If you can resist stopping at the wineries you pass [there’s three!], this is one awesome loop worth jumping on two wheels for!
Handy information and outdoor fun, kindly brought to you by The Fixed Wheel, Bowral.
There’s something about cycling through the gorgeous towns of the Southern Highlands on a crisp, Highlands morning, right?
We saddled up and did the Bowral – Berrima – Sutton Forest – Moss Vale loop under blue skies and loved it.
Here’s what you need to know!
Length :: 39.2 kilometres
Duration :: It took us just over 1.5 hours, but we stopped for a coffee in Moss Vale!
Hills and spills :: The total ascent is measured at 430 metres over the nearly 40 km.
You’ll hit some lungbusters on Centennial Road, the climb past Bendooley Estate, there’s a bit of an ascent up to the Medway Road roundabout coming out of Berrima village and heading into Mossy.
But the rest is mostly flat, with some fun downhills to give the legs a bit of a break.
Okay, we started in the centre of Bowral. Lots of local social riders tend to meet up at Corbett Plaza before they head off if riding in a pack.
Cross the railway bridge next to Bowral Station and turn right onto Kirkham Road. Take a left on Centennial Road.
The beautiful old farms, stunning homes and hotels, and Centennial Vineyards might help take your mind off the steady climb and the occasional pinch that will get you up and out of the saddle.
There’ll be some huffing and puffing before you get a bit of a reprieve thanks to hitting the Old Hume Highway T-intersection.
Turn left here and get ready for another small climb before a fun downhill which will swing you past Bendooley Estate.
Resist the temptation to pull in for a wine and put the head down to grind your way up another hill past the Oxley’s Hill Road turn off.
Continue along the Old Hume Highway and enjoy the downhill curves and swerves into the beautiful village of Berrima.
You can stop for a breather here if you like.
Grab a coffee, or a cold drink at one of the fab local cafes or just pop the bike down in Berrima Marketplace to rest the legs before you crack on.
Follow the Old Hume Highway out of Berrima village, go straight through the Medway Road roundabout before heading down towards the Hume Highway.
Don’t stress about being on the motorway. You’re only on it for a few hundred metres and there is plenty of verge so you can navigate your way down to the Golden Vale Road turn-off safely.
Turn left at Golden Vale Road and enjoy the beautiful scenery along this country road.
Just be aware that you’ll be sharing the road with traffic, both auto AND wildlife.
It’s not uncommon to come across a cow or two on this road too.
Keep your eyes peeled especially if you’re getting a super early ride in when the roo’s and wommies are on the move.
Wave to Nicole and Keith as you swing by their place on your way to the Illawarra Highway T-intersection. Turn left.
This is a nice flat section of the ride and thanks to the recent widening of the road, there’s a bit more space for cyclists.
You’ll hit a sharp pinch just after Southern Highlands Winery heading into Moss Vale and a couple of hills as you make your way through the southern end of Argyle Street.
All the more reason to stop in Mossy and grab a coffee, we say!
Once you’ve recaffeinated, head north on Argyle Street, and here’s where you can choose between two options.
Head straight through the McDonald’s roundabout and you’ll hit a bit of a climb before a downhill that will bring you down to the bridge that goes over the Wingecarribee River at the start of the Bong Bong Track.
OR [and this is our preferred option] take a left onto Suttor Road at the McDonald’s roundabout.
This is a flatter option and has less traffic to navigate. It’s also super easy to jump onto the Bong Bong Track from here.
This part is our favourite. We love the Bong Bong Track – such a nice, easy ride.
Remember you’re sharing the track with lots of locals [and their doggos] walking, riding and cycling so be sure to give your bell a buzz whenever you’re coming up on someone to let them know you’re about to overtake on the right.
Then it’s heading through suburbia to get back to the centre of Bowral.
You’ll pop out of the Bong Bong Track on Railway Road. Head north past Oxley College and follow the road past Burradoo Station before turning left onto Yean Street.
Now, this is where you can choose which way to get back into Bowral.
When it’s early morning and there isn’t much traffic, we turn left onto Moss Vale Road at the end of Yean Street and head back into Bowral that way.
If it’s later in the day, a good way to steer clear of Moss Vale Road is to turn left onto Nerang Street from Yean Street and follow it almost to the end.
On the right, you’ll see a footpath that goes in between the houses and will pop you out on to Railway Parade.
Follow that [it turns into Funston Road at the end] and it will bring you to the bottom of Station Street, where you can navigate your way back into the centre of town.
Finish up at Corbett Plaza and load up on brunch at one of the cafes in town – you deserve it!!
The Fixed Wheel is a full-service bicycle shop in Bowral. The guys and girls in-store are all cyclists themselves with quite a collection of championships, race wins and real experience under their belts. They definitely know their stuff. If you’re keen to start cycling or you’re ready to up your game on two wheels, drop into The Fixed Wheel at 44-48 Bowral Street, Bowral or check out their website for more info and to shop online.
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We love sharing our awesome outdoor adventures with The Fold readers and want to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy when giving our walks and rides a crack for themselves. So, always check the weather forecast before you venture out. If you’re heading into a National Park, be sure to consult the National Parks website for up-to-date information about current alerts. Prepare yourself with the right equipment, clothing, safety items, with plenty to eat and drink if you’re going on longer hikes, and always let someone else know where you’re going and what time you are expected to be back. Have fun and stay safe!
