Brisbane's riverside bikeways run along the Brisbane River on mostly flat, sealed paths — a genuinely relaxed way to move between South Bank, the CBD and the leafy streets of New Farm without a single serious hill. The route is free to ride and cleverly threaded with CityCat ferry wharves, so you can pedal one way and glide back on the water. For a group of women after a sociable, unhurried outing that still feels like an adventure, this is a very good day.
Why Brisbane's River Is Made for This Kind of Day
Brisbane doesn't get enough credit for its cycling infrastructure. The river bends through the city in long, generous curves, and the paths that follow it are paved, wide and — crucially — flat. For travellers who've been told that cycling in Australian cities means battling traffic and gradients, Brisbane's riverside bikeways are a quiet correction to that assumption.
The network connects some of the city's most enjoyable precincts: South Bank's cultural precinct, the CBD's riverfront, Kangaroo Point's cliffs, and the café-lined streets of New Farm and Teneriffe. You don't need to ride all of it. The South Bank to New Farm stretch is the one to plan around — long enough to feel like an outing, short enough to do at a comfortable pace without arriving exhausted.
What makes the route particularly well-suited to a group day out is the CityCat ferry service running the same corridor. Ride the path in one direction, catch a ferry back — or swap it around depending on who wants to keep pedalling and who's ready for a coffee and a seat on the water. It's a genuinely flexible day.
Getting to Brisbane: What Travellers from Regional Victoria Should Know
From regional Victoria, the most practical route to Brisbane is a drive or train to Melbourne, then a direct flight to Brisbane Airport. Flight time is roughly two hours and twenty minutes from Melbourne; Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia all operate the route. Brisbane Airport is well connected to the CBD via the Airtrain, which runs to Roma Street and Central stations — confirm current timetables and fares at translink.com.au.
Brisbane's climate is a genuine consideration if you're coming from Victoria. In winter months — June to August — Queensland days are warm and clear while Melbourne might be cold and grey, which makes the timing feel even more rewarding. Summer is a different story: November through March brings high humidity and afternoon storms that can make a riverside bike ride uncomfortable rather than pleasant. April, May, September and October are the sweet spots.
Travel insurance is worth reviewing before any interstate trip, particularly for travellers with pre-existing conditions. Policies vary considerably, so read the product disclosure statement carefully and confirm what's covered. It's a dull task but a necessary one.
The South Bank to New Farm Stretch: What to Expect
Start at South Bank Parklands — a natural gathering point with cafés, the Queensland Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) all within easy reach before or after the ride. The riverside path heads north-east from here, passing under the Story Bridge and along the river's edge through Kangaroo Point and Mowbray Park before arriving at New Farm Park.
The path is sealed and well-signed throughout. There are a few gentle rises near the Kangaroo Point cliffs section, but nothing that requires serious effort — most riders on hybrid or e-bikes will find it entirely manageable. The distance from South Bank to New Farm Park is roughly 5 to 6 kilometres depending on which path variations you take. At a relaxed pace with stops, allow an hour and a half to two hours.
New Farm Park itself is worth a wander. It's a large, established riverside park with fig trees, rose gardens and river views — a good spot to rest before deciding whether to ride back, catch a CityCat, or walk into New Farm's café strip on Brunswick Street for lunch. The park has public amenities and plenty of seating.
Using the CityCat: The Smarter Way to Loop
The CityCat is one of Brisbane's genuinely good ideas. The fast catamaran ferries run along the river from the University of Queensland in the west through to Northshore Hamilton in the east, stopping at wharves that align neatly with the bikeway route. South Bank, Thornton Street (Kangaroo Point), and New Farm Park all have CityCat stops.
For a group doing the South Bank to New Farm ride, the natural loop is to ride the bikeway one way and return by CityCat — or vice versa, starting with the ferry and finishing with the ride. Either way, you'll need a go card (Brisbane's reusable transit card) or be prepared to pay a cash fare, which is higher. Go cards can be purchased and topped up at convenience stores and train stations. Confirm current timetables at translink.com.au before the day, as frequency varies.
A practical note: bikes are permitted on CityCats, but space is limited and peak-hour restrictions apply. For a mid-morning or early afternoon outing — which suits a day-trip pace anyway — this is generally not an issue. Confirm current bike carriage rules with TransLink before you travel.
Hiring a Bike in Brisbane: What the Options Look Like
You don't need to bring a bike from home. Several hire operators work in and around South Bank and the CBD, offering standard hybrid bikes and e-bikes. E-bikes are worth considering for anyone who wants the option of a little assistance on the occasional rise, or simply wants to arrive at New Farm feeling fresh rather than worked. Prices are indicative only — confirm current rates directly with operators before booking.
Spoken Bicycle Co. near South Bank is one established option. Brisbane City Council also operates the CityCycle hire scheme at various docking stations around the city, though this is better suited to short point-to-point trips than a longer riverside outing. Check brisbane.qld.gov.au for current CityCycle information. Whichever operator you choose, arrive a few minutes early to adjust seat height and get comfortable — it makes a meaningful difference over a few kilometres.
If anyone in your group hasn't cycled for a while, a hybrid bike with upright handlebars and a comfortable seat is the right choice over a road bike. Brisbane's bike hire operators are generally used to this request and will set you up accordingly. There's no pressure to look like a cyclist — just to enjoy the river.
Where to Eat, Stop and Linger Along the Way
South Bank's Stanley Street Plaza is the obvious pre-ride breakfast or coffee spot, with a range of cafés and restaurants in a compact area. It's busy on weekends — if your group prefers a quieter start, a weekday morning is noticeably more relaxed. QAGOMA is directly adjacent and worth a visit either before or after the ride; entry to the permanent collection is free.
Along the route, the Kangaroo Point cliffs area has a small café and excellent river views back towards the CBD — a good early stop if you need to regroup or refill water bottles. New Farm Park has a kiosk (hours can vary; don't rely on it as your only option). The real reward at the New Farm end is Brunswick Street, a ten-minute walk from the park, where the café density is high and the quality is reliably good. Campos Coffee has a well-regarded presence here, and several other independents are worth exploring.
For a group lunch, booking ahead on weekends is sensible. On a weekday, walk-ins are generally fine. New Farm's dining strip has options across a range of cuisines — the neighbourhood has a long-established Italian-Australian character, and you'll find that reflected in several of the trattorie and delis along and around Brunswick Street.
Making the Most of the Day: Practical Notes for the Group
A mid-morning start — around 9 to 10am — gives the group time for coffee before riding, avoids the worst of the midday sun in warmer months, and leaves the afternoon free for a leisurely lunch and the CityCat return. Bring sunscreen, a hat you can stow in a basket or bag while riding, and a refillable water bottle. Hydration matters more than most people expect on a warm Queensland morning.
The path is shared with pedestrians in some sections, so a moderate pace and a working bell are both courteous and practical. The signage along the route is clear, but downloading Brisbane City Council's cycling map before you go — available at brisbane.qld.gov.au — means the group can navigate confidently without relying on phone data.
For anyone with knee or hip concerns, an e-bike removes most of the physical uncertainty from the day. The route itself presents no significant accessibility challenges for riders who are comfortable on a bike, but it's worth being honest with yourself and your group about comfort levels before committing to the full South Bank to New Farm distance. There's no rule that says you have to ride the whole way — the CityCat stops mean you can exit the route at several points and still have a complete, satisfying day on the river.
Key takeaways
- Brisbane's riverside bikeways are predominantly flat and paved — one of the most accessible urban cycling routes in Australia for over-50 travellers.
- The South Bank to New Farm stretch (roughly 5–6 km) is the recommended section: manageable, scenic and bookended by good food and drink options.
- CityCat ferry stops along the route mean you can ride one way and return by water — a genuinely flexible day with built-in variety.
- Riding the bikeway is free; the main costs are bike hire (indicative $15–$25 per hour) and a CityCat fare with a go card.
- April to October is the most comfortable window for this ride — Queensland's winter and shoulder seasons offer warm, clear days without the summer humidity.
- E-bikes are available from hire operators and are worth considering for anyone who wants a relaxed, effortless pace rather than a workout.
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Indicative prices only — always confirm with the operator before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brisbane's riverside bikeway suitable for people over 60 who haven't cycled recently?
Yes — the South Bank to New Farm section is mostly flat and sealed, making it one of the more forgiving urban cycling routes in Australia. Hiring an e-bike removes most of the physical challenge. The CityCat ferry stops also mean you can shorten the ride at any point if needed.
How long does the South Bank to New Farm bike ride take?
At a comfortable, unhurried pace with a couple of stops, allow one and a half to two hours for the roughly 5–6 kilometre route. The day works well as a half-day outing, leaving the afternoon for lunch in New Farm and a CityCat return.
Can you take a hired bike on the CityCat ferry?
Bikes are generally permitted on CityCats, but space is limited and restrictions apply during peak hours. A mid-morning or early afternoon trip is typically fine. Confirm current bike carriage rules with TransLink at translink.com.au before your travel day.
Do you need to book a bike in advance for Brisbane's riverside bikeway?
For a group, it's worth contacting hire operators a day or two ahead — particularly on weekends or during school holidays when demand is higher. Weekday visits are generally more straightforward for walk-in hire. Confirm availability and current pricing directly with your chosen operator.
What is the best time of year to cycle Brisbane's riverside bikeways?
April to October offers the most comfortable conditions — warm, clear days with low humidity. The summer months from November to March bring high humidity and frequent afternoon storms, which can make a riverside ride unpleasant. June to August is particularly pleasant, with mild temperatures and reliably fine weather.
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