From family friendly bike rolls, to hilly workouts, here is our list of the Best Bike Rides in Melbourne. Having an extensive network of bike paths makes many of these rides suitable for anyone, even novice cyclists.    Explore these bike rides and enjoy the wonderful city of Melbourne.

1. Capital City Trail

• Start: Princes Bridge (City) or Frankie Says Cafe in Abbotsford.
• Distance: Various, as far as you want to go and return, or our suggested route is to join the Yarra Trail and ride to Abbotsford and back (or visa versa), being around 35kms.
• Difficulty: Easy riding, with a well-signposted path.
• Highlights: Crossing Morell Bridge with city views, riverside riding, cafe stops
• Best for: Relaxing afternoon ride.  The trail can be thin at times and does get busy with walkers, so not ideal for larger groups (unless happy to single file whilst riding), or faster rides.
• Logistics: Plenty of public transport available at start and end points.  See Public Transport Victoria (PTV) for updated schedules and routes.  Or park on River Boulevard in Abbotsford and ride and return from there.

2. Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail

On the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne, this is a wonderful day out.  Ride the safe, easy rail trail and enjoy the sense of getting away from the city.  Plenty of nearby cafes and stops for lunch, and even famous Yarra Valley wineries not far from the trail (the later will require some road cycling to get to).  Ride as far or as little as you like.

• Start: Yering (new trail extension from Lilydale has just been completed). Car park available.  Alternatively join at Lilydale (train service from city).
• Distance: To Warburton is 47.5kms from Yering (or 40kms from Lilydale)
• Difficulty: Easy riding, some gradual hills.
• Highlights: Views of the Yarra Ranges, rural farms, stunning forests, nearby cellar doors.
• Best for: A day trip from Melbourne with friends or the kids or join a tour.
• Logistics: Train service to Lilydale could make this car free, or book a day tour.  Or drive to Yering and park to ride the new extension.   Return transfers & bike hire available.

3. Bayside Trail

A shared use trail, with sweeping views of Port Philip Bay, the Brighton Boxes, Melbourne City Skyline and a myriad of cafes, restaurants and food and drink venues to choose from along the way.  The Bay Trail is popular with walkers and riders and does get busy on a sunny day, but it's worth it and certainly makes our list of the one of the Best Bike Rides in Melbourne.

• Start: Port Melbourne Pier, Melbourne.
• Distance: Approx. 50kms from Port Melbourne to Seaford
• Difficulty: Easy riding, some short, gradual hills, ideal for families and casual rides.
• Highlights: City views from Brighton and Elwood, seaside views throughout, beachfront cafes
• Best for: A fun day out with the family or a longer more relaxed training ride
• Logistics: There are limited/no bike hire and transfer services.  Best to BYO bike, and do out and return riding.
• Tips: A late afternoon ride on a summer evening will provide stunning sunset views over the Bay.

4. Yarra Boulevard Loop in Kew

If you're looking for a more serious work out, more hilly terrain or thigh testing riding, then Yarra Boulevard in Kew is the place to head.  A favourite for road riders, with little traffic and a dedicated bike lane throughout, the 13km loop gives you a 220m climb for each lap.  Choose from a single lap or multiple laps to achieve your workout goals, or test yourself further with many side-street options including Yarra Street which is a short but taxing 17% gradient in parts (that's steep!!).

• Start: Kew (7km from the CBD) at the intersection of Walmer St, McEvoy St and Yarra Boulevard.
• Distance: 6.5 kms one way (13km loop)
• Difficulty: Hilly but relatively short, most riders can do 1 lap even if slowly (it's not a race!)
• Highlights: City views at the top,  a taste of the road cycling community of Melbourne
• Best for: Training rides
• Logistics: An ideal ride pre and post climbs is the Yarra Trail which joins directly into Yarra Boulevard in Abbotsford, or drive directly to the start point (plenty of car parking nearby).
• Tips: Take a breather at the highest point for stunning views all the way to the city.