Perth Cycling Routes: The 5 Best Rides (And Coffee Stops Worth Riding

Perth has some of Australia's best cycling routes, combining coastal paths, riverside trails, and challenging hill climbs into a world-class riding scene. With year-round sunshine and well-maintained cycling infrastructure, Perth is a cyclist's paradise. Whether you're looking for a fast flat loop or a serious climb, this guide covers the five essential rides every Perth cyclist needs to know in 2026.

Perth Cycling Routes: Quick Reference

Route	Distance	Difficulty	Elevation	Highlight
Swan River Loop	40km	Easy	Flat (~50m total)	River views, city skyline
Fremantle Coastal Route	30km one way	Easy	Flat (~30m total)	Indian Ocean views
Kalamunda Circuit	60km return	Hard	~380m gain, avg 2.5% Zig Zag section	City views, Zig Zag climb
Rottnest Island Loop	22km	Moderate	Rolling (~150m total)	Beaches, quokkas
Munda Biddi Trail Section	20km (day ride)	Moderate–Hard	~200m gain (Mundaring section)	Native forest, wildflowers

1. Swan River Loop — The City Classic

Distance: 40km | Elevation: Flat (~50m total) | Difficulty: Easy

This iconic Perth route follows dedicated shared paths along both banks of the Swan River, offering stunning water views, the CBD skyline, and easy access to parks and cafes throughout. The full loop is excellent for social rides and suits all fitness levels.

Start point: Elizabeth Quay, Perth CBD (corner of Barrack Street and The Esplanade). There is street parking nearby, and the area is accessible via train to Elizabeth Quay station.

Route detail: From Elizabeth Quay, head east along Riverside Drive on the northern bank shared path, passing the CBD and Optus Stadium. Continue upstream along the river path through Burswood and on towards Maylands Peninsula. Cross the river at the Maylands footbridge or continue to Guildford for a longer loop. Return via the southern bank through South Perth Foreshore, past the zoo and the Old Mill, crossing back via the Narrows Bridge or Matagarup Bridge near Optus Stadium. The paths are sealed concrete and asphalt throughout — suitable for road bikes.

Distance breakdown: Northern bank (Elizabeth Quay to Maylands): ~10km. Maylands to Guildford (optional extension): +8km each way. Southern bank return: ~10km. The core loop via Maylands bridge is approximately 27–30km; extending to Guildford makes it 40km+.

Timing: Best ridden early morning (before 8:30am in summer) to avoid heat and path congestion. The Matagarup Bridge and South Perth foreshore become busy with pedestrians on weekend mornings.

Warning: Shared paths near Elizabeth Quay and South Perth can be crowded on weekend mornings — keep speeds moderate near pedestrians.

Coffee Stop: Peninsula Farm Cafe in Maylands sits directly on the banks of the Swan River and is a well-established stop for cyclists. It uses organic, seasonal produce and serves quality coffee — popular with the early morning cycling crowd on weekends.

Kit: Wearing the right cycling jerseys for Perth riders makes all the difference on a long Swan River loop. Look for breathable fabrics that handle Perth's warm mornings.

2. Fremantle Coastal Route — Ocean Views All the Way

Distance: 30km one way (20km via rail path, or 30km via coastal path) | Elevation: Flat | Difficulty: Easy

Ride from Perth city along the coast or the rail corridor to the historic port city of Fremantle. This mostly flat route uses dedicated bike paths and offers stunning Indian Ocean views along the beachside section. The return into a headwind can be genuinely hard work — the afternoon Fremantle Doctor sea breeze regularly reaches 30–40km/h.

Start point: Elizabeth Quay or Perth City (Barrack Street Jetty area). The route heads south-west toward Fremantle.

Route detail — Rail Path option (20km, fastest): Take the Perth–Fremantle Principal Shared Path, which runs parallel to the Fremantle railway line for 20km. The path is sealed and wide, passing through Subiaco, Claremont, and North Fremantle. This is the quickest route into Fremantle and popular with commuters and training riders.

Route detail — Coastal Path option (30km, scenic): From the city, head south through Kings Park and pick up the Sunset Coast cycle path from Cottesloe. The path hugs the Indian Ocean through North Cottesloe, Swanbourne, City Beach, and Scarborough before linking to North Fremantle via the coast. Most of the beachside path is sealed bitumen or shared path with gentle rollers. This option adds significant distance but the views are spectacular.

Warning: The Fremantle Doctor afternoon sea breeze kicks in reliably between noon and 2pm from November through March and can reach 40km/h. Plan to arrive in Fremantle before midday if you intend to ride back — or take the train home. High UV exposure on coastal paths means sunscreen and UV-protective kit are essential.

Timing: Start by 7am in summer. The coastal path is excellent year-round in Perth's mild winters (12–20°C).

Coffee Stop: GESHA Coffee Co. at 59A Queen Victoria Street, Fremantle is a well-established specialty coffee roaster that opened in 2015 and has become a genuine cyclist institution. Saturday and Sunday mornings see the venue filled with cyclists — reviewers note up to 200 riders rolling through on a busy morning. The coffee is consistently excellent and service is fast even at peak hour.

Kit: UV-protective cycling jerseys are essential for Perth's exposed coastal paths. Pair with cycling accessories including quality sunglasses and sunscreen.

3. Kalamunda Circuit — Perth's Classic Hill Climb

Distance: 60km return | Elevation Gain: ~380m | Difficulty: Hard

Perth's definitive hill climb takes you from the flat coastal plain to the Perth Hills suburb of Kalamunda via the famous Zig Zag Scenic Drive — a historic road closed to motor vehicles and now reserved for cyclists and pedestrians. The climb is sustained and technical, with tight hairpin bends and a gradient that reaches 1-in-27 at its steepest.

Start point: Most riders start from Midland or the Swan Valley area, approximately 20km east of the CBD. Park at Midland Gate or ride out from the city via the Swan Valley path. Alternatively, drive to the base of the Zig Zag at Gooseberry Hill for a shorter out-and-back climb.

Route detail: From Midland, ride east along Great Eastern Highway or use the parallel shared path toward Mundaring. Turn south toward Gooseberry Hill and pick up Zig Zag Road, which climbs approximately 3km through forested switchbacks to reach the plateau. From the top, continue into Kalamunda village (about 2km). Return via the same Zig Zag descent or loop back via Lesmurdie Road and Welshpool Road for variety.

Gradient details — Zig Zag section: The Zig Zag Scenic Drive is approximately 3km in length with 185m of climbing. The average gradient is 6% (1-in-17) with sections reaching 1-in-10 (10%). The road surface is sealed and in good condition. Motor vehicles are excluded between 8:30pm and 11:00am daily, making early morning the ideal window for cyclists to have the road to themselves.

Timing: Arrive at the base of the Zig Zag before 9am to avoid vehicle traffic and the heat. The climb is exposed — start early in summer. Winter mornings can be cold and misty at the top; bring arm warmers.

Warning: The descent is fast and technical with tight hairpins. Use both brakes progressively and check tyre pressure before descending. Heat builds quickly on the climb in summer — carry at least 1.5L of water.

Coffee Stop: Old Mates Cafe in Kalamunda village is a cyclist favourite at the summit, well reviewed on Tripadvisor and popular with riders on weekend mornings. Kalamunda's main street also has Mason & Bird, known for solid brunch and good coffee, if Old Mates has a queue.

Kit: For extended climbs, men's bib shorts with quality padding are non-negotiable. Check our women's bib shorts range too.

4. Rottnest Island Loop — Car-Free Paradise

Distance: 22km (island perimeter) | Elevation: Rolling (~150m total) | Difficulty: Moderate

Take the ferry to Rottnest Island and enjoy one of the most unique car-free cycling experiences in Australia. The island loop offers stunning beaches, wildlife encounters including the famous quokkas, and crystal-clear turquoise water. This is one of the most photographed cycling routes in Western Australia.

Getting there — Ferry: Two main operators serve Rottnest Island. Rottnest Express departs from both Barrack Street Jetty in Perth CBD (journey time: approximately 90 minutes) and B Shed in Fremantle (journey time: approximately 30 minutes). Rottnest Fast Ferries also departs from Fremantle. Book well in advance for summer weekends — the island gets busy. The Fremantle departure is significantly shorter and the recommended option for cyclists.

Bike options: You can bring your own bike on the ferry (check operator policies and book the bike spot in advance — fees apply). Alternatively, bike hire is available on the island from Rottnest Island Bike Hire near the main jetty. Full-day hire starts from approximately $36 for adults and includes helmet and lock. Ferry and bike hire combo packages are available through Rottnest Express and SeaLink — these are good value and remove the hassle of transporting your own bike.

Route detail: From the Thomson Bay main settlement and jetty, the perimeter loop follows the main island road clockwise (or counter-clockwise) past Geordie Bay, Longreach Bay, Cathedral Rocks, and West End before returning through the lakes district and back to Thomson Bay. The roads are sealed and shared with limited golf carts and service vehicles — no private cars. The terrain is rolling with no single sustained climb, but the exposed conditions and distance add up.

Timing: Take an early ferry (8:30am or 9am departure) to maximise time on the island. The island is exposed with no shade on much of the perimeter — ride the outer loop in the morning before the heat builds. Allow 3–4 hours for the full loop including stops.

Warning: Rottnest is fully exposed — no trees on most of the perimeter road. Carry 2L of water minimum. Island hire bikes are basic beach cruisers; if you want gears for the rollers, bring your own road or hybrid bike.

Coffee Stop: The Lane Cafe in the Thomson Bay settlement mall is a specialist barista cafe serving quality espresso, fresh juices, and acai bowls — well located a short walk from the main jetty. Dome Cafe at Thomson Bay offers full meals and alfresco seating overlooking the bay. Both are open from morning to catch the ferry crowds.

Kit: Lightweight cycling jerseys and women's jerseys work best for Rottnest's exposed island conditions.

5. Munda Biddi Trail — Into the Bush

Distance: 20km day section (Mundaring to Mount Helena) | Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

The Munda Biddi Trail — meaning "path through the forest" in the local Noongar language — is one of the world's great off-road cycling trails, running over 1,000km from Mundaring near Perth to Albany in the south. The northern sections near Perth offer excellent day rides through jarrah and marri forest, and the wildflower season from August through October makes this route genuinely spectacular.

Start point: The northern trailhead is at Mundaring, approximately 35km east of Perth CBD via Great Eastern Highway. There is parking at Mundaring Weir Road near the trailhead. From the city, drive or take a train to Midland then connect by car — there is no direct public transport to the Mundaring trailhead.

Surface and bike requirements: The Munda Biddi Trail is a purpose-built off-road mountain bike trail. The surface is compacted gravel, natural earth, and sections of rock — not sealed. A hardtail or full-suspension mountain bike is strongly recommended. Road bikes are unsuitable. Gravel bikes with 38mm+ tyres can manage the smoother sections but will struggle on the technical parts near Mundaring. The trail is well-signposted with yellow markers throughout.

Route detail — Mundaring to Mount Helena day ride (20km one way): This is the most popular day ride section of the northern Munda Biddi. From the Mundaring trailhead, the path winds through dense jarrah forest, crossing seasonal creeks and passing through the Helena Valley. The trail climbs steadily (~200m gain over 20km) to reach Mount Helena. This section is rated moderate — the climbs are manageable but the technical surface demands attention. Return via the same trail or arrange a car shuttle at Mount Helena.

Timing: The trail is accessible year-round, but spring (August–October) is the prime season for wildflowers and mild temperatures. Summer riding is possible early morning only — the forest provides shade but temperatures at Mundaring can exceed 40°C. Avoid trail riding in the heat of summer afternoons entirely.

Warning: The trail is remote — carry a full repair kit (spare tube, pump, multi-tool, tyre levers), food, and at least 2L of water. Mobile coverage is limited in sections. Tell someone your plan before you ride. Watch for wildlife including kangaroos and snakes on warm days.

Coffee Stop: Cafe Mojo in Mundaring on Great Eastern Highway is the best stock-up point before hitting the trail — it offers a relaxed setting with a garden area, solid coffee, and a menu suited to pre-ride fuelling. Services are extremely limited once you're on the trail, so fuel up before you start.

Kit: Gravel and trail riding demands robust bib shorts and breathable jerseys. See the full Australian cycling apparel range.

What to Wear Cycling in Perth

Perth's hot, dry climate demands specific preparation. Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C in summer, and UV exposure is extreme year-round. When choosing Perth cycling apparel, prioritise:

UV protection — look for UPF-rated fabrics in your jersey
Breathability — moisture-wicking materials are essential
Lightweight construction — heavy fabrics become unbearable in Perth heat
Visibility — bright colours help on busy shared paths

Explore our range of men's cycling jerseys and women's cycling jerseys designed for Australian conditions, plus cycling accessories including sunglasses, gloves, and hydration essentials.

Perth Cycling Clubs

Perth has a strong cycling club scene. Key clubs include Peel Cycling Club, North Perth Cycling Club, and the Perth Cycling Club based in Burswood. Most clubs run weekend group rides covering the routes above — a great way to discover new roads and meet local riders.

Safety Tips for Perth Cycling

Helmets are mandatory in Western Australia
Perth's summer heat can exceed 40°C — ride early morning or late afternoon
Always carry more water than you think you'll need
Use high-SPF sunscreen and reapply regularly
Be aware of the strong afternoon sea breeze (the "Fremantle Doctor") — plan your coastal rides accordingly
Watch for wildlife on rural and bushland routes
On the Munda Biddi and Perth Hills routes, carry a full repair kit and tell someone your route plan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cycling routes in Perth?

The Swan River Loop (40km), Fremantle Coastal Route (30km one way), and Kalamunda Circuit (60km return) are consistently rated Perth's best cycling routes. For something unique, the Rottnest Island Loop offers a car-free cycling experience you won't find anywhere else in Australia.

Is Perth good for road cycling?

Yes — Perth is one of Australia's best road cycling cities. The flat coastal routes are excellent for beginners, while the Perth Hills offer serious climbing for experienced riders. The dry climate and sunshine make it rideable year-round, though summer rides are best done early morning to beat the heat.

Where do cyclists ride in Perth?

The most popular cycling locations in Perth are the Swan River shared path network, the coastal path between the city and Fremantle, and the Perth Hills roads around Kalamunda and Mundaring. The Rottnest Island loop is also extremely popular, particularly on weekends.

What is the best time to cycle in Perth?

Early morning (5:30am–8:30am) is ideal in summer to beat the heat. Perth's winters are mild and excellent for cycling, with temperatures typically between 12°C and 20°C. Avoid riding in the hottest part of summer afternoons — temperatures regularly exceed 38°C.

Explore More Australian Cycling Routes

Perth is just one stop on Australia's incredible cycling map. Explore our guides to riding in other major cities:

Ready to upgrade your riding experience? Shop our full range of technical cycling apparel built for Australian conditions.