Lysterfield Park

Lysterfield Park, around 30 km south-east of Melbourne, Victoria, is one of Australia’s best-known urban mountain biking destinations, with approximately 24 km of purpose-built MTB trails catering for beginners through to highly experienced riders. The network winds through native eucalypt forest, plantations and rocky hills surrounding Lysterfield Lake, combining flowing singletrack, berms, jumps, rock gardens, steep climbs and technical descents. Lysterfield also has an important place in Australian cycling history as home to the State Mountain Bike Course used for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. There’s plenty for newer riders and families, including the 6.3 km Lake Circuit Trail, Trail Mix and Lower Blair Witch, plus a dedicated Skills Park and pump track where riders can practise berms, jumps, drops and bike handling before heading onto the main network. Intermediate riders can explore trails including Lower Buckle, Upper Buckle, Middle, Red Gum, Hug, Upper Blair Witch, Snipe and Dog Pound, while experienced riders can step up to black trails such as Follow Me, Aneurysm and the 6.4 km State MTB Course. The short Granite Link takes things another step further with double-black technical terrain. With picnic areas, toilets, lake access and multiple riding options, Lysterfield Park works equally well for a family outing, skills session, quick after-work ride or a longer day linking together the MTB network. The trails are also supported by the volunteer-run Lysterfield District Trail Riders (LDTR), who help maintain and advocate for this hugely popular Melbourne mountain bike network. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, warm up on the Lake Circuit, Trail Mix or Skills Park before progressing into the blue and black singletrack. Experienced riders shouldn’t miss the 2006 Commonwealth Games State MTB Course, which is ridden anti-clockwise and packs technical rock sections, steep climbing and fast descending into 6.4 km. Check current Parks Victoria trail conditions before travelling, particularly after wet weather, and arrive early on busy weekends as parking can fill quickly.