E-bikes have opened up Australia’s rail trails to riders of every fitness level. Here is how to plan a trip — whether you are visiting from overseas or another state.
Why rail trails suit e-bikes
Rail trails follow old railway lines, so gradients are gentle and towns are spaced for a day’s ride. They are a big draw for regional towns: the 24 km Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail welcomed about 70,551 people in its first four months, and a council report found first-year visitor spending rose by $3.7 million.
Top trails by state
| Trail | State | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Valley Rail Trail | QLD | 161 km |
| Northern Rivers Rail Trail — Tweed | NSW | 24 km |
| Murray to Mountains Rail Trail | VIC | 180 km |
| Riesling Trail | SA | 33 km |
| Munda Biddi Trail | WA | ~1,000 km |
| North East Rail Trail | TAS | 26 km |
| Canberra Centenary Trail | ACT | 138 km |
| Simpsons Gap bicycle path | NT | 17 km |
See all e-bike trails in Australia.
Hiring an e-bike
- Destination NSW lists e-bike hire at the Murwillumbah trailhead of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, with half-day and full-day options.
- Visit Victoria lists e-bike hire on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, the Great Southern Rail Trail and in the Rutherglen wine region.
- Many trail towns have hire shops that deliver to your accommodation. Book ahead in school holidays.
- Prefer to buy? Find a local e-bike shop or a used e-bike.
Rules for visitors
- Queensland: off the trails, riders must be 16+ with at least a learner licence (overseas licences recognised; $518 fine without one). Rail trails and mountain bike trails are exempt from the age and licence rules.
- Everywhere: wear a helmet (the NT only requires adults to wear one on the road), and ride a legal pedal-assist e-bike (25 km/h, 250 W — 500 W in NSW for now).
- See e-bike laws by state.
Charging on the trail
Plan your day around your battery’s real range — hills, headwinds and gravel use more. The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail’s official site maps charging stations and says most cafes and pubs will let you charge with a meal if you ask. Carry your charger, and never leave it charging unattended.
What to pack
- Helmet, lights, a lock, water and sun protection.
- Charger and adapter, a spare tube and a pump.
- Your bike’s serial and photos on your phone — a Bike Passport keeps them in one place if anything goes missing on the road.
Common questions
Do tourists need a licence to ride an e-bike in Queensland?
On roads and paths, yes — riders must be 16+ with at least a learner licence, and equivalent overseas licences are recognised. Rail trails and mountain bike trails are exempt from the age and licence rules.
What is the best rail trail in Australia for e-bikes?
Popular choices include the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (161 km, Australia’s longest), the Northern Rivers Rail Trail in NSW, and Victoria’s Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.
Can I charge my e-bike on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail?
Yes. The official site maps charging stations, and says most cafes and pubs will let you charge with a meal if you ask.
Sources
- E-bikes: where to ride and speed limits — StreetSmarts, Queensland Government
- About the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail — TMR
- More than 70,000 use Rail Trail in first four months — Northern Rivers Rail Trail (Jul 2023)
- NRRT Tweed Section Economic Impact Report — Tweed Shire Council (Apr 2024)
- Valley E-Bikes, Northern Rivers Rail Trail bike hire — Visit NSW
- Cycle trail towns — Visit Victoria
This guide explains things in general terms. It is not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.