Westerfolds Park

Westerfolds Park, in Templestowe around 20 km north-east of Melbourne, is a large riverside park with plenty of easy recreational cycling and access to some informal off-road riding. Covering more than 120 hectares along the Yarra River, it combines sealed shared paths, gravel tracks and bushland trails through open grasslands, River Red Gums and native woodland. The park is particularly good for families, beginner riders, gravel bikes and relaxed XC exploring. Around 6 km of sealed trails wind through Westerfolds, including a section of the Main Yarra Trail, which provides a continuous cycling connection towards Melbourne’s CBD and links with other major paths throughout the north-eastern suburbs. Away from the main paths, riders also use a network of dirt and gravel tracks and narrow singletrack through the bushland. Trailforks currently maps around nine MTB trails covering roughly 10 km, including popular short sections such as Root Problem and Inspection Pit. These are mostly flatter, natural trails rather than purpose-built gravity riding, making the area better suited to XC-style exploring and skills development than riders chasing big descents. It’s important to note that Westerfolds is not currently a formal purpose-built MTB park. Parks Victoria officially promotes cycling on the Main Yarra Trail and other formed shared-use paths, while historical management planning acknowledges informal MTB trails within the wider Yarra Valley Parklands. Riders should therefore stick to permitted tracks and avoid creating or extending informal trails. The surrounding area is set to become more interesting for MTB riders, with neighbouring Fitzsimons Reserve earmarked for a professionally designed regional flow-trail facility. Current planning proposes dirt trails with features using timber, rock and other materials, connecting directly with existing singletrack around Candlebark Park and providing access from the Main Yarra and Diamond Creek trails. Westerfolds itself is extremely well equipped for a riding day, with parking, toilets, drinking water, picnic shelters, barbecues and a playground. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife too — Eastern Grey Kangaroos are common, with wombats, echidnas, possums and plenty of birdlife also found throughout the park. RTS Tip: Westerfolds is best thought of as a family, gravel and easy XC riding area rather than a dedicated MTB trail centre. Use the park paths for an easy spin, explore the permitted dirt trails for a little more adventure, or incorporate Westerfolds into a much bigger ride along the Main Yarra Trail. Shared paths can be busy with walkers, runners and families, so keep your speed under control and give way appropriately.