Reef Hills State Park

Reef Hills State Park, just 5 km south-west of Benalla in North East Victoria, offers a large network of natural cross-country mountain bike trails through more than 2,000 hectares of Box-Ironbark forest. The riding combines flowing singletrack, rocky sections, short climbs and descents, fire roads and historic mining tracks, making Reef Hills a great option for riders exploring the Benalla and Victorian High Country cycling region. Current mapping identifies around 45 MTB trails, with green, blue and black-rated options spread throughout the park. The terrain is predominantly XC and trail focused, with relatively modest elevation but plenty of undulating riding and interconnected tracks. Popular mapped trails include Tower Flow, which delivers flowing corners, berms and jumps before transitioning into flatter natural singletrack. The wider network provides plenty of scope to build longer loops, with easier green trails alongside intermediate blue and more technical black-rated options. Reef Hills also has a fascinating gold-mining history. Gold was discovered in the area during the 1860s, and riders exploring the park will encounter old workings, tracks and mine sites scattered through the forest. The Lion and Golden Crown mines are among the park’s significant mining heritage locations, while the surrounding Box-Ironbark woodland is particularly attractive during the spring wildflower season. Mountain biking has long been a popular activity at Reef Hills, although riders should understand that this is State Park riding rather than a formally managed bike park. Parks Victoria officially permits cycling on roads and vehicle tracks open to the public, subject to seasonal and safety closures. The park also contains informal singletrack, so riders should respect current signage and avoid creating or extending unauthorised trails. Its location makes Reef Hills an easy addition to a Benalla cycling weekend, with other North East Victorian MTB destinations including Yackandandah, Beechworth, Warby-Ovens and the High Country trail networks within reach. Benalla itself promotes Reef Hills as one of the region’s mountain biking locations alongside Mount Samaria State Park. RTS Tip: Reef Hills is a large, interconnected bush network, so download a current map before heading out and don’t rely on trail signage alone. Be particularly careful around the park’s shooting-range areas — cyclists must stay clear whenever warning signs or flags indicate the ranges are operating. Historic mining also means old shafts and workings can be present, so stick to recognised routes. Check current Parks Victoria conditions before travelling, especially during planned burns, fire restrictions or seasonal closures.