Ecotourism and Cycling Holidays

This could be the adventure of your lifetime.

But in order to do it right and within the framework of true ecotourism, it is recommended that you book through a specialist Cycling Agent such as the Outback Cycle Tours or take a tour through miles of unspoilt coastline with Australian Cycling Tours travelling remote back roads and hidden villages - a world away from the busy pace of life. Cycling holidays in the Australian outback and bicycling tours are a wonderful way to unwind and take in the beautiful countryside.

Some Tours can start at Cairns in north Queensland which gives you a chance to see the Great Barrier reef (not by bicycle though !)

Take plenty of pictures and observe the wildlife in their natural environment, witness sites or regions of unique natural or ecological quality - this is true ecoutourism.

Outback Cycle Tours will provide you with one of their fleet of mountain bikes as part of the tour's cost. Also included are helmets (compulsory in Australia) in a range of sizes and water bottles for your use during the bicycle ecotours - cycling holidays in the Australian outback.

They use Trek MTB's (all with front fork suspension and Shimano components) and have a range of frame sizes. The bikes are claimed to be of excellent quality and are well maintained. However, should a problem arise, spare parts for our bikes are carried during the tour and cycling holidays in the outback of Australia, and all their guides are competent bicycle mechanics.

Bicycle touring in the Australian outback

All the bikes can have toe clips with straps on the pedals, and gel seats with gel seat covers as well. However, if you cannot live without your own bike seat or pedals, please let them know when you book onto a tour.

Watch out for the crocodiles when crossing the Bloomfield river !

The guides will be happy to fit your own equipment to the bikes, to ensure your complete comfort - within reason (no kitchen sinks here !). They will also supply small seat bags which will hold a small compact camera and snack bars etc. If you have a larger SLR camera it is advisable to bring a small dayback, to carry it in.

Make sensible preparation for cycling holidays in the Australia outback

Luggage Restrictions
To avoid overloading and potential breakdown, bag size must be limited to one duffle-style bag per person (maximum 800mm long, 400mm high and 400mm wide and not weighing more than 20kg). One small day pack maybe carried on board the support vehicle. Excess baggage will need to be forwarded onto destination point by passengers prior to departure.

Clothing
Cycling pants are recommended for comfort on cycling holidays in the Australian outback. However, if you are likely to suffer from chaffing (particularly in the humid conditions in the top end of the country), cool, loose fitting shorts may be a better option. A shirt with a collar will help protect you from the sun, especially in the tropics on your cycling holidays in the Australian outback. A peak or broad brimmed hat is essential for sun protection on your ecotours bicycle tour. Remember to check that your hat will fit under a bicycle helmet, as these are compulsory on all rides.

Sleeping Bag
A good sleeping bag is essential in the June – July tour’s departures. See the Climate section for clarification. If you need to hire a sleeping bag, please ensure this is noted on your booking form.

Dry Pack
A small daypack to carry on board the support vehicle and also when riding is extremely useful for your cycling holidays in the Australian outback.

Panniers / Bike Bags
Due to the storage of the bikes, panniers are not used. They do however, provide you with a small bag that fits beneath the seat. Some passengers prefer to ride with a daypack on their backs. Whatever you decide to use, be sure to check your camera will fit into it. The seat bags provided by ROC will hold a small camera only.

Water Bottles / ‘Camel Backs’
ROC provide you with water bottles. You may like to bring a ‘camel back’ if this is your preference on your cycling holidays in the Australian outback.

Camera & Film
Make sure you have purchased plenty of film prior to leaving home. Film may be purchased en route, but is often very expensive and the range limited.

Fly Nets
Flies can bother some people. If you are one of them, ensure you purchase a fly net, particularly if your tour takes you through Central Australia.

Money
Please note that on some of the days during your tour, all three meals may not be provided. Please check the itinerary for your chosen tour(s), and allow some extra cash to cover this expense. The cycling holidays in the Australian outback tours will always stop at a convenient place for you to purchase a meal not listed as part of the tour’s cost. Other additional costs are national park entry fees and optional cruises/flights/tours. These are itemised on the individual tour’s fact sheets.

Footwear
All the ROC bikes have double-sided pedals so that clip shoes or cage can be used depending on individual preference. Whatever your final choice of shoes, make sure they let sweat evaporate easily. Blisters from sweaty feet, or from shoes that have not been ‘broken in’ will make for a miserable time! Thongs (this is Australian for flip flop shoes) are dangerous and never recommended, especially when cycling. ‘Teva’ sandals (or any other rafting sandle) are great for walking through wet areas and around the campsite.

read more on cycling holidays in the Australian outback and bicycle touring in the outback of Australia at Bandicoot Cycles