Exploring Melbourne by Bike: Our Experience!

No better way to get to know Melbourne than by bike! On a sunny day of 33°C, we hopped on the pedals together with guide Robert and a nice small group. Robert emigrated 53 years ago from the Netherlands to Australia. Although he prefers speaking English, his Dutch is still excellent. A real Dutch person just grabs the bike, even if you’re on the other side of the world? Exactly!

Extra fun: as Dutch people, we were cycling together with another Dutch family from The Hague.

Bike Tour Through Melbourne: Perfectly Doable

We explore Melbourne further by bike, on regular city bikes – no e-bikes! Melbourne is a hilly city, but it’s also perfectly manageable. Sometimes you have to pedal a bit harder. Still prefer an electric bike? Then you can get one for a small extra charge of course.

What You See Along the Way:

• Federation Square: the cultural and social heart of Melbourne.
• Flinders Street Station: the iconic yellow train station.
• Hosier Lane: colorful street art by world-famous artists.
• Yarra River and Southbank Promenade: beautiful cycling along the water.
• Fitzroy Gardens: a green oasis right near the center.
• Shrine of Remembrance: an impressive monument in honor of Australian soldiers.
• Royal Botanic Gardens: stunning gardens, perfect for cooling off a bit.
• Albert Park: where the Formula 1 is held annually – the preparations were fully visible!

Atmosphere Along the Way

The city is vibrant. During our tour, we noticed how multicultural Melbourne is — you cycle past Vietnamese food stalls, Italian coffee bars, and Chinese markets. Everywhere there are pop-up shops and fan zones to be found because of the upcoming Formula 1 races when we were there. Helicopters fly in and out above the city with VIPs on board. And sports are really in Melbourne’s DNA, you can see that well in the Olympic park!

We cycle quite fast: after more than 4.5 hours, our battery is empty and we give the enthusiastic Robert, after so many highlights, the order to stop at a nice lunch spot. Despite the heat, we thoroughly enjoyed it: the city bursts with culture, street art, green oases, and impressive architecture.

Our impression of Melbourne: there are so many cultures to discover (due to the many immigrants from all over the world). There are beautiful city parks, every neighborhood has its own atmosphere, and the combination of old buildings with modern skyscrapers makes the skyline spectacular. Melbourne breathes sports: football, cricket, tennis, and Formula 1 — everywhere you come across stadiums and sports parks.

Practical Tips for Cycling in Melbourne

• Helmet Mandatory: In Australia, wearing a helmet is compulsory.
• Sunscreen and Water: Especially at 33°C, this is no luxury!
• Best Time: Try cycling in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the worst heat.
• Book in Advance: Especially around major events like the Formula 1 and Moomba Festival.
• Book a Bike Tour: There are various providers; usually you get a helmet and bike included.
• Bike Infrastructure: Melbourne is generally bike-friendly with lots of bike paths. Just pay attention that you cycle on the left. Looking left & right before crossing gets a whole new meaning!

Where Do You Book Your Bike Tour?

We chose Baja Bikes ourselves, because we know them from other countries. But the choice is plentiful and that’s why you can compare (with what suits you best).

1. Baja Bikes

Baja Bikes offers a 4-hour bike tour along Melbourne’s highlights, including the Yarra River, Queen Victoria Market, and Federation Square. You can book online and pay on site. Check out the Baja Bikes website

2. Melbourne By Bike

Melbourne By Bike organizes city tours in small groups (maximum 8 people), where you explore the coolest streets, parks, and hidden alleys of Melbourne. The tours are led by local guides and are ideal for discovering the city in a relaxed way. 333Travel

3. Blue Tongue Bikes

Blue Tongue Bikes offers the ‘Classic Melbourne Bike Tour’, a 4-hour ride of about 16 km along iconic sights, cultural gems, and picturesque surroundings. They also have electric bikes available for those who want some extra support. bluetonguebikes.com.au

4. GetYourGuide

Via GetYourGuide you can book various bike tours in Melbourne, including private bike tours with guides who take you to top attractions and hidden gems of the city. You can book now and pay later, which offers flexibility in planning your trip. Check out the tour on GetYourGuide

Each provider has its own unique routes and specialties, so it’s advisable to visit their websites and choose the tour that best fits your interests and schedule. Have lots of cycling fun in Melbourne!

Staying at Discovery Parks – Melbourne

We slept with our camper at Discovery Parks – Melbourne. A nice and quiet place with good facilities. From here you’re in the city center within half an hour by public transport or you can easily take an Uber back and forth. We mainly chose the latter, because for public transport you first need to get a rechargeable card at the supermarket. We found Uber easier anyway.

Cycling through Melbourne is a fun way to get a good impression of the city in a short time. You discover different neighborhoods, see beautiful street art, enjoy the nature in the many parks, and really experience the dynamics of this sporty city. Despite the heat, hills, and sore legs, we would absolutely recommend this tour. Melbourne ON the bike = pure enjoyment and the perfect start if you have more days in Melbourne. Then you immediately know where you do and don’t want to return!