Best paths for a first ride, state by state
The best first-ride path is flat, wide, sealed and away from cars, with somewhere to stop halfway. Bay trails, river paths and botanic gardens fit in every capital. Below are one or two per state that families keep recommending to us.
What makes a good first path
- Sealed and flat. Gravel comes later.
- Wide enough to pass a pram without stopping.
- Shade for at least part of it.
- A cafe, playground or duck pond as the halfway reward.
Victoria
Bay Trail, Elwood to Brighton. Yarra Trail, Abbotsford section.
New South Wales
Bay Run, Iron Cove. Centennial Parklands loop.
Queensland
New Farm Riverwalk. Kedron Brook bikeway.
South Australia
River Torrens Linear Park. Semaphore foreshore.
Western Australia
South Perth foreshore. Kings Park.
Tasmania, ACT, NT
Intercity Cycleway, Hobart. Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra. Nightcliff foreshore, Darwin.
These are family suggestions, not endorsements. Check path conditions and conditions of use locally.
Common questions
Can they ride on the footpath?
Rules vary by state. In most, children can ride on footpaths with an adult. Keep the parent handle on near roads.
What about the beach path?
Sealed beach paths are ideal. Sand is not.
How far can a two-year-old pedal?
A few hundred metres at a time, then a rest. Plan for the walk home.
General guidance for parents, not clinical advice. If something worries you, your maternal and child health nurse is the right first call.