With Christmas holidays coming up many of us are looking forward to some time off work and a chance to open up the throttle on the open road.
Australia is a great country for motorcycle riders, with thousands of kilometres of windy roads with scenic views.
Sometimes it can be hard to decide where to go.
We’ve put together our top 5 motorbike rides from around the country. From short day trips you can bust out in a few hours to more regional runs that will take you a few days.
QLD – Atherton Tablelands
If you’re holidaying in far north Queensland you have to make a visit to the cool mountain air of the Atherton Tablelands, particularly in summer. Take the Gillies Highway up into the Tableland starting with Gordonvale. You’ll make your way up some wonderfully windy roads as you climb the Great Dividing Range into tropical rainforest.
There are plenty of things to see and do, from visiting Lake Barrine or some of the old museums, to visiting the shops and cafes of the local towns. You can stop as much as you like, or just keep following the road through Atherton, Ravenshoe, Millaa Millaa and down to the Palmerston Highway to Innisfail before heading back in to Cairns.
At just over 300km you could do this route in half a day, but if you want to see the sights allow yourself a whole day. Photographers will especially like the lookouts along the way.
QLD – Samford to Maleny
Set back from the ocean between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast is a green stretch of road from Samford to Dayboro, through Woodford and on to Maleny. You’ll pass through quiet shire villages, farmland and hinterland rainforests on some great turns and sweeping bends. You’ll also have your pick of some quaint local cafes and bakeries for drink breaks.
This stretch is only 100km so treat it as the starting point for a day of exploring the Sunshine Coast Hinterland after you get to Maleny, or for whenever you want a short burst when you only have a couple of hours.
NSW – Wauchope to Walcha
Starting in Wauchope, which is just a half hour trip west from the surfing town of Port Maquarie, there’s a great run heading out to Walcha. There are tight hairpin turns through native Australian forests in the middle, and long sweeping curves on the flats at either end.
The road is in good condition so you’ll be able to do the 160km in less than 2 hours. From there you can either head back or stay at the Royal Café in Walcha, which is owned by fellow motorbike riders so they’re always happy to accommodate.
VIC – Anglesea to Lavers Hill (The Great Ocean Road)
Enjoy ocean views as you head out of Melbourne for a ride along Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road. Start at Anglesea, heading down to Lorne, Apollo Bay and around the Great Otway National Park to get to Lavers Hill. This road is known for its amazing scenery, exhilarating turns and… did we mention the scenery? Seriously, bring a camera.
The 120km will only take you about two hours without stops, then you have the option of turning around and taking the same road back. We guarantee you’ll find things you missed when you’re heading the other way.
WA – Perth to Geraldton (loop)
If you’re going to ride in the vastness of Western Australia you might as well do it right. So starting in Perth pack a bag with plenty of water and head north up Indian Ocean Drive along the western coastline. This is where you can really escape from the city and enjoy the open air. Head up through Dongara and think about staying the night in Geraldton.
When you head back try taking the inland route. Go through Mingenew, Moora and New Norcia on your way back to Perth. The long, straight stretches of road will give you a chance to appreciate the scenery and the vastness of this great land.
The whole loop is about 1,000km so it’s not a good idea to try it in one day. Stretch it out over two or three days and really take in the surrounds.
If after some time on the road you’ve realised it’s time to upgrade to a newer bike or a different model, give us a call at Aussie Bike Loans or apply online. We’re always happy to talk about new bike finance and what you’re looking at buying.