The ACT is a small territory but it sits at the gateway to some of Australia's finest mountain riding. The Brindabella Ranges west of Canberra deliver genuine mountain road character, while the Snowy Mountains are within a two-hour ride. Canberra-based riders are extraordinarily well positioned.
Mountain Pass
Departing Canberra's western suburbs, Brindabella Road climbs through pine forests and alpine meadows with sweeping Murrumbidgee River valley views. The road is narrow in places but well maintained and near-deserted on weekday mornings.
Mountain Pass
A shorter loop through the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve south-west of Canberra. Well-surfaced roads, good wildlife viewing and the Tidbinbilla Deep Space Communication Complex as a quirky stop.
Mountain Pass
South from Canberra on the Monaro Highway then west into the Snowy Mountains via Cooma, Jindabyne and Thredbo. In summer this is arguably the finest long day ride from Canberra.
Coastal Road
Following the Murrumbidgee downstream from Canberra through Tharwa and Lanyon, this route rolls through river flats and low hills with several historic homestead stops and minimal traffic.
Mountain Pass
Connecting Canberra to Bateman's Bay on the NSW South Coast, the Kings Highway drops off the Southern Tablelands through Clyde Mountain. The descent is fast and technical with long straights through dense bush.