problem to beat and a way of feat as soon as you’ve performed it
- You’re doing all your bit for carbon emissions
- Tenting within the wild, cooking within the woods, and sleeping at no cost on the million star lodge
- It’ll restore your religion in humanity
- Anybody can do it – simply decide a smart distance!
FAQs In a single day Bikepacking Routes in NSW
What different in a single day bikepacking routes can I do in NSW?
There are heaps of bikepacking routes in NSW to take pleasure in. Contemplate the Thirstypacker Threehundo, bikepack from Canberra to Batemans Bay, hit up the Boboyan Divide, or take it up a notch on the Hunt 1000, or Gronk 690.
Are there shorter day rides I can do in NSW?
In fact! Go for a lazy meander round Lake Burley Griffin, hit up the greatest mountain trails in Canberra, or go grime browsing at Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park.
What’s the perfect place to go mountain bike using in Sydney?
Ooft there’s a can of worms! Everybody has their very own private favorite however we gathered these collectively and put them in a helpful checklist of the perfect mountain bike trails in Sydney. Test it out!
How do I do know the place to place my tent when bikepacking?
Ensuring you’re tenting legally is step primary! When you’ve performed that, it’s all about selecting the proper spot. Try our information to selecting the best place to arrange your tent for every part you must know.
Desk of Contents picture shot by @patcorden
