Culburra Beach fat bike tour: Self-guided beach riding

Ride soft sand at low tide, stop for a swim whenever you choose

A self-guided fat bike tour of Culburra Beach in Jervis Bay, where you ride specially designed fat-tyre bikes on sand and beach tracks at your own pace. You set the route, the speed and the stops: swim, picnic or explore Crookhaven Headland as time allows. Best ridden at low tide. Children from age 9 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Self-guided fat bike beach tour

• Start at bike hire shop
• Enjoy coffee at community gardens
• Browse local businesses
• Ride fat-tyre bike on beach
• Stop for swim on beach
• Visit Crookhaven Headland
• Explore swimming holes and rockpools
• See indigenous cultural artworks
• Hike to Crookhaven lighthouse
• Return to start point

The experience

Fat-tyre bikes are built for sand, and Culburra Beach is where they shine. The wide, low-pressure tyres grip soft sand that would stop a regular bike, so you can ride stretches most people walk. The tour is self-guided, which means no fixed itinerary and no group pace. You pick how far to go, where to stop and how long to stay. Swim in the protected waters between Tilbury Cove and Crookhaven Heads, pack a picnic and eat it on the sand, or take the long way home if the light is good. Low tide is when the beach flattens out and riding is easiest, so timing matters. The shop can advise on the day's tides when you arrive.

Crookhaven Headland is the natural destination if you want one. A short ride gets you to secluded swimming holes and rockpools, and a brief climb up to the headland itself opens onto picnic tables overlooking the ocean and river, with indigenous cultural artworks and views down to the historic Crookhaven lighthouse. The coastal banksia forest and cliff-top views reward the walk. Your bike hire starts at the shop in town, where you can grab a coffee at the community gardens before you head out.

You get a helmet, lock, maps and information to navigate on your own. The bikes are ready to ride. You just need to check the tide times or ask the shop staff when conditions will be best for the day you're going.

What’s included

• Helmet and lock.
• maps and information.
• use of fat-tyre bike.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to Sunday

AgesAdult (17 to 84 years) · Youth (9 to 16 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Burra Bike & Board

Is this one for you?This tour is self-guided, so there's no commentary or group pace. You ride alone or with whoever you bring, which suits anyone who wants to explore at their own speed and stop whenever something catches your eye. Children from age 9 can ride, and a moderate level of fitness helps you enjoy the sand riding without strain.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 16 years). Children under 9 can't be included in the booking.

How long does a Culburra Beach fat bike tour usually take?

The tour runs between one and three hours depending on how far you ride and where you stop. Since it's self-guided, you control the pace and can spend as much time swimming or exploring as you want.

What's the difference between low tide and high tide for fat biking on Culburra Beach?

Low tide flattens the beach and firms the sand, making it much easier to ride. High tide narrows the rideable beach and leaves the sand softer, so the shop recommends checking tide times before you go or asking staff when you arrive.

Can I swim during the fat bike tour?

Yes. The protected waters between Tilbury Cove and Crookhaven Heads are safe for swimming, and stopping for a swim is part of what makes the self-guided format work. You ride when you want and stop whenever you feel like it.

What should I bring or pack for the tour?

Bring a picnic if you want to eat on the beach, and wear clothes you don't mind getting wet or sandy. The shop provides the helmet, lock and maps. You just need to wear something comfortable for riding and bring sunscreen and water.

Is Crookhaven Headland worth the ride from the starting point?

Crookhaven Headland is a short ride from town and offers rockpools, secluded swimming holes, picnic tables with ocean views and indigenous cultural artworks. A walk up to the historic lighthouse shows coastal banksia forest and cliff-top views, so it's a natural stop if you want a destination.