Bicycling

Just a few words of warning about cycling in Australia, mate: first, the country is BIG, REALLY BIG with vast regions of nothingness so be prepared (especially with regards to lots of heat and sun and very little water); secondly, beware of road trains and get well off of the road if one is headed your way (from either direction since they typically drive down the middle of the road!!). But if you've got the time and the stamina then cycling around Australia is absolutely wonderful, so have a go!!!

For a few pictures of Australia, check out the Travel section.

• for a workout, go into the Adelaide Hills
• for something easier, check out the parks around Adelaide or go to Glenelg

• cycle out to Torndirrup National Park and see The Gap, the Natural Bridge, and other natural spectacles

• follow the Todd River out to the historic Telegraph Station
• go out to the Desert Park and beyond to Simpson's Gap (remember to bring lots of water)

• ride out to Cable Beach for a swim and some sun (and if you want to get rid of that strange looking cycling shorts tan line, the nude beach is to the north past the big rock formation...)

• just have fun cycling around the town or to the beaches
• it's about as flat as can be though a strong headwind on the coast can make for a good workout

• the city's layout may be logical but it's huge!!
• cycling around to see all of the sights, however, is perfect
• just don't get lost and wind up in Belconnen (not that its ever happened to me of course...)
• or you can check out a map ...

• ya gotta love high heat and humidity
• ride out to the Aviation Heritage Centre and see Glossie Aussie, one of only two B-52 Stratofortress bombers on display outside of the United States
• be sure to check out the Australian Customs declaration for the B-52 which stated that the plane was worth only AUD$1.00 plus about AUD$1000.00 in aviation fuel

• pack some food, lots of water and go explore Cape Range National Park on your mountain bike

• it's Freo to the natives and there are numerous bike paths that go to Perth
• also go explore the beaches or relax after a ride at one of the many cafes

• fantastic cycling trails including one over the Tasman Bridge!
• also very nice bike trails out north and south to the suburbs
• and then there's Mt. Wellington!!! (you've been warned...)

• unfortunately, you can't cycle on the paths in the Gorge but getting there by bike is easy
• and ride up into the hills of the eastern suburbs for a fantastic view of the city and harbour

• so good that they even provide online maps of cycling routes (hint, hint, are any other cities paying attention?)
• just explore the city or go along the coast to Brighton

• excellent cycling trails along the Swan River
• also check out Kings Park

• go all over the island in a day
• virtually car-free and you can rent bicycles right on the island
• try going up to the lighthouse!!

• Sydney Harbour Bridge (ride on the west side, walk on the east side
• Royal Botanical Gardens, the Sydney Opera House area, and the Rocks
• local neighbourhoods: Glebe, Darling Harbour, Paddington, or Kings Cross (but beware of the traffic!)
• the suburbs: Cronulla and Manly (go all the way up the coast to Palm Beach!)