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Reading time: 7 min | Category: Riding Guides
Melbourne has one of the best urban riding networks in Australia. Most people who buy a fat tyre electric bike from us are surprised by how much ground they can cover without touching a main road. This is a practical guide to the main trails — where they go, what the surfaces are like, and which ones suit fat tyre electric bikes best.
We are at 435A Bridge Rd, Richmond, which puts us directly on the Yarra Trail network and within a few minutes of the Capital City Trail connection. Everything in this guide is accessible from us.
The Main Trails
Capital City Trail — 28km loop, mostly sealed
The most useful trail for inner-city riders. The full loop runs from the CBD through Parkville, Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Richmond, South Yarra, St Kilda Road and back. Join or leave at almost any point — practical for commuting as well as recreational riding. Surfaces mostly sealed with some gravel sections. Well-lit in most sections. The Richmond section runs along the Yarra River.
Best for: daily commuters from inner north and east suburbs, weekend laps, anyone wanting a long continuous ride without road crossings.
Yarra Trail — river to the hills
Follows the Yarra River from the city east through Hawthorn, Kew, Fairfield, Templestowe and out toward Warrandyte. Inner sections are well-maintained and popular with commuters. Further out the trail gets rougher and more tree-lined. Some sections sealed, some compacted gravel, some rough patches — fat tyres handle the mix without drama.
Best for: eastern suburbs riders, longer recreational rides, escaping the inner city without driving.
Bay Trail — coastal riding
Runs along Port Phillip Bay from Port Melbourne through St Kilda, Elwood, Brighton, Sandringham and toward Frankston. Mostly sealed, very flat, spectacular on a clear day. From Richmond, the best route is along the Yarra to the river mouth and then along the bay — about 25 to 35 minutes at a comfortable pace.
Best for: weekend recreational riding, riders in south and bayside suburbs.
Maribyrnong River Trail — inner west
Follows the Maribyrnong River through Footscray, Flemington, Moonee Ponds and Essendon. Good alternative to main roads for inner-west riders. Mixed surfaces — some well-maintained and sealed, others rougher compacted gravel.
Best for: inner-west riders, Footscray and Flemington commuters.
Merri Creek Trail — inner north
Runs from the city north through Fitzroy, Northcote, Preston and Reservoir alongside Merri Creek. More natural and tree-lined than the Capital City Trail. Surfaces include sealed paths, gravel and rougher natural sections in the northern reaches.
Best for: inner-north suburb riders, recreational nature riding.
Tyre Pressure for Melbourne Surfaces
For sealed path commuting, run tyres at the higher end of the recommended range — less rolling resistance, better battery efficiency. For mixed terrain and gravel sections, drop the pressure slightly — better grip and more comfort. Fat tyres typically run 10 to 20 PSI. Check monthly.
Tram Tracks
Melbourne's tram network creates a specific hazard for cyclists. Tram tracks — particularly diagonal and curved sections at intersections — can catch a narrow tyre and throw a rider. Fat tyres are significantly more resistant — the wide tyre rolls over the track rather than dropping into it. Cross tram tracks at close to a right angle where possible, particularly in wet conditions. Fat tyres provide genuine additional safety margin.
Path Etiquette
Announce yourself when overtaking — a bell or a verbal signal. Slow down around pedestrians, particularly children and older people. Keep left unless overtaking. Don't ride at high speed through pedestrian-heavy sections. A fat tyre electric bike is a heavier, faster machine than most things on shared paths — ride accordingly.
Getting Started
If you are new to riding Melbourne's path network, the Capital City Trail and the inner Yarra Trail are the best starting points. Well-signposted, well-maintained, and you can join and leave the network at multiple points without committing to a full loop. Come into the store and ask us about routes specific to your suburb — we ride these trails ourselves.
Shop fat tyre electric bikes → | Melbourne commuting guide → | Ask our team →
Last updated: July 2026 | 435A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121 | 03 9421 2293
Frequently Asked Questions
Capital City Trail (28km loop around the inner city, mostly sealed, connects Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood and Richmond). Yarra Trail (follows the river east toward Warrandyte, mixed sealed and gravel). Bay Trail (coastal path from St Kilda toward Frankston, mostly sealed and flat). Maribyrnong River Trail (inner west through Footscray and Essendon). Merri Creek Trail (inner north through Fitzroy and Northcote). All are legal for EN15194 certified electric bikes.
Yes. Melbourne tram tracks can catch a narrow tyre and throw a rider, particularly on diagonal or curved sections at intersections. Fat tyres are significantly more resistant to this — the wide tyre rolls over the track rather than dropping into it. Always cross tram tracks at close to a right angle where possible, particularly in wet conditions, but fat tyres provide genuine additional safety margin compared to standard bike tyres.
The Capital City Trail is a 28km loop around Melbourne's inner city, mostly sealed and well-lit. It runs from the CBD through Parkville, Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Richmond, South Yarra and St Kilda Road and back. You can join or leave at almost any point along the way, making it practical for commuting as well as recreational riding. It is the most useful trail for inner-city riders and the best starting point for those new to Melbourne's path network.
For sealed path commuting, run tyres at the higher end of the recommended range — less rolling resistance and better battery efficiency. For mixed terrain and gravel sections, drop the pressure slightly for better grip and more comfort over rough surfaces. Fat tyres typically run 10 to 20 PSI depending on rider weight and terrain. Check monthly with a floor pump that has a pressure gauge. Your bike's manual gives the specific recommended range.
From 435A Bridge Rd, Richmond you have immediate access to the Yarra Trail and Capital City Trail networks. The Bay Trail is accessible in 25 to 35 minutes at a comfortable pace. The Yarra Trail extends toward Warrandyte and beyond. On a single charge, most riders can cover 50 to 70km of mixed Melbourne paths in ECO or MID assist, opening up most of the inner and middle Melbourne trail network in a single ride.
Announce yourself when overtaking — a bell or a verbal signal. Slow down around pedestrians, particularly children and older people. Keep left unless overtaking. Don't ride at high speed through pedestrian-heavy sections. A fat tyre electric bike is a heavier, faster machine than most things on shared paths — ride with awareness of that and give other path users appropriate space and warning.
