Suburban Rides

Ride the Capital City Trail

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City >> Yarra River >> Abbotsford Convent >> Fitzroy North >> Royal Park >> Docklands >> City

Distance: 30KM (loop)

The Ride: Mostly flat with some undulation, 90% bike path

The Capital City Trail is a shared path for bikes and pedestrians that loops for around 30km around Melbourne. It starts at the Yarra River heading east then north, crosses Melbourne's inner northern suburbs to Royal Park and then ends up in Melbourne's newest area by the water, Docklands. It's a great way to spend a day in Melbourne, and see the variety of scenery the city has to offer. Along the way, there are many worthwhile stops including the Abbotsford Convent, the Melbourne Zoo at Royal Park and the 'very Melbourne' neighbourhoods of Fitzroy North and Brunswick. Rent bikes from us and you're already at the start of the trail!

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Highlights:

Yarra River

The Yarra River is the most prominent river in Melbourne. From it's source in the Yarra Ranges, the river runs west, snaking it's way around Melbourne's north eastern and cutting it's way through the city center to it's mouth at Port Philip Bay. The bike trail that runs along the river is a popular bike commute for many Melbournians. See and smell the Eucalypt trees as you head up the river and get a taste of the Aussie bush without leaving the city.

Abbotsford Convent

With it's prime position on the Yarra River, the convent is an easy stop and must-do when completing the Capital City Trail. The convent is an ex-monastic site home to over 100 studios, two galleries, cafes, a radio station, a school, and an abundance of green open space. Next to the convent is the Collingwood Children's Farm, featuring cow milking and guinea pig cuddling, it's a great place for families.

Fitzroy North

Head along to Fitzroy North after the Merri Creek trail section and you will find a classic Melbourne suburb, filled with cafes and restaurants. Here you can check out intact Victorian and Edwardian era terraced housing. If you're planning a picnic along the way, head to Piedimonte's Supermarket, a local grocer that stocks plenty of continental and locally made products.

Royal Park

Royal Park is the largest inner-city park in Melbourne and is situated at the North western tip of the trail. Highlights here include the Melbourne Zoo, a 9-hole golf course and a nature playground. The trail cuts through the western side of the Park, the hilliest section of the Capital City trail.

Docklands

Melbourne's newest business hub is home to some of Australia's biggest companies and banks. It's also a great place for shopping and dining. You'll even find Australia's biggest ice sports center and Olympic training venue here. Ride along New Quay and take in the city views. This is a good place for an ice cream stop on the way back to Freddy's!

Biking to Port Melbourne & St. Kilda

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City >> Port Melbourne >> St. Kilda >> Albert Park Lake >> Botanical Gardens >> Yarra River >> City

Distance: 20KM (loop)

The Ride: Flat, mostly bike paths and some roads

This is one of the most popular rides for those renting bikes from Freddy's Bike Rentals. From our shop in Batman Park, it's very easy to get to the bayside. There is a bike path running along side the 109 tram all the way to Port Melbourne, and from there you can just follow the Bay Trail along the shore going to St. Kilda. On your way back to the City or CBD, it's best to check out Albert Park Lake and also the Botanical Gardens. Follow the route map at the bottom of this post!

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Highlights:

Port Melbourne

Once an industrial suburb, Port Melbourne is now a very classy part of town! Wander down the main street, Bay St. and you'll find many cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. This is the perfect first stop on your way to St. Kilda. Grab a morning coffee, sit by the beach, and watch the many ships coming in and out of Port Philip Bay.

St. Kilda

St. Kilda is a hive of activity pretty much any time of the day, throughout the year. It's a backpacker hang-out and no wonder, with a lively pub & band scene and proximity to the beach. Don't miss the legendary cake shops on Acland St, a photo opportunity in front of Luna Park (see pic) and if it's the right time of day, grab a pint at the Espy - a local institution!

Albert Park Lake

Every March, this quiet, picturesque suburban lake transforms into the race track for the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix. During the other months of the year you can ride your bike where the F1 cars would race and take in the beautiful surrounds and great Melbourne skyline views.

Royal Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens of Victoria contain over 8,500 species of flauna is also home to an amazing range of wildlife. Situated close to the banks of the Yarra, the gardens are a must visit in Melbourne, and a perfect way to take in a sunny afternoon. While here, it's worth checking out Victoria's excellent war memorial, the Shrine of Remembrance.

640px-Royal_Botanic_Gardens,_Melbourne_-_panoramio_(4)

Bayside Rides / Popular Rides / Suburban Rides - 12/18/2017

Ride to Brighton Beach & Half Moon Bay

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City >> Port Melbourne >> St. Kilda >> Brighton Beach >> Half Moon Bay >> Albert Park >> City

Distance: 42KM (loop)

The Ride: Flat, mostly bike paths and some roads

One of the most photographed locations in Melbourne is Brighton Beach. This is due to the colourful beach boxes that line the shore (pic above). Brighton is a great bike ride coming along the Bay Trail from Port Melbourne, especially on a sunny day. And if it's hot enough for a swim, you might want to continue on and check out Half Moon Bay at Black Rock, it's one of Melbourne's best beaches.

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Highlights:

Port Melbourne

Once an industrial suburb, Port Melbourne is now a very classy part of town! Wander down the main street, Bay St. and you'll find many cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. This is the perfect first stop on your way down the bay. Grab a morning coffee, sit by the beach, and watch the many ships coming in and out of Port Philip Bay.

St. Kilda

Brighton Beach

A trip to Melbourne isn't complete without a pic outside one of the Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes. These brightly painted 'day huts' are privately owned and worth up to AUD300,000! Thankfully, taking pictures is free, so you can pretend like you own one for nothing. The boxes can be found at Dendy Street beach, around 6km on the Bay Trail from St. Kilda.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is often rated one of the best beaches close to the city. The rocky outface and natural setting here make you feel like you're not in a city at all. Stop at the Red Bluff Lookout for some great shots of the bay looking south. It's really worth going here if you can manage a few extra kms on the bike.

Bayside Rides / Suburban Rides - 12/29/2017

Bike to Williamstown via Footscray or Westgate Punt

City >> Docklands >> Footscray >> Williamstown >> Westgate Punt >> City

Distance: 26KM (loop)

The Ride: Flat, a mix of bike paths and roads with bike lane

Go west! The western suburbs of Melbourne also have plenty to offer, and Williamstown, by the Port Philip Bay is the pick of the bunch; offering historic buildings, alfresco dining and some of the best views of the city skyline anywhere in Melbourne. There are a couple of different options to reach this side of town by bike, you can go via Docklands and Footscray Rd, past the port area, or take the Westgate Punt Ferry Service from Fisherman's Bend, under the Westgate Bridge to Spotswood . On this recommended route, we've included both options.

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Highlights:

Docklands

Melbourne's newest suburb is a biking haven, with bike paths running from the Yarra River to Footscray Rd. The modern Library at the Dock is one of five public libraries in the City of Melbourne and is worth checking out - even if it's just for the free wifi. You'll find it at the end of Collins St. at Victoria Harbour.

Footscray

After riding along Footscray Rd you'll probably work up a little hunger. And there's a couple of places we recommend you go! Footscray is a suburb rich in culture, many cultures actually. At Nhu Lan Bakery (116 Hopkins St, opposite Footscray Market), for only $5 you'll find some of the best Vietnamese Bahn Mi in Melbourne. Just down the street is T. Cavallaro & Sons, an Italian pastry shop who are famous for their Cannoli. Don't be fooled by her looks, Footscray is a cultural melting pot you don't want to miss.

Williamstown

When arriving in Williamstown, be sure to take the take the scenic bay route along The Strand. At Nelson Place, you'll find buildings dating back to the 1800s. Today they house many restaurants, cafes and boutique shops, it's a great place to spend a lazy couple of hours. Wander across the road to the park and you can walk along Gem Pier, current home of the museum ship, HMAS Castlemaine. At the other side of Williamstown, looking south to the bay, you'll find Williamstown Beach.

Westgate Punt Ferry Service

The punt service takes bikers from Spotswood on one side of the river to Fishermans Bend on the other side and vice versa. The service runs 6:30 - 9am and 3:30 - 7pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 5pm on Weekends. For the latest times, please go to http://westgatepunt.com/ or call 0419999458.

Bayside Rides / Suburban Rides - 12/27/2017

Great Ocean Road by Bike

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Melbourne >> Geelong (train) >> Torquay >> Great Ocean Rd >> Warnambool >> Melbourne (train)

Distance: 268KM (Geelong to Warrnambool)

The Ride: Scenic but challenging - many hills to contend with! This ride is not for beginners!

Victoria's most famous stretch of coastal road is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Most come via bus, van or their own rental car...but we recommend another way! If you have the time and you're willing to do the hard work, going by bike is one of the cheapest and most thrilling ways you can do the Great Ocean Road. Make overnight stops at a number of coastal hamlets along the way and do it at your own pace. Our multi-day rental packages are perfect for this with 7-day hire for road and mountain bikes only AU$110. You can take the bikes on the Vline train from Southern Cross Station (5mins from our shop) to Geelong - here you can start your journey down to the coast. Coming back, you can ride a train from Warrnambool in Victoria's west - go to https://www.vline.com.au/ for schedule and fare details.

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Highlights:

Torquay

The first stop is also the surfing capital of Victoria. Torquay is home to the famous Bells Beach, home to the Rip Curl Pro, one of world surfing's most famous and longest running events. As one of the bigger towns found on the coast, in Torquay you'll also find many accomodation options and great restaurants and cafes.

Lorne

Perhaps the most picturesque of towns found along the Great Ocean Road, you should definitely consider Lorne as an overnight stop. The small township is surrounded by lush forests and is protected by it's own little bay making ocean swimming much safer here compared to other places along the coast. Walk to Erskine Falls and dine out at one of the many restaurants in town.

12 Apostles

Perhaps the crown jewel of Victoria's tourist attractions, the 12 Apostles draw hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Our recommendation is to be here either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the busses! However, no matter the number of people, these unique rock formations jutting out of the Southern Ocean are still a sight to behold.

City Rides / Popular Rides / Suburban Rides - 02/07/2019

Ride Albert Park Lake via South Melbourne Market

City >> South Melbourne >> Albert Park >> Southbank >> City

Distance: 11KM (loop)

The Ride: Flat, mostly riding on roads with bike lanes

A perfect DIY ride around Melbourne's inner-south, this is an easy, flat 10km ride that offers lots of variety and is very accessible from our shop. Our recommended stop-offs include the bustling South Melbourne Market, beautiful Albert Park Lake where you can ride the Formula 1 Grand Prix track and the Australian Centre of Contemporary Art at Southbank. The wide, relatively quiet streets are great for biking and most of our route includes roads with bike lanes for extra piece of mind!

Highlights:

South Melbourne Market

Open every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, this is one of Melbourne's busiest and trendy markets. This is the home of the famous South Melbourne Market Dim Sim - a delicious golden ball of fried (or steamed) meaty, cabbage-y goodness. A must try! The butcher and deli section is well worth a look and if you're a fan of freshly shucked oysters you've come to the right spot. Also check out SO:ME - a unique retail concept featuring some of Melbourne's most innovative young designers.

Albert Park Lake

Formula 1 cars screech around the 5.3km circuit each March for the Australian Grand Prix, but outside this time, Albert Park Lake is a peaceful part of town, full of community sports facilities, walking tracks and of course, bike paths. There is abundant birdlife to be found here and the views of the city skyline are pretty special. Visit towards the end of Feb and early March and be lucky enough to ride on the Formula 1 track itself with the grandstands in place.

Australian Centre for Contemporary Art

One of Australia's leading public institutions of contemporary art, ACCA is worth a stop on your way back through Southbank to our shop. The iconic red-rust building is impressive in itself and is open from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free! Read more at the ACCA Website.

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City Rides / Popular Rides / Suburban Rides - 01/21/2019

Cruise around hipster Fitzroy & Collingwood

City >> Queen Vic Market >> Carlton >> Fitzroy >> Collingwood >> Sports Precinct >> City

Distance: 13KM (loop)

The Ride: Some up and down, mostly roads with some bike paths

Fitzroy and Collingwood are two inner city suburbs situated just north of the Melbourne city center. This is one of Melbourne's most creative, most lively and definitely most hipster areas. Known for it's many bars and restaurants, vintage shops, small fashion boutiques and flourishing arts scene, Fitzroy and Collingwood are two areas you won't want to miss - and the best way to see them is by bike, of course! On the way, we suggest you check out the fresh produce and quality continental food at Queen Victoria Market and ride through Melbourne's little Italy, Lygon St., Carlton.

Highlights:

Queen Victoria Market

The 'Queen Vic' is the city's largest market. Since 1878, this bustling site has been providing Melbournians with the freshest local fruit and vegetables, as well as meat, seafood and much more. The market's Food Hall is particularly popular and for good reason, stocking an excellent range of continental cheeses, meats and fresh bread. It's also the place to go for souvenirs - the market houses vendors selling quintessential Aussie products like akubra hats, ugg boots and stubby holders! The market is closed Mondays and Wednesdays.

Lygon St., Carlton

Lygon Street plays an important role in the history of Melbourne's ever expanding and ever diverse culinary scene. This is pizza and pasta central, and the place where the city's famous cafe culture was born, our very own little Italy. On both sides of Lygon Street, you'll find Italian restaurants spilling out on the sidewalk, with some establishments operating here since the 1950s! Lygon St. itself is not such a friendly bike street, so it's best to hop-off the bike and do this strip by foot.

Brunswick St., Fitzroy

Brunswick Street is possibly the most 'Melbourne' of Melbourne streets! It has trams, cafes, bars, rooftop bars, wine bars, traditional pubs and cuisines from around the world at the many restaurants. Oh, and to top that you're definitely going to spot a bearded hipster or two, so yes, this is Melbourne all in one! Off Brunswick St. on Moor St, you'll find our favourite lunch hang-out, Grub Food Van - check it out!

Smith St. & Gertrude St., Collingwood

Once a blue-collar area and home to the most famous of Australian Rules football teams, Collingwood has developed into one of Melbourne's most eclectic and colourful suburbs. On the streets of Smith and Gertrude you can find some of Melbourne's best restaurants, bars and vintage clothing shops. There is plenty to see here, and at the other end of Smith St you'll find outlets for many major sports apparel and shoe brands.

Sports Precinct

On the way back to Freddy's from Collingwood, why not drop by Melbourne's magnificent sports precinct, where you'll see our most important religious site, the Melbourne Cricket Ground! And the world famous Melbourne Park and Rod Laver Arena, home to the Australian Open tennis every January.

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Popular Rides / Suburban Rides - 12/20/2017

Ride the Maribyrnong River

City >> Docklands >> Maribyrnong River >> Footscray Park >> Kensington >> City

Distance: 23KM (loop)

The Ride: Mostly flat with some hills around Kensington, a mix of bike paths and roads with bike lane

This route takes you to Melbourne's '2nd' river, the Maribyrnong. With bike paths and parks running along the river, the Maribyrnong is just as worthy as the Yarra when it comes to bike-ability. On this ride you'll take in great city views at Footscray Park, see the famous Flemington Racecourse and check out the peaceful, tree-lined inner city suburb of Kensington.

Highlights:

Docklands

Footscray

Maribyrnong River

The Maribyrnong River flows through north western Melbourne; though suburbs like Essendon, Ascot Vale and Footscray before meeting with the Yarra and ending at Port Philip Bay. The river's name is derived from an aboriginal word meaning 'salt water river'.

Footscray Park

From Footscray Park you can get great views of the city skyline. The park also has Public BBQs, perfect for a lunch picnic. Across the river from Footscray Park you'll find one of Melbourne's best known sporting landmarks, Flemington Racecourse, home to the famous Melbourne Cup.

Kensington

Kensington is the perfect spot for a coffee on the way back from your Maribyrnong River ride and the leafy Bellair St is the place to go. There are a number of options here for your caffeine fix, one of which, The Premises (202 Bellair St.), is run by coffee industry veterans and offers excellent Seven Seeds coffee as well as some tasty homemade cakes.

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Bayside Rides / Suburban Rides - 01/14/2018

SORRY, THIS PAGE HAS MOVED!

Same team, new name!

SORRY, THIS PAGE HAS MOVED!

Same team, new name!

City >> Yarra River >> Abbotsford Convent >> Fitzroy North >> Royal Park >> Docklands >> City

Distance: 30KM (loop)

The Ride: Mostly flat with some undulation, 90% bike path

Highlights:

Yarra River

Abbotsford Convent

Fitzroy North

Royal Park

Docklands

SORRY, THIS PAGE HAS MOVED!

Same team, new name!

City >> Port Melbourne >> St. Kilda >> Albert Park Lake >> Botanical Gardens >> Yarra River >> City

Distance: 20KM (loop)

The Ride: Flat, mostly bike paths and some roads

Highlights:

Port Melbourne

St. Kilda

Albert Park Lake

Royal Botanical Gardens

SORRY, THIS PAGE HAS MOVED!

Same team, new name!

City >> Port Melbourne >> St. Kilda >> Brighton Beach >> Half Moon Bay >> Albert Park >> City

Distance: 42KM (loop)

The Ride: Flat, mostly bike paths and some roads

Highlights:

Port Melbourne

St. Kilda

Brighton Beach

Half Moon Bay

City >> Docklands >> Footscray >> Williamstown >> Westgate Punt >> City

Distance: 26KM (loop)

The Ride: Flat, a mix of bike paths and roads with bike lane

Highlights:

Docklands

Footscray

Williamstown

Westgate Punt Ferry Service

SORRY, THIS PAGE HAS MOVED!

Same team, new name!

Melbourne >> Geelong (train) >> Torquay >> Great Ocean Rd >> Warnambool >> Melbourne (train)

Distance: 268KM (Geelong to Warrnambool)

The Ride: Scenic but challenging - many hills to contend with! This ride is not for beginners!

Highlights:

Torquay

Lorne

12 Apostles

City >> South Melbourne >> Albert Park >> Southbank >> City

Distance: 11KM (loop)

The Ride: Flat, mostly riding on roads with bike lanes

Highlights:

South Melbourne Market

Albert Park Lake

Australian Centre for Contemporary Art

City >> Queen Vic Market >> Carlton >> Fitzroy >> Collingwood >> Sports Precinct >> City

Distance: 13KM (loop)

The Ride: Some up and down, mostly roads with some bike paths

Highlights:

Queen Victoria Market

Lygon St., Carlton

Brunswick St., Fitzroy

Smith St. & Gertrude St., Collingwood

Sports Precinct

City >> Docklands >> Maribyrnong River >> Footscray Park >> Kensington >> City

Distance: 23KM (loop)

The Ride: Mostly flat with some hills around Kensington, a mix of bike paths and roads with bike lane

Highlights:

Docklands

Footscray

Maribyrnong River

Footscray Park

Kensington

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