Great Brisbane bike routes

Cycling tracks for fun and fitness
More like this:
cyclist
share this - email, favourites, social bookmarks and more

Brisbane City Council has built more than 900km of bikeways across the city for easy travel and enjoyable recreation.

Cycle around Brisbane and explore our

The river ride experience

Refer to map 5

One of the best ways to explore the Brisbane River is by bicycle. The Bicentennial Bikeway, built in 1988, is flat and follows the river from the CBD along Coronation Drive to Toowong. Stop for a coffee at Park Road, Milton or simply take in the sights as you enjoy the river. If you only feel like cycling in one direction, why not hop on the CityCat at either the University of Queensland or North Quay to make the return journey? For other river rides closer to the city, phone Council's Call Centre on 07 3403 8888 for a copy of the Brisbane Bicycle Experience Guide.

See the Brisbane City Council bikeways page for all available maps of Brisbane bikeways.

Bicentennial Bikeway

The Bicentennial Bikeway upgrade is on schedule with stage one complete and stage two about to begin. The Bicentennial Bikeway is Brisbane’s busiest bikeway and is an important link in Brisbane’s bicycle and pedestrian network.

Stage two works will be completed in two phases:

  • Hale Street (North Quay - Cribb St underpass) from 22 - 26 March and 29 March
  • Bicentennial (between Park Road and the Lang Parade ramp) from 30 March - 1 April.

All work will be completed between 9.00am and 3.30pm.

For more information on the Bicentennial Bikeway project, visit the Brisbane City Council website, contact Council on 3403 8888 or email bikewayprojects [at] brisbane [dot] qld [dot] gov [dot] au

The Moreton Bay bicycle experience

Wynnum Manly Esplanade

Refer to map 6

Explore southern Moreton Bay by cycling along the Wynnum-Manly foreshore between Elanora Park and Fig Tree Point at Lota. A great place to relax and take an easy ride while enjoying the coastal views and summer sea breezes. Put your bike on a train to Lota, Manly, Wynnum Central or Wynnum Stations then cycle to the foreshore via quiet local streets.

Sandgate / Shorncliffe

Refer to map 1

The Sandgate Foreshores provide safe and convenient access along Moreton Bay from Decker Park at Brighton to Cabbage Tree Creek at Shorncliffe. This area has one of Brisbane's most picturesque bikeways, winding past tidal flats where birds and crabs live. You can even take a dip in the swimming pool by the sea. From Shorncliffe, the Kerry Fien Bikeway takes you all the way to Boondall Wetlands via Curlew Park and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. You can access the foreshores from Redcliffe by cycling across the Hornibrook Bridge. Closest railway stations are Sandgate and Shorncliffe.

Boondall Wetlands

Refer to map 3

Boondall Wetlands, located on the northern side of Brisbane, lie on the edge of Moreton Bay between Nudgee Beach, Boondall and Shorncliffe. The area includes more than 1000 hectares of tidal flats, mangroves, salt marshes, melaleuca wetlands, grasslands, open forests and woodlands. The wetlands offer flat, sealed pathways for cycling, walking trails and a visitors' centre with activities for all ages including cycling adventures, guided walks, art and craft workshops. Birdwatching is a popular activity here with migratory wader birds stopping off on their journey from the Northern Hemisphere between September and March.

The university bicycle experience

Griffith University - Nathan Campus

Refer to maps 8 and 12

Cycling is a great way to commute to and from Griffith University's Nathan campus located 10 kilometres south of the CBD. Access the uni by bike via the South East Freeway bikeway or cycle underpass from Mount Gravatt Campus. New bike lanes along Troughton Road provide access from Coopers Plains, Robertson and Sunnybank. The Nathan Campus also adjoins Toohey Forest with many walking trails, picnic and play areas.

The University of Queensland

Refer to map 8

Established in 1910, the University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia's largest universities. The St Lucia campus occupies a magnificant 114-hectare site on the banks of the Brisbane River, seven kilometres from the city's heart. It features a number of heritage-listed buildings, parks and sporting facilities that are available to the public. Take a ferry from the south side of the river or cycle to the university from the CBD using the Bicentennial Bikeway.

Qut - Gardens Point campus

Refer to map 5

Located in the CBD, the Queensland University of Technology has convenient cycle access from the south via the Goodwill Bridge, west via Bicentennial Bikeway and east via Botanical Gardens and Riverwalk. The campus, situated next to the river, also features historical buildings such as Old Parliament House. Secure bicycle parking is available on campus for QUT students. For further details contact the QUT Parking Office on 07 3864 2225.

Explore Brisbane's suburbs by bicycle

Tarragindi

Refer to map 8

Located between Lawrie Street and Laura Street in Tarragindi, the Tarragindi shared pathway is now complete, connecting you to amenities in Salisbury, Nathan and Tarragindi, and giving you easy access to the CBD.

Use the Tarragindi shared pathway to:

  • experience Brisbane’s suburban bushland in Toohey Forest by bike or on foot
  • cycle or walk to local services and destinations such as schools, shops and parks
  • connect with Griffith University and the V1 Bikeway.

Features of the Tarragindi shared pathway

  • 2.6 kilometres in length
  • Walking track in Toohey Forest upgraded to include a 3 metre wide, off-road shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists
  • A pedestrian and bicycle refuge on Toohey Road to provide a safe crossing of this highly trafficked road
  • A signed route through local streets and off-road from Toohey Road to Cracknell Street

Carindale

Refer to map 9

Carindale is one of Brisbane's seven major centres. It offers a wide range of community services such as a Council library, Regional Business Centre, medical and dental services, and entertainment including cinemas, dining and shopping. It is situated on the Bulimba Creek bikeway and has safe bikeway access. Bicycle parking facilities are located throughout the centre.

Stones Corner

Refer to map 5

One of Council's first Suburban Centre Improvement Projects (SCIPs), Stones Corner is close to Buranda Railway station and is a great area to explore on bike. It is located at the junction of two of Brisbane's most frequently used bikeways - South East Freeway Bikeway and Norman Creek Bikeway. Stones Corner is well known for its shopping bargains. Park your bike at the newly installed racks located in convenient areas throughout the centre while browsing the many fashion and retail warehouses. Cycling is an ideal way to access the centre.

Nundah Village Centre

Refer to map 3

Nundah Commercial Centre includes Toombul Shoppingtown and Nundah Village that offer a wide range of services including Centrelink, entertainment, food and shopping. Bicycle parking facilities are available at Nundah and Toombul train stations. Sandgate Road bike lanes provide access from the north and through the centre. Kedron Brook bikeway, consisting of about 28km of bikeways, adjoins the southern car park. The revitalisation of Nundah Village, through Council's SCIPs program, includes bike lanes through the shopping centre.

What's your favourite Brisbane bike route? Add your comments below.

Worth a click…

Comments

We welcome the posting of fair and honest comments on all kinds of subjects on ourbrisbane.com. Read our comments user guidelines to find out more.
When posting a comment, you agree to be bound by our terms and conditions.

Allister from Wynnum says:

I wouldn't be too proud of those 'bikeway' maps. They look more like a dropped plate of macaroni than any sort of comprehensive network.

Report this comment
Damian from New Farm says:
3

Why are all the maps broken into little pieces? I understand the need with the printed ones but for the PDF versions it would be better if it was just one big map so we can scroll around and zoom in on places.

Report this comment
Synchromedia from Kuraby says:
5

We rode from the Meadowlands Rd Picnic ground along the Bulimba Creek Bike way (ref map 9) and it was a fantastic ride.

Our kids (4 and 6yrs) easily negotiated the hilly sections. We rode 7 KM and return with lunch at Carindale Shopping Centre for good measure
I would recommend this ride

Paul
http://www.smg.com.au

Report this comment
Gwen Locking from marsden says:

Is it possible to ride from nudgee to redlands via bikeway?have been told this is possible but cannot find a map route across the river.

Report this comment
Al from Strathpine says:

What was the answer to Gwens question?

Report this comment
Courtney from BARDON says:

I agree with Damien, it would be much easire if it was just on big map as well as little broken up pieces. so it is easier to see how to get from one to the next.

Report this comment
Deb from Keperra says:

I'd like to see a google map that has the Bikeways highlighted.
The Pdf version is too difficult to match up suburbs.

Report this comment
skip from sunnybank/calamvale says:
2

what about a good route from sunnybank to southbrisbane? does anybody know of such a thing?

what does BCC class as off road also? the footpath?

Report this comment
Crazy from Ascot says:

I agree with the first comment. These paths are useless for commuting to work. There is no direct route to the cbd just random paths here and there.
If the govt. was serious about this they would put in a decent and safe commuter route.

Report this comment
CyclingCivy from Thornlands says:

I would like to know the answer to Gwens question

Report this comment
Estelle from Deception Bay says:

Like Deb, I'd also like to see a google map that has the Bikeways highlighted.
The Pdf version is too difficult to match up suburbs. Will this be possible for you and if so, when?

Report this comment
Paul from ourbrisbane says:

Gwen and others,

Thanks for your query regarding riding from Nudgee to Redlands.

The missing piece of the puzzle appears to be the Gateway Bridge duplication, which will include a designated bikeway. Once this is completed this journey should be possible.

The Bridge duplication should be completed by mid-2011.

All the best
Paul

Report this comment
Deep Green Heart from Nundah says:

There dynamic maps available on brisbane council's website at http://myneighbourhood.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

If you expand the council facilities tab you can isolate the bikeway routes.

You can drag / zoom etc, but you can also print any screen you like.

Report this comment
Tine from Denmark says:

Does anyone know if it's possible to bike from Nathan to Albion?
I know it would be a really long bike ride, but I can't figure out whether it's possible or not.

Report this comment
shano from wellington point says:
2

I would Like to see the Cycle ways developed as they are in Perth it makes the riding experence fun and very safe. The cycle paths are all hot mix and you can fit 160 bike riders on them in one go this I can say is an impresive sight. The rides for the week from all clubs and assocations are all put in the Western Australian News paper on Friday. We could all take a leaf Western counterparts.

Report this comment
Neal from Brookfield says:
2

I agree with the comments about the maps being broken into small pieces. They are also well out of date. Surely with modern software the BCC can regularly update the cycle routes and offer a number of options to display and print e.g map of whole of Brisbane and also discrete localities.

Report this comment
Bazza from Manly says:
2

Gwen/ Al

No. The Moreton Bay Cycleway does not cross the Brisbane River. Yet . . .

The Gateway Bridge Duplication will include a Pedestrian Cycle Lane (4.25m) which will become part of the Moreton Bay Cycleway.

Report this comment
northsider from boondall says:
2

that myneighbourhood site was excellent - once i worked out how to get the bikeways and the roads up at the same time :)

but it was just depressing to see all those red lines (few orange (off-road) lines) and frustrating to see how they don't link up. how is a person to get from boondall to the city? pull up quickly before the nundah tunnel and fly over it? when will the gaps be filled in?

Report this comment
John from Kedron says:
2

Painting a white line and a bicycle on a road does not make a safe bikeway....motorists just ignore them...using so called bikeways is tantamount to suicide. Off road bikeways are poorly maintained and go from nowhere to nowhere..The whole "network" is a sick joke!!!

Report this comment
Ian from Paddington says:
1

To bad the dynamic map is quite out of date.

Report this comment
Steve from Deagon says:
2

I ride the shorncliffe track 3 times a week it is great, riding to nudgee beach is always good as well and occasionally i ride from shorncliffe along the water front into redcliffe and maybe to scarborough or woody point, and great maps but there should be a big map where u can zoom and scroll.

Report this comment
Cate from St Lucia says:
2

Is there a group I can join to go for rides? I'm an exchange student from Vancouver and would love some company while here:)

Report this comment
Scottj from Brisbane says:

Hi Cate
You might consider joining K2extreme. Google it. They do regular social rides around the city and its a great way to meet like minded people and learn the network of paths. If your after a roadie bunch there are plenty that leave from Southbank and around Park rd every morning of the week.

Report this comment
Ashley from Banyo says:
2

For those interested in a more readable map style, consider checking out the OpenCycleMap (Here's a direct link to Brisbane.)

It's based on OpenStreetMap — the user-generated map — and while it's not necessarily as comprehensive as the official Brisbane cycle maps in some areas, it's generally more up to date and includes extra things like water fountains and bike racks. Give it a look. ^_^

Report this comment
christy says:
2

Thank you so so so much Ashley from Banyo for putting me onto the open cycle map. What an amazing free service. Not only does this help me get about all over Brisbane, but I can plan my European cycling tour as well.
Check it out everyone - its awesome.

Report this comment
Richard from Ferny Grove says:
2

I have recently moved up here and am a bit disappointed that the Kedron Brook cycleway doesn't go all the way out to Ferny Grove area, heading the ride along samford road is not very pleasant due to the high traffic levels...... would be nice to be have an interlinked system......

Report this comment
Jay from Clayfield says:
1

Horrible maps. PDF?? seriously...

Report this comment
Klaud247 from Bracken Ridge / Boondall says:
3

All we need are a series of slip lanes that follow the main roads, in which we can ride through unharmed. The idea of bike lanes is theoretically a great idea, but they don't work due to obstructions of glass, parked cars and motorists who don't care where they drive.

I really hope something can be done so that riding can be done without taking extra long routed to get from A to B. It would be great if we could actually commute without having to take trains a quarter of the way. Worst thing is, if you do need to use trains for part of a journey the chances of fitting both yourself and bike at any hour are slim. I believe QR have peak hour rules in which it can no longer be done, fair enough.

We're limited by when and where we can ride, constantly stopping and starting. If Brisbane wants to develop the city and the congestion problems they should start here and do a great job for once, because I'm sure there are plenty of people on the road who would rather ride, but they just can't. It's no wonder Brisbane is so fat..

like a few have mentioned a bike "lanes" with

Report this comment
opaloracle from Lota says:
1

I have just been forcibly relocated for work reasons to Brisbane from Canberra and previously Adelaide.

How disappointing is it that I am no longer to commute to work on my bike - I have tried - it is simple not safe or healthy (on road pollution) to cycle in Brisbane!?!

I hope the council realises the benefits everyone would get if they invested some cash and energy to make safe city commuting paths for cyclists, before I get completely jack of it and move back!

Traffic, smog, bad public transport. Yikes...

Report this comment
Anna from Moorooka says:
2

Why do all the routes going west disappear at Yeronga? 3 major roads, Ipswich Road, Fairfield Rd and Beaudesert Rd that are not safe for cycling on and which are congested with traffic every day. Wouldn't the bright people in the Moorooka and Rocklea council think to reduce this congestion along those roads that a safe bike path would be a good idea. Everyone hates sitting in traffic. As a suggestion either build a route that runs next to the train lines or a route that runs along the opposite side of Fairfield Rd past the golf course. It would be a relatively cheap and would get people out of cars and onto bikes like you keep telling us to!
Even the pavement around Yerongapilly are crooked. For the love of Christ spend some money on something good please.

Report this comment

Post new comment

Are you an ourbrisbane.com member?

Consider signing in or registering before commenting.

  • It's free, quick and private
  • Comments are visible immediately
  • No anti-spam validation when commenting
  • Edit your own posts
  • Protect your reputation by foiling impersonators!
A suburb, region or country.
  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Allowed HTML tags: <a> <strong> <em> <blockquote> <br> <p> <ul> <li>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Each email address will be obfuscated in a human readble fashion or (if JavaScript is enabled) replaced with a spamproof clickable link.
Validation
By answering this question you help ourbrisbane.com prevent spam.
1 + 2 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.