Biking in Queensland with Brisbane and Cairns

An extensive network of bicycle paths crisscrosses Brisbane. A highlight is to follow the Bicentennial Bikeway southeast along the Brisbane River, across the Goodwill Bridge, and then along to South Bank Parklands or the Kangaroo Point cliffs.

The Brisbane Bikeways Experience CD, detailing more than 400 km (250 mi) of cycling paths, is available for A$16.50, along with maps and info, from the Brisbane City Council (266 George St. , City Center. 07/3403-8888. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au). The Council's Web site includes maps and lets you search for bikeways. Brisbane Bicycle Sales and Hire (87 Albert St., City Center. 07/3229-2433. www.brizbike.com) rents out bikes from the heart of the city for A$20 per day. They're open weekdays 8:30-5:30, weekends 10-3. Valet Cycle Hire and Tours (0408-003198. www.valetcyclehire.com), on Alice Street, near the Albert Street gate to the City Botanic Gardens, hires out bicycles for A$15 for an hour or A$35 a day. For a fee of A$10, they'll deliver a rental bike right to your hotel. They also do special longer-term deals.