The best traffic-free bike rides in Western Australia

Komoot offers over 130 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes across Western Australia. These routes range in difficulty, with 58 easy, 49 moderate, and 27 difficult options, ensuring there's a suitable ride for every skill level.

Western Australia's generally sunny climate makes it conducive for outdoor pursuits year-round. However, the cooler, drier months from autumn (March-May) through spring (September-November) are often ideal, especially for longer tours, to avoid the peak summer heat and potential winter rains in some regions. Spring also brings spectacular wildflowers to many areas.

Yes, Western Australia offers several family-friendly options. Routes on Rottnest Island, such as the Little Salmon Bay – Salmon Bay loop from Settlement, are particularly popular due to the absence of cars and gentle terrain. The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail in the Perth Hills and sections of the Munda Biddi Trail are also suitable for families, offering safe and scenic rides.

Many of the no-traffic routes in Western Australia are designed as loops, providing convenient starting and ending points. For example, the West End Viewpoint – Quokkas on Rottnest Island loop from Settlement offers a comprehensive tour of Rottnest Island, while the Drovers loop from Wanneroo provides a pleasant circular ride north of Perth.

Western Australia's diverse landscapes offer a wealth of natural attractions. You can encounter stunning coastal views, ancient forests, and unique geological formations. Notable highlights include the dramatic gorges and waterfalls of Karijini National Park, such as Fortescue Falls and Dale’s Gorge / Fern Pool. The Stirling Range National Park, home to Bluff Knoll Summit, also offers breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems. Many routes traverse through jarrah and karri forests, especially in the southwest.

While many national parks and reserves have restrictions on dogs, some local council paths and designated trails allow dogs on a leash. It's essential to check specific trail regulations before heading out. For instance, some sections of the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail in the Perth Hills are dog-friendly, but always confirm with local authorities or trail information for the most current rules.

Absolutely. The Munda Biddi Trail is a world-class, multi-day off-road cycling experience stretching over 1000 kilometers from Mundaring to Albany. It features purpose-built campsites and huts, allowing for extended touring through diverse Australian landscapes and forests. Other regions, particularly the South West, also offer networks of trails suitable for multi-day adventures.

Public transport access varies by route. In the Perth metropolitan area, many paths are accessible via Transperth train and bus services, which often accommodate bicycles outside of peak hours. For longer trails like the Munda Biddi, access points might require private transport or specific shuttle services, especially for more remote sections. Rottnest Island is accessible via ferry services from Fremantle, Perth, and Hillarys, with bike hire available on the island.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Western Australia, with an average score of 4.49 stars. Reviewers often praise the state's incredible natural beauty, the feeling of immersion in nature away from traffic, and the well-maintained, dedicated cycling infrastructure. The diverse landscapes, from coastal paths to ancient forests, are frequently highlighted as major draws.

Yes, Western Australia offers challenging no-traffic routes. The Munda Biddi Trail, while catering to various abilities, includes sections that are physically demanding and require good off-road cycling skills, especially its longer, more remote stretches. Some of the more difficult routes listed on komoot, such as those with significant elevation changes, also provide a good challenge for experienced touring cyclists.

While some routes, particularly those near urban centers or popular tourist towns like Margaret River, offer easy access to cafes and accommodation, more remote no-traffic trails require careful planning. The Munda Biddi Trail, for example, has purpose-built campsites and huts, but resupply points and towns with services can be spaced out. Always plan your itinerary to ensure you have access to food, water, and shelter, especially on longer tours.

Western Australia's diverse ecosystems are home to unique wildlife. On Rottnest Island, you'll famously encounter quokkas. In the forests and bushland, you might spot kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of birdlife, including colourful parrots and kookaburras. Coastal routes can offer glimpses of marine life, and if you're lucky, you might even see an echidna or other native marsupials. Always observe wildlife from a respectful distance.