Bikepacking from Brisbane to Sydney

Fitted out in my favourite kit, new pannier rack attached and loaded...

...Sparms (sun-protection arms/speed arms) borrowed, tyres inflated, coffee drank, I was eager for the 8 days of cycling and camping ahead. Despite the broken front shifter (meaning I needed to do a lot of cross-chaining), my setup was pretty dialled in. I packed some heavier items that I would usually leave at home, including; a small towel, my favourite (and hefty) lens, my Aeropress, and even a light set of camp clothes.

 

 

James on the other hand was on their first proper adventure and had not yet dialled anything in. Just before we were about to depart, his only saddlebag broke. The flat-barred Trek FX-3 had a large hiking pack sitting atop the pannier rack, strapped down with multiple Grunt straps. Now, the saddlebag was also attached with straps. James tested out the new setup up and down the road in front of my house, looking more like a wandering salesman than a bikepacker.

The first day was a series of tragic mishaps involving James’ already broken saddlebag. The saddlebag continued to break in each spot it was supported by a strap. We lost hours trying to fix and secure the bag back into place. Knowing it would be a recurring problem for the entire trip, we decided instead to get a new set of saddlebags for James as we passed through the golden and sunny beaches of the Gold Coast. 

 

 

Taking the coastline as much as possible, we ended up with many mornings and evenings on the beachfront. When there were no showers, we washed in the ocean blue. We spent full working days in our saddles, pushing through the harsh summer heat and humidity. Electrolyte-riddled water, shady trees, air-conditioned servos, and ocean dips were the only reprieve.

 

 

Following the coastline of NSW does result in a few logistical challenges. The main one that we encountered (and were mostly prepared for) was the series of ferries that we needed to catch. These left only a few times per day and at very specific times. We (by we I mean James) barely made it on board on multiple occasions. The actual ferry journeys themselves were delightful and often full of information about the surrounding towns and wildlife.

 

 

The sun was our greatest enemy on this trip. After reapplying sunscreen five times on day one and still getting burnt on our hands, I had to stop at a cycling shop to pick up a pair of gloves. James decided against the gloves and ended up with quite the hand tan line. Wearing shorts and some old Vans without socks, James was going through sunscreen like no tomorrow - lathering every inch of exposed skin. A few days in, he caved and bought some leggings and socks to save on sunscreen and time.

 

 

Heading south, the sun was mostly overhead or at our backs as we rode, so the most important uncovered spot left to sunscreen was the back of our necks. 

I didn’t know James very well before the trip - I think we had met once or twice before I got roped into his expedition to Sydney by our mutual friends. We met up twice to do some route- and gear-planning, but I was unaware at the time that the longest he had ridden in a single day was only 60km. This was for a trip that required us to average 150km every single day for eight and a half entire days in a row. Day 1 left James in tatters and feeling quite unwell. A terrible sleep only compounded his ailments, he didn’t even eat dinner the night before and took convincing to eat some breakfast through his upset stomach. Halfway through day two and I think James really hit their stride. They were feeling less nauseous and had once again developed an appetite (which is pretty important if you’re doing challenging exercise all day in the heat). Time and time again, I was impressed with James’ resilience to the long days and the sweltering heat. There were even times when the sun had set and we were travelling along single-track mountain bike trails full of fallen logs, countless boulders, and flooded waterways to get to camp, and they just kept on pedalling with their encumbered bicycle.

 

 

I had a fantastic time on our trip from Brisbane to Sydney and was so stoked I could fit it in before my German classes started. Compared to the Brisbane to Darwin trip I cycled with a bunch of mates last winter, this trip felt so drastically different. Roads over gravel, beaches and long days as opposed to red dust and dark, starry skies, towns full of people and cafes versus the sprawling emptiness of Central Queensland and beyond. The trip to Sydney was such a good opportunity to see parts of Australia I had never visited, to sit and relax on the beach and introspect, to read a bunch of books in my tent, and listen to books on my bike, and it was also a great bonding experience for me and my new friend James.

 

 

Here are my bikepacking gear faves:

1. Zefal Top Tube Bag

 

 

This top tube bag is my top pick for bikepacking and honestly just to have on my bike at all times. It’s mainly so beloved because it is where I keep all of my snacks. Muesli bars, Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, dried apples, and entire fruits were kept in my top tube bag every day. It was also great on longer days that required a lot of navigation, as it could hold my power bank and charge my phone (mounted onto a Quadlock).

 

2. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Bikepacking Tent

 

This is the ultimate bikepacking tent for groups of 2-3 cyclists. This tent took me all the way from Brisbane to Darwin last year, held up with great ventilation during the sweltering heat, and also offered perfect shelter during immense downpours. The short tent poles allow for the perfect placement of this tent on almost every set of handlebars.

 

3. Sea To Summit Ultralight Sleeping Mat - Regular

 

 

This sleeping mat is such a workhorse and I love how it pairs with the Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow for a good night's sleep. It is a little bit noisier than other mats when I move around at night, but it’s hard to beat on weight and price.

 

4 & 5. Zefal 2.2L Frame Bag & Salomon Soft Reservoir

 

 

I paired the Zefal Frame Bag and my Salomon Soft Reservoir on both my Brisbane to Darwin and Brisbane to Sydney trips. I wanted something in addition to my three bottle cages for both trips and to even out at least some of the weight on the back. I did this by shoving my bladder inside this frame bag, which is actually genius - I could drink from my water bladder anytime I wanted as I had it clipped around the handlebars or easy access.

 

Not sure what gear you need for your next bikepacking adventure? Visit us in-store to chat with our experts or shoot us a message online if you have any questions! Share your adventures with us on Instagram at @wildearthaustralia and use the hashtag #MyWildEarth to be featured.

 

About the Contributor:

Reid Marshall is a hiking and trail running author, bike tourer, and obscene optimist. Nicknamed, 'Wombat', Reid can't get enough of the outdoors. Follow their adventures on Instagram.