Ride12
NSW University to Taylor Square
If you’re riding from the Eastgardens area towards the city via Houston Road, you eventually hit a fork in the road. Most riders instinctively take a left, opting for the well-worn path down Doncaster Road. But if you take a right, you’re in for a more scholarly journey through the heart of UNSW. This is Ride 13, a ride that offers a completely different perspective on the commute.
Whether school is in session and the campus is buzzing with students, or it’s a quiet holiday break, there is always something to explore within the university grounds. This ride maps out the quickest way through the campus to High Street—just be prepared to work for it. You’ll need to climb a bit as you head toward Wansey Road, but the payoff is worth the effort.
At the top of High Street, you immediately pick up the modern “tram cycleway” infrastructure. The tram path simply didn’t exist a few years ago, and it has transformed the area. It serves as the perfect jumping-off point for a ride toward the city, whether you’re coming from the hospital or the university gates. Your first major landmark is the edge of Royal Randwick Racecourse. This is a top-tier trail that runs directly beside the tram tracks. It’s a nostalgic stretch for me; I once saw the legendary Black Caviar through the fence here on her very last win, you can see great things when you are out riding.
As you hit the intersection of Alison and Darley Road, you transition to the southern edge of Centennial Park. While the internal 4km loop is the “ultimate spot” for many Sydney riders, staying on the Alison Road shared path allows you to bypass the park’s one-way system if you’re on a mission toward the city. I’ve always loved this path. You’re positioned up high, giving you a fantastic vantage point to watch the trams and buses glide by below while spotting the birds in the ponds.
See the RideWithGPS of the ride here and the Map Link here
If you followed my strava, you would know I love exploring NSW Uni and going around the racecourse using this ride.
Much of this ride also appeared in the Beat the Bus series that is slowly being reworked for todays times.
The ride in 3D follows.
Eventually, the ride turns onto Anzac Parade, running alongside the light rail tracks through Moore Park. It’s a fast, separated run that avoids the six lanes of heavy traffic. You’ll pass the SCG and Allianz Stadium, which always provide a great backdrop to the ride, especially on game days.
However, any honest review needs a Reality Check. While I like this path, I have to be honest—I deplore the long wait at the crossing of Anzac Parade and Lang Road. Because of that frustrating light cycle, I tend to use this final section less on my casual explores, even though it remains a vital link for this particular ride.
The final leg takes you toward the Oxford Street West cycleway. As you hit the home stretch, you’ll enter the bus lane where Anzac Parade becomes Flinders Lane. This section is a firm favorite for the high-speed commuting crowd who are looking to shave seconds off their morning run. Whether the bus lane is a “must-ride” or a “skip” is a taste you’ll have to decide for yourself. Regardless of your choice, the final arrival at Taylor Square is an achievement. It has become a mecca for active commuters and tourists going in all manner of directions.
Much of Ride 12 was 2nd in the Infrastructure awards run by CycleSydney in 2019. Why not explore all the infra winners with this article.