Walmer State Forest

Walmer State Forest MTB Trails, around 6 km from Castlemaine in central Victoria, is one of the region’s best-known cross-country mountain biking areas. Often referred to locally as the Baco Trails, the forest contains an extensive maze of fast, flowing singletrack through beautiful Box-Ironbark woodland and historic goldfields country. The wider network has been mapped at around 60 km of riding, with terrain ranging from approachable XC trails to rocky intermediate loops with punchy climbs and technical features. The riding has a distinctly natural, old-school XC character. Expect smooth dirt mixed with loose rock, rocky outcrops, small berms and drops, creek-valley sections, switchbacks and occasional rock gardens. The relatively modest elevation doesn't mean an easy ride — repeated short climbs and loose surfaces can provide a surprisingly solid workout. Four commonly mapped loops provide a good framework for exploring the forest: the approximately 10 km Baco Loop, 6 km Switch Loop, 21 km Woodbrook Loop and 19 km Ken’s Loop. Baco is generally regarded as the most approachable, while the other main loops move into intermediate territory. Numerous linking tracks also make it easy to shorten a ride or combine loops into a much bigger outing. Walmer has a strong connection with the local Castlemaine Rocky Riders, who use the forest for social riding and events including their summer Dirt Crits and Interwinter Cloverleaf. The club describes Walmer as one of Castlemaine’s best-known riding locations, with plenty of fast-flowing singletrack and occasional technical features. A formal Walmer State Forest Recreation Area has now been established on Daltons Road, providing a much better base for riders. Facilities include parking, toilets, picnic tables, shelter and barbecue facilities, along with interpretive signage developed by Djaara Traditional Owners. Access is free and no booking is required. RTS Tip: Walmer is a network where having a current trail map is essential — there are plenty of intersecting singletracks and forest roads. Start with the Baco Loop if you’re unfamiliar with the area, then progress onto Switch, Woodbrook or Ken’s for more distance and technical riding. The loose rock can make corners surprisingly slippery, so control your speed and expect conditions to become muddy after prolonged rain. Stronger riders can also use Walmer as part of a much bigger Castlemaine MTB adventure, with an enormous amount of riding available throughout the surrounding Goldfields.