Newcastle’s favourable climate, relatively flat inner city, compact size and low traffic volumes give it the potential to truly become a cycling city. This page will give you some tips on where to ride in Newcastle, suggested routes for a variety of levels, and some information on local bike hire services.
Much of Newcastle is easy to navigate by bike if you head for the nearest cycle route and follow it to your destination. City of Newcastle’s On Your Bike page has maps and tips for new riders. Routes are coloured coded so that you can find a path to suit your skill and comfort levels. Hardcopy maps are available from Council’s Customer Service Centre, Newcastle Museum, libraries and local bike shops.
Most of our car trips in Newcastle are <10km and 37% are <2km. Research undertaken in May 2019 by the Institute for Sensible Transport for Transport for NSW, concluded that Newcastle, ahead of other key metropolitan centres in NSW, had the greatest opportunity for mode shift away from car use.
Continued investment in infrastructure improvements will assist change, as will more people getting on their bikes and demonstrating how much they love to ride and want Newcastle to be a place where people and the environment are the priority.
If you are new to riding or a rusty rider, netball courts (when not in play) are a great place to practice your riding skills before mixing it with other riders, walkers or traffic.
National Park, off Union Street at Newcastle West, and Richard Ford Oval at Lambton are two examples that are accessible by bike. Lambton Park, Howe Street, Lambton.
For children who are learning to ride, kid’s circuits are available at Islington Park and Jesmond Parks.
Find a Newcastle Sporting FacilityÂ
(Left: National Park shared path and netball courts; Centre: Islington Park playground and kid’s circuit; Right: Lambton Park shared path circuit).
On-demand hire bikes are available through:
• Swipe'n'Ride (non-electric)
• BYKKO (electric bikes)
Bike hire by prior arrangement may also be available through local bike shops.
Throsby Basin – A safe, easy shared path along Newcastle’s working harbour and Throsby Creek foreshore (R6 route) from Newcastle Breakwall to Islington Park Playground and Kid’s Circuit with BBQs and shade shelters (7.4km one way). Return via Carrington Foreshore (+2km). You’ll be spoilt for choice for lunch stops with cafes located along the way at Honeysuckle and Wickham Marinas, north of Cowper St bridge as well as Tighes Hill, Islington/Hamilton and Carrington main streets.
Stockton Peninsular - A safe, easy shared path along Newcastle Harbour Foreshore and Stockton Peninsular to Stockton Bridge (R1 route, 7.3km one way). Board the Newcastle Ferry, with your bike, at Queens Wharf. South Stockton Active Hub and Skate Park is located near the Stockton Ferry Wharf and directly north of the ferry wharf is Stockton shops where you can grab some lunch.
Bathers Way - A scenic safe shared path along the coastline from Newcastle Breakwall to Merewether Baths (7km one way). Highlights include Newcastle’s spectacular beaches, ocean baths, whale viewing and the Anzac Memorial Walk along the cliff top between King Edward Park and Bar Beach. Some short steeper sections around ‘The Hill’. A very popular walker’s route on weekends and holidays during the warmer months so riding is best on quieter days. For getting there or alternative return routes with some low-medium difficulty on-road riding, see the Bathers Way Loops map.
For more information on local rides in Newcastle see City of Newcastle - On Your Bike
These routes offer longer ride options following former rail and tram corridors with shallow gradients. Both of the Tracks are entirely off-road and safe for family groups. Whilst most of their connecting routes are also through parkland or quieter back streets, a few short sections along busier road reserves makes them suited to riders with a moderate skill level and confidence.
Fernleigh Track – A 15km paved shared path that follows the former rail corridor between Adamstown Station to Belmont. Highlights include the rail heritage with cuttings and bridges traversing bushland and wetlands completely free of car traffic. From Queens Wharf, follow the R1 route (+8km) City to Adamstown map or take the train to Adamstown Station. This is a popular route with lots of walkers and riders so ride at a respectful pace so everyone can enjoy the track. Take a virtual tour via Cathy Stubbs’ Two Minute Postcard.
Tramway Track - A 3.6km shared path that follows a former tram corridor from Wallsend to Glendale TAFE (3.6km). From Queens Wharf, follow the R5 East-West Parkways to the head of the track just west of Wallsend shops (13.3km) - City to Wallsend Route map
Two City Circuit – This 47km loop ride joins Fernleigh Track with Tramway Track. From the southern end of Fernleigh Track at Belmont, head west along back streets to Brooks Parade Foreshore Reserve on the shore of Lake Macquarie. Follow the Booragul to Belmont map north to Speers Point Park at the top of the lake. To avoid some on-road sections, you may prefer a deviation through shared paths in Green Point Foreshore Reserve. Follow the Speers Point to Glendale map north along Cockle Creek to the southern head of Tramway Track off Frederick Street at Glendale TAFE. Be sure to ride this circuit clockwise to avoid a difficult section of Bareki Road at Eleebana.
For more information on regional rides in Newcastle and the adjoining local government areas see:
City of Newcastle – On Your Bike
Lake Macquarie City Council – Walking and Cycling
Port Stephens Council - Cycleways
Maitland City Council - Cycling
Cessnock City Council - Cycling Strategy
NSW Roads and Maritime Services Cycleway Finder
Support your local councils to join the gaps to create great regional rides!
Mountain biking at Glenrock State Recreation Area is highly popular, particularly with teenagers, but tracks are graded for all levels of ability. Take the Faul St exit off Fernleigh Track, just north of the Tunnel, to the entry of Gun Club Road.
In the Greater Newcastle area, popular tracks are also located at located at Awaba, Holmesville, Jesmond and Dungog. Be respectful of walkers and riders of different abilities. Stay on the trails and check for track closures due to rain or bushfire. For more information, check out these links.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife - Glenrock State Recreation Area
Trailforks - local mountain bike trails (updated by the community)
Newy with kids - Best Family Friendly Mountinain Biking Trails Greater Newcastle
Newcastle University Active Travel Guide
Trailforks - local mountain bike trails (updated by the community)