A guide to Brisbane's best bike rides

Mother and son riding on Norman Creek Bikeway

So many Brisbanites are making the most of our bike paths and local rides, whether it's for getting around or staying fit.

To help you take your riding adventures to the next gear, we've compiled a list of the best Brisbane bike rides and paths to try. This list offers something for everyone - easy riders, sightseers, families, scenery-seekers, mountain-climbers and more.

Best bike ride for beginners - Kangaroo Point Bikeway

Want a leisurely and safe ride that isn't too difficult, but gives you plenty of sights along the way? Then Kangaroo Point Bikeway might be just the ride for you.

Beginning at Captain Burke Park, beneath the Story Bridge, this stress-free stretch connects to the Woolloongabba Bikeway and the CBD. You can enjoy over 3-kilometres of scenic riverside riding along the way.

As you ride along the scenic Kangaroo Point Bikeway, be sure to take a detour to the newly opened Kangaroo Point Bridge. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the river and city from viewing platforms and rest areas. Take the time to snap some photos, catch your breath, and enjoy the scenery.

If you’re loving the ride, continue past the leafy South Bank Parklands towards West End via the Riverside Drive Bikeway. More river views and shady greenspaces await you.

The ride is free of cars, with plenty of scenic spots to enjoy and a flat route that’s great for all fitness levels. Simply pick your pace and distance. You don’t need your own bike either - e-bikes are available for hire across the CBD. Download the Lime or Beam app and register to get going.

Best riverside rides - Indooroopilly Riverwalk and Lores Bonney Riverwalk

Looking to avoid the inner city hustle and bustle? Why not opt for the Indooroopilly Riverwalk or Lores Bonney Riverwalk.

The Indooroopilly Riverwalk is a peaceful 790-metre path along the river. It offers a two-way, separated path with a leafy, quiet river outlook. For a longer ride, continue on to the University of Queensland and see the best of the west!

The Lores Bonney Riverwalk reaches along the river from Portside Hamilton to Cameron Rocks Reserve near Breakfast Creek. The 1.2-kilometre bike path, named after Brisbane's aviation pioneer Maude 'Lores' Bonney, has separate lanes for two-way traffic. This means the kids will have fewer obstacles as they learn to wrangle their handlebars.

Best suburban seaside rides - Sandgate and Wynnum foreshores

Whether you're team north or south, take a city break and ride along some of the best coastlines Brisbane has to offer. With water play areas, greenspace, markets and cafes aplenty, these two spots make a great day out.

The 10-kilometre stretches of foreshore from Wynnum to Lota or along Sandgate both provide spectacular views of Moreton Bay. Great for families, these tracks are also popular with seasoned riders, with options for on-road or shared pathways.

Press pause on the pedalling and visit the Jan Powers Farmers Markets in Manly on Saturdays. You can find locally made gifts, fresh produce, and international foodie treats. Afterward, enjoy a fish and chip lunch at one of the many beachfront cafes along the stretch.

In Sandgate, plan a visit to Lover's Walk with a special someone. Enjoy the beautiful view of the bay and the public art along the trail. You can also stop for a romantic picnic on the way.

Most popular bike ride - Brisbane River Loop

Fancy yourself a bike enthusiast? Have a crack at the Brisbane River Loop.

This ride is perfect for cycling enthusiasts. It covers about 40 kilometres of bikeways and on-road routes. The path takes you through popular areas, including South Brisbane, Brisbane City, Milton, Toowong, St Lucia, and West End.

This ride is hands-down Brisbane's most popular loop for bike riders with a bit more experience. Expect plenty of choice for coffee stops along the way!

Best bike rides for getting around the CBD - Bicentennial Bikeway and CityLink Cycleway

This popular bikeway has multiple entry points, from the Goodwill Bridge to Toowong. A great way to access Brisbane’s inner west and CBD, it’s perfect for commuting or simply exploring. The bikeway, often called a ‘superhighway’ for cyclists, starts at the foot of the Goodwill Bridge. It provides a flat, traffic-free ride along the river to Toowong, with direct links to Queen Street Mall, Milton, and Toowong.

The CityLink Cycleway is a 2-kilometre network of bikeways through the CBD, designed for easy, active travel. It connects major spots like South Bank, the City Botanic Gardens, and other key bikeways around Brisbane. This makes getting around the city simple and sustainable.