An overnight bicycle adventure – or vaga-biking as we call it – is an amazing way to discover what’s just beyond your doorstep with an entirely new perspective, whilst spending quality time with your mates the process. Here’s our top picks for vaga-biking adventures around Sydney.
Where To Go?
You don’t need to lust over spray-on lycra or drool at the thought of carbon-fibre to enjoy riding a bicycle. Cycling is the most accessible mode of transport on the planet and there’s no better way to explore said planet than from the seat of a bicycle.
Below is a selection of bikepacking routes within a few hours of Sydney, and are all accessible by public transport. The start and finish locations all have train stations that can get you to and from the city quickly and super cheap. All the camping locations mentioned are basic and free!
# 1 Lithgow to Mittagong
(via Jenolan & Wombeyan Caves)
210km | 2-3 days | 4/5 rating | Camp in Werong State Forest
# 2 Bundeena to Kiama
(via the Royal National Park and Fire Road)
120km | 2 days | 3/5 rating | Camp at Bass Point
# 3 Maitland to Newcastle
(through the Hunter Valley via Dungog)
143km | 2 days | 2/5 rating | Camp in Wallaroo State Forest
# 4 Yerrinbool to Kiama
(Via Bowral, Kangaroo Valley and Berry)
177km | 2-3 days | 2/5 rating | Camp at Bendeela
# 5 Canberra Loop
(via the Naas Fire Trail)
157km | 2/3 days | 5/5 rating | Camp anywhere!
# 6 Mooney Mooney to Windsor
(via Wisemans Ferry)
130km | 2 days | 3/5 rating |
# 7 Berrima to Goulburn
(via Belanglo State Forest)
150km, 2 days | 3/5 rating | Camp in Tarlo River National Park
# 8 Yass to Canberra
(via Wee Jasper)
170km | 2 days | 3/5 rating | Camp in Bondo State Forest
Essential Equipment For A Vaga-Biking Weekend
The most important thing to remember here is that expensive equipment is not essential! In fact, with some crafty Gumtree purchasing and some cheeky borrowings from friends you could get everything you need for a bikepacking weekend for less than $100.
The main things to get your hands on are obviously your bike, a rack (which sits on the back) and two rear panniers to put your worldly weekend possessions into.
For camping you’ll need a tent or hammock, a sleeping bag and a fresh change of warm clothes. You’ll also need plenty of food and water, portable gas cooker (including pots, pans etc). Additional kit should include your camera, bike spares and a map!
Other essential items include duct tape and cable ties. You should never step out the front door without these in your possession – whether or not you’re Macgyver.
In case you weren’t convinced already, here are 10 reasons to love ‘Vaga-Biking’
- It’s ridiculously cheap
- It’s beautifully uncomplicated
- Getting completely lost in your own dreamworld of thought and that immense feeling of freedom
- Truly connecting with Mother Nature (without a window between you and the world)
- It keeps you fit as a fiddle
- Provides a challenge to overcome and a sense of achievement once you’ve done it
- You’re doing your bit for carbon emissions
- Camping in the wild, cooking in the woods and sleeping for free at the million star hotel
- It’ll restore your faith in humanity
- Anyone can do it – just pick a sensible distance!
“Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia.” ~ H.G. Wells
More cycling microadventures…
Mt. Donna Buang Cycling Microadventure // Yarra Valley (Vic)
Bike and Hike to Splendour Rock (NSW)
Traversing Australia’s Gnarliest 4WD Track On A Solar Bike
Bikepacking The Jagungal Wilderness // Photo Essay
