Our Fave Five Family Bike Rides in Melbourne
Little Melbourne website recently asked us to write about some of our favourite places to take the kids riding in Melbourne so we put together this top five list of kids rides which we think you'll love.
These are all easily accessible, provide great scenery and of course get your kids on their bikes!
1. Dights Falls
This ride is part of the Yarra Trail and is near the Collingwood Footy Ground. You can park the car at the Falls and ride down-stream. It has wide paths and beautiful scenery. It has great facilities – toilets, sheltered areas, bike parking, drinking fountains, etc.
2. Collingwood Children's Farm
The Yarra Trail bike path actually rides through the farm so this is a great spot to take the kids as you can get off, take a break, and look at the animals on the way.
3. Heidelberg Flats
Park at Eaglemont Tennis Courts off Burke Road and ride up-stream along the Yarra River bike path and see where famous Australian artists painted some of their most famous pictures – beautiful scenery.
4. The Boathouse Ride
Start at Fairfield Boathouse (parking available) and cross the river onto the Kew Boulevard (there's a protected bike-lane on this road). Follow down-stream to Studley Park boathouse where you can take a break, see the ducks and maybe even get a drink and snack from the café. Then cross the bridge and follow the protected road through a playing field and past the old prison, back to Fairfield Boathouse.
5. Westerfolds Park, at Templestowe
This is a huge park with an almost endless set of bike paths. Take the big loop path around the park or just wind your way through the myriad of paths in the middle of the park. The top of the hill has great views of Melbourne. There are tea rooms, a milk bar, toilets, picnic facilities, etc. A bike path haven for kids!
Remember, when riding on any bike paths, always beware of other riders and joggers – teach your kids to stay to the left and slow down when they are passing others. Also make them aware that there can be the odd snake or lizard on the track so keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife and ride carefully and quietly around them!