The Three Best Motorcycle Trips in Australia

Welcome to the “Land Down Under,” home of the Outback, where you can explore open ranges, steep peaks and the surrounding coastline all in a day’s ride. From rugged off-roading to wildlife crossings, traversing the heart of Oceania on a motorcycle presents challenges you won’t encounter anywhere else, with sights and experiences that make the expedition more than worth it. Learn here about the best motorcycle trips in Australia and how to prepare for the journey.

Motorcycling in Australia

If you’re traveling overseas, shipping your motorcycle to the middle of the Pacific Ocean may not be practical. Transporting your ride by ocean freight can cost thousands of dollars and take up to a month to deliver to your destination. You’ll need to obtain a Carnet de Passage from the Australian Automobile Association to import it into the country. 

It’s easier to rent a motorcycle when flying into a major city like Sydney, Melbourne or Perth and starting your journey from there. 

Every motorist must be covered by insurance. In certain states, your registration includes coverage, but you may need an additional policy to ride. Choose one that covers off-roading when leaving the pavement behind. 

Once you leave the coast, you can drive hundreds of miles before seeing another human being. Watch for kangaroo, snake, wombat, emu and armadillo crossings in rural areas. Pack plenty of food and water, a paper map, a compass and a radio or phone with emergency contacts to explore the vast interior.

Australia requires you to wear a helmet. You’ll also need goggles when using a half-face helmet to block debris, gloves, boots, pants and sleeves to shield your skin from the elements. Wear pads when off-roading to recover quickly after a fall. 

Use motorcycle helmet Bluetooth communication to coordinate hands-free with your passenger or fellow riders to coordinate your location and monitor each other’s health. You can quickly alert each other to changes in the terrain or roaming kookaburra.  

When riding in a group, pair each person’s helmet with a motorcycle intercom to connect to up to 15 units or more using Dynamic Mesh Communication. You can spread out on lonely stretches and change formation without breaking the chain. Each device connects automatically when in range to keep you focused on the road. 

If traveling solo or with a passenger, use the Cardo Packtalk Pro to help the authorities pinpoint your location in an accident. It uses the Cardo App, the cloud and unit sensors to detect crashes when driving on roads. You can have your Cardo headset shipped directly to Australia to gear up for your next ride.

Your motorcycle must also be “road-worthy” with all the required safety features, including mirrors, lights and signals. You could be ticketed for driving a faulty motorcycle or a model with a modified exhaust. Bring a repair kit and have your bike inspected to comply with the rules of the road.

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When to Motorcycle in Australia

Thanks to its subtropical climate, the continent doesn’t get much snow unless you get to the Australian Alps. The wet season happens during June, July and August. January and February are the driest and hottest. Aim for early spring (November or December) or early fall (March through May) to avoid torrential downpours and extreme heat.

Bring waterproof outer layers to stay dry in an unexpected storm and sweat-wicking performance wear that dries quickly. 

3 Best Motorcycle Trips in Australia

When planning your motorcycle routes, add these destinations to your itinerary:

1. Adelaide Hills, South Australia

The route is lined with vineyards and agricultural fields that make for a relaxing ride. You can stop at cafes, wineries and hotels frequented by tourists to break up your trip. The hills have a modest incline that will leave you neither bored nor overstimulated. 

2. Kangaroo Valley Ride, New South Wales

No motorcycle trip to Australia would be complete without checking this tropical gem off your list. In just 21 miles, it combines the best of the continent, weaving along the coast on the Princess Highway before venturing into the Royal National Park, home of the Macquarie Pass with a towering waterfall. 

3. Mount Glorious, Queensland

If blind turns and winding cliff-side passageways lined with guardrails get your blood pumping, weave up Mount Glorious to rake in awe-inspiring views of Samford Valley with acres of eucalyptus trees.

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Getting to Australia with a motorcycle is no easy feat, but the country’s remote geography makes for a thrilling adventure on two wheels. Prepare for alternative climate patterns, curious wildlife and long stretches with nothing but the road to entertain you.