A Guide to Visiting Sydney on Motorbike

What could possibly be better than riding a motorcycle around Sydney? Wide open road, fresh air, the wind in your hair… it is without a doubt that one of the best ways to see beautiful Sydney is by motorcycle.

Motorcycling isn’t just reserved for those who own their own bikes. There are plenty of places in Sydney to hire motorbikes. Motorbike hire in Sydney is a great way to test how skilled and comfortable you are on a motorbike before you commit to purchasing one of your own. Some experience and a motorbike license is of course required.

Unfortunately, hitting the open road with your bike isn’t as straightforward as starting the engine and taking off. A successful road trip by motorbike takes a little planning and preparation. Read on for tips on how to safely and successfully tour Sydney and its surrounds by motorcycle.

How to Pack a Motorbike for Travel around Sydney

Travelling unencumbered by luggage is tempting- but not always logical. What you pack for your motorbike trip depends on how long you’re planning on being away, where you’re going, and what you can’t live without.

If you’re only planning a day trip, you can probably get away with packing only the essentials, such as motorbike safety gear, sunscreen, and a picnic. Longer trips, however, may require a little more.

If you’re headed to accommodation, you may need to bring a change of clothes, a toothbrush, any medications you need, and anything else you can’t go without. If you’re hitting the open road nomad style, with plans to find a spot to camp wherever you happen to stop, you’ll need a tent, a sleeping bag and some food.

Toll Road Costs for Motorcyclists in Sydney

The downside of a road trip: toll roads. No driver is immune to the costs that come with toll roads, and that includes motorcyclists. If you’re planning a road trip you can use a toll road calculator to get an idea of what you may be in for.

Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t need to use tags. Instead, your motorbike will be identified and linked to your account using cameras and a fee will be charged to your account.

Road Rules for Motorcyclists in Sydney

There are a lot of rules when it comes to riding a motorbike, just like there are rules for driving a car. The full set of rules can be found in the motorcycle rider handbook issued by the New South Wales government, but many of the laws are much the same as the laws that all drivers follow, such as staying within the speed limit, not driving on footpaths and having correctly fitted mirrors.

Some of the laws for motorcyclists are different to those for car drivers. For example, motorcyclists must wear helmets, have no more than one pillion passenger, and must have their feet safely on the designated foot pegs.

All drivers in Sydney, including motorcyclists, must have a valid license. Those without a rider license cannot motorcycle in Sydney.

Best Routes and Day Trips from Sydney for Motorcyclists

Sydney is a diverse and exciting city, filled with landmarks and exciting locations, but sometimes you want to get out of the city and explore what else New South Wales has to offer. Sydney has a range of amazing day trip locations on its doorstep.

Oxley Highway

The Oxley Highway is over 600 kilometres of beauty, but generally “doing the Oxley” means a 163km section between Wauchope and Walcha. The road bends and twists its way around mountain ruins and open plains and is a favourite of caravanners and motorcyclists looking for adventure and enjoyment.

The road is smooth and well-maintained but packed with daring twists and turns and adrenaline-generating descents, which keeps riders coming back.

The Putty Road

Anyone immersed in the world of motorcycles has probably heard of Putty Road. Few roads in Australia carry this level of history, which makes Putty Road perfect for ardent riders who love history. Like the Oxley, Putty Road is long and winding, taking 155km each way, peppered with historical landmarks as well as fuel stops and places to stop for refreshments.

Bells Line of Road

For those wanting a shorter ride, Bells Line of Road is 59 kilometres- but it isn’t any less exciting than the longer rides. Currently, Bells Line is being returned to its former glory after significant weather damage, but this iconic route is an incredibly popular alternative route through the Blue Mountains.

A ride through the mountains always comes with breathtaking views, and this was true for explorer Archibald Bell Junior who walked this path 200 years ago at age 19. Bell may have walked this road on foot, but it is just as beautiful when experienced by motorcycle. With plenty of twists and bends as well as sharp descents, this road is best ridden by experienced riders, especially when the weather is wet.

Hunter Valley

The Hunter encompasses some of the best motorcycling routes NSW has to offer, from short rides to 18-hour intense road trips. This region is a favourite for wine enthusiasts and motorcyclists alike, and the popular Hunter Valley loop lasts 10 hours total and showcases a number of exciting locations and landmarks, including the opera house, the harbour bridge, and Putty Road, plus many others, all within close reach of Sydney.

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are another favourite weekend trip for motorcyclists based in or near Sydney. There is truly something for every rider around the Blue Mountains. Whether you want to soak in the local history, get a non-alcoholic “rider cider”, or simply enjoy a long and adventurous ride, the Blue Mountains are the place to be.

There are a number of organised motorcycle tours throughout the Blue Mountains, but if you aren’t a fan of guided tours you can simply jump on your bike and ride.

Wollongong

Less than 1.5 hours from Sydney sits Wollongong, home to a well-loved motorcycle club and a number of motorbike shops. Wollongong features various organised tours for beginners, experts and everyone in between, but those who prefer to ride alone will find no shortage of exciting routes near Wollongong.

Newcastle

Two hours outside of Sydney is Newcastle, a city not necessarily known for its motorcycling routes, but if you leave the CBD and head for the mountains or the bush, you’re greeted by endless wide open spaces and highways to ride along.