This report provides insights on cycle tourism in Australia, shining a spotlight on the engagement by tourists in cycling activities and the impact of trips that involved them in 2024, using Tourism Research Australia (TRA) data.
The numbers used in this report relate to trips that include one or more cycling activities. If any cycling activity takes place on a trip, all nights and spend for that trip are counted in the figures reported. The contribution of cycling activities specifically cannot be captured due to the way the data is collected.
Number of trips, nights and spend in Australia on trips involving a cycling experience
Trips | Nights | Total trip spend |
4.6 million | 42 million | $6.0 billion |
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.
1 in 45
Domestic travellers participated in a cycling activity while on their trip
$1 in every $36
Spent on domestic trips was by travellers who took part in a cycling activity during their trip
1 in 20
International visitors to Australia participated in a cycling activity while on their trip
$1 in every $10
Of international spend was by travellers who took part in a cycling activity during their trip
Trips including cycling activities have much higher spend and nights per trip than overall travellers in 2024, making them great contributors to Australia’s visitor economy
| Domestic overnight trips including cycling activities | International trips including cycling activities |
Average spend per trip | $998 | $9,223 |
Average spend per night | $246 | $104 |
Average nights per trip | 4 nights | 89 nights |
Victoria and New South Wales are the primary states visited for trips including cycling experiences
Victoria is a key destination attracting among the highest numbers of trips involving cycling in 2024. Despite these high trip numbers, there were a lower proportion of nights and spend on trips involving cycling activities in Victoria due to the number of domestic overnight leisure travellers who have shorter average trip length and overall trip expenditure.
Queensland made up only 16% of trips involving cycling activities, however accounts for 1 in 5 nights and dollars spent. Queensland attracted a higher proportion of international visitors on their trip in 2024, who spend more and stay longer, but represent a smaller number of trips.
Number of trips, nights and spend in Australia on trips involving a cycling experience by state and territory
| Visitors (000) | Nights (000) | Expenditure |
Victoria | 1,544 | 9,811 | $ 1.5b |
New South Wales | 1,478 | 13,126 | $ 1.8b |
Queensland | 762 | 8,754 | $ 1.2b |
Western Australia | 553 | 6,216 | $ 799m |
South Australia | 266 | 1,547 | $ 229m |
Tasmania | 178 | 1,118 | $ 160m |
Australian Capital Territory | 74 | 776 | $ 97m |
Northern Territory | 36 | 674 | $ 104m |
Spend on trips involving cycling
Those on a trip that include a cycling activity are much more likely to spend money on accommodation than overall travellers
The spending habits of travellers on trips that involve cycling indicate that cycling tourism supports a diverse range of local industries.
Travellers that cycle on trips spend notably more on accommodation and less on shopping and airfares than the average traveller.
International travellers that cycle on their trip over index in spending on education at 23%. 1 in 7 international travellers that cycle on their trip are travelling for short term education, which accounts for the spend on education.
International travellers
The United Kingdom, New Zealand, China, India and USA were the top 5 markets for trips involving cycling in 2024
The United Kingdom, New Zealand, China alone accounted for 1 in 3 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 3 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.
Top 5 markets of origin for agritourism | Visitors | Total trip spend |
United Kingdom | 44,300 | $274m |
New Zealand | 38,200 | $107m |
China | 37,000 | $876m |
India | 22,700 | $243m |
United States of America | 20,900 | $93m |
Cycle tourism impact and opportunity
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.
Engagement with cycle tourism in 2024 highlights the potential of trips involving a cycling activity to drive future growth, diversify tourism offerings, and support local communities across Australia.
Cycle tourism plays a key role in Australia’s economy, with each trip contributing to local businesses and communities. For more information on specific cycling activities including road cycling, mountain biking, rail trail cycling, and cycling events, please download the report.