A new federal government research report into bicycle tourism has found that $6 billion was spent on trips involving bike riding activity in 2024.
During that year there were 4.6 million trips and 42 million nights stays resulting from cycle tourism, with Victoria the key destination attracting among the highest numbers of trips, just ahead of New South Wales.
Data from Tourism Research Australia showed domestic overnight travellers accounted for the majority of trips, while international visitors – though fewer in number – contributed a substantial share of expenditure, highlighting a key opportunity for future growth.
Seven in 10 trips involving a cycling activity occurred in regional Australia and captured 41% of the total spend.
People using bikes on trips engaged in multiple experiences, from eating out and bushwalking to sightseeing and shopping, further amplifying their economic impact.
The report states: “Road cycling, mountain biking, rail trails and cycling events each bring unique characteristics and opportunities.
“Road cycling dominates in trip numbers and spend, while mountain biking and rail trails contribute to regional dispersal and niche growth.”
While Victoria attracted the highest numbers, there were a lower proportion of nights and spend on trips involving cycling activities due to the number of domestic overnight leisure travellers who have shorter average trip length and overall trip expenditure.
Queensland had only half the number of trips, but each traveller delivered a higher proportion of nights and spend.
The report says travellers who cycle on trips spend notably more on accommodation and less on shopping and airfares than the average traveller.
“The United Kingdom, New Zealand and China alone accounted for one in three international trips that included cycling and almost $1 in $4 dollars spent by international visitors in Australia on trips involving cycling in 2024.
“In 2024, these three markets contributed $1.25 billion in spend to Australia through trips that included cycling.
“International visitors who enjoy cycling on their trips are mostly visiting Australia for a holiday (43%), or to visit friends and family (29%).
“Short-term international students accounted for 13% of visitors cycling in 2024, a much higher proportion than total international visitors in 2024, contributing to the overall higher spend in Australia of trips involving cycling.”
The report concludes that with millions of dollars invested in cycling infrastructure, and more planned, cycle tourism is well positioned for continued expansion, offering benefits to regional Australia and the broader visitor economy.
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