First-Time Bicycle Touring Guide: Australia & New Zealand 🇦🇺🇳🇿
The following is a collection of top tips from the Cycling Oceania WhatsApp Group
🇦🇺 Australia
🏕️ Accommodation & Camping
Warmshowers: Fantastic along the East Coast.
Campgrounds: Often overpriced, especially for solo riders.
Wild camping: Technically illegal, usually tolerated. Safer to camp near others.
🚆 Transport
Brisbane trains: $0.50 incl. bike. Use first/last carriage.
NSW coaches: Bike must be boxed.
Greyhound: No box needed.
Riding on footpaths: Legal in QLD, not in VIC (rarely enforced).
📱 Connectivity
Telstra: Best coverage overall.
Free national calls from Telstra phone boxes.
💳 Money & Shopping
ANZ ATMs: No withdrawal fees (Visa).
Card payments: Surcharge of 1–3% common everywhere.
Aldi: Cheapest groceries, only in larger towns.
🚲 Road Safety
Rear-view mirror and hi-vis vest: Essential—especially near traffic and trailers.
Use a bell on shared trails and blind corners.
Don’t ride busy highways (like Eyre) without a mirror—truckies won’t thank you.
🌞 Environment & Gear
Sun protection: Sunscreen, cap under helmet, buff for neck warmth.
Flies: Brutal in outback—bring a head net.
Plastic groundsheet: For breaks and under your tent (keeps ants/mud off).
🚴♂️ Suggested Bike Trails
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
Northern Rivers Rail Trail (incomplete)
Inland route to Gladstone from BVRT
Check out more user made bikepacking routes over on bikepacking.com/routes
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🚗 Roads & Safety
Drivers are bad—especially on North Island. Avoid main highways where possible.
Mirror + hi-vis vest are strongly advised.
Good alternative: inland route via Mt Lyford instead of Hwy 1 after Kaikoura.
🗺️ Route Planning
Use Cycle NZ for road profiles, route suggestions, and camping tips:
cyclejourneys.co.nzAotearoa Trail from Cape Reinga to Bluff
📱 SIM & Groceries
3-month SIMs widely available.
New World app: Worth it for grocery discounts.
Good article..!