About this event
Wollongong comes alive on two wheels from 29 August to 13 September 2026. Ride Wollongong is a 16-day celebration of cycling, inclusivity and community, shaped by the city’s legacy from the 2022 UCI Road World Championships. The program spreads across Wollongong and the Illawarra, with the final festival day centred on Lang Park and the Wollongong Foreshore.
Ride the coast and the city
The Blue Line Community Ride follows the celebrated coastal route from Stanwell Park towards Wollongong, passing ocean views, cliff-hugging roads and the Sea Cliff Bridge. A series of supported social rides gives cyclists different ways to build distance and confidence, while Ride4Rotary brings community rides and an inclusive celebration to the foreshore on the closing day.
Racing, skills and cycling stories
The 2026 Brennan Illawarra Tour adds high-energy competition with criterium and road-race stages around Wollongong, Mt Keira and West Dapto. AusCycling courses offer structured development for mountain biking, road cycling and officiating. The listed foundation skills courses are paid, with the mountain bike course priced at $290 and the road cycling course at $240.
Off the bike, the IBUG Cycling Conference and Film Night explores cycling, affordability, safety, infrastructure and community. School groups can also take part in guided Mt Kembla mountain bike and history rides that combine riding skills with local heritage and environmental learning.
Cycling for more people
Inclusive activities are a major part of the festival. The All Abilities Day at the Illawarra Criterium Track welcomes people living with disability, families, carers and community members, with adaptive bikes and cycling equipment available. Cycling Without Age rides help elderly and less mobile participants enjoy outdoor rides using specially designed trishaws.
Finish at the foreshore
The festival concludes on Sunday 13 September with Ride4Rotary and the Family Fun Day at Lang Park. Expect cycling and community exhibitors, entertainment, food and workshops in a family-friendly setting with accessible pathways, facilities and reserved accessible parking.
Entry conditions and prices vary across the 16-day program. Many community activities are free, while selected courses, races and associated activities require paid entry or advance booking. Check the official schedule and register through the relevant event link before attending.
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Categories
Suggested groups & activities in and around Wollongong NSW
ILLAWARRA DISTRICT TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION
COLLEGIANS WOLLONGONG SQUASH CLUB
Health Movers
Illawarra Ramblers Club
South Coast Bushwalking Club
Join Weekly Singles Pickleball at South Coast