Bike Rides vs 100 Walks: Which Australian Geographic Guide?
By Australian Geographic | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Comparisons
Both guides promise 100 outdoor days out, but they suit different trips. Compare Australia's Best 100 Bike Rides and Australia's Best 100 Walks before you buy.
Quick answer
Choose Australia's Best 100 Bike Rides if you want to cover more ground and plan rides by state; choose Australia's Best 100 Walks 2nd Edition if you prefer detailed trail descriptions and a mix of short and long hikes. Both are organized by state, so the real split is cycling versus walking, not coverage.
What each book actually helps you plan
The Bike Rides book is built around variety: short, half-day and longer rides from every state, with maps for selected routes. That makes it a planning book for people who want options at different effort levels rather than one definitive route per region.
The Walks guide goes deeper per trail. The second edition includes detailed descriptions and photography for 100 hand-picked walks across every state and territory, which suits readers who want to know what a walk is like before committing.
The trade-off: breadth of rides versus depth of trail detail
Bike Rides gives you more ways to use the same trip: a quick half-day loop or a longer ride. The cost is less descriptive depth per route, so you may still need local maps or ride apps for navigation.
Walks gives you richer descriptions, which helps with choosing a trail and setting expectations. The cost is that it covers walking only, so it is less useful if your group includes riders or you want a faster way to see a region.
Which one fits your shelf
If you already own a walking guide and want to add cycling days, Bike Rides avoids overlap. If you are new to hiking and want one trustworthy reference, Walks is the more instructive read. Buying both is reasonable only if you regularly plan mixed trips where some people ride and others walk.
Decision rules for choosing between the two
- If your trip is built around distance: Pick Bike Rides. It covers short, half-day and longer rides in every state, so you can match a route to your available time and fitness. Check whether you need ride-specific maps; the book includes maps for selected rides only.
- If you want to know what a trail is like before you go: Pick Walks. Its detailed descriptions and photography give you a clearer picture of each trail than a route list alone.
- If you are buying for a household with mixed interests: Start with the activity most people will do. Add the second book only if you regularly plan trips where some ride and others walk. Both are organized by state, so check the contents page for your state before buying a second guide.
Product facts
- Australia's Best 100 Bike Rides: 100 rides selected by Australian Geographic editors, organized by state, with short, half-day and longer options. You can plan a ride near your destination without committing to a full-day route.
Australia's Best 100 Bike Rides - Australia's Best 100 Walks 2nd Edition: Second edition with detailed descriptions and photography for 100 hand-picked walks across every state and territory. The descriptions help you judge difficulty and scenery before you set out.
Australia's Best 100 Walks 2nd Edition
Who each book suits
Best for
- Cyclists who want a state-by-state menu of short and long rides
- Travellers who prefer to cover more ground on two wheels
Not for
- Readers who want detailed trail descriptions for every route
- Hikers looking for a walking-only reference
