Whether you prefer getting off-road and taking in the scenery, or you’re after a challenge and in for the long haul, there’s a smorgasbord of cycling trails awaiting your discovery in the Ballarat region.
Central Ballarat's natural highlights
It’s one of Ballarat’s most popular routes, so whether you’re feeling like taking it easy or looking to challenge your mates, we highly recommend the One Hour Coffee Ride.
Or admire some of Ballarat's most significant historical sites along the 9km Ballarat Heritage Ride.
Just want a relaxing pedal? No worries.
Check out the Lake Wendouree Loop Ride.
The loop includes the 6km Steve Moneghetti Track – a flat gravel shared trail around Lake Wendouree – with plenty of attractions and viewpoints along the way, including the Ballarat Tramway Museum, Ballarat Botanical Gardens and the Golden City Paddle Steamer.
If you've got energy to burn, there are optional extensions around Victoria Park and out to the Arch of Victory.
Cycle Ballarat's rural fringe
Fuel up at one of Ballarat’s many coffee spots and test yourself along the Ballarat to Mount Buninyong Road Loop.
If you’re really up for the challenge, then the four-hour Ballarat-Mount Buninyong-Daylesford-Ballarat Loop is the route for you.
Pack a picnic and check out the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail.
You’ll need a hybrid, cyclocross or mountain bike for this off-road adventure, which will see you meander through wide open grasslands, eucalypt forests and across historic bridges.
Opt for the full 118km trail or take it easy on the 44km ride to the historic village of Smythesdale and back.
Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails)
Djuwang Baring which means 'long track’ in the Dja Dja Wurrung language, is a network of 60 kilometres of mountain bike trails that start at Hammon Park and pass through the varied landscape of Creswick, about 15 minutes drive north of Ballarat.
Half the network has been completed, with the final 30km of trails due to open in late 2024.
Approx 30% of the network contains trails suitable for Adaptive Mountain Biking (sometimes referred to as 'off-road para-cycling'.
There's also a family-friendly pump track and shared use paths for walkers.
Downhill adventures
Thrill seekers will get their adventure fix from the downhill runs in Black Hill Reserve or the point-to-point 210km Goldfields Track for hikers and mountain bikers.
The Goldfields Track links Ballarat, Creswick, Daylesford and Castlemaine to Bendigo, making it the longest shared use track in Victoria.
