Sydney❜s Best Bike Parks and Trails For Kids

By: Marie Ashworth, ellaslist

Kids love to ride. It’s fun and super exciting for them. It’s give them freedom and builds their confidence. What’s more it gets them outdoors into the fresh air, gets them active and, once you’ve invested in the bikes or scooters and helmets, it’s totally free.

But knowing where to go with your little learners or bigger riders looking to explore further afield is key. We’ve put together some of Sydney’s best bike parks and bike trails for kids according to their ability.

Best Places To Learn To Ride For Under 5s

 

1. Children’s Learners Cycleway at Centennial Parkslands, Moore Park, Eastern Suburbs

In the south-west corner of Centennial Park, you’ll find the family-friendly Fearnley Grounds precinct. As well as a playground, toilets, café and bike rental shop, there’s the Children’s Learners Cycleway; a dedicated bike track which loops around the playground and through the trees. It’s completely flat and wide enough for 2-3 bikes side by side making it safe for little ones on trikes, scooters and bikes. It’s also worth mentioning, for families with older kids, Centennial Parklands allows mountain bikers to ride the trail just inside the perimeter fence which loops the entire park. Find out more about Centennial Parklands here.

 

2. Brightmore Reserve, Cremorne, North Shore

Brightmore Reserve is a North Sydney gem for learner riders under 10yrs to practice new skills on the simulated public road system complete with roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, road signs and a play village with petrol station, fire engine and row of shops. Set within the track is a fenced playground. The reserve is flat and easily accessible with plenty of shady picnic tables and lots of open green space for more informal play. Toilets, sports fields, BBQs and a swing-set are across the road in Primrose Park.

 

3. The Sydney Park Cycling Centre at Sydney Park, St Peters, Inner West

Sydney Park Cycling Centre opened at the end of 2015 and is proving to be a Sydney favourite among parents for their young children to learn and gain confidence on wheels. The park is set up with mini-roads, roundabouts and bridges, complete with working traffic lights, a tunnel and a refuelling station. Just over the brow of the hill, you’ll find a café, playground and beautiful wetlands. Sydney Cycleways offer FREE Balance Bike Clinics for 3-8yr olds every Saturday from 11am – bikes and helmets provided. No need to book.

 

4. Heffron Pedal Park, Maroubra, Eastern Suburbs

Heffron Pedal Park is a great spot in Sydney’s East for youngsters to practice their bike and scooter skills. The fun, miniature road network features road signs, road markings, traffic lights and roundabouts. There’s also road rule information to help kids learn essential riding safety rules. There is ample parking nearby, a children’s playground, public toilets, shade and seating areas.

 

5. Campbelltown’s Bicycle Education & Road Safety Centre, Campbelltown, Western Sydney

This Campbelltown Bicycle Education & Road Safety Centre comes highly recommended from ellaslist readers. At the Centre you’ll find a road circuit with signage and traffic lights, a junior track for toddlers, shaded bicycle skills area, a bicycle repair station, children’s playground plus all the facilities you might need including toilets with baby change table, sheltered picnic area, free BBQ and vending machine. Coffee is available on the other side of the park. The Centre offers FREE open days every Sunday 10am-3pm and during school holidays Monday to Friday 10am-3pm. It  also offers Learn to Ride programs and private hire. The Centre is situated at the end of King Street, Campbelltown. Enter the main car park and the Centre is adjacent to the Tennis Courts and the Showground.

 

6. Old School Park, Gymea, The Shire

Another ellaslist reader recommendation, Old School Park in Gymea Bay the little track surrounding a partly gated playground (fenced off from the road) is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers practicing their balance and steering skills.

7. Werrington Lakes, Penrith, Greater Western Sydney

Werrington Lakes is a sprawling reserve, home to a lake, cycle tracks, walking paths and BBQ facilities. The covered playground has it all including a fort, swings, fireman’s pole and obstacles to test out your kids balance and coordination. Kids will enjoy cooling off in the playground’s new splash pad water feature too!Burton Street

 

Best Bike Tracks For Older Kids

 

1. Sydney Olympic Park, Newington, Greater West Sydney

With over 35kms of cycleways and 3 circuits ranging from 5-11kms (suited to kids from 5 years), Sydney Olympic Park is a haven for families looking for scenic, safe trails to enjoy together. Download the Bike Safari Map and take yourself on a two-wheeled adventure discovering lookouts, bird hides, mangrove boardwalks, shipwrecks and outdoor art along the way. Bikes are available for hire (including children’s bikes and bikes with child carriers) from Bicentennial Park (open 7 days) and Blaxland Riverside Park/Newington Armory (weekends only). Don’t miss the amazing playground at Blaxland Riverside Park on your way round. There’s a café, toilets and plenty of space for picnics.

 

2. Bay Run, Leichhardt, Inner West

The Bay Run follows the natural course of Iron Cove. It’s flat, well-maintained and has lanes designated fro walkers and cyclists. It’s an enclosed loop which means you can start and finish in the same place – popular starting points are King George Park, Leichhardt Park or Callan Park. Never more than 20 metres from the water, you find the harbour views stunning with points of interest along the way including with information about aboriginal tribes that used the area, convict history and local flora and fauna. The track passes at least 10 parks so your choice of playgrounds, coffee and toilet stops is endless! See The Bay Run website for more information.

 

3. Winnererremy Bay Playground, Mona Vale, Northern Beaches

Also known as Flying Fox Playground, Winnererremy Bay Playground is rated as one of the best playgrounds on the Northern Beaches but it’s not the only attraction which brings families flocking here. Its oval bike track is great for young learners and older siblings gaining confidence. As well as the playground and bike path, you’ll find a family-friendly café, picnic shelters and BBQs.

 

4. Lane Cove National Park, North Shore

The picturesque fire trail from Pennant Hills Park to West Pymble winds its way through the eucalyptus forests of Lane Cove National Park. There are lots of scenic spots along the way where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. It’s around 3kms in length and graded medium difficulty with some steep hill climbs, so only suitable for older kids confident in mountain biking. Alternatively, Blackman Park in Lane Cove West has lovely paved paths. $8 park entry fee per car.

 

5. Woolooware Bay Cycleway, The Shire

 

Woolooware Bay Cycleway is an easy shared pedestrian / cyclist track (1.9km) along the mangrove lined foreshore of Woolooware Bay between Mangrove Lane and Solander Playing Fields (Captain Cook Drive). It attracts walkers, beginner and young riders, as well as more experienced cyclists.

 

6. The Great River Track, Penrith, Greater Western Sydney

The Great River Walk is a picturesque 8km track that runs beside the Nepean River. It’s a shared pedestrian/bike paved trail with plenty of resting and picnic spots along the way. You’ll also find a number of playgrounds to stop off at.

 

 

7. Narrabeen Lagoon Trail, Narrabeen, Northern Beaches

The Narrabeen Lagoon trail is an easy, flat 8.4km circuit track around Narrabeen Lakes. It’s perfect for kids 6-12yrs and will take around an hour. As well as fabulous views, you start and finish at the same point. Tie a bike ride in with a swim at Narrabeen Beach, lunch at one of the cafes or kayaking on the lake. It’s a great day out.

 

ellaslist would love to hear about your favourite spots to take the kids biking and scootering.