Brisbane City Council has built more than 500km of bikeways across the city for easy travel and enjoyable recreation. Ride around the river, check out cycling at Moreton Bay or explore Brisbane’s suburbs by bike.
The river ride experience
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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 CBD Experience Guide.
See the Brisbane City Council bikeways page for all available maps of Brisbane bikeways.
The Moreton Bay bicycle experience
Wynnum Manly Esplanade
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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
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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 new 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 old Hornibrook Bridge. Closest railway stations are Sandgate and Shorncliffe.
Boondall Wetlands
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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
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
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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
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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
Carindale
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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
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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
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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.
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.