FAQ

How much does it cost?

The NSW Coast Cycle Trail is free to ride. However, if you have enjoyed your experience and would like to make a donation for the ongoing maintenance and construction of the website that would be much appreciated. Making a donation also reinforces how useful this site is.

We suggest a daily travel budget average $A120 room, $A15 breakfast, $A15 lunch, and $A25 dinner, as a rough guide whilst on the trail. You will need allow for  ferry fares, tourist attractions, etc

Do I need a mountain bike?

No. While a bike with wide tyres is ideal for some sections (around mid north coast), it is not essential & there are options. If you are not riding a gravel or hybrid bike please be aware parts of the trail is on unsealed roads/cycle tracks and you will need at least 32mm tyres to get your bike through these rougher sections.

Some travellers have discovered sections which can be completed along the beach rather than having to join sections of the highway, particularly north of Yamba.  Please contact us for details – we will add these sections as options in due course.

What is the best time of the year to ride?

NSW’s unique climate means that you can ride all year, especially north of Sydney.  January & February can have the chance of more rain than other periods due to tropical cyclones in QueenslandVictoria can be quite cool during winter (June – September).

Which direction should I ride the trail?

It makes little difference which direction to ride. For the purpose of consistency we have described the trail from North to South.

What’s the best way to use the maps on the website?

Make the map you are using full screen size (top right hand corner of each map).  This works brilliantly on smart phones where internet coverage is good.  Alternatively, download each GPX for route (top right hand corner of each map) and use this GPX route in offline software, such as OsmAnd (see question below), or another device.

A GPX file is used by navigation devices & software to plot a route.  It can be easily transferred.  As a community project we are happy to share these files (they get updated regularly) and appreciate feedback if you find the route needs changing.

Is there a way to get voice directions?

Well, yes!  It takes a little setup, however we use this method with great results.

Download OsmAnd app & import the required GPX from NSWCC. Clicking a trail generates a popup allowing GPX to be downloaded.  Click here for a generic tutorial.  If you are travelling South to North reverse the direction in the route “settings” on OsmAnd. Be sure to choose a language – if you don’t you wont hear any voices.

Purchase bluetooth bone conduction headphones.  They don’t block your ears & enable easy to hear directions whilst cycling.  Click here for the headphones we have tried.

How can I get my luggage from one place to the next?

There are very few operators who provide luggage transfer.  Please contact us if you need immediate advice.

How fit do I need to be to ride the NSW Coast Cycle Trail?

Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can ride the trail. Most of the sections are around 30-50km. If a person rode at an average of 15km per hour, this is just 3-4 hours out of the day. Spread it out and take it easy, or go fast and do two sections per day – the choice is yours.

Are there toilets located along the trail?

Yes. The locations of these are generally shown on the maps.

What sort of accommodation is available?

Most places offer a choice of caravan park (for camping or self contained units), YHA, and rural hotels. You could try AirBnB, or Warm Showers as an alternative.  In some of the smaller places accommodation is limited and you are advised to book ahead.  If you find a place worthy of recommendation, please let us know & we will add to the map.

A number of caravan parks & the YHA offer discount (usually 10%) by taking up membership.

How long should I plan to cycle the trail?

There are currently 67 sections ranging from 22 km to 76 km in length (average 43 km). You should plan on rest days and inclement weather.  Unless you are self sufficient, plan on completing full sections at a time.

Are there hills?

Yep.  We have been taking a pro-active approach and tend to describe any difficult areas, based on feedback, profile & surface.  Below each map there is an interactive elevation guide.

My device says I have a “Geolocation error”.  What does this mean?

This website presents maps in relation to your current location.  Please check your device´s location settings and confirm it is allowed for apps/web sites to retrieve the geolocation.