Why Is Perth a Cyclist’s Dream?
Cycling Perth isn’t just a nice way to get around — it’s a lifestyle woven into the city itself.
Perth boasts over 750km of dedicated cycle paths, weaving through rivers, beaches, suburbs, and even wild bushland. It’s one of the most expansive and well-connected urban cycling networks in Australia.
The weather helps too. With an average of 265 sunny days a year, Perth is tailor-made for outdoor living. Unlike colder, rainier cities where cycling feels like a chore in winter, Perth invites you onto your bike nearly every day.
I still remember a winter morning ride along the Swan River — 20°C, blue sky, a light breeze off the water. I kept thinking, Is this really winter?
Whether you’re after short leisure rides or long-distance endurance loops, Perth lets you ride your way — with a big smile on your face.
For an official guide to Perth’s top cycle trails, visit Destination Perth’s Cycle Trails page.
Where Are the Best Cycling Routes in Perth?
When it comes to best cycling routes Perth has to offer, there’s a ride for every kind of cyclist.
Some top picks include:
- Swan River Loop (29km): Perth’s classic. It circles both sides of the Swan River, linking South Perth, the CBD, East Perth, and Kings Park. It’s flat, scenic, and easy to follow.
- Kings Park Ride (10km inside Kings Park): Cruise under tall gum trees, past botanic gardens, and catch panoramic views of the city skyline.
- Perth to Fremantle Trail (20km): Hug the riverside, pass through leafy neighborhoods, and roll right into the relaxed beach vibe of Freo.
- Loftus Street to Cottesloe Beach (16km): Mix city energy with stunning Indian Ocean views — then grab a coffee at Cottesloe’s beachfront cafés.
For something more adventurous, mountain biking Perth options like the Munda Biddi Trail offer world-class off-road experiences.
The Munda Biddi is a 1000km trail stretching from Mundaring to Albany — one of the longest off-road cycling tracks in the world!
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swan River Loop | 29km | Easy | Riverside views, city skyline |
| Kings Park Circuit | 10km | Moderate | Gardens, hill climbs, city lookout |
| Perth to Fremantle Ride | 20km | Easy to Moderate | Scenic river ride, beach finish |
| Munda Biddi Trail (section) | Flexible | Moderate to Difficult | Bushland, off-road adventure |
| Loftus to Cottesloe Beach | 16km | Easy | Ocean views, beach cafés |
How Good Are Perth's Bike Trails?
The Perth bike trails aren’t just long — they’re safe, well-signed, and genuinely enjoyable.
Cycle paths often run completely separate from roads, especially along the Swan River, the coastline, and through key parks like Kings Park and Bold Park.
Trail surfaces are typically smooth asphalt or compacted limestone, making them accessible for road bikes, hybrids, and even kids’ bikes.
Some of the things that really stood out to me as a visitor:
- Trail signage: Clear, consistent, and easy to follow.
- Rest stops: Drinking fountains, public toilets, and shaded picnic spots are common.
- Safety: Perth drivers are generally respectful toward cyclists compared to many bigger Australian cities.
A hidden gem for serious riders: the Tonkin Highway PSP (Principal Shared Path) — a long, uninterrupted path great for endurance training with minimal traffic light stops.
WestCycle offers an excellent resource to help you find cycling trails across Western Australia suited for every skill level.
What About Family Cycling in Perth?
Family cycling in Perth is as good as it gets, thanks to the gentle terrain and wide range of parks.
Popular family-friendly rides include:
- Lake Monger Reserve (3.5km loop): Watch black swans glide across the lake while little ones get a feel for two wheels.
- Herdsman Lake (7km): Home to hundreds of birds and easy, wide trails perfect for family outings.
- South Perth Foreshore: Wide open spaces, stunning river views, plus playgrounds and cafés dotted along the ride.
Another favorite for families is Rottnest Island. It’s just a ferry ride away from Fremantle or Hillarys, and with almost no cars, it’s one of the safest places for young riders to explore freely.
One sunny afternoon, I watched my nephew ride his balance bike alongside quokkas on Rottnest — he was more excited about the animals than the ride, but memories like that stick forever.
Where Can You Hire a Bike in Perth?
If you’re visiting without your own wheels, bike hire Perth is easy and affordable.
You’ll find bike rental shops at:
- South Perth Foreshore (great for river loops)
- Elizabeth Quay (perfect city starting point)
- Fremantle (for coastal rides)
Typical hire rates:
- $25–$30 for half a day
- $40–$50 for a full day
- E-bikes usually start around $60–$70 a day
Some companies even offer guided electric bike tours where you cruise around effortlessly.
Tip: Book bikes ahead if you’re visiting in summer or on weekends — they can sell out fast when the weather’s perfect.
What Are the Best Cycling Tours in Perth?
Sometimes it’s nice to let someone else plan the route. That’s where cycling tours in Perth options shine.
A few standout tours:
- Swan River Guided Ride: Leisurely riverside tour with stories about Perth’s history, Aboriginal culture, and natural wildlife.
- Fremantle Foodie Ride: Combine cycling with local delicacies — fresh seafood, coffee, and markets.
- Rottnest Island Cycling Adventure: Ferry, bike hire, and a full day exploring secluded bays, WWII history sites, and the island’s adorable quokkas.
Most tours last 2–4 hours and are beginner-friendly. You’ll learn more in half a day than you might in a week riding solo — plus you’ll meet fellow cycling lovers along the way.
Is Perth Good for Road Cyclists?
Without a doubt. Road cycling in Perth is a thriving scene with plenty of options for both casual and competitive riders.
Popular training loops include:
- Swan River Circuit (fast-paced group rides most mornings)
- Reabold Hill Circuit (short but challenging hill repeats)
- Coastal Loops (Cottesloe to Joondalup)
Local cycling clubs like Perth Integrated Cycling and Northern Beaches Cycling Club organize regular group rides for different fitness levels.
I once joined a Saturday morning ride from Fremantle to City Beach. We rolled out under pink sunrise skies, rode a tight paceline, and finished with cappuccinos by the beach — the perfect start to a weekend.
To build your cycling endurance and ride stronger, consider following a structured cycling training program designed for real-world results.
FAQ: Cycling in Perth
Is it safe to cycle in Perth?
Can I bring my bike onto public transport?
Are there major cycling events in Perth?
Where can I go mountain biking near Perth?
What’s the best time of year to cycle in Perth?
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Cycling Perth
If you dream about long rides with ocean views, riverside spins with friendly locals, and trails where your biggest worry is which café to stop at, cycling Perth will feel like a dream come true.
Whether you’re after casual river rides, serious road training, fun family adventures, or off-road excitement, Perth delivers — and then some.
So grab your helmet, pump up your tires, and set off on an adventure.
In Perth, the only limit is how far your legs and heart are willing to take you.
