Australia’s best motorcycle rides

If you own a bike, then you know the free feeling of cruising the open road, cutting through the wind, and appreciating the beautiful scenery along the way.

Motorcycling can be a solitary quest or one you share with friends, family or a biking community. Either way, here are some of the best biking routes to explore across Australia.

NSW: Far North Coast

Distance: 290km

A trip up north on the Pacific Highway will take you on twists and turns, and as the road winds its way towards Queensland, the scene becomes more subtropical.

The far north coast region is particularly attractive, with beautiful beaches backed by cane fields and lush rain forested hills.

North of Coffs Harbour, the highway sweeps inland to Grafton, known as the ‘City of Jacarandas’ on the Clarence River.

The big rivers around Grafton set the pace for focus on water activities with everything from flatwater canoeing to the most challenging white-water rafting.

Further north you then reach Ballina, before turning off the highway to take the coast road to the small surfing village of Lennox.

Continue up the coast passing Byron Bay and the fishing centre of Brunswick Heads, before turning inland to the sugar cane country around Murwillumbah.

Tweed Heads is the last New South Wales town before the highway heads across the border into Queensland.

QLD: Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious

Distance: 42km

Mount Glorious is listed in almost every motorcycling directory around the world as a must do motorcycle trip. Just a short ride from Brisbane’s CBD, nothing quite prepares you for the change of scenery the mountain top view brings.

Keep in mind that this beautiful route has limited overtaking lanes. It’s also popular with recreational bicycle riders, so if you need to pass, remember to allow a 1m gap in speed zones 60km/h or less, and 1.5m in speed zones above 60km/h.

Mountain roads generally lift you into a different environment, but this track is magical. It takes you from farming valley through Samford, into an open forest at the top of the range; to suddenly being surrounded by a mesmerizing rainforest.

VIC: The Great Ocean Road

Distance: 243km

The Great Ocean Road should be at the top of your biking bucket list. It’s a ride where you can treasure views of where the earth meets the sea, spanning along the stunning coastline of Victoria's southwest. This long winding road is undoubtedly one of the best motorcycle routes in the world.

SA: Mount Pleasant

Distance: 64km

If you’re the type of rider who prefers a road less travelled, you’ll be well catered for in Adelaide. From the coast to the inland, there are so many great roads for riders but the drive from the CBD to Mount Pleasant is a must. As you leave the city, head towards the Adelaide Hills where you’ll spot the highlands filled with wildlife. The relaxing landscape will lead you to the tiny township of Mount Pleasant 440 metres above sea level. Why not make a stop for lunch at Lovell's Bakery? There you’ll find coffee and tasty pastries before exploring the rest of the town filled with vineyards, cellar doors and fresh local produce.

WA: Yallingup to Augusta

Distance: 84km

This coastal ride doesn’t need much of an introduction. Its windy roads are matched perfectly with restaurants and wineries that offer pleasant break spots and views of towering trees and clearings that lead to mind-blowing views. Just take note that while this ride is picturesque on a sunny day, avoid it at all costs during the winter months or wet weather because the zigzagging roads can be quite dangerous – especially for beginners.

TAS: Strahan to Derwent Bridge

Distance: 126km

The west coast of Tasmania is truly an epitome of the Wild West. This is because unlike the north, east and south coasts, the land is incredibly rugged which provides extremely beautiful scenery. Tasmania’s Motorcycle Touring even suggests that the intrepid biker will be rewarded with landscapes that are found nowhere else on planet earth.

Lyell Highway, out of Hobart through Derwent Bridge, is your gateway to the west. If you spot access to a nature walk it’s highly recommended to stop and stretch your legs because most of these short walks lead to waterfalls and breathtaking views where you can take a break or even picnic.

If you're a biking enthusiast from QLD, NSW, ACT or TAS, you should consider the peace of mind that comes with motorcycle insurance. NRMA offers full cover for your motorbike against accidental damages, collisions and crashes.