Whether you prefer getting off-road and taking in the scenery, or you’re after a challenge and in for the long haul, there’s a smorgasbord of cycling trails awaiting your discovery in the Ballarat region.

Central Ballarat’s Natural Highlights

It’s one of Ballarat’s most popular routes, so whether you’re feeling like taking it easy or looking to challenge your mates, we also highly recommend the One Hour Coffee Ride.

Or admire Ballarat most significant historical sites along the 9km Ballarat Heritage Ride.

Just want a relaxing pedal? No worries. Check out the Lake Wendouree Loop Ride. Discover the natural highlights of Central Ballarat on this family-friendly route. The loop includes the 6km Steve Monghetti Track, a flat gravel shared trail around Lake Wendouree, with plenty of attractions and viewpoints along the way, including the Ballarat Tramway Museum, Ballarat Botanical Gardens and Golden City Paddle Steamer. For a cruisey option, Neuron e-bikes (for adults only) are available to hire from the trailhead at Ballarat Railway Station. If you’ve got energy to burn, there are optional extensions around Victoria Park and out to the Arch of Victory.

Cycle Ballarat’s Rural Fringe

Fuel up at one of Ballarat’s many coffee spots and test yourself along the Ballarat to Mount Buninyong Road Loop.

If you’re really up for the challenge, then the four-hour Ballarat-Mount Buninyong-Daylesford-Ballarat Loop is the route for you.

Pack a picnic and check out the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail. You’ll need a hybrid, cyclecross or mountain bike for this off-road adventure which will see you meander through wide open grasslands, eucalypt forests and across historic bridges. Opt for the full 118km trail, or take it easy on the 44km ride to the historic village of Smythesdale and back.

Downhill Adventures

Off road adventures more your style? Don’t miss the downhill runs in Black Hill Reserve or the point-to-point 210km Goldfields Track for hikers and mountain bikers. The Goldfields Track links Ballarat, Creswick, Daylesford and Castlemaine to Bendigo, making it in the longest shared use track in Victoria.