Whether you’re a local wanting to explore some of your own backyard or are visiting to escape the concrete jungle, you’ll find a bike ride that will tick all your boxes on the Mornington Peninsula. Some may be shared by horse riders, walkers and mountain bike riders but one thing’s for sure - they’re all worth doing - it’s just a case of finding the right one for you. Here’s our top 5 spectacular bike rides, starting with the easiest first.
Distance: 3km return
At only 3km long this ride is suitable for littlies that are still earning their riding stripes or for those walking with a pram. The 3m wide the raised timber boardwalk creates the perfect flat terrain for easy riding and a great platform for enjoying the views across Port Phillip Bay. You’ll find plenty of parking at the Kananook Creek Reserve or at the Frankston Foreshore near to the Frankston Pier, plus a BBQ area with playground and toilets. More>>
Distance: 11.4km return
This scenic ride follows the coastline from Chinaman’s Creek finishing up at Anthony’s Nose Car Park in Dromana. It takes you past stunning shell covered beaches and the impressive Rosebud Adventure Playground, making for an especially fun day out. The ride is part way on shared pathways and boardwalks with a mixture of asphalt and unsealed roads and for those looking for a longer ride can continue through to Safety Beach. More>>
Distance: 9km return (Quarantine Station to Fort Nepean)
What better way than to enjoy this site than by bicycle. You can hire bikes from the Information Centre inside the park, or nearby - the team at Bayplay in Portsea run guided cycling tours through the national park giving an informative commentary of historical sites and natural environment. Along the way you can explore the military forts and tunnels, discover the historic Quarantine Station or simply enjoy the coastal surrounds. As you near the end of the park where Bass Straight meets Port Phillip Bay you’ll be surrounded by stunning views and can make the most of the picnic areas to rest your weary legs. More>>
Total Distance: Up to you, but be prepared to cover some ground!
Get here by taking a short ferry ride from Stony Point. Western Port Ferries operate a regular service to and from the island and once you’re there the peace and serenity is palpable. Pick up a Parks Victoria Visitor Guide on the way and follow the network of public roads and management tracks and take in the diverse range of environments and sense of the unknown. We recommend traveling by mountain bike as many of the surfaces are corrugated or very sandy. See how many koalas you can spot along the way as the island is home to the most significant population of koalas in Victoria. More>>
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Total Distance: From 0.2km-2km
This one is for the serious mountain bike rider looking for a challenge. Designated Mountain Bike tracks have been created in sections of the Arthurs Seat State Park ranging from 200m long to almost 2km and graded on their difficulty. To get a visual, download the Parks Victoria map here. At the summit peak of 314-metres you’ll be treated with spectacular views of the bay before starting the descent along some rough and steep bush tracks. You may be lucky and spot koalas, tree goannas or even easier to spot is the wedge tailed eagle that is often seen soaring above. There are toilets, drinking water and parking opposite the Boundary Road Shops alternatively, you’ll find parking and access from Arthurs Seat Road. More>>
For more on bike tracks on the Mornington Peninsula head HERE>>
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