Best Bike Trails In The Whitsundays
There are some incredible bike trails in the Whitsundays where you can get outside, exercise, and sightsee in this stunning part of the Australian tropics. Whether you're looking for a nice easy ride or a difficult challenge, these Whitsunday bike trails offer something for everyone. Biking is a great way to explore the Whitsundays, as you can cover more ground in a shorter time frame. Check out our favourite bike trails in the Whitsundays!
5 Best Bike Trails In The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays offer several fantastic biking trails, particularly for mountain bikers looking to explore the stunning island scenery. But even if you're not super confident on a bike, there are some easy trails around the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach that suit bikers of all ages and skill levels.
Airlie Beach Bicentennial Track
- Total distance: 4km one way
- Difficulty: Easy
The Bicentennial Walk in downtown Airlie Beach is a leisurely coastal trail composed of wooden boardwalks and pavement. It's most commonly used as a pedestrian walking trail but is also suitable for bicycles!
This is one of the best bike trails in the Whitsundays for families or those who just want a casual bike ride. It's mostly flat, so you won't work up too much of a sweat. You'll also get front-row views of the turquoise Coral Sea, the Airlie Beach Foreshore, and the Coral Sea Marina. Suitable for any type of road bicycle, hop on and enjoy a pleasant cruise around Airlie!
Coastal Fringe Circuit
- Total distance: 1.2km circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
For an easy bike ride through the lushness of Conway National Park near Airlie Beach, check out the Coastal Fringe Circuit. It only takes 15 minutes to ride the length of this rainforest trail, or 45 minutes to walk. Beginning at the Conway National Park Day Use Area, the Coastal Fringe circuit takes you through the lowland rainforest, creeks, and mangroves of the Whitsunday mainland.
South Molle Island Biking Trail
- Total distance: 14km total
- Difficulty: Easy/moderate
South Molle Island is home to the only bike trail out on the islands! At just 10km off the coast from Airlie Beach, South Molle Island is easily accessible from the mainland and has a 14km bike trail that loops around the stunning island. The trail is suitable for beginner and experienced riders and offers multiple lookout spots where you can soak in the idyllic views. Some of the highlights you can see while biking the South Molle Island Biking Trail include Sandy Bay, Spion Kop, Lamond Hill, and Mt. Jeffreys.
Enquire about South Molle Island transfers with Scamper!
Conway Circuit Mountain Biking Trail
- Total distance: 28km total
- Difficulty: Difficult
The Conway Circuit is the ultimate challenge for enthusiastic mountain bikers! Known as one of the most difficult bike trails in the Whitsundays, the Conway Circuit starts at Brandy Creek and finishes in Airlie Beach. The epic rainforest track has incredibly steep climbs and takes around 4-5 hours to complete, so it's only recommended for experienced mountain bikers. But if you're up for an incredible journey along a challenging, black-grade trail, the Conway Circuit is the place to be.
Mount Rooper Circuit
- Total distance: 5.3km circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
Another one of the best bike trails in the Whitsundays is the Mount Rooper Circuit! This 5.3km trail winds through tidal wetlands and up into the bushland of Conway National Park. At the peak of the Mount Rooper Circuit, you'll get excellent views of the Whitsunday Passage, Daydream Island, and North Molle Island. Make sure you bring a camera and leave yourself about an hour to bike the entire trail.
Stay tuned for the Whitsunday Skyway mountain bike trails
The Whitsunday Skyway is a proposed attraction on the Whitsundays mainland that is estimated to begin construction in 2028. This multifaceted tourist attraction will dominate the hills outside Airlie Beach, providing new development and opportunities for adventure and education. There will be access to the existing trails in Conway National Park as well as lots of new mountain biking trails!
Tips for Biking in the Whitsundays
If you plan to take on a biking adventure in the Whitsundays, there are some important safety tips you should know. You'll want to be prepared for any biking trips out into the wilderness and always prioritise safety. Here are some ways to make the most of your biking experiences!
Check the weather
Biking in the Whitsundays is ideal in dry weather, so avoid biking during or after periods of heavy rainfall. The rainy season in Airlie Beach runs from January to March, with February being one of the wettest months. If you are going mountain biking during the wet season, make sure you check the weather alerts and postpone your trip if the trails are especially muddy and slippery.
Have proper safety gear
Safety is a priority when doing any adventure sport, including biking. Always wear a helmet while biking in the Whitsundays, even if you're just doing one of the easy trails. If you're taking on a longer and harder trail like the Conway Circuit, you'll also want to have some recovery gear and a satellite communication device so you can be prepared for any emergencies that occur out in the remote wilderness.
Many bike trails are also hiking trails
Some bike trails in the Whitsundays are also popular walking trails, so it's important to ride with care and yield to pedestrians. Places like the Mount Rooper Circuit, the Coastal Fringe Circuit, or the Airlie Beach Bicentennial Track are shared trails that often have walkers. Just be mindful that the trails are shared and alert others when you're approaching on your bike.
Pack sun protection and water for your bike rides
When biking in the Whitsundays, it's so important to prioritise hydration and sun protection! The Whitsundays are located in Tropical North Queensland, meaning there is a tropical climate with lots of sunshine and warm to hot temperatures. Always pack plenty of water to stay hydrated while biking, and make sure you have sunscreen to keep your face and body protected from the sun. Even while biking in cloudy weather or in the shade of the forest, you can never be too careful!
