This ride explores the Cabramatta district which is a bustling Vietnamese/Asian hub full of BBQ, pho and noodle eateries; Asian greengrocers selling seasonal veges and fruits; fishmarkets, and homewares.
Starting at Harris Park, follow the rail trail with a loop out west via Prospect Canal cycleway to do a U-turn before the Reservoir. Then take Prospect Creek cycleway to Fairfield. Continue along the rail trail and turn off just past the Buddhist temple to Cabramatta, where there are many bahn mi options, including Tony’s Bakery, Vinata’s, Viet Hoa Hot Bread just to name a few.
For those looking for something different, try a freshly squeezed Ambarella juice from one of the many juice bars or artisan tofu from Hoa Hung.
At one of the cafes, you can try iced Vietnamese coffee sweetened with condensed milk, or more traditional Campos is served at Café Noi.
Allow 45-60mins to explore the streets, alleyways, plazas & markets in Cabramatta. After refreshments, cycle up Railway Pde and take a photo at the giant colourful wall mural, before returning directly north up the rail trail back to Harris Park.
*Alternative banh mi options can be found at Canley Vale, just north of Cabramatta. eg. Nguyen Hot Bread.
NB. Best run on the weekends if you want to experience the street markets.
Coffee stop suggestion: Café Noi, Cabramatta
Features: Explore multicultural Cabramatta with it’s vibrant Vietnamese community. Recommended as a weekend ride when there are street vendors hawking home-made delicacies, and locally grown seasonal vegetables and fruits.
Suitability: Participants should be comfortable with medium distance
continuous riding on quiet roads and shared user paths. There are a few busy intersections to be mindful of. This is cycling for a sensory adventure.
Likely hazards associated with the route: Shared User Paths, Light Traffic on road
Terrain and conditions of the route: Mostly flat; Will need to walk the bike in busy shopping areas in Cabramatta; Bike locks are recommended
Likely variations of the route: Ride can also be started at Meadowbank Wharf or at Bella Vista Station to make it a longer ride
Capabilities required of the rider in qualitative and quantitative terms: Participants should be able to ride continuously along shared user paths and be confident in some light traffic
Participants should be prepared to spend time exploring & experiencing the local community
Suggested precursor rides that participants should be competent at prior to undertaking the ride: Rail Trails and All That
Indication of the duration of the ride: About 4 hours
Potential bail out options: Merrylands Stn, Yennora Stn, Canley Vale Stn, Cabramatta Stn.
Distance: 40.00
Elevation Change: 230
Ride with GPS
Check public transport alerts: www.transportnsw.info/alerts#/metro-train
Risk warning
As a participant in this dangerous recreational activity, you may be exposing yourself to a significant risk of
harm. Bike North, the ride organisers and leaders wish to warn you of the risks and hazards that are an
inherent part of cycling, and to take care to prevent putting yourself, your fellow participants and/or others
into danger. By registering for this ride, you accept the warning as to risk, and you agree to ride in a safe
and responsible manner and to obey all Australian Road Rules.
Health Warning
Riders must not attend if sick, have Covid-19, influenza or symptoms of any communicable disease.
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