Join the ride: Your guide to the Brisbane Cycling Festival

Individual events | Explore more of Brisbane | Where to eat and drink | Where to stay

When: 21 March – 13 April 2025

With 1,700 kilometres of bikeway either operational or planned by 2031, a world-class indoor velodrome, and epic mountain bike trails minutes from the city, Brisbane is heaven for cyclists.

Pedal your way to the Queensland capital for the Brisbane Cycling Festival, the state’s largest celebration of all things bike-related.

See Australia’s best track cyclists go head-to-head, pedal past the city’s most iconic landmarks in the Tour de Brisbane, or choose from 100 other activities for all ages, abilities and fitness levels.

Not sure where to begin? Read on for our complete Brisbane Cycling Festival Guid – from the must-do events through to the must-dos in Brisbane.

Brisbane Cycling Festival Events

With over three weeks of events and activities to choose from, we don’t blame you if you’re a little bamboozled by choice! Don’t worry—keep cycling below for our pick of the best events. 

AusCycling Esports National Championships

When: 25 – 30 March 2025

Esports will go from the loungeroom to the Brisbane Cycling Festival when the AusCycling Esports National Championships take place at the Queensland University of Technology’s The Cube (April 11).

This modern take on the exercise bike sees cyclists embrace virtual reality with destinations projected in front of them via apps like Zwift or FulGaz, replicating a real cycling experience—without being exposed to the elements!

Watch in person as cyclists compete head-to-head at the indoor auditorium or check it out from your own loungeroom via The Cube’s livestream.

AusCycling Track National Championships

When: 25 – 30 March 2025

Fresh from a haul of five medals from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, some of Australia’s top track cyclists will compete for glory at the AusCycling Track National Championships.

Be trackside at the Anna Meares Velodrome (which will host track cycling at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue) to see who’ll be crowned Australian Champion in events including individual and team pursuits, time trials, scratch races and omnium.

Also taking place will be the 2025 AusCycling Junior Track National Championships (22-26 March 2025), and the AusCycling Masters Track National Championships (7-10 April 2025).

Tour de Brisbane

When: 12 – 13 April 2025

Whether you are a seasoned rider, para-athlete or just starting out, you’ll want to experience the spectacular ride over Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge during the Tour de Brisbane, one of Australia’s biggest community cycling events.

Take a Sunday ride on courses ranging from the 10-kilometre Big Family Ride, through to a landmark-studded, 110-kilometre cycle that also doubles as a Long Ride UCI Gran Fondo World Series Qualifier.

Brisbane Cycling Festival Road closures mean that you’ll be able to experience the courses without traffic—just you and 7,000 fellow cyclists.

More information: Here’s everything you need to know about Tour de Brisbane.

Active Lifestyle Expo

When: 12 – 13 April 2025

Looking for the latest in cycling gizmos, health and nutrition? Don't miss the Active Lifestyle Expo at South Bank Parklands, Brisbane's sub-tropical answer to New York’s Central Park.

There are activities and entertainment for the whole fam to enjoy—with previous Expos featuring live BMX and skate shows, rock climbing, archery, live music and entertainment with local food wine and craft beer on offer.

Discover the best of Brisbane

Explore everything Brisbane has to offer—take a swim at an inner-city beach, see the sparkling skyline from one of only three bridge-climbs in the world, or discover an underwater world of shipwrecks, coral and sea life.

Make your way to the top of the Story Bridge with Story Bridge Adventure Climb and see the city at twilight as the sky turns orange and purple and the skyscrapers begin to glitter.

Head to South Bank Parklands and wander amongst 17-hectrates of sub-tropical gardens that surround Streets Beach—an urban beach with skyscrapers providing the backdrop.

Next to the Parklands you’ll find QAGOMA—the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art— which will be hosting the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art during the Cycling Festival.

Take a day trip to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) with River to Bay and snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks—15 deliberately sunken ships that are home to 200 species of fish—or get up close and personal with a koala or feed kangaroos at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Our top Brisbane tip? Ride the river like the locals do on the CityCat—for just 50 cents grab the best seat on the river as you snake from the University of Queensland to North Shore Hamilton, enjoying spectacular views along the way.

Where to eat and drink in Brisbane

From al fresco dining by the river to mouthwatering brunches and chef-hatted restaurants, Brisbane’s world-class food scene will fuel you throughout the Festival.

What is a ride without coffee afterwards? Get your fix at some of Brisbane’s best cafes and brunch spots, from cappuccinos amongst the fig trees at Coffee Iconic through to suburban faves like Sister Café at Hawthorne.

For lunch, head to Howard Smith Wharves, a WWII-era wharf that is now home to some of Brisbane’s best international flavours. While you’re there, enjoy charcoal swordfish at Greca (don’t miss the cheese and honey saganaki), or chicken karaage with mango hot sauce at Yoko Dining.

Turn lunch into a lazy afternoon at the Wharves and keep the good vibes going with a cold one at Felons Brewing Co, or stretch out on the grass and watch the city go by.

For dinner, head to The Star Brisbane. Brisbane’s newest landmark—don’t miss the 360-degree Sky Deck—home to restaurants including celebrity chef Luke Nyugen’s Fat Noodle, and Azteca Restaurant where you’ll find a unique blend of Asian and Latin American cuisine.

Where to stay in Brisbane

For a restful night’s sleep, check into one of Brisbane’s best luxe hotels—stay at the Emporium Hotel at South Bank and take a dip in the spectacular rooftop infinity pool, or call W Brisbane home for the night, where vibrant pop-art colours and spectacular river views come together.

Want to maximise your sleep before the Tour de Brisbane? The ride starts at the Brisbane Showgrounds—stay nearby in Fortitude Valley or New Farm and hit that alarm clock button a few precious minutes later.

Choose from the luxurious Calile Hotel, where Euro-chic meets Palm Springs vibes (make one of the poolside cabanas home for the afternoon), FV by Peppers with its U-shaped skyline pool on the city fringes, or the boutique art deco styled Spicers Balfour.

Want to spend less on accom so that you can spend more on gadgets for your bike? Try the inner city Ibis Styles Elizabeth Street Brisbane, Adina Apartment Hotel Anzac Square, or Brisbane City YHA, that offer affordable yet comfortable accommodation.

For more pedal action, here are the top bike and cycling events in Queensland.