See the South Coast – tracks, trails, and more to discover
With hills and valleys rivalling those found across the regions of France, the Kiama area is the perfect place to get into the cycling spirit of and prepare for L’Étape Australia by Tour de France. We’ve rounded up some of the best training rides across the area and beyond, including some local tips and not-to-be-missed attractions along the way.
Instead of spinning the tyres on routes you’ve seen 100 times before, why not gather a group (or pack the family), book some sweet coastal accommodation, and have a go cycling the south coast before the winding mountain roads and steep descents set your legs and lungs on fire on L’Étape Australia race day, Sunday 28 November 2021.
While there’s the obvious choice of trailing the official event route, we’ve pulled together a handful of other great tracks to explore on two wheels whether you take it slow, get in gear or have the family along.
Image credit: @dk86lab_highlight
North:
Keep it Coastal –
- Where: Kiama to Windang (via Bombo, Boneyard, Jones Beach, Minnamurra Headland, Dunmore, Shellharbour Surf Club, Barrack Point, Warilla, Windang)
- Distance: 25kms
- See the full route here
Follow the winding coastline north as it ducks and weaves through the Kiama area and into our neighbouring Shellharbour area. Keep the ocean on your right, and you’ll be a-ok. There are long stretches built for speed, as well as those steep rises and descents that fill the course.
Along the way, you’ll find cafes and art galleries, national parks and a national surfing reserve with no shortage of local secrets to uncover in between. No matter the time of year you visit, be sure to keep an eye out for local wildlife including birds, dolphins and seals, however if you’re training between May and November you may be lucky enough to glimpse a part of the annual whale migration. For one of the best vantage points, take a breather at the Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform.
Phot credit: Mark Fitz Photography
West:
Minnamurra River: Coast to Country –
- Where: Minnamurra to Jamberoo and Minnamurra Rainforest
- Distance: 20km
- See the full route here
Seeking a slower Sunday ride? This is the one for you. Starting at the mouth of the Minnamurra River, this track winds west through Jamberoo’s iconic dairy country before arriving in the country town itself – with one main street, one pub and a few gorgeous cafes it’s the perfect place to stop for lunch. Continue towards Jamberoo Mountain, taking the course in reverse to what happens on race day, and take the signs towards Minnamurra Rainforest – beware of 4-legged locals along the way. If you’ve still got some energy left, walk the 4.4km return to the spectacular Minnamurra Falls.
Country Cruising –
- Where: Jamberoo Mountain / Robertson / Kangalooon
- Distance: 40km
- See the full route here
The Southern Highlands provides the perfect training ground, with the crisp mountain air in your lungs and lush green fields as far as the eye can see you could be forgiven for thinking you were rolling through Provence. Never fear, there’s a whole bunch of places perfect to rest your tired legs, and treat your tummies as though you really were in France, including the famous Robertson Pie Shop, as well as galleries, vintage and collectables and specialty shops. If you want to add a little more, start from the bottom of Jamberoo Mountain and ride 22km through remnant rainforest before arriving in the highlands.
Mountain Madness –
- Where: Saddleback Mountain / Jerrara
- Distance: 10kms
- See the full route here
Escape the crowds and feel the burn. By all accounts from local riders, this is the hill to watch out for. While the surrounding countryside and the stunning ocean views might distract you for a minute, the burn in your legs and lungs will bring you promptly back. Coming from the west, head along Fountaindale Road, but don’t let the cruisy start deceive you – you’re in for a long, steep climb. The views at the top of Saddleback Mountian are worth it as you glide down towards town with stunning ocean views.
Image credit: @ironandwhiskey
South:
Sandy Stretches –
- Where: Gerroa to Shoalhaven Heads (mountain bike trail) (could use latest images)
- Distance: 20km
- See the full route here
Swap the asphalt for sand! Get into the true South Coast spirit, and try your hand at Gerroa’s sand tracks and mountain bike trails. You may need to swap out your tyres, but it’s a small price to pay to experience this. Grab a coffee, then strap in and take on Seven Mile Beach, heading south along the sand to Shoalhaven Heads before circling back through the beachside Seven Mile Beach National Park.
Old-World Charm –
- Where: Gerringong to Berry loops
- Distance: up to 70kms (three loop options)
- See the full route here
If you’ve got some time to kill and want to really stretch your legs, take on one or all three of the loop tracks heading south from Gerringong. If you’ve got a support crew with you, base yourself in Gerringong for the morning, exploring boutiques and galleries galore, before heading to Berry to sample their famous donuts and old-world charm.
Phot credit: Mark Fitz Photography
East:
Not something we’d recommend unless you’ve got a bike that floats. Although we hear that New Zealand has some tracks worth checking out if you’re insistent on heading this way…
So book a weekend in, come down and explore the Kiama area and beyond. For information on all these rides and more, head to kiama.com.au.
Helen Demertzis
