Cycle South East Queensland: Islands, Beaches & Rail Trails

1. Tag: Brisbane

Welcome to Brisbane, Queensland’s cosmopolitan capital and gateway to some of the best beaches and hinterlands in the state. Meet your fellow cyclists and guide at 11am for a brief group meeting then it’s time to saddle up and enjoy your first ride as you cycle the Brisbane River Loop which includes a combination of bikeways and on-road riding. Return to the city in the late afternoon with ample time to explore the local area. Why not go out for an evening meal and get to know the rest of your riding group better? Your local leader can suggest the best places to eat and drink in and around the city.

Optional Activities:
Riverlife Water Bike Hire (30 mins) - AUD39

Special Information:
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

If you have arranged for the hire of a bicycle, your leader will assist you in preparing the bike before your first cycling activity. If you are planning to stay on after the trip and require a bicycle, please discuss this with your tour leader today.

Today's mostly flat riding distance is approximately 35 km with 320 m of elevation gain on sealed road and bike paths.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Brisbane River Loop Cycling

2. Tag: North Stradbroke Island

After an early breakfast, grab your bike and head to the train station for the short trip to Cleveland before boarding the ferry (approximately 30 minutes) to laidback North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), the world’s second largest sand island. After the ferry traffic has dissipated, make your way up the undulating East Coast Road (pretty much the only paved road across the island) past endless eucalyptus trees before arriving at the untouched beaches that North Straddie is famous for. Perhaps grab a quick coffee and cake as you take in beautiful Cylinder Beach then continue on to Point Lookout and the seemingly endless views down the golden sands of Main Beach.

Take the time to appreciate the rich and fascinating indigenous history of the island and the local Quandamooka people, dating back at least 21,000 years, on a one-hour cultural walk and talk around the headland at Point Lookout. Afterwards perhaps take a quick dip in the azure water before riding back to Dunwich. Relax on the ferry back to the mainland then return to Brisbane where you’ll have a free evening to either unwind or further explore this beautiful city.

Special Information:
Today's riding distance is approximately 43 km with an undulating 500 m of elevation gain on sealed road.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
North Stradbroke Island Cycling
Point Lookout Indigenous Cultural Walk

3. Tag: Küstenradtour nach Noosa

Start early with a drive north to Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast. While your group leader takes your luggage on to Noosa for you, hit the patrolled beach, visit the community market, or grab a quick bite to eat in this friendly beachside village. Once you guide returns, it’s time to ride north along the Surf Beaches Trail, an off-road coastal pathway that follows the Pacific through laidback seaside towns towards Noosa Heads National Park. From here, take the flat Noosa River Trail with its mix of on- and off-road riding as you follow the river inland before joining the North Shore Wilderness Trail. Take the punt across the river and ride the flat and quiet road through the Great Sandy National Park to Noosa’s North Shore beach. This serene yet stunning beach is the perfect place to relax before riding back to Noosa, your home for the night.

Special Information:
Today's total driving distance is 1.5 hours. Today’s riding distance is approximately 39 km of undulating then flat terrain with 300 m of elevation gain on sealed road and gravel paths.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Noosa Surf Beaches Trail Cycling

4. Tag: Brisbane Valley Rail Trail nach Linville

After breakfast, take a scenic drive into the hinterland, stopping along the way for spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains. From here, continue inland to the tiny country town of Yarraman, the start point for your next 2 days’ riding along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail which is currently the longest rail trail in Australia. Enjoy the lack of traffic as the only sounds you’ll hear are bellbird calls and your tyres crunching on the gravel. Along the way, stop at the historic Benarkin culvert before the trail emerges from the forest to allow great views of the Brisbane River Valley, descending through red soil and open country to the tiny rural town of Linville and it’s atmospheric pub which has been serving beer since 1904. What better place to relax after a good day’s ride?

Special Information:
Today's driving time is approximately 2.5 hours. Today’s riding distance is approximately 47 kilometres on undulating then downhill terrain with 200 m of elevation gain on traffic-free dirt and gravel paths.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
2 days Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling
Glass House Mountains Drive

5. Tag: Brisbane Valley Rail Trail - Brisbane

Your last day of cycling sees you leave the hills and sleepy Linville behind and head south back along the Brisbane River Rail Trail, cycling through flat farming land and the small town of Moore and on to Harlin, crossing the Harlin Rail Bridge, the only surviving concrete and steel railway bridge on the Brisbane Valley railway line. Stop for refreshments in town then head further south, riding through the only railway tunnel on the Brisbane Valley line, the 100 metre-long heritage-listed Yimbun Railway Tunnel, before you cruise into Toogoolawah where your cycling concludes. From here it is a short drive back to Brisbane, where your South East Queensland cycling adventure finishes on arrival.

Special Information:
Today’s driving distance is 1.5 hours. Today's riding distance is approximately 35 kms on undulating traffic-free dirt and gravel paths with 250 m of elevation gain.

If you'd like to stay on longer, additional accommodation can be arranged.