Moving to Melbourne from Manila has brought plenty of changes, but if you asked me to name the absolute best thing I've experienced so far? Hands down, it's the cycling culture.
Back in Manila, biking often feels like an extreme sport where you're constantly negotiating space with chaotic traffic, unpredictable road surfaces, and bike-unfriendly infrastructure (what are those metal plates on the roads?). But here? It is a completely different world. The sheer scale and thought put into Melbourne's cycling infrastructure is mind-blowing. I'm talking protected bike lanes that actually separate you from cars, beautifully developed bike tracks, dedicated cyclist bridges, and gorgeous, tree-canopied trails that make you forget you're anywhere near a major city.
But the absolute game-changer for me - and the secret to our weekend adventures - is how perfectly the trail network integrates with the public transport system.
The Ultimate Melbourne Hack: In Melbourne, you can roll your conventional bike onto metropolitan trains at any time — just avoid the very first door of the first carriage, which is saved for priority access. And avoid taking up a lot of space during the rush hours, of course.
Because of this, I've developed a foolproof weekend formula: pick a nice, long-distance trail, possibly along a creek, ride it all the way to the end, and make sure the final destination has a train station nearby. I'm calling it Bike-Training. It's a workout with scenic views, and when your legs are done, you just hop on a train and coast all the way home.
My Bike-Training Routes So Far
I have been steadily ticking trails off my bucket list. Here is how my completed route map looks so far:
| Trail | End Point | The Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| The Bay Trail | Black Rock Beach via Sandringham Stn |
Coastal, sweeping ocean views, and a mandatory post-ride beach break. |
| Gardiners Creek Trail | Heatherdale Station | Lush, heavily shaded, winding through beautiful eastern suburbs parklands. |
| Merri Creek Trail | Upfield Station | Gritty, slow uphills, pocket-wetlands, and classic north-side character. |
| Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail | Williamstown Station | Maritime charm, historic piers, and spectacular skyline views across the bay. |
(This table looks bland. Maybe we'll ask the GIS expert to prettify it later.)
The Labyrinth — My Favourite Find So Far
One of the most unexpected discoveries on my cycling adventures has been the Labyrinth — a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Melbourne. I stumbled upon it by accident while on the Merri Creek trail, and it quickly became my favourite spot to stop and reflect. Its messages about resilience and perseverance resonated deeply with me and walking through its winding paths gave me some perspective on the journey I was on.
If you're currently going through a challenging time, I highly recommend visiting this place. Its traditional origins has a kind of spiritual energy that makes it special. And even if you don't believe in those stuff, the tranquility of the place might just give you the peace you need.
My Upcoming Hit List & Recommendations
I feel like I've barely scratched the surface of what Victoria has to offer on two wheels. Next up, I am looking at the Frankston line and hitting up Phillip Island and French Island. The initial train rides and ferry rides will take a bit of time, so some planning is definitely required.
And I want to keep this momentum going and expand my map even more. If you are a local or a seasoned Melbourne cyclist: Where should we ride next?
I'm looking for trails that fit the formula — long, scenic, good paths (bonus points for lots of shade or unique bridges), and a train station connection at the end so we can catch a ride back. Send your favorite routes, coffee stops, or hidden path gems in the box below!