Jump on your bike and take in some stunning scenery in and around Geelong and the Bellarine region.
World renowned coastlines and ever-changing hinterlands accompany a wealth of cafes, accommodation and restaurants – all accessible by bike!
Bellarine Rail Trail – 32.5km
The railway was originally opened in 1879 to assist in the defence of Port Phillip Bay from a potential Russian invasion, and later proved useful to carry visitors to Queenscliff until the line’s closure nearly 100 years later.
Begin on the outskirts of Geelong at the showgrounds, taking a gentle incline until you reach the halfway point of Drysdale. You will be rewarded with stunning views back across Geelong, north to Corio Bay and finally the You Yangs. Leave the restored Drysdale railway and ride along the historic Bellarine Peninsula Railway – you may even have the chance to race one of the vintage trains that operate along the railway regularly! Enjoy beautiful birdlife and vibrant wildflowers along the way as you spend approximately 2.5 hours cruising from South Geelong to Queenscliff. This 32.5 kilometre trail will leave you feeling tired but content!
North Geelong Bay Tour – 34.4km
Taking riders through the leafy northern suburbs of Geelong and then cutting back to the sparkling waters of Corio Bay, the North Geelong Bay Tour is an easy ride for those that need a laid back but insightful ride around the area. Make your way through Drumcondra, Lovely Banks, Rippleside, Bell Post Hill, Hamlyn Heights and North Shore.
Barrabool Hills Tour – 72.8km
This challenging ride takes you through the picturesque Barrabool Hills to enjoy stunning views of Geelong. Heading west along Barrabool Road then south on Hendy Main Road, you will encounter a wonderful variety of rolling hills and green landscapes. Riding just past Mount Moriac Recreation Reserve, Modewarre Recreation Reserve, Gnarwarre Recreation Reserve and Barwon River Streamside Reserve, there are plenty of beautiful sites to stop for a drink or snack and soak up the views.
Bellarine Bay Tour – 80.9km
Incorporating breathtaking vineyards, rural views and stunning Bellarine beaches, the Bay Tour begins in Geelong and takes you through Curlewis, Bellarine, Portarlington and Indented Head to St Leonards, Swan Bay, Mannerim, Leopold and Newcomb, this is a medium difficulty ride that will spend some energy and showcase some of the region’s best sites.
Tour de Bellarine – 104.5km
Similar to the Bellarine Bay Tour but with an additional 20 plus kilometres, the medium–difficulty Tour de Bellarine takes riders from Geelong down Portarlington Road to Jetty Road and through to Clifton Springs, Portarlington and Indented Head, as on the Bellarine Bay Tour. From there, make your way to St Leonards and Bluff Road, passing through Swan Bay on Queenscliff Road, heading down to Queenscliff itself and back through Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove. The home stretch will take you along the Bellarine Highway through Wallington and Leopold, finally reaching Newcomb and ending back in Geelong proper. Photo-worthy waterfront roads, picturesque wineries and historic villages will decorate your ride and leave you feeling content and exhausted.
Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race – 115km
Here’s one for experienced riders. Inspired by one-day classics in Europe, this challenging course takes victims from Geelong to Charlemont, Barwon Heads and along the coast through Connewarre, before heading inland and back towards the Breamlea seaside. Meet ocean views again as you reach Torquay, Jan Juc and Bells Beach, and inland again to Paraparap, Moriac, Gnarwarre and Barrabool, through to the ‘burbs of Highton, Newtown and Geelong. The course marked cycling legend Cadel Evans’s final professional race in 2015 and is now the location of several elite and family rides each year.
Visit www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au/things-to-do/on-your-bike for more information and ideas!
