Google map with detailed notes (Routes 1 to 3)
The three routes shown on this map are listed below. Please note that there are presently very few cycle lanes in the CBD; however I expect this to change over the next five years as the City of Sydney (the local council responsible for the CBD) implements its cycling infrastructure plans. To keep up to date with progress and to access its current cycling maps, check the City of Sydney cycling pages.
Route 1: Central Station and Sydney International Airport. Approximately 13km
A cycling route between the Central Station and the International Airport. Much of this route follows the City to Botany Bay cycle route, which is sign-posted. Be wary of trucks along Coward Street, particularly where the cycle lane ends between Oriordan St and the canal. Using the footpath here is legal. The main attractions along the way are the Sydney Cricket Ground, Fox Studios and Centennial Park, all about 2km east of Central Station.
Route 2: Sydney Domestic Airport. Approximately 1.5km
This route connects the Domestic Airport with Route 1. Unfortunately there are currently no local cycling facilities in this area, so the route selected simply seeks to minimise exposure to heavy traffic (which includes large trucks). Even so, the traffic is still high and cyclists may opt walking their bicycles along the Oriordan St footpath to get a more direct and safer connection to Route 1.
Route 3: Surry Hills, Circular Quay and Harbour Bridge. Approximately 8km
This route connects Route 1 with the Circular Quay ferry terminal and some of Sydney's renown attractions (the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, The Rocks, Mrs Macquarie's Chair, the botanical gardens). The main link between Route 1 and the harbour is Burke St, which has on-road cycle lanes. It is anticipated that these cycle lanes will be replaced with a separated cycleway over the next year or two, which will make this route even safer. Until then, expect some construction work and possible detours. The route from Mrs Macquarie's Chair to The Rocks is a wide pedestrian thoroughfare. Cyclists should be courteous here and dismount at Circular Quay. The cycleway over the Harbour Bridge is on the western side of the bridge and is accessed on the southern end from Observatory Hill as shown on the Google map. Access to the cycleway from the northern end of the bridge is discussed in Route 15.
© 2009 Robert Taggart. Last updated 2 July 2009.