Melbourne's Best Cycling Routes: The Core 5

The Definitive Guide to Melbourne's Best Road Cycling

Melbourne is arguably Australia's cycling capital, offering world-class road cycling routes from the iconic Beach Road bunch rides to the challenging climbs of the Dandenongs. From the rolling hills of the Mornington Peninsula to scenic coastal routes, our city offers incredible variety for road cyclists of all levels. At Caffeine and Cranks, we spend most of our mornings on these exact roads, testing our designs in real-world conditions.

Whether you are a local looking for a new loop or visiting from interstate, here is our tactical guide to the top 5 road cycling routes in Melbourne, including distances, difficulty, and highly rated coffee stops to reward your efforts.

1. The Beach Road Classic (St Kilda to Mordialloc)

This is the iconic Melbourne Saturday morning tradition. Beach Road is Australia's most famous cycling strip, where hundreds of riders roll out from the city south along the bay, enjoying flat coastal riding and the electric atmosphere of the bunch scene.

The Stats: Approx 40km-50km return | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Directions: Start at St Kilda pier or Beaconsfield Parade. Head south along Beach Road through Hampton, Sandringham, and Black Rock. Continue past Mordialloc and turn around at Patterson River or continue to Frankston if you want extra kilometres.

Key Challenge: The wind on the return leg. The northerly headwind on the way home can turn an easy social spin into a solid workout, testing your positioning and endurance.

The Gear: For the Beach Road run, we recommend our Core Jerseys. It is a high-visibility social route, and the Core range offers the perfect balance of performance and style for those Saturday bunch laps. Learn more about choosing the right cycling jersey for your riding style.

The Coffee: Café Racer, St Kilda. Located right on Marine Parade, this cyclist institution has ample bike parking and is always flooded with lycra. Perfect for post-ride coffee on the Beach Road strip.

2. Arthur's Seat Summit Challenge

The Mornington Peninsula's crown jewel. Arthur's Seat is the highest point on the peninsula, offering stunning views across Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait. This is a serious day out that rewards you with one of Victoria's best coastal descents.

The Stats: Approx 80km-100km from Mornington | Difficulty: Hard

Directions: Most riders start from Mornington on the Nepean Highway. Head through Arthurs Seat township and tackle the main summit climb via Purves Road or the quieter back way via Boneo Road. Enjoy the descent to Sorrento before returning via the coast road.

The Gear: This route is for the climbers. We recommend our Pinnacle Bib Shorts for their elite-level compression and second-skin fit during the long climbs and technical descents of the peninsula. Proper cycling apparel makes all the difference on longer rides.

The Coffee: Red Hill area cafes welcome cyclists exploring the Mornington Peninsula's scenic routes and vineyards.

3. The Dandenongs - The 1 in 20

The 1 in 20 is Melbourne's most famous climb. Rising from the foothills through stunning temperate rainforest in Sherbrooke Forest, this climb is the local benchmark for climbing ability and a rite of passage for Melbourne cyclists.

The Stats: Approx 60km-80km loop | Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Directions: Start at Ferntree Gully or The Basin. Head up the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, turning right onto the 1 in 20 (Mountain Highway). The climb starts at the intersection with Sherbrooke Road and continues for 6.9km to the township of Sassafras.

Key Challenge: The sustained gradient. Averaging around 5-6% with steeper pinches, the climb is long enough to hurt but short enough to attack. It is the perfect testing ground for your FTP.

The Gear: For sustained climbing efforts, our Pinnacle Bib Shorts provide the comfort you need. Understanding how to prevent saddle discomfort is crucial for longer climbs.

The Coffee: Ripe Sassafras. Perfect for cyclists after conquering the 1 in 20 climb, this quintessential hills cafe serves excellent coffee, pastries, and all-day breakfast in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges.

4. Yarra Boulevard Loop

The Boulevard is one of Melbourne's hidden gems. Closed to traffic on Sundays, this scenic loop follows the Yarra River through Kew and Studley Park, offering city skyline views and smooth tarmac without the cars.

The Stats: Approx 7km per loop (most riders complete 3-5 laps) | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Directions: Start at the Yarra Boulevard entry in Kew. Follow the one-way loop clockwise, enjoying the river views and the short, punchy rollers as you wind through the prestigious eastern suburbs. Most cyclists complete multiple laps for a solid training session.

Key Challenge: The short sharp rollers. The Boulevard constantly pitches up and down, making it impossible to get into a rhythm. It is a perfect training ground for high-intensity efforts.

The Gear: For the repeated high-intensity efforts, proper baselayer selection helps manage moisture during the Boulevard's punchy climbs.

The Coffee: Studley Park Boathouse. A great cyclist stop near Studley Park and Yarra Bend Park, perfect for recovery after the Boulevard efforts.

5. Black Spur to Lake Mountain

Located 90 minutes northeast of Melbourne, the Black Spur is one of Victoria's most spectacular mountain rides. This route takes you through towering mountain ash forests with some of the state's most challenging climbing.

The Stats: Approx 80km-100km from Healesville | Difficulty: Hard

Directions: Most riders base themselves in Healesville or Marysville. The classic route follows the Maroondah Highway through the Black Spur, with optional extensions to Lake Mountain Road for serious elevation gain. The descent back through the Spur is one of Australia's best.

Key Challenge: Sustained mountain climbing and variable weather. The altitude and forest microclimate mean conditions can change rapidly, and the climbs are long enough to test your endurance.

The Gear: Mountain conditions demand layering capability. Our Core Gilet is essential for the Black Spur, providing wind protection on the fast descents while staying breathable on the climbs.

The Coffee: Watts River Café & General Store Healesville. This cyclist-friendly cafe is highly rated for its quality coffee and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect recovery spot after a day in the Yarra Ranges.

Ride Melbourne with Confidence

Melbourne's roads are best enjoyed in gear that is built for the challenge. Whether you are tackling your first Beach Road bunch ride or testing yourself on Arthur's Seat, focus on kit that provides the technical support you need. Explore our complete guides on choosing cycling jerseys and cycling apparel essentials.

Looking for more Australian cycling routes? Check out our guides for Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide.

We would love to see you out there - tag us in your ride photos on Instagram @caffeineandcranks.

Ready to upgrade your riding experience? Shop our full range of technical cycling apparel and build your perfect Melbourne kit today.