Cycle & Discover Amazing Albany!
10 Great Rides is a guide to scenic road cycle routes for leisurely touring, as well as more challenging road bike rides.
The free pocket-sized fold out map is available from Albany Visitor Centre, Albany Public Library, Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre, the City of Albany’s North Road office, and local bike shops.
It is also available online right here! Click on the preview image below to download the online version.
There are also more detailed online downloads of each of the 10 rides available by scrolling down below.
What is 10 Great Rides?
Our 10 Great Rides take you to some of Albany’s most breathtaking sites, including isolated unspoilt beaches, majestic harbours, rugged coastline, native bushland and nature reserves.
Cycle around the Anzac Heritage Park and visit the new National Anzac Centre. Discover Albany’s history as the first settlement in Western Australia and the traditional home of the Minang Noongar Aboriginal people.
Albany’s weather is perfect year round for cycling. Plan a half day leisurely ride and refresh with a swim, picnic or lunch at a cafe or winery along the way. Or bring your road bike and enjoy a quiet ride on Albany’s scenic country roads.
The City of Albany provided $5000, plus in-kind support, towards the production of 10 Great Rides. The Great Southern Development Commission provided $19,958 through the State Government’s Community Chest Fund, part of the Royalties for Regions program.
10 Great Rides aligns with the City of Albany’s Cycle City Albany Strategy, which has received significant support from the Department of Transport.
Choose Your Ride!
Click on any of the rides below to be taken to detailed information about each ride, including:
- A mapmyride link
- A downloadable PDF with all the information you will need such as:
- The description of each ride including directions;
- Ride maps;
- Elevation profiles;
- Distances;
- Cafes, refreshments and other attractions on the way (check opening hours which vary during the year).
Use the mapmyride link to see the route in detail. You can download it to your cycling computer, tablet or smartphone.
Difficulty Levels
Easy

Ride 1
Route on shared paths (cyclists and pedestrians) Family friendly and for recreational cyclists.
Intermediate

Rides 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Routes on sealed roads – for experienced road and touring cyclists.
Difficult

Rides 4 and 10
Longer and more challenging routes – for more experienced cyclists.
Click a ride below to view more details
Family day out – or 3 easy rides
Three short rides or one longer ride – all on shared paths. Remember to give way to pedestrians.
Start: Lawley Park, Brunswick Rd, 500m from town.
Town to Middleton Beach – 9 kms return. Follow the shared path to the end of Brunswick Road, then along the boardwalk to Middleton Beach.
Middleton Beach to Emu Point – 8 kms return. Continue on the shared path along the coast to Emu Point and the nearby fishing boat marina. Emu Point to Lower King Bridge -18 kms return. On the way back deviate at Griffiths St onto the shared path. Continue along Brewster St, up the “zig-zag”, onto Lower King Rd to the Bridge and Oyster Harbour.e
Grade:
Easy - Family Friendly
Distance return:
35kms
Highest Point:
49m
Riding Time @ 15kph
2 hrs 20 mins approx
City Circuit & Anzac Discovery
Explore Albany on a leisurely ride around Mt Clarence, to Middleton Beach and back to town. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way. Visit the Albany Heritage Park and the National Anzac Centre. The incredible 360° views from the Padre White Lookout are worth the steep climb.
Start: Albany Entertainment Centre.
Cross the footbridge into Stirling Terrace. Ride along Brunswick Rd, Cuddihy St and on to Marine Drive. Turn left to the Heritage Park, or continue on to Middleton Beach – with spectacular views all the way. Return to town on Middleton Rd. Cross the roundabout and go down Aberdeen St. Go right at the T Junction, then left down York St and back to the start. There are many attractions close by.
Grade:
Intermediate
Distance:
14 Kms
Highest Point:
140m
Riding Time @ 15kph:
1hr approx
Frenchman Bay – locals’ favourite
A fantastic ride around the harbour and on to Frenchman Bay. It is a popular early morning road bike route or a leisurely day trip to visit Discovery Bay and explore the spectacular coastline. The return route is through Torndirrup National Park, with optional detours to the famous Gap/Natural Bridge and the Wind Farm (a very steep climb).
Start: Cnr Frenchman Bay Rd and Woolstores Place, 3 kms from town centre.
Ride through quiet Little Grove and along the Quaranup Peninsula. A detour to Whaling Cove is an option. Turn into Shoal Bay Retreat and follow back roads over the hill to Goode Beach and Frenchman Bay. The return route diverts into Bramwell Rd and a quiet circuit back to Frenchman Bay Rd and the start.
Grade:
Intermediate
Distance:
36kms (excluding detours)
Highest Point:
130m
Riding Time @ 15kph:
2 hrs 30 mins approx
Riding Time @ 30kph:
1 hr 15 mins approx
Two Peoples Bay & Little Beach
A long ride crossing two rivers, some hills and through a Nature Reserve to Two Peoples Bay and beautiful turquoise ‘Little Beach’ nearby. There are picnic areas and BBQs under trees at Two Peoples Bay, (and also at the Nanarup Beach detour) and a cafe 3 kms along Two People’s Bay Road.
Start: Eyre Park, Middleton Beach.
Follow Golf Links Road cycle lane past Troode St and turn left at Griffiths St. Ride along Brewster St, up the zigzag to Lower King Rd, which goes on to cross the King and Kalgan Rivers. Continue on Nanarup Rd and turn left at Two Peoples Bay Rd. (Or go another 6.5 kms to Nanarup Beach.) After 14 kms there is a road to Little Beach, just before Two Peoples Bay.
Grade:
Difficult (long and hilly)
Distance:
74 kms (excluding detour
Highest Point:
81m
Riding Time @ 15kph:
5 hrs approx
Riding Time @ 30kph:
2 hrs 30 mins approx
Back Road Ramble
A pleasant circuit through quiet semi-rural areas on the outskirts of Albany. Take care on short sections on Albany Highway, Chester Pass Road; and along narrow and hilly Mercer Road.
Start: General store, corner Lancaster Rd and Albany Highway, 5 kms from town centre.
Cross over the busy Albany Highway, turn right and then next left at Rufus St. Turn left into Havoc St and follow the map route to Lower King Road.
Before the bridge turn into Norwood Road and quiet country roads back to Albany Highway. Cross over and ride along Link Rd, passing a café/winery on the right. Turn left into Lancaster Rd and return back to the start.
Grade:
Intermediate
Distance:
31 kms
Highest Point:
65m
Riding Time @ 15kph:
2 hrs approx
Riding Time @ 30kph:
1 hr approx
Aboriginal [Noongar] Heritage
Visit three significant Aboriginal heritage sites, each with information about the Noongar people of the region.
Start: Yorrl Park on Cumberland Road, Lower King.
From Yorrl Park (walkways and interpretive areas), ride along the waterfront, then into Rae Rd, Lower King Rd and across the bridge. Turn into Morilla Rd and ride down Barameda Rd to Oyster Harbour and stone fish-traps built over 7500 years ago.
Return back and continue on Nanarup Rd across the Kalgan Bridge, to quiet Hunton Rd. Towards the end of Hunton, go left into Wheeldon Rd to the Upper Kalgan Hall and Bridge – another important Aboriginal heritage site. Return to the start.
Grade:
Intermediate
Distance return:
31 kms
Highest Point:
80m
Riding Time @ 15kph:
2 hrs approx
Riding Time @ 30kph:
1 hr approx
Up River to Millbrook
Starting at the Lower King River this out and back route is on some of the best back roads around Albany. Millbrook Road is a favourite with Albany cyclists. Take care on short Highway sections which are marked on the map.
Start: Coraki Park, just after Lower King Bridge.
Turn right out of the park and immediately left into Prideaux Rd. Turn left into Bushby Rd which leads into Bon Accord Rd and Chester Pass Rd. Ride west (carefully) for 1 km and turn into Millbrook Rd – a long tree lined road, far away from traffic and noise. The route ends at Albany Highway.
Return the same way to Chester Pass Rd. Turn right, then left into Norwood Rd which leads back to Lower King Rd and the start.
Grade:
Intermediate
Distance return:
44 kms
Highest Point:
88m
Riding Time @ 15kph:
3 hrs approx
Riding Time @ 30kph:
1hr 30 mins approx
The Cosiest Corner
A pretty ride to Cosy Corner Beach, via quiet roads in Robinson and Grasmere. A Southwest wind sometimes provides a tail wind on way back.
Start: Cnr Frenchman Bay Rd and Woolstores Place, 3 kms from town.
Turn right off Frenchman Bay Road into Robinson Road, which joins Lower Denmark Road. Turn left through the peaceful ‘Grasmere Elleker loop’. There is a detour over a very steep hill to Mutton Bird Island (3.6 kms), a popular surfing spot.
At Elleker join Lower Denmark Road and proceed west to Cosy Corner Road. It passes a café and leads to a sheltered beach with picnic tables and BBQs under peppermint trees.
Grade:
Intermediate
Distance return:
61 kms (excluding detour)
Highest Point:
36m
Riding Time @ 15kph:
4 hrs approx
Riding Time @ 30kph:
2 hrs approx
Nullaki Wilderness
A quiet peaceful ride along the Wilson Inlet, then through the Nullaki Wilderness Reserve to Anvil Beach. It is well worth the drive to the starting point.
Start: Youngs Siding, on Lower Denmark Road.
Ride towards Denmark and after 1.5 kms turn left into Eden Rd. Follow the road along the Inlet where you often see Sea Eagles and other water birds. Pass through the gate into the Wilderness Reserve and through karri and peppermint forests to Anvil Beach. There are spectacular views over the Southern Ocean. Turn right along Nullaki Drive to a pretty sheltered boat ramp on the inlet. Visit Cosy Corner, Mutton Bird Island and other scenic attractions on the drive back.
Grade:
Intermediate
Distance return:
41 kms
Highest Point:
52m
Riding Time @ 15kph:
2 hrs 45 mins approx
Riding Time @ 30kph:
1 hr 20 mins approx
Long Circuit for the Young at Heart
A long road bike ride, preferably on the weekend when there is less traffic on the South Coast Hwy.
Start: Town Square, York Street.
Ride up York Street and along Albany Highway (shared path available). Just after the big roundabout turn left onto the South Coast Highway. Ride for 33 kms, passing Marbellup and Rutherford Roads (short-cut options). Turn left into Lower Denmark Road to Youngs Siding (refreshments available).
Continue past Cosy Corner and the small settlements of Elleker and Cuthbert, back to Albany. Return to the start via Princess Royal Drive and Festing Street. Turn into York Street return back to the start.
Grade:
Difficult (long, busy road)
Distance:
75 kms
Highest Point:
73m
Riding Time @ 15kph:
5 hours approx
Riding Time @ 30kph:
2 hrs 30 mins approx
What to Consider
Ride 1 is the only route not on the road. It is on a shared path (cyclists and pedestrians). All other routes are on sealed roads. There are very few cycle lanes.
Some routes have short sections on busy highways – they are marked on map.
Look at the elevation profile – some rides include challenging hills.
Allow plenty of time. Estimated riding times do not include stops and breaks along the way.
The return distance does not include detours.
Ride Safely and be Prepared
Cyclists are responsible for riding safely and adhering to all road rules and regulations.
Wear a helmet – it is a legal requirement.
On narrow roads it is safer to ride single file.
Give way to pedestrians on shared paths.
Take tools, spares, food and water.
Check the weather forecast for waterproof/warm clothing and sunscreen.
Local bicycle shops (buy, fix, hire)
- Bobs Bikes | bobsbikes.com.au | (08) 9841 1728
- Impulse Cycles | impulsecycles.com.au | (08) 9847 4258
- Passmore Cycles | passmorecycles.com | (08) 9841 2623
- Albany Bicycle Hire | albanybicyclehire.com.au | (08) 9842 2468
- Bikes for the Trail | bikesforthetrail.com | 0459 349 510
Contact Local Cyclists
Chat to local cyclists at facebook.com/groups/southerncyclists
Join local cyclists on their regular rides albanycycleclub.com.au
Feedback and Comments
We welcome your feedback and comments about Albany’s Ten Great Rides. Please email marketing@amazingalbany.com.au with the subject: “10 Great Rides feedback”.
10 Great Rides is a joint project undertaken by the Albany Cycle Club and the City of Albany; supported by funding from the Great Southern Development Commission.
Project Manager – Pam Dolley.
Photographs – Barbara Madden.
Design – Spurr of the Moment Design.
The State Government, City of Albany and other associated organisations accept no liability for loss, damage, injury or other consequences from using this guide or roads, shared paths and other facilities in the region.