Around the Bay
Col de Sud is an independent coaching and information platform. Event details may change. Always confirm dates, entry requirements and course information with the official event organiser.
Quick Information
At a glance.
Location
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Event Date
Distances
300 km · 250 km · 210 km · 135 km · 100 km · 50 km · 20 km
Entry Status
Opens Soon
Official Website
Countdown
Race date will be published once confirmed
Overview
The event.
Around the Bay is one of Australia's most inclusive cycling events. Since 1993 it has invited riders to circumnavigate Port Phillip Bay in a single day, with distance choices from a 20 km family loop to the full 300 km bay crossing. The event combines a Sorrento–Queenscliff ferry, coastal rolling roads and the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas. Held in October, it functions as a spring goal event for thousands of Melbourne cyclists and a milestone first long ride for many.
Community-first, well organised, and the shared reward of finishing at Alexandra Gardens with a warm meal.
Who it suitsFirst-time long-ride cyclists on the 100–135 km, and experienced riders chasing the 210 km or 300 km bay loop.
Course Breakdown
The route.
- Distance
- 20–300 km depending on route
- Elevation
- ~1,600 m for the 210 km
- Surface
- Sealed road, mostly open with police support
- Major climbs
- Mostly flat with rolling coastal sections; Arthurs Seat detour on longer options
- Technical sections
- Ferry crossing at Sorrento; group riding etiquette on coastal roads
Training Preparation
How long should you train?
A realistic runway to prepare well for Around the Bay, based on where you're starting from.
Every athlete is different. These timelines are intended as a guide only and depend on your current fitness, previous experience, lifestyle and goals.
Philippe's Coaching Perspective
What I'd focus on.
On a course like Around the Bay, the winners of the day aren't the strongest cyclists. They're the ones who paced the early climbs at a sustainable effort and had legs to ride the second half.
The most common mistake is training only your strengths. If climbing is your weakness, the answer isn't more flat riding. It's structured climbing repeats, weekly, with progression.
Nutrition and hydration decide the last two hours. If you're not eating and drinking on schedule from the start line, the second half becomes a battle you don't need to fight.
— Philippe, Col de Sud
Is This Event Right For You?
An honest look.
This event is ideal if you
- ✓You enjoy the challenge of a well-organised cycling event
- ✓You're prepared to train consistently for several months
- ✓You enjoy Victoria-style terrain and conditions
- ✓You're looking for a meaningful, memorable challenge rather than a casual outing
You may prefer another event if
- •Your goals are focused on a different distance or discipline
- •You're looking for a shorter, lower-commitment first event
- •You haven't yet built the aerobic base this event demands
Col de Sud Assessment
A quick impression.
- Overall Difficulty
- Terrain
- Technical Skill
- Beginner Friendly
- Scenic Experience
General Col de Sud assessment. Not an official event rating.
Frequently Asked
Questions we hear.
Is Around the Bay beginner friendly?+
Yes — with a 20 km family loop and a 50 km option, it is one of the most accessible cycling events in Australia.
How flat is the course?+
Mostly flat with rolling coastal sections and around 1,600 m of climbing on the 210 km option.
Do I have to catch the ferry?+
Riders on the 210 km and 250 km routes cross Port Phillip Bay by ferry between Sorrento and Queenscliff. It is included in the entry.
When do entries open?+
Entries typically open in early autumn for the October event.
What bike should I ride?+
A road bike with 25–28 mm tyres is ideal. Gravel and endurance bikes also work well.
Col de Sud Coaching
Your journey starts here.
Every athlete starts somewhere.
Whether you're preparing for your first event, chasing a personal best or simply wondering if this challenge is right for you, the most important question isn't "Can I do it?"
It's "How much time should I give myself to do it well?"
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal preparation depends on your experience, fitness, lifestyle and goals.
If you'd like help creating a realistic training plan for this event, I'd be happy to talk it through with you.
Continue Reading
Keep exploring.
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