Pemberton MTB Park

Pemberton MTB Park, in Pemberton, Western Australia, is a well-established mountain biking destination set amongst the towering karri forests of the state’s South West. Located right on the edge of town at Pemberton Pool on Swimming Pool Road, the broader park has more than 25 km of mountain bike tracks and dual-use trails, with riding suitable for beginners through to experienced trail and gravity riders. The current Trails WA network lists 16 individual trails, combining cross-country singletrack, flow trails, technical descents, climbing trails, skills features and dirt jumps. One of the best places for newer riders to start is the 1.5 km Skills Loop, a mostly flat green trail designed as an introduction to singletrack. It packs in roots, tree pinches, bridges, log rolls, rollers, bermed and off-camber corners and a small tabletop, allowing riders to practise common MTB features without committing to a difficult trail. From there, riders can progress into the wider forest network and trails such as Longshanks, Drop Bear, Nearly Gnarly and Wahoo. For riders chasing more speed, Cool Running is one of Pemberton’s signature trails. The machine-built downhill line makes excellent use of Pemberton’s famous karri soils, with fast flowing berms, jumps and plenty of opportunities to carry speed. Its dedicated uphill trail provides the return, although tight technical switchbacks and a steep final pitch make riders earn the next descent. Wahoo offers another step up, combining fast technical riding, off-camber corners and a rock garden with multiple line choices. The setting makes Pemberton particularly memorable. Huge karri trees surround much of the network, while the trailhead at Pemberton Pool provides parking, toilets, drinking water, picnic areas and barbecues. Shops, cafés and accommodation are only minutes away in town, making the park an easy destination for anything from a quick morning ride to a full South West MTB weekend. RTS Tip: Start with the Skills Loop if it’s your first visit, then progressively work into the longer and more technical trails. If gravity is your thing, save some energy for repeated laps of Cool Running and Wahoo — the descents are short enough to tempt you into “just one more”. Some trails are shared with walkers, so ride accordingly, and check current trail conditions before setting out. In warmer weather, throw your swimmers in the car too — Pemberton Pool is right beside the trailhead and makes a pretty good finish to a day on the bike.