Wombat MTB Trails

The Wombat MTB Trails, just outside Woodend in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, are a classic old-school cross-country network winding through the beautiful Wombat State Forest. The official Wombat Forest Trail is around 17–18 km, combining hand-built singletrack with short sections of forest trail through native bushland. Expect flowing corners, roots, rocks, log rollovers, small jumps, berms and constant short changes in elevation rather than big gravity-style descents. The official network is arranged as two interconnected loops, allowing riders to shorten the experience or complete the entire circuit. Current Victorian Government information lists a 9 km easy loop suitable for beginners and children and an 18 km intermediate option for riders with a moderate level of fitness and MTB skill. The Wombat MTB Club describes the configuration slightly differently, with approximately 11 km and 6 km loops, so riders should follow the current trailhead signage when choosing their route. Wombat has a distinctly natural XC character. Much of the riding is smooth and flowing, but sections dip through creek valleys and introduce rock outcrops, roots, log obstacles and tighter technical corners. There’s only around 60 m of overall elevation variation, but the repeated rises and dips mean there’s rarely much time to simply cruise. The trails have been part of Victoria’s MTB scene since the 1990s and have been developed and maintained with substantial volunteer involvement from the Wombat MTB Club. They remain popular for social riding, XC training and racing; in 2026 the network again featured in the Shifty Fifty, with the event incorporating the Wombat trails and surrounding forest roads. The main trailhead is at the intersection of Fingerpost, Boldiston and Taylor Roads, where there is parking, an information board and trail signage. There are no toilets, drinking water or other facilities at the trailhead, so riders need to arrive self-sufficient. Woodend is nearby for food, coffee, bike supplies and everything else you need before or after the ride. RTS Tip: Wombat is a brilliant place for riders wanting proper XC singletrack without extreme technical features. Newer riders can tackle the shorter loop before committing to the full circuit, while experienced riders will find that the same trails become seriously fun when ridden at speed. The forest is notorious for becoming greasy and muddy after rain, so check conditions before heading out and avoid riding when the trail surface is soft. And keep an eye beside the trail — the forest really does contain plenty of wombat burrows.