Top 3 plane spotting bike rides around Sydney Airport

Looking for a way to stay fit, healthy and have some fun with the family? We’ve wrapped up three of the best local bike routes around the airport – fun for both adults and kids.

From paths along waterways and parkland loops, the airport is surrounded by scenic cycling routes. And the bonus? You’ve got a front-row seat to one of the busiest airspaces in Australia to watch aircraft taking off, landing or passing overhead.

1. Alexandra Canal Cycleway – connecting to Mascot and Tempe

• Distance: 3 km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best for: Commuters, casual riders and dramatic plane spotting along the canal

Running alongside the Alexandra Canal, the new Sydney Gateway shared path provides a safe and scenic connection between Tempe Recreation Reserve, Mascot, and the two Sydney Airport terminals.

The walking and cycling path is flat, sealed and well lit, making it ideal for riders of all ages and abilities.

Plane spotting highlight:

The path offers clear views towards Sydney Airport and passing aircraft, making it a great option for riders wanting a mix of cycling and plane spotting. There are two rest areas with bubblers and shade, as well as a viewing platform right under the landing path.

How to get there:

Catch the train to Mascot, Wolli Creek or Tempe stations. Car parking available at Tempe Recreational Reserve.

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Alternatively, combine the Alexandra Canal Cycleway with a longer ride along the Cooks River Cycleway. Hugging the river, this is one of the Sydney’s best shared paths, passing through parks, wetlands and open green space.

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2. Botany Bay Foreshore Ride – Wolli Creek to Kyeemagh

• Distance: 5-10km
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Best for: Weekend rides, coastal views, café stops

Following the southern edge of Botany Bay, this ride blends foreshore cycling with aviation views like no other.

Starting near the airport’s southern perimeter and extending toward Brighton-Le-Sands, riders enjoy open coastal paths, water breezes and regular aircraft activity overhead.

Plane spotting highlight:

Departing aircraft often climb directly over Botany Bay, making this one of the most scenic departure-viewing spots in Sydney.

How to get there:

Catch the train to Wolli Creek or Tempe stations. Drive to the Botany Bay foreshore and use one of the public car parks.

Once on the foreshore path, you can continue south along the water’s edge all the way to Captain Cook Bridge – another of Sydney’s classic off-road, family-friendly rides.

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3. Sir Joseph Banks Park – a hidden corner of Botany Bay

• Distance: Up to 5 km (depending on route)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best for: Families, recreational riders and close-up aircraft views

This park is a favorite with local families. Stretching out along the foreshore, it offers views over Botany Bay to the runways. There is a network of shared walking and cycling paths and a fantastic new adventure playground.

Be sure to check out the life-sized statues of the gorillas and wild elephants – a quirky nod to the park’s history as a zoological garden!

Plane spotting highlight:

Viewing areas and jetties along the sandy foreshore provide good views of the action.

Find out more

How to get there:

To pedal to the park, there is a back street cycle route that connects to the Wentworth Avenue shared path at Pagewood. Car parking is available at Joseph Banks Park.

For more information on this route and details of other cycling connections in and around Sydney Airport area, visit the CycleSydney map.

Get outdoors, skip the traffic and take in spectacular views of the skies above

Alongside plane spotting, cycling is a great way to stay fit, be in nature and beat traffic.

Sydney Airport’s Transport & Planning Manager, Shweta Rattan says what she loves most about cycling to work is the freedom it gives her.

“I’m on my own schedule, I get to connect with nature and the community around me, and it’s built-in exercise at the same time,” says Shweta.

“It’s really special being able to cycle this close to an airport. There aren’t many places where you can ride along an active transport route and see the runway and aircraft up close.”

Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or aviation fan, these rides offer the best of both worlds.

“Every ride is different depending on the time of day and what planes are coming in. Seeing aircraft overhead while riding along the shared paths is such a unique experience,” says Shweta.
For a fun weekend activity with the kids, a chance to get active or hit your step target or everyday commuting, one thing is for sure – you won’t be disappointed with the views.

Sarah Bickford is the Bike Planner at Bicycle NSW, a membership organisation that advocates for better bicycle infrastructure in NSW.

“Bicycle NSW, alongside our network of affiliated local groups, campaigned for the Alexandra Canal Cycleway for several years,” says Sarah. “We are thrilled that such a high-quality facility was built by the Sydney Gateway project.”

“The new shared path is not just great for plane spotting. It is a brilliant way for staff and travellers to reach the airport. You can cycle right into both terminals and leave your bike in a secure bike parking facility.”

“The Alexndra Canal Cycleway is also a key section of the regional cycling route into Sydney’s CBD, helping hundreds of commuters every day get safely to work,” adds Sarah.

Whether you’re an Inner West local looking for a fun activity, you work at Sydney Airport or you need to catch a flight – why not try cycling as an environmentally friendly and fun option?

To plan your route or to explore shared paths and bike-friendly connections around the airport, visit Transport for NSW's Cycleway Finder.

For more cycling inspiration, visit Bicycle NSW and CycleSydney.com, and check out the City of Sydney cycling map for connections into Sydney’s wider cycling network.