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10 Family Friendly Cycle Rides in Wollongong. Best Bike Tracks in the Illawarra.

The Wollongong and Illawarra region is full of fun and scenic family-friendly bike rides for all ages and abilities. From kids learning to ride bikes to those after more of a challenge, Wollongong bike paths have it all.

Our Illawarra kid-friendly bikes paths below include paved, shared and mountain bike trails. So, put air in those tyres, pop on your helmet, grab the kids and fam and hit the road. Fresh air, endorphins and exercise are also free with our guide to 10 best bike rides in Wollongong!

Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track

Guide to cycling in the Illawarra – Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track

According to TripAdvisor this is the second most popular of all 58 things to do in Wollongong! And with good reason. The 16km route is mostly on broad, two-lane shared pathways and crosses only a handful of roads as it hugs the coastline passing plenty of lovely beaches perfect for a break. There are refreshments available from various cafes and restaurants along the route. The star of the show has to be the scenery. Be mindful of extra bike traffic on sunny days when the popular route is often busy.

Best Illawarra Mountain Biking Trails

Guide to cycling in the Illawarra – best Illawarra mountain biking trails. Photo c/o The Illawarra Mercury

If you are a fan of rugged biking with plenty of undulations and thrills, the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area has a great selection of trails to offer. Entry level MTB-ers will love the Lady Carrington Drive trail which is located inside the Royal National Park and runs 12km one way alongside the Hacking River.

Helensburgh MTB Park is another great destination and offers trails suitable for all the family with different challenges, from jumps and bridges to boardwalks and woodland. There are also plenty of informal mountain bike routes on the Bulli escarpment – use at your own risk though!

Greenvalleys Mountain Bike Park located in the foothills of the Macquarie Pass National Park, Tongarra is for more confident and adventurous riders as it includes steep inclines and jumps. Under 16s are welcome, but we recommend you give the park a call first as they can offer you tips on how to best navigate the park for your younger rider.

Wollongong Coastal Cycleway

Guide to cycling in the Illawarra – Wollongong Coastal Cycleway

Following the route of the Grand Pacific Drive, the proposed share path will link existing sections of coastal trails into one 60km stretch, allowing walkers and cyclists to roam the coast from Royal National Park to Lake Illawarra. The work will span many years and tackles some complex terrain but when it is finished, it will surely become one of the best things to do in Wollongong! The Coalcliff to Stanwell Park Cycling track section is already finished and open for use, watch this space for news of the next completed sections of the route.

Lake Illawarra and surrounds bike track

Guide to cycling in the Illawarra – Lake Illawarra and surrounds bike track

Grab your bike and head to the lake. Shellharbour has shared bike paths all around Lake Illawarra. For the best family friendly cycling on the shores of Lake Illawarra, the north of the lake is best. Setting off from the Illawarra Sports stadium, you can ride through beautiful scenery in Hooka Point Park and onwards through Holborn Park right on the lakeshore.

There are refreshment stops along the way, and if a swim in the lake doesn’t appeal, carry on into Port Kembla where the beach stretches miles to the south with loads of space for everyone.

There is also a pool at the northern end of the beach and lots of lunch places in the town itself. Expect to see plenty of birds, fisherman and other families as you cycle around. Pack a picnic and a fishing rod.

Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park – National Winner Park of the Year

Guide to cycling in the Illawarra – Cringila Hilla Mountain Bike Track

Entry is off Lackawanna Street, Cringila. It has an exciting mix of almost 12 kilometres of trails for riders from beginners to advanced, giving you more ways to enjoy our Bike City. The tracks have a mix of gradients, surfaces and obstacles to make your ride fun or challenge your skills. For beginners and intermediate riders, it has a jumps park too. It also has an asphalt pump track and bike skills playground.

Illawarra Criterium Track and Velodrome

Guide to cycling in the Illawarra – Illawarra Criterium Track and Velodrome

Entry is off Factory Road, Unanderra. This is a closed-loop track, and great for all ability riders. Non-motorised wheels are all welcome including rollerblades or skates, scooters, and bikes. Safe, enclosed riding for less experienced riders too.

Bike Track at Bulli Park

Guide to cycling in the Illawarra – Bike Track and Bulli Park

This new dirt bike track addition to the Northern Suburbs, is located on Park Road. This track is perfect fun for all ages and abilities. Keep in mind that there are no toilets or facilities. Plenty of picnic spots and close to the beach too which is an added benefit. This track also boasts some cool jumps for those riders looking to put their skills and confidence to the test!

Minnamurra Bike Skills Track

Guide to cycling in the Illawarra – Minnamurra Bike Skills Track. Photo c/o The Illawara Mercury

To finish our Kid-friendly cycling trails in Illawarra, is The Minnamurra Bike Skills Track, located at the old Sanctuary Place Quarry. This cool new track includes two downhill tracks, two pump tracks and a junior/toddler track. There are also picnic shelters, park benches, amenities and a carpark.

10B Bike Trail in Dharawal National Park

Guide to cycling in the Illawarra – 10B Bike Trail in Dharawal National Park

10B cycling trail in Dharawal National Park offers excellent easy cycling for enthusiastic bike riders, with a picturesque picnic spot along the way. At 15km long, it starts near the Appin Road entrance of Dharawal National Park and follows an unsealed road through open forest and woodlands along a sandstone ridge.

This is a great bike ride for small groups and families with older children. Pack a picnic and your binoculars because at the creek crossing, there’s a broad rock platform where you can stop for a break and even sneak in some bird-watching!

Kiama Coast Track

Guide to cycling in the Illawarra – Kiama Coast Track

Hop on the shared path and cruise along the beach at Kiama. This cruisy coastal town has cycleways suited to every level, beginner to professional.

The council has split Kiama’s bike tracks into three manageable sections. The north region includes Minnamurra to Bombo. The central section covers Bombo to Kiama heights. The southern section takes rides from Gerringong to Gerroa. Each ride has several sections varying from 1.7km to 3.8km.

Beginners should try the Dunmore to Minnamurra (2.1km) track. This flat pathway begins at Dunmore Railway station and extends south toward the Minnamurra River. 

For older and more advanced riders – Join the MS Sydney to Gong

Guide to cycling in the Illawarra – MS Sydney to Gong ride

In November every year, the charity fundraiser MS Sydney to Gong ride raises funds for multiple sclerosis. This spectacular community ride through 90km of wonderful scenery includes stretches that run through the Royal National Park, along the Grand Pacific Drive and over the Sea Cliff Bridge. The event will accept young riders between the ages of 12 and 17, as long as they are accompanied by a guardian or parent during the ride. A great ride for a fantastic cause, what’s not to love? 

And finally, you can access the best bike rides Wollongong mapCLICK HERE

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