On your bike! Exploring Australia on two wheels...

Why not add a cycling tour of Sydney to your holiday itinerary

While I am certainly no Tour de France contender, there are some Aussie city bike tours that look really good fun and could be a great way for you to explore on your holiday.

Bonza Bike Tours based in Sydney, offer all manner of tours in and around the city, taking in the major sights (and some pubs too, on some of the tours!). It looks great fun and is suitable for all ages and abilities, according to the web site (they factor in lots of stops!). Families are welcome.

Take your pick of the tours by watching the videos on the web site! Tours start from AUD$89 (about £40) for adults (AUD$69 for children).

Across in the Victorian capital, Real Melbourne Bike Tours, who ask on their web site "Why walk when you can ride the sights?" — urge you to take the tour early on in your stay, as you'll see and learn so much about Melbourne. And you get a picnic lunch, or fish and chips, included. Same price as the Sydney tours AUD$89/69 (adults/children).

In Adelaide, it's serious cyclists only for the "Tour Down Under" — but you can join in some of the races too. This event runs in January every year and there are events across the city and surrounding countryside.

In Perth, set out with PedalOz on a City to Fremantle cycle, or a (more my scene!) 'Cycle the Vineyards' tour in the Swan Valley . On this latter tour, I am pleased to see they put you on a bus after your lunch with wine (and then take you to 2 more wineries!). They also have longer itineraries for more exploring on 2 wheels. Families are welcome, and it says the tours are for ages 0—120(!)

Am definitely going to do one of these bike tours next time we're Down Under. Will let you know how I get on!