Why not ride your bike from Melbourne to Phillip Island?

There is a great way to ride to Phillip Island and avoid the busy Gippsland Highway - ride your bike in safety along the rail trail that runs from Frankston to Stony Point.

Once at Stony Point, you can catch a ferry across to Phillip Island that calls in to French Island on its way. This opens up plenty of options for the serious bike rider.

Our party of serious bike riders

So here are the Looknbook Bicycle Trip Notes prepared by Looknbook for those who want to make this journey.

Please email us at info@looknbook.com.au with your stories, and we will publish any that give insightful information for our readers.

Useful Maps

We recommend you purchase “Bike Paths Victoria” you can buy a copy at most newsagents, bike shops and book shops. Having this guide handy will help you enjoy your trip much more, and provide you with information on many other bike paths you can explore. You will also find these bike paths in your Melways. 

Always have a Check List

Here is a list of the most obvious:

• Liquids eg: Water, electrolyte drink, boxes of juice
• Food eg: Energy bars, fruit bars, snacks, bananas
• Warm clothing and rain protection gear. If you get wet you will require warm dry clothes for the ferry crossing.
• First aid kit – include band aid, gauze, antiseptic cream, scissors.
• Puncture repair kit, spare inner tube, spanners, tyre levers.
• Money for refreshment breaks and ferry tickets.

Distance 

Melbourne to Stony Point is 75 kms. At an average speed of 20kph you should allow 1 hour for stoppage and 4 hours riding time. The terrain is reasonably flat with a few little hills. I would describe this trip as easy.

However, the Frankston line train can be used to shorten this trip by taking the train to Mordialloc or Frankston. Remember there is a Stony Point service from Frankston, if you feel tired before you get to Stony Point. 

Trip Notes

City to Mordialloc - 20kms
Travel via Beach Road to Mordialloc. This is a favourite route for bike riders with many bikes travelling this way at the weekends and early mornings. There are shared bike and pedestrian bike paths and bike lanes.

Beginning of Mordialloc Bike Path

Mordialloc to Frankston - 15kms
From Mordialloc there is a good bike path to Patterson Lakes along what is known as the “Secondary Drain”. I know this does not sound very nice, but it is in fact the Edithvale Wetlands.

This bike path “flushes out” to the Nepean Hwy near Carrum. A very pleasant bike path follows the Patterson River to Carrum. From here continue along the Nepean Hwy to Frankston.

Patterson River Bike Path

Frankston to Hastings - 20kms

At Frankston you can break for your first refreshment stop. There are many coffee shops in Frankston to choose from. From Frankston there is a good bike path that follows the railway line through Leawarra and Langwarrin. You can pick this up from Playne St Frankston, on the other side of the railway bridge.

From Langwarrin the bike track ends and so you will need to continue along McClelland Drive, Fultons Rd, Hawkins Rd following the rail line, joining the Frankston-Flinders Rd to Somerville railway station. From Somerville there is a bike path all the way to Stony Point. 

If you have a passion for antiques and brick-brack, then you must stop at the Packing House in Tyabb. 

Some of the many treasures available in the Packing House, Tyabb

The bike path continues all the way to Hastings where you can plan to have a second refreshment stop. There is a Galley Coffee Shop and Marina Bar at the Westernport Marina.

Part of the Bike Path from Sommerville

Hastings to Stony Point - 20kms 

Continue your journey from Hastings and follow the excellent series of boardwalks that take the traveler through the mangroves outside Hastings. 

Boardwalks outside Hastings

Make sure you pick this up just before you arrive at Hastings just outside Tyabb. It is the best part of the whole trip. This is relatively new and commences at a playground BBQ area. The boardwalks end at Woolleys Rd, another BBQ area with playground and toilets. Here you join the main road, taking a left turn to Crib Point and Stony Point At Crib Point have a look out for The Otama Submarine that is moored at the end of the jetty.

The Otama Submarine at Crib Point

Stony Point to Cowes 

Check the ferry timetables and prices and allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at Stony Point. The ferries only run a couple of times a day, and you don't want to miss yours. You can buy tickets on the ferry, but best to buy them at the Milk Bar - remember to pay for your bike as well. Once on the ferry take a well earned rest. 

Ferry arriving at Cowes

This is not only an excellent way to discover Phillip Island, but offers opportunities to discover French Island, and for the very adventurous, onwards to Daylston, Wonthaggi and Inverloch. Beyond lies Wilsons Prom and more bike rides in store.  

Plan to extend your stay at Phillip Island.
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