Cycling is a great way to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of our parks. Whether you are looking for a leisurely ride with family or a downhill adrenalin rush, Victoria's parks can cater for your needs. For more information about cycling in a specific park select the park page from the list above.

There are countless km of well-maintained cycle paths linking parks in and around Melbourne for you to explore. Here are some easier routes to start you off.

• The Main Yarra Trail passes through Westerfolds Park with views of River Red Gums and the manor house. Explore the 4.3 kilometre trail around the park or carry on to the city, passing ancient gums, billabongs and Yarra Bend Park, taking a quick detour to the Studley Park Boathouse.
  
• The Maribyrnong River Trail extends 28km from Southbank through to Brimbank Park in Keilor where a 4.3km circuit takes in stately River Red Gums, open grasslands and restored wetlands. Take a detour across the river at Maribyrnong to explore the historic buildings and wetlands at Pipemakers Park.
  
• The Dandenong Creek Trail connects a network of parklands including Jells Park, Bushy Park and Shepherds Bush. Complete the challenge of the 32 kilometre loop, connect with the Scotchmans Creek pathway and the Knox bike track, or simply stay in the parks and enjoy the wetlands and billabongs, the variety of native bird life, picnic areas and playgrounds.
  
• The Bay Trail begins at Cheetham Wetlands and spans 69km north to the City. Soak in Williamstown’s rich local military and maritime history on the way including Point Gellibre and the Coastal Heritage Park on the waterfront.
  
• Braeside Park features 295ha of wetlands, heathlands and Red Gum woodlands. With more than 7km of bike trails crisscrossing the park, cycling with the family is the perfect way to explore this natural oasis in sand belt suburbia.

If you are looking for something a little more challenging there are many tracks and trails throughout Victoria to suit the more adventurous:

• Lysterfield Park Riders can explore the rich habitat of forest, native grasslands, orchids and native animals in this park. Choose from a network of recreational trails ranging from easy to difficult, or test your skills on the challenging mountain biking competition course constructed for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. More information about the State Mountain Bike Course is available on the Lysterfield Park page
  
• You Yangs Regional Park. The granite peaks of the You Yangs offer many exciting rides for mountain bikers, including a designated down-hill course with natural rock ramps and fast runs. There are also over 8 km of single wheel cross-country tracks which provide spectacular views and a wide range of difficulty and speed. More information about mountain bike trails is available on the You Yangs Regional Park Page
  

For online interactive bicycle maps, visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au.

For support with getting into riding and great cycling events, contact Bicycle Victoria on (03) 8636 8888, free call 1800 639 634 (country callers) or visit www.bv.com.au