Bicycling
Melbourne and its environs contain more than 100 km (62 miles) of bike paths, including scenic routes along the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay. The Beach Road Trail extends 19 km (12 miles) around Port Phillip Bay from Elwood Beach to Sandringham; the new Docklands area of Melbourne can be cycled around—start on the Southbank Promenade, travel west, and then cross over the new Webb Street to Docklands Park and Harbour Esplanade; you can join the Main Yarra Trail bicycle route at the mouth of the Yarra River, just north of the West Gate Bridge or at Southbank. You can then follow the Yarra River for 35 km (22 miles) until it meets up with the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail in Templestowe in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Information on paths can be found on the websites for each council area, or via VicRoads (www.vicroads.vic.gov.au). Bicycle Network can also give some advice.
The City of Melbourne has a bike share scheme around the city. Hire begins at A$2.90 for half an hour, but daily and weekly hire is also available. See www.melbournebikeshare.com.au for the details. Note that under Australian law, all cyclists must wear helmets.
Bicycle Network. This company can provide advice on cycling in Melbourne and Victoria, including information about the road rules in relation to cyclists. The office sells some maps and books for cycling tours. Its website has trail maps. 4/246 Bourke St., City Center, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000. 03/8376–8888; www.bicyclenetwork.com.au.
Real Melbourne Bike Tours. The daily bike tours offered by this company promise to show the best of Melbourne. The four-hour rides (which depart at 10 am) include coffee and cakes in Little Italy and lunch. The company also rents bicycles from A$15 an hour (A$35 per day), and provides a map of five top rides, with suggestions of where to eat and drink. It's on the edge of the Yarra River just near Princes Bridge and Federation Square. Vault 14, Federation Sq., City Center, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000. 0417/339–203; www.rentabike.net.au. From A$110.
