The Bowral Classic is back for its ninth edition – and this time, it’s all systems go!
That’s right – nine years of this award-winning and thrilling bike ride. Tires are getting pumped and so are we.
After last year’s hiccup [yep, we’re talking about the unexpected, last-minute cancellation due to traffic management issues – we know a lot of you felt that one!], the team has pulled out all stops to make sure everything is locked, loaded and ready to roll this year. Nothing’s getting in the way of the 2025 Bowral Classic – and this year promises to be buzzing!
We couldn’t wait to share all about why we looooove this event and why you should too. We’re also giving you the full rundown on how to get involved, show your support and prepare for the two action-packed days [road closures included].
Here we go!
Why we love it
This event is a super-boost to our Southern Highlands economy, with the Gran Fondo cycling event attracting over 3,000 riders from across Australia – and around the world – and bringing in more than $4.5 million into our local economy [woah that’s some serious moolah].
But it’s not just about the bucks – it’s also a golden opportunity to show off our jaw-dropping Southern Highlands scenery on the world stage. Picture this: riders cruising through the rolling hills of Bowral, Berrima, Sutton Forest, Robertson and Kangaloon. It’s a dreamy two-wheel scenic adventure. And you know what? We’re totally psyched to show it all off!
The ride also supports a bigger cause. Individual riders and teams can fundraise for any charity they choose, and since the first Classic in 2016, the events have raised over $550,000 for charities all across Australia. Nice!
For 2025, the featured local cause is Quest for Life Foundation, a Southern Highlands-based organisation that supports people facing life’s toughest challenges. Riders can nominate Quest for Life or another registered charity, turning their cycling challenge into a meaningful contribution to the community.
In addition to rider fundraising, Bowral Classic organisers give back directly by donating to Southern Highlands-based groups who volunteer at the event. Local sporting clubs, schools, and not-for-profits that provide four or more volunteers are eligible for financial support to help their activities.
This makes the event not only a celebration of cycling but also a valuable fundraiser for the region’s community groups. Local groups interested in volunteering can contact volunteers@cyclingclassics.com.au for more information.
We love this event so much, because beyond the rides, it’s a vibrant weekend celebration of community, our beautiful Highlands home and everything that makes it special: fitness, wellbeing, getting outdoors, and simply feeling good. Whether you’re riding, cheering, or just soaking up the atmosphere, it’s a weekend not to be missed.
What’s on & when
Saturday 18 October – Event Village Opens
The whole shebang kicks off on Saturday at the Event Village in Loseby Park, Bowral. Running across both Saturday and Sunday this year, it promises to be a weekend-long celebration of cycling, fitness, and all-around good vibes.
Expect gourmet food stalls, food trucks and bars, live music and entertainment, fun activities for the kids, cycling exhibitors, and plenty of cycling gear on display.
Whether you’re riding, cheering, or just soaking up the atmosphere, the party’s on and everyone’s invited!
Sunday 19 October – Ride Day!
Sunday is the main event – the beloved Gran Fondo rides, where cyclists can pick their own adventure from three scenic road cycling courses that weave through our stunning Southern Highlands.
Courses include:
150 km Maxi Classic
120 km Challenge Classic
85 km Rouleurs Classic
This event truly suits all rider levels, with options for everyone – from relaxed social riders to serious cyclists. All rides start from Bong Bong Street in Bowral and finish at the Event Village at Loseby Park – the perfect spot to cheer riders over the finish line and soak up the atmosphere.
Image Courtesy of Beardy McBeard
How to get involved
Ready to roll? Early bird registration is now open – register before 22 June to save! All the deets on how and where to register can be found here.
Volunteering could be your jam! Feeling the buzz but not quite ready to hop on a bike? No worries – you can still be part of the action around the course! There are loads of volunteer spots up for grabs during the event weekend, with shifts ranging from 2 to 8 hours. Community groups that volunteer can also receive donations.
Just want to soak up the vibes? The Event Village is THE spot to cheer on riders and take in the buzzing atmosphere. For an early start, head to Bong Bong Road between 6.30am and 8am on Sunday 19th to cheer on the riders as they take off. Get the party started early, we say.
Keen to showcase your stuff at the Event Village? Whether you’re a local maker, foodie, or have something great to share, we’d love to see you there! Reach out to the event organisers here, to get the ball rolling. We love supporting local!
Image Courtesy of Beardy McBeard
Plan ahead: event day road closures & detours
Sunday 19 October
Naturally, with thousands of cyclists hitting the road, there’ll be some road closures across the Southern Highlands on Sunday 19 October. If you’re driving that day, be sure to keep an eye out for riders, take it easy, watch for police directions, and best to allow a bit more travel time to get around.
Detours will be set up in most areas near the rides to help you get where you need to go with as little hassle as possible.
To help you out, we’ve pulled together some of the major closures to expect (subject to council approval) – definitely worth a look if you live nearby:
Loseby Park, Bowral
Detours in place 8:45am – 4:30pm
• Park Rd. Resident access only.
Bowral CBD
Detours in place 4am – 9am
• Bong Bong St between Banyette St and Merrigang St in both directions
• Station St between Banyette St and Merrigang St in both directions
• Wingecarribee St between Bong Bong St and Kirkham Rd in both directions
Detours in place 4am – 9am
• Wingecarribee St between Kirkham Rd and Station St
Oxley Hill Road, Bowral
Road closures 6:30am – 10am
• Oxley Hill Rd will be closed for all traffic. Use Centennial Rd during this time.
Oxley Drive, Bowral
Road closures 9:15am – 4pm
• Oxley Dr between Queen St and Duke St will be closed in both directions.
• Local Resident Only access to Oxley Dr between Queen St and Rose St, including residents of Ellen St. Residents of Hamilton Ave and Queen St, please access/exit via Merrigang St end.
• Residents of Rose St please enter ONLY via Oxley Dr in a south direction. Exit via Merrigang St.
• Duke St (west) will be closed. Exit out of Duke St (East) end only.
• Local Resident Only access to Oxley Drive between Duke St and Tyndall St. All residents exiting will need to travel towards Mittagong ONLY to exit.
• Access to Oxley Dr from Morts Ln and Acacia St will be closed to exit out of Bracken St.
Bundanoon
Road closures 7:30am – 11am
• Ellsmore Rd, Bundanoon will be closed to Northbound Traffic between Blue Gum Rd and Sallys Corner Rd. Use Bundanoon Rd and Middle Rd during this time.
Fitzroy Falls/ Wildes Meadow
Detours in place 8am – 1:30pm
• Nowra Rd to Myra Vale Rd closed to all through traffic between Yarrawa Rd and Sheepwash Rd. Cars travelling north-west will be restricted. Local access for traffic south-east bound.
Detours in place 8:15am – 2pm
• Myra Vale Rd and Pearsons Ln closed to southbound traffic between Nowra Rd and Illawarra Hwy. Local access for northbound traffic only.
Kangaloon Road
Detours in place 8:45am – 3:15pm
• Tourist Rd/Kirkland Rd closed to south/eastbound traffic between Range Rd and Kangaloon Rd to Robertson. Local access for north/ westbound traffic.
Range Road, Old South Road & Gibraltar
Detours in place 9:30 – 3:30pm
• Range Rd closed to south/eastbound traffic between Old South Rd and Tourist Rd. Local access for north/westbound traffic.
For further details, you can visit the website here.
Why not make a weekend of it?
While cyclists will be soaking up the scenic routes through the stunning landscapes, charming villages and rolling countryside of the Southern Highlands, there’s so much more to enjoy beyond the ride. This event is more than just a cycling challenge – it’s a celebration of community, fitness and our local lifestyle.
So why not stick around before or after the big day to explore everything the Southern Highlands has to offer? From boutique shopping and cool-climate wines to cosy cafés, markets and countryside charm, it’s the perfect excuse for a short getaway.
But just a heads up – accommodation can fill up fast during this event weekend, so be sure to browse local stays and book early to avoid missing out.
Ah, we just know this is gonna be a wheelie good time! For any extra info about the rides, head to the event website here. On ya bike!
Image Courtesy of Beardy McBeard
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