Mount Nelson

Mount Nelson MTB Trails Mount Nelson, just south of Hobart, Tasmania, offers an accessible network of cross-country mountain bike and shared-use trails across Bicentennial Park, Cartwright Reserve, Porters Hill and the surrounding Mount Nelson bushland. Only around 10–15 minutes from the Hobart CBD, the area combines fire trails and natural singletrack with rocky sections, short technical descents and sustained climbing, making it a handy option for riders looking for mountain biking close to Hobart. The broader Mount Nelson riding area contains around 35 km of interconnected trails, with options ranging from easier gravel and shared-use riding through to blue and more technical MTB singletrack. One of the key routes is Signal Station Track, a blue-rated shared-use trail climbing from Enterprise Road towards the historic Mount Nelson Signal Station. The upper section provides a relatively gentle gravel climb, while terrain below Enterprise Road becomes considerably steeper and rockier. Other trails and connections around Mount Nelson allow riders to explore towards Cartwright Reserve, Taroona, Sandy Bay, Dynnyrne and Tolmans Hill, with some suburban road connections required when building longer loops. The setting is a big part of the appeal. Reaching the top of Mount Nelson rewards riders with expansive views across Hobart, the River Derwent, Storm Bay and towards the Tasman Peninsula, while the heritage-listed Signal Station provides an interesting connection to Hobart's maritime history. The easier Signal Station Circuit is around 2.8 km and follows Signal Station Track and Enterprise Fire Trail, providing a good introduction to the reserve before exploring the wider network. RTS Tip: Mount Nelson is a mixture of formal shared-use trails, fire trails and informal tracks, so don't assume every trail you see is open to mountain bikes. Stick to sanctioned riding routes and download a current map before setting out, particularly if you're linking several reserves together. For a first visit, use Signal Station Track to get your bearings and enjoy the views from the summit before exploring the more technical singletrack.