South Brisbane, by which we mean the southern side of the Brisbane River, also has a great network of bikeways, many of which are new.
Here are three rides provided by our Ride.Share.Win entrants that offer easy, fun routes that the whole family can enjoy, including some hidden gems that wind their way along watercourses and through parklands past (potentially) your back yard. All three rides can be linked together for longer loops. We also include one ride that links the southside to the northside bikeways if you want to really explore Brisbane.
Ride 1. "Eucalypts, Graffiti and Cafes", Kris' Hidden Gem
Start point: SE Veloway @ Birdwood Rd, Tarragindi
End Point: Woolloongabba: Veloway entrance/ Stanley St bikeway at Mater complex (see the full route on Strava here)
Distance: 16km one way
Surface: Paved bikeways
Description (thanks to Kristine):
This is a really pleasant short ride that takes in shady forests, quiet suburban streets and easy cycle paths
On the SE Veloway, head south to the exit (R) to the entrance of Toohey Forest. Take the (L) Intercampus trail through a pretty eucalypt forest to the Ring Rd. Turn (R) along the road to the entrance (R) to Nathan Ridge track.
This 3.5km track is through ancient grass skirt trees and descends down a delightful wooden walkway dotted with huge lichen-covered boulders to the Toohey Picnic Area (look up as there’s often a koala or two).
Cross Toohey Rd (careful, busy) and follow the Tarragindi Bikeway thru some well marked suburban streets til it exits onto Fernvale Rd. Cross over, & take the first (L) to go through another small forest which takes you to Cracknell Rd (great brunch/coffee option @ Bne Baracca) Cross over Sexton St continuing the Tarragindi bikeway into Ekibin Park under the SE freeway.
Stop to look at the BCC graffiti wall - always interesting to check out. Head north past the Thompson Estate Reserve playing fields (another potential coffee stop Cafe Vybe) through the fabulous Hanlon Park with its flood-resistant landscaping. More great brunch options here.
Go under Old Cleveland Road on the new underpass to pick up the Norman Creek Bikeway to Main Avenue, turn (L) and skirt the back of the industrial buildings through a lowland rainforest called Moorhen Flats. Turn (L) at the far end, taking Lerna St cutting across Norman & Longlands Sts to head past Woolloongabba Rotary Park.
Here turn (R) along Hampton St, taking a funny (L) alleyway/shortcut AFTER Lotus St which brings you out to Logan & Wellington Rd junction. Cross over Wellington Rd & cycle down the buzzing dining precinct of Drapery Lane/ Logan Rd.
From here, you can link onto the Stanley Street bikeway, past the Mater hospitals towards Southbank or head back up to the Veloway. Or, extend your ride by linking to the next two rides.
Ride 2. Norman Creek Bikeway Loop
Start / End Point: Anywhere on the loop, however Mike started and finished from Ascot Station on the northside for this one (see the full route on Komoot here)
Distance: 38km
Surface: Paved bikeways
Description (thanks to Mike):
Yes, we said South Brisbane 😊 however this is 38km loop takes in the north and southside of the river and can be linked to more bikeway rides on both sides. In this case Mike started and finished at Ascot station (northside!) but it can be started on the southside too and we have included it here as it is a great extension to the 'Eucalypts, Graffiti & Cafes' ride above.
To cross the river, head east past the gates of the heritage listed Eagle Farm Racecourse and follow the Moreton Bay Cycleway. Stop at the historic Hangar 7 built in World War 2 to rebuild and investigate captured Japanese aircraft.
After enjoying the view from the top of the Gateway Bridge, leave the Moreton Bay Cycleway to access the river under the bridges and then to Cannon Hill on the path alongside Lytton Road.
After cycling on the road to Morningside, the footpath might be the safest option until the start of the Norman Creek Bikeway at the junction of Wynnum Road and Norman Avenue. This where you can extend Ride 1 from.
The 6km of the Norman Creek Bikeway closely follows the creek and passes through Stones Corner before finishing at the motorway where Veloway 1 can be used to cycle to the Kangaroo Point Bikeway.
After crossing the river on the west path of the Storey Bridge, descend to Howard Street Wharves. Using mainly dedicated paths, the river can then be followed to the foot of Racecourse Road via Riverwalk, New Farm Park, Brisbane Powerhouse, Tenerife, Newstead, Breakfast Creek Hotel and Kingsford Smith Drive.
Cycle to the top end of Racecourse Road (stop for another coffee?) and then back to the starting point at Ascot station.
Ride 3. City to Mt Gravatt Lookout via Toohey Forest
Start point: Kangaroo Point
End Point: Mt Gravatt Lookout (see the full route on Komoot here)
Distance: 19km one way
Surface: Paved bikeways
Description (thanks to Mike):
Take the Kangaroo Point Bikeway and then head alongside the Southeast Freeway on Veloway 1, before following the Tarragindi Bikeway to Toohey Forest.
The scenic Toohey Forest contains bush walking tracks and shared use tracks for walking and cycling. The route passes through the Toohey Road picnic area.
After using the subway under the Southeast Freeway, the route switches to the road before reaching the 2km climb to the summit of Mt Gravatt. Here you can enjoy the views from the deck of the cafe before experiencing the exciting descent.
You can ride back to Kangaroo Point the same way or you can link into Ride 1 and turn it into a loop.
Have a look at our article on the North Brisbane Bikeways if you want to extend your riding around Brisbane. It's amazing just how much there is!
