Bike Tourism Across Australia Delivers $6 Billion Boost

Cycling tourism is rapidly emerging as one of Australia’s most valuable and dynamic visitor-economy segments, with new figures showing strong growth across every state and territory.

The detailed data has been collated by Tourism Research Australia, part of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.

The report states that in 2024, trips involving at least one cycling activity generated 4.6 million trips, 42 million nights and an impressive $6 billion in total spend.

While domestic overnight travellers accounted for most trips, international visitors generated higher expenditure, revealing a significant opportunity for future growth.

Regional towns such as those along popular rail trails are among the big winners in bike tourism. Image: Nat Bromhead

What sets cycling tourism apart is its deep connection to regional Australia. Seven in ten cycling-related trips occurred outside capital cities, accounting for 41% of total spend in regional communities.

Victoria and New South Wales remain the strongest performers in trip numbers, while Queensland punches above its weight by attracting longer-staying and higher-spending international travellers.

Cycling travellers are also among Australia’s most engaged and highest-value visitors. Domestic overnight cycling tourists spent an average of $998 per trip, higher than the national average, and stayed longer.

International visitors were even more influential, spending more than $9,000 per trip—double the average international visitor—thanks in part to long-stay holidaymakers, visiting friends and relatives, and a strong segment of short-term international students.

A closer look at travel behaviour shows these visitors do far more than ride, with extras including eating out, bushwalking, sightseeing, regional touring and cultural experiences, spreading their spending across accommodation, hospitality, entertainment and local attractions.

Major events such as Sea Otter in Batemans Bay are helping drive regional tourism.

Regional Accommodation Boosted

The report also found that travellers who cycled spent significantly more on accommodation compared with the average tourist, making them particularly valuable to small towns and local operators.

Across cycling disciplines, each sub-sector brings its own economic strengths.

Road cycling leads the way with 2.4 million trips and $3.8 billion in associated spending, strongly concentrated in NSW and Victoria.

Mountain biking continues its surge across regional hubs—from Bright and Derby to the NSW South Coast—generating 1.8 million trips and $1.5 billion.

Visitors enjoying the Great Victorian Rail Trail and the recent art installations along the way.

Rail trails, one of Australia’s fastest-growing outdoor experiences, attracted 1.1 million trips and $862 million in spend, with Victoria dominating thanks to its extensive and well-maintained network.

Cycling events drew nearly 400,000 trips and more than $250 million in expenditure, driven by gran fondos, charity rides and major race weekends.

To read the full report visit https://www.tra.gov.au/en/economic-analysis/cycling-tourism