Here’s eight events that have some of the best cycling climbs to be found in Australia.
These rides are equal (if not better) than what you can find in Europe! They are based in some beautiful locations and have some climbs to challenge the fittest rider!
Alpine Classic
This annual ride first started in 1986, and is held over the Australia Day weekend in Bright, at the southern end of the Snowy Mountains in Victoria.
You’ll climb the iconic Mt Buffalo and Mt Beauty at Falls Creek. It’s a challenging 200km day with around 3600+m elevation gain. The climbs are long and steady.
This is a ride that should be any climber’s Bucket List!
Learn more about the Alpine Classic.
Falls Creek – 3 Peaks Challenge
Like the Alphine Classic, the 3 Peaks Challenge is based out of Falls Creek, Victoria in the Southern Snowy mountains.
It has two epic climbs, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek from Omeo. And the smaller, Tawonga gap. A huge day with 4500+m of climbing.
This is a true iconic ride, with some great country to cycle through, especially with the ghostly-looking gum trees.
Learn more about Falls Creek – Peaks Challenge.
Fitz’s Challenge
This annual ride first started in 1989, and is held on the last Sunday in October in the ACT, riding through the Brindabella Ranges and the Namadgi National Park.
You’re not going to find any long grinding climbs here, instead you’ll find up to eighteen short & punchy climbs with grades over 12%.
This is a ride that should be any climber’s Bucket List!
Learn more about Fitz’s Challenge.
Grafton to Inverell
This annual ride first started in 2016, and is held near the first Sunday in December in the NSW Snow mountains at Jindabyne.
You’re going to find some long grinding climbs with some smaller undulations. Expect short but steep climbs with grades over 10% to mix it up.
This is a ride that should be any climber’s Bucket List!
Learn more about Grafton to Inverell.
Kosi Clallenge (Ride4Rare)
This is an annual 2 day charity event that climbs Mt Kosciuszko.
The first day is a gentle ride through the undulations between Canberra and Cooma. So save the legs for the next day, where you’ll have the challenge of climbing Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko.
It may only be 105km in distance but you’ll be climbing over 2200m of elevation.
This is a great chance to climb an iconic mountain, and is the only organised event (that we know of) to climb this mountain.
Learn more about the Kosi Challenge.
L’Étape Australia
This annual ride first started in 2016, and is held near the first Sunday in December in the NSW Snowy Mountains at Jindabyne.
You’re going to find some long grinding climbs with some smaller undulations. expect the short but steep climb with grades over 10% to mix it up.
This is a ride that should be any climber’s Bucket List!
Learn more about L’Étape Australia.
Robbie McEwen Gran Fondo
This annual ride by Robbie McEwen is based in the beautiful hinterlands of the Gold Coast. It offers the best climbs in Queensland.
This is a solid 135km ride with about 2,600+ metres of climbing. There are 2 big climbs up Springbook and Beechmont, with a gradient of 5-7%.
Learn more about Robbie McEwen Gran Fondo.
Snowy Valleys Cycle Challenge
TThis ride is based in the iconic Snowy Mountains, which means that yes, there are a few good climbs to be had!
The 144km ride is a challenging course that requires a good level of fitness as there is some considerable climbing, 2568 m with a short hill 14%.
Learn more about Snowy Valleys Cycle Challenge.
Other Cycling Events
You can find other rides in our online Cycling Event Calendar, which has over 300 events listed in it.
Please don’t forget to leave a review of any rides you’ve attended. This helps other riders to work out if it’s a ride that they want to attend or not! All you have to do is leave a comment at the bottom of the page of the ride page. You can find a list of all the rides here.
And please do contact me if there are any cycle climbing events that we’ve missed!