Rides

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Every state, every discipline — the rides Australia is talking about.

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330 ridesof 713

Dungog MTB Park, set within the 650-acre Dungog Common on the western edge of Dungog, has become one of the Hunter region’s standout mountain biking destinations. The Common offers over 30km of singletrack, with trails ranging from easy beginner riding through to difficult technical terrain, plus two purpose-built flow tracks and a fun track. The network rolls through open countryside and forested hills, combining cross-country singletrack, climbs, fast descents and plenty of opportunities to build skills. The trails are managed and maintained by the volunteer-run Ride Dungog, making this a genuine community-built riding destination within easy reach of Newcastle and the Central Coast. RTS Tip: Give yourself plenty of time here — between the XC network, flow tracks and pump/fun track, it’s easy to spend a full day riding. Check the current trail status with Ride Dungog before heading out, particularly after rain. Shuttle services also operate on many weekends and selected holiday periods if you’d rather save your legs and maximise your descending laps.

30 km420 mMTB

Knapsack MTB Trails – Glenbrook Knapsack Reserve is one of the Lower Blue Mountains’ key sanctioned mountain bike areas, sitting at Glenbrook/Lapstone on the eastern escarpment. The reserve combines purpose-built MTB singletrack and a dedicated downhill trail (Stringline Knapsack DH) with historic fire trails and old railway infrastructure, all within easy reach of Western Sydney. Ride Blue Mountains describes Knapsack as having the longest sanctioned MTB trail and the only sanctioned downhill trail in the Blue Mountains. The riding has a distinctly old-school Blue Mountains character. Expect sandstone, rocks, roots, tight natural singletrack, technical sections and plenty of elevation change as trails work their way down the escarpment. The downhill trail provides the more gravity-focused option, while the surrounding trails allow riders to put together shorter XC and trail-style sessions. One of the great things about Knapsack is the setting. The reserve contains remnants of the historic Lapstone Zig Zag railway, including cuttings and the spectacular sandstone Knapsack Viaduct, built in 1867 as part of the original railway crossing of the Blue Mountains. This gives the area a mix of MTB, bushland and railway history that’s pretty unique. Knapsack is also brilliantly positioned for a bigger day on the bike. Nearby Glenbrook provides access to the famous Woodford–Oaks Trail, including its purpose-built technical singletrack section, while Bennetts Ridge and other authorised riding in the Glenbrook area provide plenty of opportunities to extend the adventure. The main reserve access is from Barnet Street, Glenbrook, and the location is relatively easy to reach from Glenbrook and Lapstone stations. For riders searching for Knapsack MTB, Glenbrook mountain bike trails, Blue Mountains MTB, downhill mountain biking near Sydney or mountain biking in the Lower Blue Mountains, Knapsack is an important local network to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: Knapsack is one where current mapping is worth having with you. Ride Blue Mountains notes that signage can be poor and the return route from the downhill trail isn’t particularly obvious until you know the network. There are also many unsanctioned trails elsewhere in the Blue Mountains, so stick to the recognised Knapsack trails rather than assuming every piece of visible singletrack is legitimate.

Verified by 4 ridersRecommended by 2 riders
12 km260 mMTB, XC

Aduro Park in Allara, Eglinton, around 50km north of Perth, packs a surprising amount of riding into its 1.57-hectare purpose-built MTB park. Designed for progression, the network includes trails ranging from easy and beginner through to intermediate and advanced, with jumps, steep sections, tight turns and obstacles to keep more confident riders entertained. Younger riders have their own separate sealed junior bike and scooter track, while the main riding area gives kids, teens and adults a fun place to build skills without heading deep into the bush. A bike repair station, shaded picnic areas and nearby open space make it an easy family riding destination. RTS Tip: Start with an easier loop and work your way up — Aduro Park is designed for progression, so it’s a great spot to practise before tackling the more technical lines. The MTB tracks are one-way, so follow the trail signage, wear a helmet and enclosed shoes, and choose a line that matches your ability.

MTB

Albany offers a diverse collection of mountain bike trails close to the city, with much of the riding centred around Albany Heritage Park and the slopes of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide. Existing trails include the Pilot Trail, Clarence Downhill, Watertank Track, Pipeline Track and Adelaide Trail, providing everything from easier recreational riding through to technical downhill terrain. The 700m Clarence Downhill is a highlight for experienced riders, dropping around 76m through jumps, drops, rock features and wooden berms. The area is also undergoing a major trail redevelopment, with the broader Heritage Park project adding purpose-built green and blue MTB trails and improved connections between Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide. RTS Tip: Albany's trail network is changing as the new Heritage Park trails are progressively completed, so check current trail status before riding and follow any temporary closure signage. Once fully delivered, the upgraded network will make it even easier to link the two mountains and build a bigger ride directly from Albany.

MTB

The Alice Springs Trail Network is a huge collection of hand-built desert singletrack spreading out from town into the spectacular landscapes of the Red Centre. With trails accessible directly from Alice Springs, riders can explore everything from smooth beginner-friendly loops to flowing cross-country singletrack and seriously technical rocky terrain. The network is split broadly between the Eastside and Westside trails, with key access points including the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Lovegrove, Gosse and Kurrajong trailheads. Expect classic Central Australian riding — rocky ridgelines, technical climbs and descents, fast hard-packed singletrack and incredible views across the surrounding ranges. Trails cover a wide range of difficulties, with highlights including Arrwe, Eastside Trail, Apwelantye, Aherre, Road Train, Skyline, Hell Line and Bob Gnarly. Rust-coloured trail markers and signed trailheads help with navigation, while the network’s proximity to town makes it easy to put together anything from a quick morning loop to a much bigger desert adventure. RTS Tip: Alice Springs might be close to town, but once you’re out on the trails it can feel surprisingly remote. Carry plenty of water, food, tools and spares, particularly if you’re heading onto the longer Westside trails. For newer riders, the Eastside Trail from the Telegraph Station is a great introduction; experienced riders have a huge range of blue, black and extremely difficult trails to explore. Grab the official NT Government trail map before heading out and consider downloading Trailforks for navigation.

MTB

Anglesea Bike Park is a purpose-built mountain bike facility on Victoria’s Surf Coast, just a short ride from the centre of Anglesea. Opened in 2006, it was Victoria’s first professionally designed Mountain Cross (4X) track and was designed by renowned trail builder Glen Jacobs of World Trail. The park’s approximately 400m 4X track features rollers, jumps, tabletops, berms and flowing straights, with features ranging from small and approachable through to larger options for more experienced riders. Alongside the main track, riders can explore dirt jumps, skills features and log rides, making the park a great place to practise technique or simply have some fun on the bike. Surrounded by tall pines and located only around 1km from Anglesea’s town centre and beaches, it’s an easy addition to a day of riding and exploring the Surf Coast. Facilities include parking, toilets, shelter and picnic areas. RTS Tip: The bike park closes during rain and when heavy rain is forecast to protect the track surface, reopening once conditions have dried out. Check conditions before heading over, particularly after wet weather.

MTB

Angry Bull Trails is a mountain bike destination built for riders looking for flowing trails, technical challenges and plenty of opportunities to get off the brakes and have some fun on the bike. The trail network offers a mix of purpose-built mountain bike singletrack, with terrain designed to keep things interesting for riders as they progress their skills. Expect features such as berms, rollers, jumps and technical sections, with different trail options allowing riders to explore the network and find lines that suit their ability. Whether you're chasing flowing laps, working on your bike handling or looking for something a little more challenging, Angry Bull Trails provides another great place to experience mountain biking and MTB trails in the region. Allow enough time to explore more than one trail and make a proper session of it — mountain bike parks and trail networks like this are always better when you've got time for another lap. RTS Tip: Trail conditions, access and individual trail difficulty can change, so check the latest local trail information before heading out. Ride within your ability, inspect unfamiliar features before committing and respect any trail closures or maintenance underway.

150 kmMTB

Anstey Hill Recreation Park brings a surprisingly varied MTB network to Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs, with around 25km of shared-use trails and eight designated mountain bike routes ranging from easy through to advanced. Beginners can start on the short Little Quarry Loop, while intermediate riders can explore loops including Yellow-tail, Silver Mine, Wednesday, Bursaria and Pink Gum. For experienced riders, Grand Canyon Downhill and Wildside Downhill are dedicated one-way advanced descents, throwing in jumps, drop-offs, rock gardens, berms and technical singletrack. Add in old quarries, historic mine workings, native bushland and views across the Adelaide Plains and there’s plenty to explore without travelling far from the city. RTS Tip: Anstey Hill mixes shared-use trails, MTB-only descents and walking-only tracks, so check the park map and signage as you ride. If you’re chasing the technical stuff, work your way towards Grand Canyon and Wildside, while newer riders will find the Little Quarry Loop a much friendlier starting point. Avoid riding when trails are wet or muddy, and check park and fire closures before heading out.

8 kmMTB

The Araluen MTB Trails sit on the western side of Alice Springs, offering more than 15km of dedicated mountain bike singletrack alongside an extensive network of fire trails stretching towards the West MacDonnell Ranges. Expect classic Red Centre riding with rocky desert terrain, technical features, rock gardens, punchy climbs and flowing sections, all surrounded by spectacular views across the ranges. The network offers options for newer riders while still providing plenty of technical challenges for experienced mountain bikers. Araluen forms part of the wider Alice Springs mountain bike network, making it easy to link into a much bigger day of riding. The westside trails are particularly known for their more technical character and panoramic desert scenery, with signed routes helping riders navigate the network. RTS Tip: Central Australian riding can be rocky, exposed and tougher than the distance suggests, so carry plenty of water, food, tools and spares even on shorter rides. The cooler months are the most comfortable time to explore, and downloading the official Alice Springs MTB map or Trailforks before setting out will make navigating the wider network much easier.

15 kmMTB

Ararat Hills offers a network of mountain bike riding in the bushland of Ararat Regional Park, just outside the centre of Ararat in western Victoria. The area has a mix of established and informal trails winding through dry forest and hilly terrain, with climbs, rocky sections and natural singletrack providing plenty of variety for riders looking to explore. Ararat has an active local MTB community, with the Ararat Dirt Riders helping to develop and maintain riding opportunities in the region. A larger purpose-built mountain bike trail network has been planned for Ararat Regional Park, but the project has faced delays and is not yet the completed trail network originally proposed. Some designated walking trails within the park also specifically prohibit bicycles, so riders should stick to recognised, bike-legal trails and check current Parks Victoria information when planning a ride. RTS Tip: Ararat Hills is more of an exploratory, natural-style riding area than a fully developed MTB park, so having a current trail map is worthwhile. Stick to recognised bike-legal trails, as some walking tracks within Ararat Regional Park do not allow bikes.

MTB

Atherton Forest MTB Park is one of Tropical North Queensland’s premier riding destinations, with a huge network of purpose-built singletrack winding through the Herberton Range State Forest and Baldy Mountain Forest Reserve just outside Atherton. The official network includes 17 trails, with more than 50km of riding through rocky gullies, creek lines, open eucalypt forest and ridgelines with sweeping Tablelands views. Trails range from flowing green beginner options through predominantly blue intermediate terrain, with difficult black sections and alternative lines for riders chasing something more technical. Best of all, you can access the network directly from the Atherton Trailhead and Skills Park on Vernon Street, making this a genuine ride-from-town MTB destination. RTS Tip: Give yourself more than one day here. Atherton’s trails are designed to link together, so you can build anything from a short beginner-friendly spin to a big multi-hour adventure. Tropical downpours can make creek crossings rise quickly and trails slippery, so check conditions before heading out and avoid riding during or immediately after heavy rain.

55 kmMTB

Awaba MTB Park, tucked into around 200 hectares of Olney State Forest near Cooranbong, is one of the Hunter region’s best-known mountain biking destinations. Built and maintained by the volunteers of Hunter Mountain Bike Association (HMBA), the park caters for an impressive mix of riders with cross-country, gravity, downhill, adaptive and development trails. The XC network includes the approximately 5km Olney Loop, 8km Watagans Loop and 12km Awaba Loop, while gravity riders can hit intermediate trails including Faulk Line, Little Falcon and Wild Polly. Experienced downhill riders have the legendary Monkey, an approximately 2.1km double-black descent, while newer and adaptive riders are well catered for with dedicated progression loops. RTS Tip: There’s enough variety at Awaba to bring the whole crew, but check the HMBA trail status before you leave, particularly after rain or around race weekends when sections of the park may close. If gravity is your thing, shuttle services operate at the park on selected days, while XC riders can easily link the main loops together for a much bigger day out.

Verified by 1 riderRecommended by 1 rider
20 kmMTB

Bare Creek Bike Park is a purpose-built freeride and gravity MTB park in Belrose on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, packing downhill trails, flow lines, dirt jumps, skills features and a pump track into a compact riding area. The park was funded and built by the NSW Government and is now managed by Northern Beaches Council. The park features around 1.6km of dedicated downhill and flow trails, but this is definitely a case where kilometres don’t tell the whole story. Bare Creek is designed for session-style riding and progression, where riders climb back up and repeat individual lines, jumps and features rather than heading out for one long MTB loop. There’s something for a surprisingly broad range of riders. Newer riders can start on the asphalt pump track and skills area, then progress towards the intermediate gravity trails. Trash Panda delivers berm-focused flow with optional drops, while Bin Chicken introduces intermediate freeride jumps. Things get considerably bigger on the advanced side. The Trio of Dips – Mild, Medium and Spicy – leads into higher-speed jump riding, while Livewire and the Pro Line feature serious freeride terrain. The hardest lines contain large mandatory gaps and drops and are intended only for riders with advanced or professional-level jumping skills. The dedicated dirt jump area adds another dimension, with multiple lines designed for MTB and BMX bikes, while the return trail makes it easy to keep lapping your chosen gravity lines. Facilities include toilets, drinking fountains, bike maintenance stations, parking and a dedicated access road. Bare Creek is also an interesting example of what can be achieved with an unusual site. The bike park was developed on a former landfill, allowing freeride-style jumps and features that would be difficult to construct within environmentally sensitive bushland elsewhere on the Northern Beaches. The trails were constructed by specialist trail builders Dirt Art and are supported by volunteer Trail Care crews. For riders searching for Bare Creek Bike Park, Belrose MTB, Northern Beaches mountain biking, Sydney jump trails, gravity MTB or freeride mountain biking in Sydney, this is one of the city’s standout places for riders who want to work on jumps, drops and bike-park-style skills. RTS Tip: Bare Creek is built around progression, but don’t assume that means every trail is beginner-friendly. Start with the pump track and skills area and work upwards — the advanced and Pro lines contain genuinely large features. The clay-based trails are also particularly sensitive to wet weather, and individual trails can close at short notice. The park normally operates 7am–7pm daily, but always check the current trail status before heading out.

MTB

Barrington Bike Park is a privately operated, gravity-focused mountain bike park at Bindera near Gloucester, set among rainforest in the foothills of Barrington Tops. With a huge 370m of vertical drop, shuttle uplifts and everything from green flow trails to seriously steep black technical descents, this is a destination built around maximising downhill time. The network offers green, blue and black-rated trails, with a combination of machine-built flow and rugged natural terrain. Beginners can get a taste of gravity riding on Ants in Ya Pants, while more experienced riders can step up to trails including Stinger, Crazy Train, Strangler, Lichen It, Shatterwood and Detonator. The harder trails make full use of the mountain’s gradient, with rocks, roots, steep chutes and technical rainforest riding. A big part of the experience is that Barrington is an uplift-focused park — park the car, jump aboard the shuttle and save your legs for the descents. Numbers are deliberately limited, so riders get plenty of quality trail time without the park feeling overcrowded. Bookings are essential. For riders who aren't quite ready for the gravity trails, nearby The Steps has a 3.5km XC singletrack loop, pump track and kids loop. The XC trail combines flowing descents, technical climbs and log bridges beside the Barrington River, making it a good option for families or mixed-ability groups. It’s also easy to turn this one into a proper riding weekend. Camping is available onsite beside the Barrington River, so you can ride all day, cool off in the river, camp overnight and get straight back onto the shuttles the next morning. Gloucester is around a 25-minute drive away for food, supplies and other services. For riders searching for Barrington Bike Park, Gloucester MTB, Barrington Tops mountain biking, shuttle MTB parks in NSW or gravity mountain biking near Newcastle, this is one of NSW’s standout privately operated gravity destinations. RTS Tip: This isn't a turn-up-and-ride public trail network. Bookings are essential and the main bike park operates by shuttle uplift. It currently opens Saturdays and Sundays, with additional school-holiday riding subject to minimum numbers. There’s also no mobile reception at the park, so sort your booking and directions before leaving town — the park specifically warns against blindly following GPS when approaching from the south because it can direct you onto a closed road.

10 kmMTB

The Bass Coast Rail Trail is a spectacular 23km coastal rail trail between Woolamai and Wonthaggi in Victoria’s Gippsland region. Following the route of the former Wonthaggi railway, the trail combines rolling farmland, coastal heath and impressive views across Bass Strait and towards Phillip Island. The surface is a mix of compacted granitic sand, gravel and boardwalk, with mostly gentle gradients and just a couple of moderate climbs. A standout feature is the historic Kilcunda Trestle Bridge, where the old railway crosses above Bourne Creek with the ocean as a backdrop. The trail also passes through or near Anderson, Kilcunda and Dalyston before reaching Wonthaggi, with cafés, picnic areas and facilities available along the way. RTS Tip: If you’re looking for the most scenic section, Anderson to Kilcunda is a great shorter option, with coastal views and the Kilcunda Trestle Bridge along the way. For the full experience, ride the 23km one way between Woolamai and Wonthaggi or make it a 46km return ride. Take care at Bass Highway crossings and check current trail conditions before heading out, particularly around the coastal sections near Kilcunda.

23 kmGravel

Bathurst Bike Park is a dedicated cycling precinct at College Road, Orton Park, bringing several cycling disciplines together in one location. Bathurst Regional Council lists the facility as including a mountain bike track, BMX track, velodrome and bicycle paths, along with a clubhouse, toilets and shaded areas. For mountain bikers, the park provides a compact network of cross-country-style trails, making use of the rolling, dry terrain typical of the Bathurst region. Expect a mix of singletrack, short climbs and descents and natural trail features rather than the long gravity runs found at larger destination bike parks. The facility is particularly useful for training, racing and shorter MTB sessions, and has a long association with Bathurst’s cycling community. Council planning documents identify the precinct as being used by the Bathurst Mountain Bike Club, Bathurst BMX Club and Bathurst Cycling Club, making it an important hub for local cycling across multiple disciplines. One of the strengths of Bathurst Bike Park is the variety available in one place. MTB riders can hit the dirt while BMX and track riders have their own dedicated facilities, making it a good option for families or groups with different cycling interests. Its location also puts riders within easy reach of Bathurst and Mount Panorama, so the Bike Park can easily form part of a bigger cycling weekend exploring the Central West. For riders searching for Bathurst MTB, Bathurst Bike Park, mountain biking in Bathurst, Central West NSW MTB or cycling facilities in Bathurst, this is a handy local network to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: Think of Bathurst Bike Park as a multi-discipline cycling hub rather than a large destination MTB trail network. It’s particularly good for a quick trail session, club riding or combining MTB with the BMX and track facilities. The official Council listing is fairly light on current MTB trail detail, so use up-to-date trail mapping and on-ground signage when exploring the network.

10 kmMTB

Beacon Hill MTB Trails Beacon Hill on Sydney’s Northern Beaches is home to a well-established local mountain bike trail network, offering a mix of singletrack, technical features, rocky terrain and challenging descents tucked into the bushland around Beacon Hill and Oxford Falls. The network has developed into a popular riding spot for local mountain bikers, with trails ranging from easier lines through to more technical riding featuring rock rolls, drops, steep sections and natural trail features. It’s the kind of area where riders can link different trails together to create anything from a quick local lap to a longer session exploring the network. The rocky sandstone terrain gives Beacon Hill a distinctly Sydney mountain biking feel, with technical lines and natural features rewarding confident bike handling. Trailforks lists a substantial collection of individual trails in the Beacon Hill riding area, with options spanning different difficulty levels and riding styles. Its location on the Northern Beaches of Sydney also puts Beacon Hill within reach of other well-known MTB areas, making it easy to include as part of a bigger day exploring mountain bike trails around the Northern Beaches. Whether you’re searching for mountain biking in Beacon Hill, Northern Beaches MTB trails or mountain bike riding near Sydney, there’s plenty here for riders who enjoy natural, technical local trails. RTS Tip: Beacon Hill is a local trail network rather than a formal bike park, and individual trail access and conditions can change. Check current trail status and mapping before riding, respect closures and surrounding bushland, and ride within your ability — particularly on unfamiliar technical features.

MTB

Beasleys Nursery is a popular turnaround and rest stop for riders exploring Melbourne’s Main Yarra Trail and Mullum Mullum Creek Trail network. Located in Warrandyte beside the trail, it marks an important eastern connection point, with the Main Yarra Trail extension continuing towards Alexander Road and ultimately forming part of the developing cycling connection into Warrandyte. The ride out to Beasleys takes you through leafy creek corridors and bushland, with connections to the Main Yarra, Mullum Mullum and EastLink trails opening up plenty of options for longer loops. Beasleys itself has a café and nursery, making it a particularly handy destination for a relaxed recreational ride or coffee stop before heading back. RTS Tip: Make Beasleys your coffee or lunch turnaround, or use it as a waypoint on a longer ride through Warrandyte. There’s a bike repair station, drinking fountain, picnic table and map board near the nursery, making it a useful spot to regroup before continuing your ride.

MTB

Beechworth MTB Park is a compact but feature-packed mountain bike destination just a couple of kilometres from Beechworth in Victoria’s High Country. Around 19km of trails are packed into the park, ranging from green beginner riding through blue and black trails to a double-black option, with Beechworth’s distinctive granite terrain delivering rock gardens, slab rolls, pinch climbs, flowing descents and plenty of technical features. The network includes a skills area, jumps line, beginner Green Loop, cross-country loops and gravity trails, with most riding pedal-accessed and some lower trails able to be self-shuttled. Highlights include the 10km Intermediate XC Loop, Snakes and Ladders and Don’t Be A Hero, while the nearby Flame Trees Trail provides another great option if you want to extend your Beechworth riding. The trails are maintained by local riders from the Beechworth Chain Gang. RTS Tip: There’s no drinking water at the trailhead, so arrive self-sufficient, particularly if you’re planning a longer session. Newer riders can start with the 1.2km Green Loop and skills area before progressing onto the more technical trails — and with Beechworth so close, it’s easy to combine a ride with a food or coffee stop in town.

MTB

Belair National Park brings mountain biking into the beautiful bushland of the Mount Lofty Ranges, just 25 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD. Riders can explore designated cycling and shared-use trails through woodland, valleys and historic sections of South Australia’s oldest national park. For an easier ride, the 4km Microcarpa Loop combines relatively gentle riding with some intermediate sections, while experienced riders can tackle the 13km Adventure Loop, featuring sustained climbing, steep fire roads and tight, technical singletrack descents. With picnic areas, toilets, a café and plenty to explore beyond the bike, Belair is an easy place to turn a ride into a full day out. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, start with Microcarpa Loop before stepping up to the Adventure Loop — the latter packs in considerably more climbing and technical terrain. Many of Belair’s trails are shared with walkers and horse riders, so watch your speed, follow the give-way rules and stick to designated cycling trails. Avoid riding in wet or muddy conditions to help protect the trails.

13 kmMTB

The Bellarine Rail Trail is a 35km shared trail connecting South Geelong with Queenscliff, following the alignment of the former Geelong–Queenscliff railway. The route leaves Geelong and travels through Moolap, Leopold and Drysdale before crossing rolling farmland and wetlands on its way to the coast at Queenscliff. From Drysdale, the trail runs alongside sections of the heritage Bellarine Railway, adding a little railway history to the ride. The trail is sealed from South Geelong to Drysdale before changing to predominantly compacted crushed rock through to Queenscliff. Mostly flat with a few gradual climbs, it’s suitable for a wide range of riders and bikes, with plenty of opportunities to shorten the ride by starting at Leopold or Drysdale. RTS Tip: For a great shorter option, start at Drysdale and ride the 17km to Queenscliff, where you can grab lunch or explore the waterfront before heading back. If tackling the full trail, remember it’s around 70km return, and watch for the major road crossings along the route.

35 kmGravel

Bennett’s MTB Tracks – Chain of Ponds Bennett’s MTB Tracks is a local mountain bike trail network at Chain of Ponds in South Australia, offering riders another place to explore off-road riding within easy reach of Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills. The trail area has a recognised MTB car park at Chain of Ponds. The network is best suited to riders looking for a more natural, local mountain biking experience, with bush trails and changing terrain rather than the highly developed feel of a major purpose-built bike park. Expect a mix of MTB singletrack, natural surfaces, climbs and descents, with opportunities to link different tracks together and explore the surrounding area. It’s a good option for riders who enjoy discovering smaller local trail networks and adding something different to their Adelaide mountain biking list. Its location around Chain of Ponds also puts riders within reach of the wider Adelaide Hills, where there are plenty more mountain bike, gravel and cycling adventures to combine into a bigger day or weekend on the bike. Whether you're searching for mountain biking in the Adelaide Hills, MTB trails near Adelaide or riding around Chain of Ponds, Bennett’s MTB Tracks is another local network worth discovering. RTS Tip: Bennett’s is a local trail network and detailed official information is limited, so check current mapping, access and trail conditions before heading out. Respect any signage or closures and ride within your ability on unfamiliar trails.

MTB

The Coathanger Loop is a popular mountain bike circuit in the lower Blue Mountains, combining some of Glenbrook's best-known fire trails and singletrack into one varied ride through Blue Mountains National Park. Linking sections of Bennetts Ridge, The Oaks, Ironbarks and surrounding trails, the loop delivers a great mix of rolling ridgelines, fast fire trail, bushland scenery and more technical singletrack. One of the best things about the Coathanger is how easily it can be extended or adapted depending on how much riding you want to do. Add-ons can include the Portal Loop & Lookout for views across the Nepean River, a run out to Nepean Lookout, exploring The Oaks Fire Trail and Oaks Singletrack, or incorporating a visit to Red Hands Cave for a completely different Blue Mountains experience. Expect plenty of climbing and descending, loose and rocky surfaces and some more technical sections depending on which trails you include. It's best suited to intermediate mountain bikers, although experienced riders can easily add distance and difficulty by linking additional trails throughout the Glenbrook network. Starting from the Glenbrook entrance to Blue Mountains National Park gives riders access to parking and facilities and makes it easy to build anything from a shorter local loop to a substantial half-day adventure. National park vehicle entry fees apply if driving into the park. With so many options branching from the main route, the Coathanger is less about following one exact lap and more about linking together some of Glenbrook's best riding into your own adventure. Add the Portal, Nepean Lookout, Red Hands Cave or extra Oaks kilometres and you can make the ride as short—or as epic—as you like.

15.6 km416 mGravel, MTB

Big Hill Mountain Bike Park is one of Australia’s original and most iconic mountain bike networks, located just 500m from the centre of Mount Beauty in Victoria’s High Country. Unlike many newer bike parks, Big Hill’s trails have largely been built by hand rather than machine, giving the network a raw, natural and distinctly old-school character that sets it apart from other destinations across North East Victoria. The park offers a huge network of cross-country, trail and downhill riding, with everything from beginner-friendly trails through to world-class XC and gravity terrain. Expect tight hand-cut singletrack, roots, rocks, steep climbs, fast natural descents and technical features, with trails that reward riders who enjoy natural terrain rather than manicured bike-park flow. A great way to explore Big Hill for the first time is through its colour-coded loops. The Green Loop is around 5km with 182m of climbing and provides a good introduction to the park. The Yellow Loop steps things up to around 10km and 315m of climbing, while the Orange Loop packs 11 trails and roughly 356m of climbing into its 10km route, including favourites The Claw and Rachel’s Way. For experienced riders, Big Hill has a serious pedigree. Its steep, fast hand-cut singletrack has been used for downhill, cross-country and enduro racing for decades, with Team Mount Beauty describing the trails as having produced numerous cycling champions. The club continues to host major events including rounds of the Victorian Downhill Series. The network is maintained by Team Mount Beauty, a volunteer cycling club founded in 1995. The club is closely connected with the park and continues to maintain trails, organise events and work with the different landowners across Big Hill. Big Hill is also perfectly positioned for a Victoria High Country MTB road trip. Bright, Yackandandah, Beechworth and Falls Creek are all within the wider region, making Mount Beauty an excellent base for several days of riding. For riders searching for Mount Beauty MTB, Big Hill MTB Park, Victoria High Country mountain biking, natural singletrack or downhill riding in North East Victoria, Big Hill is absolutely one to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: Big Hill is famous for being raw, natural and a little complicated to navigate — and that’s part of its charm. Team Mount Beauty openly acknowledges that navigation can be challenging and is working to improve signage, so download the current map before heading out. First-time riders can start with the Green Loop before progressing deeper into the network

65 km678 mMTB

Bindoon Mountain Bike Park brings purpose-built mountain biking to the beautiful Chittering Valley, around 84km north of Perth. Set across approximately 100 hectares of hillside just east of Bindoon, the park currently features 10 trails catering for beginners through to experienced riders. The 4.8km green Chinkabee Trail loops around the park and provides access to the wider network, while trails such as Cowslip deliver fast, approachable flow with rollers and berms. Intermediate riders can step things up on trails like Ten 80, while experienced riders can tackle Black Sheep, a black-rated descent combining jumps, berms, rock gardens and drops, with optional double-black features thrown in for good measure. The elevated setting also delivers some brilliant views across the surrounding valleys, orchards, farmland and Bindoon township. RTS Tip: Use Chinkabee as your introduction to the park — it circles the network and makes it easy to scope out the different trails before choosing your descents. There are toilets and parking at the trailhead, and Bindoon is only around five minutes away for food, fuel and supplies. Keep an eye on the trail grading as you progress; some of the advanced lines include significantly bigger technical features than the green and blue trails.

10 kmMTB

Black Hill Bike Park is a compact mountain bike network within Black Hill Reserve, just minutes from central Ballarat. Built into the steep slopes of the hill and its historic mining landscape, the park packs plenty into a relatively small area, with six cross-country trails, four downhill trails, two pump tracks, a skills area and an advanced jump park. Riding ranges from approachable green and blue trails through to steep Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond descents, with rocky terrain, jumps, technical features and fast gravity riding. The lookout at the top provides great views across Ballarat and is a handy starting point for exploring the network. Riders looking for a challenge can tackle trails such as Claim Jumper, Sluice, Alluvial and Open Cut, while the Green and Westside XC loops provide easier options for building skills or warming up. RTS Tip: Black Hill has some seriously technical gravity trails, so check the trail grading before dropping in and ride within your ability. Parking and a trail map can be found near the lookout at the end of Sim Street, with designated shuttle pick-up available from the Queen Street side of the hill.

MTB

Black Jack State Forest MTB Trails – Gunnedah Black Jack State Forest is home to Gunnedah's dedicated mountain bike trail network, offering a great mix of cross-country singletrack and forest riding just outside town in north-west NSW. The Black Jack MTB Trails have been developed for cross-country mountain biking, with a variety of trails giving riders opportunities to explore the forest, build skills and link together different loops for a longer session on the bike. Expect classic XC riding with flowing singletrack, climbs, descents and natural forest terrain, with options catering for different riding abilities. Easier trails provide a good introduction to the network, while more challenging lines add extra climbing and technical features for experienced riders. The trails are managed by Gunnedah Mountain Bikers, whose local volunteers help maintain and develop the network and support mountain biking within the Gunnedah region. Black Jack is a great option whether you're a local looking for somewhere to get some laps in or travelling through the New England and North West region with the bikes onboard. With a dedicated trail network sitting close to Gunnedah, it's an easy riding destination to add to a regional NSW mountain biking road trip. Whether you're searching for mountain biking in Gunnedah, Black Jack MTB Trails, Gunnedah mountain bike trails or MTB riding in north-west NSW, Black Jack State Forest is well worth putting on the list. RTS Tip: Black Jack is an active State Forest and trail conditions or access can change around forestry operations, maintenance and weather. Check current Forestry Corporation and local trail information before heading out, respect any closures and avoid riding trails when conditions could cause damage.

15 kmMTB

Blores Hill Mountain Bike Park is one of Gippsland's premier mountain biking destinations, offering a diverse network of flowing cross-country trails through beautiful native bushland with spectacular views across the Gippsland Plains. The park features 14 purpose-built trails ranging from beginner-friendly rides to challenging technical descents. Riders can expect a fun mix of flowing singletrack, bermed corners, rock gardens, bridges, jumps and natural granite outcrops that keep every lap exciting. The well-designed trail network is rideable year-round and offers plenty of variety for riders looking to build confidence or test their technical skills. As you wind through the forest, panoramic viewpoints provide stunning vistas across the surrounding countryside, making Blores Hill as rewarding for its scenery as it is for its riding. Shared-use trails also allow walkers and horse riders to enjoy parts of the reserve, so riders should remain aware of other trail users. With something to suit families, recreational riders and experienced mountain bikers alike, Blores Hill Mountain Bike Park has earned its reputation as one of Victoria's standout riding destinations, combining flowing trails, technical features and beautiful natural surroundings into an unforgettable day on the bike.

MTB

Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails has transformed the former tin-mining town of Derby in north-east Tasmania into one of Australia’s premier mountain biking destinations. The wider network features more than 125km of purpose-built trails, weaving through spectacular temperate rainforest, giant ferns, granite boulders, rivers and old mining landscapes. The main Derby network alone has 35 purpose-built trails, ranging from family-friendly green runs such as Rapids and Lake Derby through flowing intermediate singletrack and iconic technical trails including Trouty, Detonate, Black Dragon and Kumma-Gutza. Add shuttle-accessed descents, huge rock slabs, jumps, berms and longer wilderness adventures like the Blue Tier and you’ve got a destination worthy of several days on the bike. Blue Derby has also hosted rounds of the Enduro World Cup, cementing its reputation on the international MTB stage. RTS Tip: Don’t try to squeeze Derby into a single day — stay a few nights and explore the network properly. The main Derby trails are free to ride year-round, with climbing trails providing access throughout the network or paid uplift shuttles available if you’d rather save your legs for the descents. If you’re planning to ride Blue Tier or Big Chook, check their status before travelling as these trails have an annual winter closure, generally from July until late September depending on conditions.

125 kmMTB

Bom Bom State Forest MTB Trails – Grafton Bom Bom State Forest is home to a fantastic mountain bike trail network just 5km south of Grafton on the NSW North Coast, offering purpose-built singletrack for everyone from newer riders through to experienced mountain bikers. The Bom Bom MTB Trails feature a network of flowing cross-country singletrack winding through ironbark and spotted gum forest. The generally gentle terrain and lack of large rocky sections make Bom Bom particularly approachable, with plenty of trails where beginners can build confidence while faster riders can find a completely different challenge by pushing the pace. Expect tight and twisting singletrack, small gullies, hardpack and the area's distinctive pea-gravel surface, which can make the corners surprisingly entertaining. While much of the network is relatively low to moderate in technical difficulty, trails such as Uncle Teddy's Wonderland and Harlowe's Howler provide more challenging options as riders progress. The trails are closely connected with Grafton Cycle Club and Bom Bom Mountain Biking, with local riders and volunteers helping maintain and develop the network. The club also runs regular MTB racing, adding a great community element to the riding scene around Grafton. For riders searching for mountain biking in Grafton, MTB trails on the NSW North Coast or beginner-friendly mountain bike trails in NSW, Bom Bom is a great network to put on the list. And with Grafton as a base, there's plenty more cycling and outdoor adventure to discover throughout the wider Clarence Valley, making Bom Bom an easy addition to a North Coast riding road trip. RTS Tip: Bom Bom's soils don't cope particularly well with wet weather, so give the trails time to dry after significant rain and check current trail conditions before heading out. Forestry operations can also affect access from time to time, so respect any temporary closures and signage.

30 kmMTB

Boomerang Farm Bike Park in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast is a privately operated, pay-to-ride gravity park built for riders who love going downhill. The park features around 14 gravity trails and growing, ranging from green through to double-black, with flow trails, downhill tracks, freeride lines, berms, drops, rock features and some seriously big jumps. There’s also a dedicated dirt-jump area and pump track, giving riders plenty of opportunity to work on progression between runs. With shuttle uplifts available, plus an on-site café and bike shop, Boomerang Farm makes it easy to settle in for a full day of gravity laps. RTS Tip: This is private property and a paid-entry bike park, so check current opening days, trail conditions and book your rider entry before making the trip. Shuttle uplift is well worth considering if you want to maximise your downhill laps, and protective gear is strongly recommended as you progress onto the harder lines and bigger features.

MTB

Brownhill Creek Recreation Park offers a scenic shared-use riding experience just 8km from Adelaide, following the narrow creek valley beneath huge river red gums and blue gum woodland. The main Shared Use Trail is around 3km one way and can be ridden by bikes, with a relatively gentle route through the heart of the park past historic sites including old manure pits, quarries and remnants of the area’s early market-gardening history. The park is culturally significant to the Kaurna people, who knew the area as Wirraparinga — meaning scrub and camping place. While the park itself offers a relatively short ride, it makes a useful gateway into Adelaide’s wider trail network. More adventurous riders can continue beyond Brownhill Creek towards Pony Ridge and Belair National Park, opening up longer rides with steeper climbs and more challenging terrain. RTS Tip: Stick to the designated Shared Use Trail, public roads and trails specifically open to bikes — the park’s dedicated walking trails aren’t open to mountain bikes. Brownhill Creek Recreation Park closes on Catastrophic Fire Danger days and may also close during Extreme Fire Danger, so check current park conditions before heading out during warmer weather.

MTB

Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve is a 94-hectare bushland reserve just 5km from Canberra's CBD, offering around 14km of shared cross-country mountain bike trails through native woodland. The network provides fun, flowing riding while showcasing the reserve's rich biodiversity and natural beauty. The trails are the result of a collaboration between the ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Friends of Bruce Ridge, IMBA and the local riding community to create a sustainable trail network that protects sensitive flora, fauna and cultural heritage while providing a safe riding experience. As a protected nature reserve, riders are encouraged to stay on designated trails, respect wildlife and help preserve this unique urban riding destination.

14 kmMTB

Bundadung & Fire Shed Trails – Tathra MTB The Bundadung & Fire Shed Trails in Tathra form one of the NSW South Coast's most established mountain bike networks, with more than 55km of hand-built singletrack and over 40 trails winding through beautiful coastal bushland above Tathra. Known for its classic cross-country mountain biking, Tathra offers riding for a wide range of abilities, from approachable green trails through to flowing intermediate singletrack and more technical challenges for experienced riders. The Bundadung Trails are the original heart of mountain biking in Tathra. Expect plenty of climbing, sweeping descents and twisting singletrack through eucalypt forest, with glimpses towards the coast adding to the experience. Popular trails include Kingy's Climb, Hatti Gaddi, Nizentite and the much-loved Bridges. Head across to the Fire Shed Trails and the character changes. The riding is generally more flowing and undulating, with long stretches of singletrack that reward carrying momentum through the forest. Riders looking for something more challenging can seek out technical sections including Bad Apples, while trails such as Creek Run add plenty of fast, swooping fun. What makes Tathra particularly special is its community-built character. Much of the network has been created by passionate local riders over many years, producing raw, natural singletrack that feels very different from a modern machine-built bike park. With the trails sitting right beside one of the Sapphire Coast's best-known seaside towns, it's easy to turn a ride into a full Tathra mountain biking weekend — ride the singletrack, hit the beach and then come back the next day to explore the trails you missed. Whether you're searching for Tathra mountain bike trails, mountain biking on the Sapphire Coast, MTB trails on the NSW South Coast or cross-country mountain biking in NSW, Bundadung & Fire Shed should definitely be on the ride list. RTS Tip: There's a lot of trail packed into Tathra, so use current trail mapping to plan a loop that suits your ability rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Respect the cultural significance of the Bundadung area, stay on formed trails, check current trail conditions and closures, and give the trails time to recover following significant wet weather.

MTB

Bungarra MTB Park – Jindabyne Bungarra Alpine Centre is a privately operated mountain bike network just outside Jindabyne in the NSW Snowy Mountains, set across around 80 hectares of bushland. With approximately 20km of professionally built MTB trails plus four skills areas, it’s a particularly good place for riders to build confidence and progress their technical skills. The network caters for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders, with trails graded green, blue and black. Expect everything from relatively easy, flatter singletrack suitable for families and newer riders through to technical switchbacks, rock gardens and more challenging natural features. One of Bungarra’s strengths is its progression-focused layout. The four dedicated skills areas allow riders to practise technique before heading onto the trails, making it a useful destination for newer mountain bikers, juniors and anyone wanting to sharpen their bike handling. The venue is also used for organised MTB instruction and school programs. Unlike many of the public trails around Jindabyne, Bungarra is on private property and access is controlled. Published visitor information indicates that the trails are available to Bungarra guests, Jindabyne MTB Club members and members of the public with a trail pass, so riders should confirm current access arrangements before heading out. Its location makes it easy to include in a bigger Snowy Mountains riding trip. Bungarra is only a few minutes from Jindabyne, putting riders close to the wider Jindabyne trail network, Thredbo Valley Track and the region’s growing collection of MTB destinations. For riders searching for Bungarra MTB, Jindabyne mountain bike trails, Snowy Mountains MTB, beginner MTB near Jindabyne or MTB skills parks in NSW, Bungarra is a great option — especially for riders looking to progress rather than simply chase kilometres. RTS Tip: Bungarra is not a free public MTB park, so don’t simply arrive assuming the trails are open for unrestricted riding. Check current trail-pass and access arrangements before visiting. If you’re still developing your skills, make use of the skills areas first — Bungarra is one of those places where you can start comfortably and gradually work your way onto the harder trails.

MTB

The Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails offer around 18km of purpose-built riding through Russell Park, surrounded by the spectacular landscape of Queensland’s Bunya Mountains. The network includes three one-way MTB loops plus a shared-use trail, with riding ranging from easy through to easy/intermediate. Cruise the 4.7km Wilf’s Free Pass or 5km Oh Chute!, step things up on the 6.25km Serpent Spin, or use the 1.3km Wamga Way shared trail to connect towards Dandabah. Expect forest singletrack, roots, rocks, switchbacks and sections of steeper descending, with connections to picnic areas and lookouts making this a great network for riders wanting to mix mountain biking with a bigger Bunya Mountains adventure. RTS Tip: Make sure you check the live trail status before driving up the mountain, as the network can close following prolonged wet weather or for maintenance. Download the trail map before setting off too — mobile reception can be unreliable. Don’t skip the bike hygiene stations at the trailheads; they’re there to help prevent the spread of phytophthora and protect the Bunya Mountains environment.

MTB

Bunyaville Conservation Park is a popular mountain biking playground on Brisbane’s northside, combining purpose-built singletrack with an extensive network of shared forest trails and management roads. The park has 10 officially designated MTB-only trails, predominantly blue intermediate with two black difficult options, plus plenty of connecting trails for building longer cross-country loops. Highlights include the flowing Gum Nuts, creek-crossing Creek Trail, twisty Zig-zag, climbing-focused Sugar Glider and Mini Van, while experienced riders can step things up on Jurassic and the steep Carnivore. Expect classic SE Queensland riding with roots, rocks, creek beds, punchy climbs and natural technical features, all within easy reach of Brisbane. RTS Tip: Bunyaville is best explored by linking the MTB trails with the shared network, so grab the official map before setting off and create your own loop. Jurassic and Carnivore are rated difficult, so newer riders should stick with the intermediate trails until they’re comfortable with the terrain. Avoid riding after heavy rain or when trails are soft and muddy, and remember that cyclists must give way to walkers and horses when using shared trails.

10 kmMTB

Burnie MTB Park - Pump Track and Mountain Bike Trails at View Road Reserve in Montello is a compact, purpose-built riding hub just minutes from central Burnie. Known as “Send it, Case it”, the facility combines a pump track with dirt jumps and three downhill mountain bike trails running down the hillside above the reserve. The trails offer different difficulty levels so riders can progress their skills, while a dedicated children’s zone within the pump track gives younger riders a safer place to get started. Add easy return access, plenty of parking, toilets, shelters, seating, drinking water and bike racks and it’s a great spot for anything from a quick session to a few hours of repeated laps. RTS Tip: Warm up on the pump track before heading uphill for the MTB descents, and inspect each trail before committing — the three downhill trails vary in difficulty and riders are encouraged to choose lines suited to their ability. With the pump track, jumps and downhill trails all together, it’s a particularly good spot for practising skills and progression rather than chasing a long-distance ride.

3 kmMTB

Buxton MTB Park is a purpose-built mountain bike network in the Black Range State Forest, around 100km north-east of Melbourne. The park offers around 23km of singletrack across nine trails, with gentle climbs, fast flowing descents, berms, rollers, jumps and sections winding through lush tree ferns. Most of the network is intermediate, with options ranging from the easy 600m Platypus Circuit through to more challenging black trails. The 13.3km Acheron Ridge is the park’s signature loop, combining jumps, berms, log drops and fast singletrack, including the flowing descent through Spider Gully. Other highlights include Off Camber for a shorter dose of flow and airtime, and Cathedral for riders looking for a more technical challenge. All trails are pedal-accessed, one-way and well signed from the main trailhead. RTS Tip: Buxton MTB Park has a seasonal winter closure, generally from the Tuesday after the King’s Birthday weekend in June until the beginning of the September/October school holidays to protect the trails. There’s no drinking water at the trailhead, so bring plenty with you. Toilets, parking, picnic tables and a shelter are available.

20 kmMTB

The Canberra Centenary Trail is an epic shared-use loop showcasing the best of the Bush Capital, linking Canberra’s iconic landmarks with nature reserves, forests, rural landscapes and some brilliant off-road riding. The current Parks ACT route is 138km and is divided into seven sections, taking riders past places including Parliament House, Mount Ainslie, Mulligans Flat, Hall Village, Black Mountain, the National Arboretum, Stromlo Forest Park, Kambah Pool and Pine Island. Most of the cycling route is graded green and combines sealed cycle paths, gravel management trails and shared-use singletrack, while the Northern and Southern sections step up to blue intermediate terrain with steeper, rockier sections. Tackle a single section, link a few together or take on the entire loop over around three days for a proper Canberra bikepacking adventure. RTS Tip: Don’t feel like you need to smash out the whole loop — the seven sections make it easy to build a ride around your time and ability. A mountain bike or gravel bike is recommended, and downloading the official ride GPX and offline maps is worthwhile as signage is limited in some areas and mobile reception can be patchy. Carry plenty of water on the more remote sections and check Parks ACT alerts and fire conditions before setting out, particularly on the Northern Link.

138 km1805 mMTB

Candlebark Park in Templestowe offers a compact network of legal mountain bike trails beside the Yarra River, providing an easily accessible taste of bush riding within Melbourne’s north-east. The natural-style singletrack winds through open woodland and riverside parkland, with a mix of flowing sections, short climbs, descents and technical features suited mainly to beginner and intermediate riders. Parks Victoria formally permits bikes on the designated Candlebark mountain bike trail network. The park connects directly with the Main Yarra Trail, making it easy to incorporate the MTB trails into a longer ride from Melbourne or link into the surrounding Yarra Valley cycling network. Nearby Westerfolds Park provides additional shared trails, toilets and drinking water. RTS Tip: Candlebark is best suited to riders looking for natural cross-country-style singletrack rather than a highly developed bike park. Stick to the designated bike-legal trails and consider using the Main Yarra Trail to ride in rather than drive. Plans are also underway to connect and upgrade the existing Candlebark trails with new MTB flow trails at neighbouring Fitzsimons Reserve.

MTB

Cardwell Forest offers a rugged tropical riding adventure just minutes from Cardwell township in Far North Queensland. Rather than a purpose-built singletrack park, the current riding uses a network of gravel roads, rocky trails and 4WD tracks through Cardwell State Forest, with up to around 40km of routes to explore. Riders can link sections around Cardwell Forest Drive, taking in highlights such as Cardwell Lookout, Attie Creek, Dead Horse Creek and the famous Cardwell Spa Pool, with views towards Hinchinbrook Island along the way. Those chasing something more challenging can explore the rougher Powerline Trail, where rocky, technical terrain adds a little more bite to the tropical adventure. RTS Tip: Don’t confuse the existing Cardwell Forest riding with the proposed Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Trails — the planned 94km, 26-trail purpose-built network is still a development project. For now, come prepared for more adventurous forest riding, download your route before setting out and remember this is a working forest, so stay on designated roads and watch for logging trucks and machinery.

MTB

Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve near Ipswich is a compact but seriously fun mountain bike network built across the rugged remains of a historic coal-mining landscape. The reserve has around 16km of dedicated MTB trails, with more than 15 IMBA-rated trails ranging from beginner-friendly loops through to steep and technical singletrack. Start out on the flowing Blackleg Gully Circuit, then explore a maze of short trails that make clever use of the reserve’s sharp climbs, gullies and rocky terrain. More experienced riders can seek out technical options including Inca, while remnants of old mine tunnels, shafts and mining infrastructure give Castle Hill a character completely different to your typical bushland MTB park. RTS Tip: The individual trails may be short, but don’t underestimate Castle Hill — the steep terrain means you can quickly rack up plenty of climbing by linking repeated loops together. Download the trail map before you ride and keep an eye out for the historical mining features as you explore. It’s a great network for sessioning different trails rather than chasing one long continuous loop.

15 kmMTB

Casuarina Coastal Reserve / Lee Point offers a diverse mountain bike network stretching between Royal Darwin Hospital and Lee Point, with trails catering for everyone from beginners through to experienced gravity riders. The southern end is known for fast, flowing trails such as Playground and Roller Coaster, while the central network gets more technical on trails like Blair Witch. Head further north and you’ll find short downhill runs for riders looking for steeper, gravity-focused terrain. The network mixes singletrack, 4WD tracks, hills and shared trails, with most trails able to be ridden in both directions. Some of the main singletracks are designed with a preferred downhill direction, so keep an eye on signage and be aware of walkers and oncoming riders on shared sections. With everything from cruisy coastal riding to technical singletrack and mini downhill runs, there’s plenty here to explore over multiple visits. RTS Tip: Check the tides before you ride — mangrove sections of the network can become impassable at high tide. Mosquitoes and biting insects can also be particularly active depending on standing water and tide cycles, so insect repellent is well worth packing. Use the DORC/Trailforks map for your first visit and watch for walkers on shared trails.

MTB

The Chapman River Regional Park in Geraldton offers a fun slice of cross-country mountain biking right on the edge of town. The main Chapman River Loop Trail is around 10–11km and follows both sides of the river, mixing flowing sections with limestone, rocky outcrops, short steep pinches and natural technical features. Rated moderate/blue, it’s a great option for intermediate riders while still being approachable for less experienced riders wanting to step up their skills. Back at Spalding Park, riders can also session the dedicated pump and jump track and skills area, making Chapman River equally good for a quick lap, some skills practice or a longer session linking a few loops together. RTS Tip: The loop is dual direction and shared with walkers and runners, so keep an eye out around blind corners and pass courteously. The northern side sits higher above the river and has some rockier terrain, while the lower southern side tends to be faster and more flowing. There are several crossings that let you shorten the ride if needed, and starting from Spalding Park puts you right beside the pump, jump and skills facilities for a warm-up before hitting the loop.

MTB

Charles Darwin National Park offers some of Darwin’s more technical mountain biking, with a network combining rugged 4WD tracks and purpose-built singletrack just minutes from the city. Rated moderate to hard, the trails feature switchbacks, rocky sections, logs, steps, short punchy climbs and technical features, with surfaces ranging from smooth hardpack through to very rocky terrain. The network includes a mix of hand-built trails and professionally constructed sections by Dirt Art and TrailScapes, plus a pump track near the main access road. Trails can be accessed near the park entrance or from the main picnic area, which also offers great views across Darwin. Some trails are one-way while others are bi-directional, so follow the directional signage as you explore the network. Wet-season conditions can create muddy sections and add another level of challenge to the riding. RTS Tip: Bring the insect repellent! Charles Darwin National Park is prone to mosquitoes and biting insects, with numbers influenced by Darwin Harbour’s tide cycles. The park’s main gate is open 8am–7pm, so factor closing time into your ride. For your first visit, use the official trail map or Trailforks to navigate the network and keep an eye on directional signage.

MTB

Clandulla State Forest MTB Trails – Central West NSW, near Kandos and Rylstone in the NSW Central West, offers riders the chance to explore a more natural style of mountain biking through rugged bushland and forest country. Rather than the highly developed feel of a major purpose-built bike park, riding around Clandulla is about forest tracks, natural trails and backcountry exploration, with changing surfaces and terrain making it best suited to riders comfortable navigating less formal riding areas. The surrounding landscape is classic Central West NSW, with forested hills, sandstone and rocky terrain creating a great backdrop for an off-road adventure. Its position near Kandos, Rylstone and Mudgee also makes Clandulla an interesting addition to a bigger cycling road trip through the region. For riders searching for mountain biking near Mudgee, MTB trails around Kandos and Rylstone, Clandulla State Forest cycling or mountain biking in Central West NSW, this is another riding area worth knowing about. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the wider region, with mountain biking, gravel roads and adventure cycling around Mudgee, Rylstone, Kandos and the surrounding ranges making it easy to build a weekend around the bikes. RTS Tip: Detailed authoritative information about a formal Clandulla MTB network is currently limited, and Forestry Corporation's current list of dedicated NSW State Forest mountain bike trail networks does not list Clandulla. Treat this as a forest riding area rather than a formally managed MTB park, check current access and mapping before setting out, stay on roads and trails where cycling is permitted and respect any forestry operations or temporary closures.

MTB

Clarence Mountain Bike Park & Meehan Range is one of Hobart’s go-to riding destinations, with around 40km of singletrack backed by a network of fire trails across the eastern side of the city. The network caters for green, blue and black riders, combining cross-country loops, technical climbing and fast descents with brilliant views across the Derwent and towards kunanyi / Mount Wellington. At the main trailhead you’ll find a skills park and pump track, complete with jumps, drops, a whale tail and wall ride, while further into the range trails such as K’s Choice, Corkscrew, Dinosaur Descent and Grassy Valley provide plenty of progression. Its generally drier conditions also make Meehan a particularly handy option when trails elsewhere around Hobart are wet. RTS Tip: Start from the Flagstaff Gully Link Road trailhead and use K’s Choice for a friendlier climb towards the Meehan Skyline, or tackle Corkscrew Climb if you’re after something more technical. Advanced riders can seek out Grassy Valley’s rockier lines, but inspect features before committing — some trails contain significant drops, jumps and obstacles.

40 kmMTB

Cleland National Park, just 22km south-east of Adelaide, offers a scenic network of mountain biking and shared-use trails through the Adelaide Hills, with native woodland, cool gullies and some brilliant views across the city and surrounding ranges. Rather than a purpose-built MTB park, Cleland is about linking established trails and fire tracks into longer adventures. Popular riding options include the 4km Measdays Loop, 7km return Steub Trail, 12km one-way Chambers Gully to Crafers Link and the more challenging 10km Wine Shanty Trail. With everything from gentler fire-road riding to steeper intermediate climbs and descents, it’s a great place to build a bigger exploratory ride around Mount Lofty and Crafers. RTS Tip: For a bigger ride, use the Chambers Gully to Crafers Link and add the Steub Trail spur up to Mount Lofty Summit for another 2.6km. Many trails are shared with walkers, so keep your speed under control and give way appropriately. Download the park bike map before setting off as mobile reception can be patchy, and check current park alerts — Cleland can close during high fire danger and has some scheduled closures during 2026–27.

MTB

The Cliff Drive Scenic Loop is a picturesque mountain road ride linking the historic mountain villages of Leura and Katoomba. Following the escarpment for much of the route, this ride visits many of the Blue Mountains most iconic lookouts, offering sweeping views across the Jamison Valley, sandstone cliffs and world heritage wilderness. Start: Leura Station Distance: Approximately 18-22km return Grade: Easy to Moderate Bike Type: Road bike, gravel bike, hybrid or mountain bike Route: - Leura Station - Leura Mall - Cliff Drive - Leura Cascades - Echo Point and the Three Sisters - Katoomba Falls - Scenic World - Hilda's Lookout - Cahill's Lookout - Narrow Neck Lookout - Return via Katoomba Street and local roads back to Leura Highlights: This ride showcases some of the Blue Mountains most famous scenery. Ride through Leura Cascades before continuing along Cliff Drive, where numerous lookouts offer uninterrupted views across the Jamison Valley. Visit Echo Point and the Three Sisters, take in the dramatic cliffs surrounding Katoomba Falls, and enjoy panoramic vistas from Cahill's Lookout and Narrow Neck Lookout. The route offers countless opportunities to stop for photos, coffee, or a short walk to explore the escarpment. Gravel and MTB Option For riders seeking a longer adventure, continue from Cliff Drive onto Narrow Neck Road and follow the Narrow Neck Fire Trail (See Ride card for Narrow Neck). This spectacular ridge-top trail extends deep into the national park with breathtaking views on both sides of the escarpment. Ride as far as your fitness and time allow before returning the same way to rejoin the Cliff Drive loop. Narrow Neck is widely regarded as one of the premier gravel and mountain bike rides in the upper Blue Mountains, combining accessible riding with some of the region's most impressive scenery.

22 kmRoad

Cobbler Creek Recreation Park, around 20km north of Adelaide between Golden Grove and Salisbury, is a fantastic urban MTB playground with more than 20km of shared-use and purpose-built riding trails. The network is particularly good for beginner and intermediate riders, with progression options including the Beginners’ Circuit, Easy Does It and KAFNARFA Circuit, before stepping up to longer rides such as the 3km Ruins Loop, 3km Babbler Loop and 4km Valley Circuit. More experienced riders can seek out Short and Sweet, a 1.7km trail packed with technical features, while Pedler’s Paddock adds a pump track and jump lines for riders wanting to practise their skills. RTS Tip: Cobbler Creek is made for mixing and matching trails, so don’t feel tied to one designated loop — use the connector tracks to build a ride that suits your ability and time. Families and newer riders should start around Pedler’s Paddock and the Smith Road picnic area, while more confident riders can head deeper into the park. Many trails are shared with walkers, so give way appropriately, avoid riding when trails are wet or muddy and check fire conditions before visiting.

MTB

Colquhoun MTB Park is a cross-country mountain bike network in Colquhoun State Forest near Lakes Entrance in East Gippsland. The park is packed with hand-built singletrack winding through eucalyptus forest, with flowing sections, short climbs, berms, rollers, timber bridges, log rollovers and optional jumps and drops. Most trails are graded blue intermediate, with shorter options and a pump track making it possible to tailor the ride to your ability. The 15.5km Scalectric Loop is a local favourite, linking together some of the best singletrack in the park and including the rollercoaster-like Lollipop section. Riders can also connect into the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail, opening up options for longer adventures through the surrounding forest and towards Lakes Entrance. RTS Tip: Facilities at the trailhead are limited, so bring your own water, food and riding essentials. For a first visit, the Scalectric Loop is a great way to sample the park, while newer riders can stick to the shorter trails before building up to the full loop.

MTB

Coningham Nature Recreation Area, around 25km south of Hobart, offers a quieter, more natural style of mountain biking through almost 500 hectares of coastal bushland overlooking the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Rather than a purpose-built MTB park, riding here follows a network of 4WD tracks, fire trails and firebreaks, making it a good option for shorter exploratory rides close to the city. Expect rolling forest terrain, some punchy climbs and descents, native bushland and glimpses towards the surrounding bays and coastline. The reserve is multi-use and is also popular with walkers, horse riders and nature lovers, so Coningham is best approached as a scenic bush ride rather than a dedicated trail-centre experience. RTS Tip: Stick to the formed trails and firebreaks where cycling is permitted and keep an eye out for walkers, horses and other reserve users. There are relatively few formalised tracks and signage can be limited, so download the reserve map before you ride. Also clean your bike before and after visiting to help prevent the spread of phytophthora and protect the reserve’s significant native vegetation.

MTB

Coomealla Mountainless MTB Park – Dareton Coomealla-Mildura Mountainless Bike Club Park is a purpose-built cross-country mountain bike park at Dareton in south-west NSW, tucked beside the Murray River behind Coomealla Golf Club and just across the border from Mildura. Despite the name, you don't need mountains to create great mountain biking. The park makes clever use of the relatively flat Murray River landscape, with twisting singletrack, gullies, short climbs and descents, berms, jumps and natural features packed into the terrain. There are around 21 mapped MTB trails covering approximately 16km, with most riding sitting in the green and blue grades. That makes Coomealla particularly good for beginners, families and younger riders, while optional features and more challenging sections provide enough variety to keep experienced riders entertained. Two main marked routes make exploring easy. The shorter Coomie 5km Loop links together some of the park's highlights, while the Coomie Long Track runs for approximately 11km and takes in much of the network. There are also numerous linking tracks, so riders can mix things up and build their own session. The park is closely connected with the Coomealla Mildura Mountainless Bike Club, which welcomes riders from juniors through to experienced racers and runs social rides and racing. Its location makes the network a great option for anyone searching for mountain biking in Mildura, MTB trails around Dareton, Murray River mountain biking or places to ride in the Sunraysia region. RTS Tip: The Trail Head - Coomealla Mountainless Bike Park is approximately 1km beyond the Coomealla Golf Club clubhouse, accessed via an unsealed track alongside the Murray River. Use current trail mapping to explore the network and check local conditions before heading out, particularly following wet weather or periods of Murray River flooding.

MTB

Coondoo MTB Trails, around 15 minutes south of Nowra, are a much-loved cross-country network managed and maintained by South Coast United Mountain Bikers (SCUM). The main network offers a diverse 10km XC loop with several configurations and shorter options, combining fast, flowing singletrack with jumps, berms, bridges, drops, step-ups and rocky technical sections. While there’s not a huge amount of elevation, Coondoo keeps you working with plenty of pedalling and a mix of A and B lines to suit different abilities. Beside the main trailhead there’s also a 1km skills circuit and dirt pump track, featuring skinnies, rock gardens, wall rides, bridges and drops, making it a great spot for progression as well as a solid XC session. RTS Tip: Coondoo is a great choice for riders stepping into more technical XC riding — use the B-lines where available and session the skills area before heading onto the main loop. Check SCUM’s trail status on Facebook or Instagram before riding, particularly after rain, and bring your own water and supplies as there are no toilets, running water or bins at the trail network.

MTB

Cornubia Forest Park in Logan is a brilliant slice of mountain biking between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with a compact network of purpose-built singletrack woven through almost 200 hectares of protected bushland. The riding is predominantly intermediate, with trails including the 3.1km Birdwing, 1.8km Spangled Drongo, 1.7km Wallum Froglet, 1.5km Stupidly Happy and 1.2km Ginger Gully, plus the easy Flowmy Loamy and black-rated Resurrection for riders looking to step things up. Expect classic South East Queensland riding with flowing forest singletrack, roots, rocks, short climbs and fast descents, with fire trails and access tracks making it easy to link together different combinations. RTS Tip: Cornubia is particularly good for intermediate riders, but check the grading before dropping into unfamiliar trails — Resurrection is rated difficult while most of the network sits at blue intermediate. Download Trailforks before you ride and avoid the trails during or immediately after wet weather; Logan City Council recommends staying off if your tyre tread is sinking around 2cm into the surface.

MTB

Cotter Pines is the latest addition to riding in Canberra and is the result of a collaborative effort between the volunteer-based Kowalski Brothers Trailworks, Iconic Trails, and ACT Government Sport and Recreation. About half an hour from the centre of Canberra, Cotter Pines traverses a 360ha pine plantation, with nearly 19 trails and about 16km of singletrack. The network has a mix of old-school hand-built trails, with a smattering of tight twisty corners, and of course, some machine-built singletrack designed to be railed at speed. Be sure to stop at the Eagle Rock Lounge and take in the view of Stony Creek Reserve. There is a detailed trail map at the start of The Spine trail near the main carpark, and each trail is clearly signposted.

18 kmMTB

Cow with Guns & The Sawmill – Coffs Harbour MTB - form part of the mountain bike riding around Pine Creek State Forest near Coffs Harbour and Bonville on the NSW Mid North Coast, offering riders a taste of the region’s natural forest singletrack. The area is known for cross-country style mountain biking, with singletrack winding through subtropical forest and terrain that makes the most of the natural landscape. Expect a mixture of flowing sections, short climbs and descents, roots, corners and more technical features as you explore the trails. Cow with Guns is one of the recognised local trails within the Pine Creek riding area, with the network providing opportunities to link trails together and create a longer MTB session rather than simply riding one defined loop. Cows with Guns, Pine Creek MTB Park Located just south of Coffs Harbour near Bonville, the trails are a handy option for riders travelling the NSW Mid North Coast and add another riding destination to a region already packed with mountain biking, gravel and cycling opportunities. Whether you're searching for Coffs Harbour mountain bike trails, Pine Creek MTB, mountain biking near Bonville or MTB trails on the NSW Mid North Coast, Cow with Guns & The Sawmill are worth having on the ride list. RTS Tip: This is a local forest trail network rather than a manicured bike park, so conditions and access can change. Check current trail mapping and local conditions before heading out, respect forestry operations and closures, and avoid riding when conditions could cause trail damage.

MTB

Cox’s Road is a historical pass up and down the mountain, it is a very popular tourist route for hikers that’s sanctioned for mountain biking. The trail drops around 250 m over less than 3 km, making it a fast, rocky and technical ride that demands solid bike handling skills. Several lookouts along Mount York Road add extra interest and make it a great hit out on a trail or enduro bike. This is a shared trail frequently used by walkers, so stay alert, slow down when approaching others, and always give way. If you’re approaching from Mount Victoria, there are short sections of singletrack running along the left side of Mount York Road that offer an alternative line before reaching the main descent. At the bottom of Cox’s Road, you can no longer follow the sealed road through to Berghoffers Pass. Instead, turn right toward Lawsons Long Alley to continue the loop and hike‑a‑bike your way back up to Mount Victoria. The paddocks at the end of Cox's road can become very wet and muddy so best to avoid after heavy rain. For more detail on linking these historic routes, see the linked Lockyers / Lawsons Long Alley Loop ride card. Facilities: Toilets are available at Mount York.

3 kmMTB

The Creek Trails Mountain Bike Network, tucked into the bush off South Carters Road near Margaret River, is an old-school favourite that blends hand-built singletrack with newer machine-built features. The network currently includes 16 trails, with a great mix of flow, technical riding, fast descents, rocks and jumps. Trails such as Classic Creek deliver flowing blue-rated singletrack, while Western Suburbs steps things up with more difficult rocky and technical terrain. Add jump-focused lines, including Valley Girls and Trail of Discontent, and fast descents such as Goobers Pool, and there’s plenty here for intermediate and experienced riders looking for something with a little more character than a polished trail-centre lap. RTS Tip: Creek Trails is all about exploring and linking lines together rather than following one big signed loop. Classic Creek is a good introduction before progressing onto the harder trails, and having the Trails WA or Trailforks map handy will make navigating the network much easier. Expect a mix of hand-built and machine-built trail styles, and check current conditions before riding, particularly after wet weather.

16 kmMTB

Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park is a purpose-built MTB destination just south of Wollongong, packing almost 12km of dedicated trails into the hills above Cringila. With sweeping views across Wollongong’s industrial coastline, Lake Illawarra and the ocean, it’s a great example of an urban bike park that offers something for everyone from first-time riders through to experienced mountain bikers. The network is predominantly green and blue-rated, with a couple of black jump lines for more experienced riders. Expect a mix of flowing descents, berms, rollers, jumps, drops and technical features, with trails designed so riders can gradually progress as their confidence and skills improve. One of Cringila’s biggest strengths is its progression-focused setup. Alongside the main trails is a 225m asphalt pump track, a dedicated bike skills playground and a jumps park aimed at beginner to intermediate riders. The skills area lets newer riders practise balance, cornering, jumping and small drops before heading onto the main network. The park was created on a former landfill site, transforming previously underused land into a major recreation precinct. Beyond the MTB trails, Cringila Hills Recreation Park includes more than 3.4km of shared-use and walking trails, an inclusive playground and other recreation facilities. It’s also incredibly accessible for a mountain bike park. Cringila is around 10–15 minutes south of central Wollongong, with the main entrance and parking off Lackawanna Street, and entry to the park is free. For riders searching for Wollongong MTB, Cringila Bike Park, Illawarra mountain bike trails, family-friendly MTB near Sydney or beginner mountain bike trails in NSW, Cringila is an excellent network to add to the ride list. RTS Tip: Cringila is particularly good for families and progression — start in the skills playground or pump track, move onto the green trails and work your way through the blues before considering the black jump lines. The dirt trails are sensitive to rain and can close at short notice, so always check the current trail status before heading out. The park is officially open sunrise to sunset, with the Lackawanna Street gates locked outside those hours.

12 kmMTB

Curtis Island, just off the coast of Gladstone, offers a completely different kind of Queensland mountain bike adventure, with remote shared-use trails winding through coastal heath, dunes, casuarina forest and spotted gum woodland. The official network is built around two main loops: the 25.8km Oceanview Loop, graded easy and suitable for newer riders, and the 29.7km Ship Hill Loop, an intermediate ride with hard-packed trail, loose gravel, sandy sections and more challenging terrain. The two loops can also be connected for a roughly 50km island adventure, making Curtis Island a great option for riders chasing distance, scenery and exploration rather than a traditional gravity-focused MTB park. RTS Tip: Getting there is part of the adventure — Curtis Island is boat access only, with a regular passenger and vehicle ferry running from Gladstone Marina to the southern end of the island. Come self-sufficient with plenty of water, food, first aid and bike spares, as this is remote riding and help can be a long way away. The trails are shared-use and some tracks also allow vehicles, so keep your speed in check and stay alert.

MTB

Daisy Hill Conservation Park, around 25km south-east of Brisbane, is one of South East Queensland’s most popular mountain biking destinations, with an extensive network of dedicated MTB and shared-use trails running through beautiful eucalypt forest and important koala habitat. From the Daisy Hill Trail Hub, riders can tackle loops including the 5.2km Spotted Gum Circuit, 5.7km Stringybark Circuit and 9km Buhot Creek Circuit, then branch onto purpose-built MTB trails such as Possum Box, Lace Monitor, Jumping Ant, Flying Cloud, Jims, Bronzewing and Bees Knees. With easy and intermediate options, one-way descents and plenty of connecting trails into the wider Koala Bushland Coordinated Conservation Area, it’s a brilliant network for beginners, families and experienced riders alike. RTS Tip: Start from the Daisy Hill Trail Hub, where you’ll find parking, toilets, water, a warm-up track and bike service area. If it’s your first visit, use one of the signed circuits as your backbone and add MTB-only trails as you go — it makes navigating the huge network much easier. Download the official MTB map before riding and remember that many of the connecting trails are shared with walkers and horse riders.

20 kmMTB

Davies Creek Mountain Bike Park is one of Far North Queensland's premier cross-country riding destinations, nestled in the Lamb Range between Mareeba and Kuranda. Surrounded by open eucalypt forest, granite outcrops and crystal-clear creeks, the network offers a fantastic mix of flowing trails, technical features and spectacular natural scenery. The park features seven purpose-built trails catering to a wide range of riders. Beginners can enjoy the flowing Easy-rated loops, while intermediate riders will find plenty to challenge them on the more technical trails, including rock gardens, creek crossings, granite slabs and optional Black Diamond features that add an extra level of excitement for experienced riders. With over 27km of riding available, there are plenty of options to mix and match loops for a ride that suits your ability and fitness. The trails wind through distinctive Far North Queensland bushland, weaving between towering bloodwoods, stringybarks, cycads, grass trees and exposed granite landscapes that make Davies Creek unlike anywhere else in Australia. The combination of flowing singletrack and natural technical features creates a rewarding ride that's equally popular with local riders and visitors exploring the Cairns region. Beyond the mountain bike trails, Davies Creek is also a fantastic destination to spend the day. Cool off in the clear waters of Davies Creek, enjoy a picnic beside the creek, or stay overnight at one of the nearby campgrounds. Scenic drives, walking trails and abundant native wildlife make it an ideal location for riders travelling with family or looking to extend their adventure. Whether you're chasing flowing cross-country trails, technical rock features or simply an unforgettable ride through one of Queensland's most scenic national parks, Davies Creek Mountain Bike Park deserves a spot on every mountain biker's Ride The State bucket list.

22 kmMTB

The Dial Range Mountain Bike Network, rising behind Penguin on Tasmania’s North-West Coast, delivers a more backcountry feel compared to the Penguin MTB Park just next door. There are three trails to choose from, the Montgomery Loop, Iron Tor and Ironcliffe Ridge. The Montgomery Loop is the first official MTB trail in the Dial Range. At about 6km in length with easy grading, this trail is an awesome introduction to the Dial Range and can be ridden in combination with the trails of the Penguin MTB park. This trail consists of a well graded climb with three very different styled descents with flavours of flow, natural and park, enough to put a smile on your dial (pun intended). Iron Tor is a 6km bolder strewn, berm filled, adrenaline pumping loop that starts with a solid climb but you are rewarded with a descent that leads you back onto the Montgomery Loop, with and option to do the Ironcliffe Ridge trail or take the lookout detour halfway down the descent. The Trail is a blue/black rated trail with black features. Caution is need for less experienced riders or sending it for the first time. The Ironcliffe Ridge trail is a 1.4km out and back trail, that will lead you from the Iron Tor Climb and continue the climb to the Mount Dial Summit. Some of the best MTB trail views out to the west can be had from three lookouts along the trail as well at the view out to the east from the summit of Mount Dial. There is an 8km extension planned for this trail in the very near future.

Recommended by 1 rider
12 km430 mXC, Enduro

Dinner Plain MTB Park delivers beautiful high-country riding through the snow gums and alpine meadows of Victoria’s Dinner Plain village. The park features around 26km of pedal-access singletrack, with 7 green, 8 blue and 1 black trail, making it particularly good for families, newer riders and intermediates while still offering something for those wanting to step things up. Highlights include the berms and rollers of Sir Jax Pump A Lot, the scenic Moby’s Old Dog, New Tricks, fast and flowy Shut Up Ollie, and black-rated Jabba-Wookie, where rocks, berms and a quicker descent add more technical challenge. With accommodation, cafés, pubs, toilets, water and repair stations all within the village, it’s an easy place to park, stay and ride. RTS Tip: Make a weekend of it and add the Brabralung Trail, which links Dinner Plain with Mount Hotham through snow gum woodland and open alpine plains for a 26km return ride. Dinner Plain’s MTB trails are generally a green-season experience, operating around October to May depending on snowfall, so check conditions before travelling. There’s currently no bike hire in the village, so BYO bike.

26 kmMTB

Djuwang Baring – Creswick Trails is an impressive 60km purpose-built mountain bike network winding through Dja Dja Wurrung Country around the historic gold-mining town of Creswick in Victoria’s Central Goldfields. Meaning “long track” in the Dja Dja Wurrung language, the network includes around 70 skill-rated trail segments arranged as stacked loops around a central spine, making it easy to build anything from a short family ride to a full day on the bike. The focus is on beginner and intermediate riding, but there are also difficult and extremely difficult trails, gravity lines, cross-country riding and around 30% of the network is adaptive-MTB suitable. Forest, old mining landscapes and scenic sections around St Georges Lake give the network plenty of character beyond the riding itself. RTS Tip: Start at Hammon Park Trailhead, just a short walk from Creswick’s town centre, where you’ll find parking, toilets, water, a pump track, learn-to-ride area, bike wash and repair station. Download the trail map or Trailforks before heading deeper into the network as mobile coverage varies. Check the current trail status too — seasonal maintenance and fire-danger closures can affect access.

60 kmMTB

The Domino Rail Trail is a peaceful 6km one-way ride between Trentham and Lyonville in Victoria’s Central Highlands, following part of the former railway line that once connected Daylesford with Carlsruhe. Starting beside the historic Trentham Railway Station, the trail heads through beautiful bushland and into Wombat State Forest, with remnants of the old railway, interpretive signs and plenty of native wildlife along the way. The mostly flat route has a mix of compacted earth and coarse gravel, making it well suited to gravel, hybrid and mountain bikes. Ride it one way or return the same way for an easy-going 12km round trip. RTS Tip: Take your time and keep an eye out for the old railway infrastructure hidden alongside the trail. Near Lyonville you’ll also pass close to the historic Coliban River railway trestle bridge; the bridge itself is unsafe and closed, with a signposted detour around it. Trentham makes a great starting point with cafés and supplies nearby, while Lyonville gives you a handy turnaround point before cruising back through the forest.

12 kmGravel

The Dookie Rail Trail is a short and scenic 8km sealed rail trail through the rolling farmland of Victoria’s Goulburn Valley. Extending both east and west from the small town of Dookie, the trail follows the former railway corridor through classic agricultural country, with expansive views towards Mt Major, Mt Saddleback and Gentle Annie. The flat chip-seal surface and gentle gradients make it an easy ride for families, recreational cyclists and anyone looking for a relaxed spin through the countryside. The trail runs around 3km west from Dookie to Conway Road and 5km east towards Yabba South, passing interpretive signage and examples of Dookie’s portable silo art along the way. The landscape changes beautifully with the seasons, from bright yellow canola fields in spring to hay bales and the region’s distinctive red volcanic soils later in the year. RTS Tip: Dookie makes the perfect base for this ride, with parking, toilets and play equipment available around the CWA Gardens. Ride both sides of town for the full experience, or combine the rail trail with a visit to nearby Mt Major if you’re looking to add some mountain biking to your day. Spring is particularly spectacular when the surrounding canola fields are in flower.

11 kmGravel

Douglas Mountain Bike Reserve is Townsville’s premier mountain biking playground, with around 45km of volunteer-built trails spread across 116 hectares at the base of Mount Stuart. Built and maintained by Townsville Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Club, the network uses a stacked-loop design, with easier trails closer to the trailhead and increasingly technical terrain as you venture higher into the reserve. There’s something for almost every level, from green and blue cross-country trails through to black and double-black lines packed with rocky technical sections, jumps, drops and natural features. Add a skills park, pump track, timber features and wall ride, plus sweeping views across Townsville, and Douglas is a seriously impressive riding destination just minutes from the city. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, start low and work your way up through the stacked network — the black and double-black trails are a significant step up from the easier loops. The main trailhead is off Angus Smith Drive, and Townsville’s heat can be brutal, so ride early or late, carry plenty of water and save the middle of the day for something cooler.

30 kmMTB

Duck Creek MTB Park, just east of Alstonville in the NSW Northern Rivers, packs a heap of variety into a compact 9–10km purpose-built trail network. Built and managed by Northern Rivers Dirty Wheels Mountain Bike Club, the park combines cross-country, flow, technical and freeride-style trails, ranging from approachable green runs through to challenging black descents. Expect flowing berms, jumps, bridges, rock features and technical singletrack, with around a dozen descending trails making it easy to climb back up and session your favourites. Pinzen Needles is a great introduction for less experienced riders, while trails such as Pacific Rim turn up the difficulty with steeper, more technical terrain. RTS Tip: Duck Creek is maintained by club volunteers, so check the latest trail status before riding, particularly after the Northern Rivers has had heavy rain. There are no toilets or drinking water at the park, and parking is limited, so arrive prepared. If you enjoy the trails, consider supporting Northern Rivers Dirty Wheels — rider and club support is what keeps this little network running.

20 kmMTB

Dularcha National Park, between Landsborough and Mooloolah on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, combines an easy historic rail-trail ride with a surprisingly good network of intermediate mountain bike trails. The 3km one-way Tunnel Track follows part of the former North Coast railway alignment and passes through the heritage-listed Dularcha Railway Tunnel, built in 1891. Riders wanting more can branch onto the 8.8km Roses Circuit or explore the MTB-friendly Myla, Gully, Ridge and Connection tracks, adding steeper climbs, uneven surfaces and more technical forest riding. It’s a great little network for linking into a longer loop while exploring dry eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies and a fascinating piece of Queensland railway history. RTS Tip: For a relaxed ride, simply follow the Tunnel Track between Landsborough and Mooloolah and return for around 6km of riding. If you want more of an MTB workout, add Roses Circuit and the intermediate side trails. Slow right down when entering the curved tunnel so your eyes can adjust to the darkness, and keep noise to a minimum as large-footed myotis bats seasonally roost inside. Remember these are shared trails — mountain bikers give way to walkers and horse riders.

33 kmMTB

Dunsborough MTB Park, incorporating the Dunsborough Country Club and adjoining Meelup trails, delivers around 20km of singletrack through native South West bushland just minutes from the centre of Dunsborough. The Country Club network provides around 10km of predominantly twisting cross-country singletrack, while the adjoining Meelup trails turn things up with technical riding, enduro-style descents, jumps, rock and log features and famously loose WA pea gravel. With green, blue and black options, B-line bypasses and trails used as part of the Cape to Cape MTB race, there’s enough variety for progressing riders through to experienced mountain bikers. RTS Tip: Start from the Dunsborough Country Club, where visitors currently pay a $5 trail-maintenance fee covering up to five days of riding, then link into the wider Meelup network if you’re looking for more technical terrain. The loose pea gravel can make corners surprisingly slippery in dry conditions, so take your first lap easy before picking up the pace. If the clubhouse is open, you’ve also got toilets, food and drinks waiting at the end of the ride.

8 kmMTB

Dwellingup Trails is one of Western Australia’s premier mountain biking destinations, with a huge and growing network of purpose-built trails running directly from town into the surrounding jarrah forest. The town-side Dwellingup MTB network now connects through Marrinup to Turner Hill, creating around 68km of dedicated singletrack, with green and blue cross-country trails, flowing descents and technical features for progressing riders. Just south of town, Murray Valley adds more than 50km of purpose-built riding inside Lane Poole Reserve, ranging from beginner-friendly flow through to serious black descents packed with jumps, rock gardens and drops. Add Tom’s Crossing, the historic Marrinup Circuit and the long-distance Munda Biddi Trail and Dwellingup easily earns its reputation as a place worth spending several days on the bike. RTS Tip: Start at the Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre for current trail conditions, maps and local advice before choosing your ride. If you’re new to the area, explore the town and Marrinup trails first, then head into Lane Poole Reserve for the Murray Valley network when you’re ready for bigger descents. Entry fees apply to Lane Poole Reserve, and there’s no drinking water at the Murray Valley trailhead, so fill up before leaving town.

17 kmMTB

Dyoondalup Bike Park, at Point Walter Reserve in Bicton, Perth, is a purpose-built urban MTB playground designed around progression and having fun on the bike. Opened in 2024, the park features three flow trails, a jump park and pump track, with green, blue and black-rated options catering for beginners through to advanced riders. The flow trails make use of the natural slope and include berms, rollers, jumps and technical features, while the dedicated jump lines allow riders to gradually work their way towards bigger features. Set amongst mature trees close to the Swan River, it’s a brilliant option for a quick skills session without having to leave the city. RTS Tip: Dyoondalup is built for progression, so start on the green lines and work your way through the blue and black features rather than jumping straight onto the biggest lines. The park sits right beside the foreshore shared-path network, so consider riding in and combining your session with a cruise along the Swan River.

MTB

Eildon MTB Park is an 18km mountain bike network right on the edge of Eildon, with a mix of cross-country and downhill riding ranging from beginner-friendly trails through to technical old-school singletrack. Originally developed from courses used for national XC and downhill racing, the park combines tight turns, steep pinch climbs, flowing descents, rockier technical sections and dedicated gravity riding. Key trails include the easy Darlingford Loop, intermediate Tea Tree Twisty, technical Sticks & Stones and the black-rated Karalika Express downhill trail. Most of the network is pedal accessed, while Karalika Express can be self-shuttled, making Eildon a great option whether you’re after a relaxed loop or something faster and more challenging. RTS Tip: Start with Darlingford or Tea Tree Twisty to get a feel for the terrain before progressing onto the harder trails. Facilities are limited at the trailhead, with toilets and drinking water available in Eildon township, so arrive prepared if you’re planning a longer session.

MTB

The Emerald Creek Ride is a scenic mixed-surface adventure from Mareeba to Emerald Creek Falls on the northern Atherton Tablelands. Covering approximately 32 km one way, the route leaves Mareeba on sealed roads before winding through rural residential areas and farmland, eventually transitioning onto forested dirt roads as you make your way towards the falls. Rated around beginner to moderate for fitness, this is less about technical mountain biking and more about enjoying a longer gravel and backroad adventure through the changing landscapes surrounding Mareeba. The reward at the end is Emerald Creek Falls in Dinden West Forest Reserve, where Emerald Creek tumbles from the rainforest-clad Lamb Range through open eucalypt woodland and across huge granite boulders. Once at the day-use area, it's worth swapping the bike for walking shoes and exploring the falls. A 1.9 km return Grade 3 walking track leads to a lookout with views across the falls, valley and northern Atherton Tableland, while a more challenging 1.6 km return track heads towards the bottom of the falls. RTS Tip: Remember, the published route is 32 km one way, so if you're riding out and back you're looking at roughly 64 km for the day. Carry plenty of water and supplies and be prepared for the unsealed forest-road sections. Give yourself some extra time at Emerald Creek too — the falls and surrounding granite country are well worth exploring before you point the bike back towards Mareeba.

32 kmMTB, Gravel

The Emu Trail – M12 Cycleway is a fantastic new addition to Western Sydney’s cycling network, providing around 16km of fully separated shared path between the M7 Cycleway and The Northern Road at Luddenham, via Western Sydney International Airport. Opened in 2026 alongside the M12 Motorway, the route is relatively flat and suitable for recreational riders, families, commuters and road cyclists, with the eastern end taking a scenic detour through Western Sydney Parklands and past Wylde MTB & BMX. Along the way, riders will also encounter rest areas, Dharug-inspired artwork and the striking Great Emu in the Sky near the airport interchange. Best of all, the trail connects directly into the wider M7 and Western Sydney cycleway network, opening up some seriously big traffic-free riding possibilities. RTS Tip: Wylde MTB & BMX is the best pit stop along the route, with toilets and drinking water available. There’s currently limited water, food and shade once you’re out on the M12 section, so fill your bottles and carry snacks before continuing. For a bigger adventure, link the Emu Trail with the M7 Cycleway, The Northern Road and Bringelly Road shared paths to create a much longer Western Sydney loop.

16 kmRoad

Erica Mountain Bike Park, tucked into the tall forests and fern gullies surrounding the small Gippsland town of Erica, offers around 15km of official cross-country and all-mountain singletrack split across two distinct trailheads. The Eastern Trailhead at Mill Park has 9.3km of intermediate riding across Bones, Crazy Snake and Silvertop Spur, delivering classic hand-cut XC riding through beautiful forest. South of town, the Western Trailhead steps things up with the difficult Wheel Nuts and Winchline, where faster, more technical terrain makes for a considerably tougher ride. With Erica sitting at the gateway to Walhalla and the Mountain Rivers region, it’s also a great base for linking MTB with some of Gippsland’s nearby rail-trail adventures. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, start at Mill Park, only around 500m from the centre of Erica, before progressing to the more technical Western trails. There are no major facilities at the trailheads, but toilets, food and other amenities are available nearby in Erica township. The park is free to ride with no booking required, and it’s worth checking conditions before heading out, particularly after wet weather.

18 km249 mMTB

The Eumeralla Track Network is a popular cross-country mountain bike network on the edge of Anglesea, with around 30km of trails winding through the coastal bushland between the Great Ocean Road, Hurst Road and Eumeralla Scout Camp. The network offers a great mix of mostly green and blue-rated riding, with flowing singletrack, short climbs and descents, rollers, jumps and natural features catering for a broad range of riders. The formal trails are signposted with difficulty ratings and can easily be linked together to create anything from a quick loop to a longer cross-country ride. The network also connects well with Anglesea’s wider riding scene, including Anglesea Bike Park, making it easy to put together a bigger day on the bike. RTS Tip: For your first visit, start from the Hurst Road Carpark, Mountain bike Trail Head and use the official Eumeralla map or Trailforks to navigate the network. Stick to the formal signposted trails, as there are also a number of informal tracks around Anglesea that aren’t part of the sanctioned network.

MTB

Falls Creek MTB Park is one of Victoria’s premier alpine mountain bike destinations, with more than 50km of purpose-built gravity and cross-country trails winding through spectacular High Country terrain. Designed and built by World Trail, the network caters for a wide range of abilities, from beginner-friendly green trails through to fast blue flow and technical black runs, with everything starting and finishing within the ride-in, ride-out Falls Creek village. Highlights include the flowing Skyline and Flowtown, the beginner-friendly Greenline, and a huge 10km top-to-bottom gravity run linking High Voltage, Wishing Well and Flowtown. Riders can pedal the network or use the seasonal MTB shuttle service to maximise descending time, making Falls Creek a brilliant destination for anything from a first taste of alpine MTB to a full weekend of gravity laps. RTS Tip: Falls Creek MTB Park is a seasonal summer riding destination, generally operating from November to April, with snow and alpine conditions affecting opening dates. Check the official trail report and shuttle schedule before travelling, particularly early or late in the season.

50 kmMTB

Fat Tyre Farm MTB Trails – Armidale, is a mountain bike trail network north of Armidale in the New England High Country of NSW, offering a brilliant mix of flowing singletrack, technical features and gravity-focused riding in beautiful eucalypt forest. Built and maintained with involvement from New England Mountain Bikers (NEMTB), the network caters for a broad range of riders and abilities. Expect fast singletrack, technical challenges, berms, ramps, jumps and steep descents, with A and B lines providing options to either take on the features or build confidence on easier alternatives. There’s plenty here for riders who like gravity as well as cross-country riding. Trails including Off The Hook, Over the Top, Full Bottle, Wind U Up and Eastern Rail feature in local gravity riding, while easier options allow newer riders to progressively explore the network. Fat Tyre Farm can also be connected with the nearby Robbers Run riding area. NEMTB advises riders can use the old highway and Thunderbolts Cave Road connection, with an under-highway tunnel providing an alternative to crossing the New England Highway. Sitting around 18km north of Armidale, Fat Tyre Farm is one of several MTB destinations that have helped establish the region as a mountain biking destination, alongside Armidale State Forest, UNE and other local trails. Whether you're searching for mountain biking in Armidale, Fat Tyre Farm MTB trails, New England mountain bike trails or MTB riding in northern NSW, this is a network well worth putting on the ride list. RTS Tip: Some of the trails include technical structures, jumps and more advanced features, so inspect unfamiliar features before committing and use the easier lines where appropriate. There are limited facilities at the trailhead, so bring water, tools and spares, and check current NEMTB trail information before heading out.

MTB

Faulconbridge Point is a classic lower Blue Mountains mountain bike ride, following the Faulconbridge Ridge fire trail for around 6.5km each way to a spectacular lookout above the Grose Valley. Starting from the locked gate at the end of Grose Road, the trail undulates along the ridgeline through eucalypt bushland, with mostly smooth and sandy fire trail, some longer climbs and plenty of fast, rolling sections. At roughly 13km return, it’s a great option for beginner and intermediate riders looking for a scenic adventure without the technical singletrack found elsewhere in the mountains. The payoff at the end is huge, with sweeping views across the Grose Wilderness, Grose River and towards Bilpin and Mount Tomah. RTS Tip: Pack a snack and allow time to enjoy the lookout — it’s definitely the highlight of the ride. The trail is an out-and-back, so remember those fun rolling descents on the way out become climbs on the return. The lookout itself is an exposed, unfenced cliff-top area, so leave the bike somewhere safe and take extra care near the edge. Check current NSW National Parks alerts before heading out, particularly after heavy rain, storms or during periods of high fire danger.

13 km230 mMTB/Gravel

Finch Hatton MTB Trails, in Queensland’s lush Pioneer Valley west of Mackay, is a purpose-built mountain bike destination set against spectacular tropical rainforest and mountain scenery. The current network features 17 trails ranging from easy green adventures through intermediate flow and jump trails to difficult black-rated lines, with something for beginners, families and experienced gravity riders. Pedal up the 3.24km G’Day G’Day climbing trail before dropping into trails such as Green Whistle, Tasty Fig, Your Shout and Bung Eye, or step things up on difficult lines including Chuck A Sickie, Off the Rails and Big Bickies. Back at the town-centre trailhead there’s also a huge 400m+ pump track, bike wash, water, toilets, picnic facilities and shuttle pick-up, making Finch Hatton an easy place to settle in for a full day of riding. RTS Tip: Use the pump track for a warm-up, then pedal G’Day G’Day to access the network or check whether shuttle services are operating if you want to save your legs for the descents. The trails are free to ride and open year-round during daylight hours, weather permitting, but tropical weather can affect conditions quickly, so check the current trail status before heading out.

MTB

First Turkey MTB Reserve, tucked into the foothills of Mount Archer just 15 minutes from Rockhampton’s CBD, is one of Central Queensland’s premier mountain biking destinations. Managed by the volunteer-run Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club, the reserve has around 40km of trails and more than 30 individual lines, ranging from green beginner trails through to black gravity terrain. The hub-style network makes it easy to climb once and choose your descent, with local favourites including Finley’s, Scrub Turkey, Wild Pig, Megatron, Cactus, Whitey, Think Tank and K-9. Expect a brilliant mix of flowing singletrack, rocky technical sections, roots, jumps, berms and natural features, with both cross-country and gravity riders very well catered for. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, climb Finley’s to Turkey’s Nest and choose your descent from there — Scrub Turkey is a good starting point, while intermediate riders can progress to Wild Pig or the hugely popular Megatron flow trail. First Turkey is generally open around the clock, but closes after heavy rain, so always check Rocky MTB’s current trail conditions before heading out.

35 kmMTB

Flame Trees is a fun cross-country MTB loop just outside Beechworth in Victoria’s High Country, running alongside the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Built for riders stepping into mountain biking but still entertaining when ridden at speed, the approximately 10km clockwise loop mixes flowing singletrack with rocky sections, frequent gradient changes, short technical descents into shaded gullies and snaking switchback climbs back towards the rail trail. The trail is managed by the volunteer Beechworth Chain Gang and makes a great alternative to the more technical Beechworth MTB Park, particularly for families and newer riders wanting to build their confidence. RTS Tip: Leave the car in Beechworth and make the ride a little bigger — it’s around a 5km cruise along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail to reach Flame Trees near the old Baarmutha railway station site. Alternatively, there’s a small car park where Diffey Road crosses the rail trail. There are no toilets or drinking water at the Flame Trees trailhead, so fill your bottles and come prepared before heading out.

MTB

The Forrest MTB Trails – Southern Network wraps around the township of Forrest in Victoria’s Otways, delivering a brilliant mix of flowing singletrack through tall eucalypt forest, fern-filled gullies and classic Victorian bush. Part of Forrest’s almost 100km, 36-trail MTB network, the Southern trails use a stacked-loop design, with easier trails close to the trailhead and increasingly challenging options as you venture further out. Start with green trails such as Roller Coaster, Forrest Loop and Stomp Wallaby, progress onto blue trails including Barlidjaru, Third Time Lucky and the Red Carpet sections, or tackle the difficult Follow the Dog and Miller’s Mongrel. A pump track, jump lines and dedicated skills park at the trailhead make this an especially good network for families, progression and mixed-ability groups. RTS Tip: Start at the Forrest Southern MTB Trailhead and use the skills park and Roller Coaster to warm up before heading deeper into the network. Don’t miss Red Carpet if you’re comfortable on blue trails, and adaptive riders have a particularly good selection here, with nine Southern trails built to adaptive-friendly guidelines. Drinking water, parking and accessible toilets are available at the trailhead, making this a great base for a full day of Forrest riding.

100 kmMTB

The Yaugher Network is the northern half of the famous Forrest MTB Trails and delivers a more traditional cross-country experience through dry eucalypt forest and spectacular grass-tree country. Sitting just north of Forrest township, the network ranges from beginner through to expert, with a greater concentration of technical black trails than the Southern Network. The 12km blue-rated Yaugher Super Loop forms the backbone of the network, linking into trails including Grass Trees, Marriners Run, Foxtail, J2, Yo Yo, Casper Black, Barre Warre and Vista. With relatively little elevation but plenty of fast singletrack, obstacles and technical features, Yaugher proves you don’t need huge climbs to get a serious workout. RTS Tip: Use the Yaugher Super Loop as your base and add side trails depending on your ability — it provides access to the wider network and makes navigation much easier on a first visit. You can also leave the car in Forrest and ride around 5 minutes up the Tiger Rail Trail to the Yaugher Trailhead. Download the trail map or Trailforks before heading out, and check current trail conditions before riding.

100 kmMTB

Forsyths Mill, near Sawyers Valley in the Perth Hills, is a compact 6km cross-country MTB loop that squeezes plenty of fun into a relatively short ride. Rated moderate, the singletrack is packed with fast corners, tight turns, log rollovers, bomb holes and jumps, with very little major climbing — making it a great place for mixed-ability groups or repeated laps. There’s also a short beginner loop near the car park, while more experienced riders will find harder optional obstacles towards the end of the main circuit. It’s an old-school Perth Hills ride where the challenge comes from the constant features rather than big elevation. RTS Tip: Forsyths Mill rides best in the cooler months, when a little moisture helps hold the trail together. During summer the famous WA pea gravel can become loose and slippery, so take care through faster corners. Bring your own drinking water and snacks; there are toilets, picnic facilities and parking at the trailhead, with the closest shops at Chidlow. If 6km isn’t enough, Lake Leschenaultia MTB Trails are nearby and make an easy addition for a bigger day of riding.

5.5 kmMTB

Foster MTB Park, tucked into Whipstick Gully Reserve on the edge of Foster in South Gippsland, offers around 7km of hand-built cross-country riding through lush native bushland and an area rich in old gold-mining history. The main loop is predominantly blue intermediate, mixing flowing singletrack with tight corners, short climbs, rocky sections, jumps and natural technical features. More experienced riders can branch onto the short black-rated Bruised Elbow and Gravel Pits trails for a tougher challenge. Maintained by the volunteer-run Prom Coast MTB Club, the network is compact enough for repeated laps while still packing plenty of variety into the ride. RTS Tip: Foster MTB Park connects directly with the Great Southern Rail Trail, so it’s easy to turn a short MTB session into a much bigger day on the bike. Ride the singletrack first, then jump onto the rail trail towards Fish Creek or Toora for some easier kilometres and brilliant South Gippsland scenery. Keep an eye out for historic mine workings around Whipstick Gully and check the Prom Coast MTB Club for local trail updates before riding.

MTB

Fox Creek Bike Park, at Cudlee Creek in the Adelaide Hills, is one of South Australia’s premier mountain biking destinations, with more than 50km of singletrack spread across over 800 hectares. The huge network caters for everyone from beginners through to experienced gravity riders, combining cross-country, flow, downhill and technical trails with 180m of vertical elevation, plus a dedicated jumps park and skills area. Trails range from the beginner-friendly Green Goblin Guts and flowing Blue Groove through to black and double-black gravity runs including Fox Long, Patterson’s Curse, F.A.M.E. and Fox Fast. There’s even adaptive riding, with Allen’s Orange Whip recognised as South Australia’s first adaptive MTB flow trail. Entry to the park is free. RTS Tip: Start from the main Trail Hub and use the easier flow trails and skills area to get a feel for Fox Creek before progressing onto the harder gravity lines. Download Trailforks and check the live trail status before heading out, as individual trails can close for maintenance or forestry operations. The park also closes on Total Fire Ban days, and riders should avoid the trails when they're wet or muddy.

50 kmMTB

Gap Creek, tucked into Mt Coot-tha Forest just west of Brisbane’s CBD, is one of the city’s most popular mountain biking spots, with a dense network of dedicated MTB and multi-use trails catering for beginners through to experienced technical riders. The 2.3km Gap Creek Circuit is a great warm-up, while trails including Rocket Frog, Bellbird, Cockatoo, Cubberla Creek and Whipbird Way add flowing singletrack, rocks, roots and technical features. Newer riders can build confidence on the 450m Skink Link, while experienced riders can tackle Pipeline, the most difficult official trail in the park, featuring large drops, log rollovers and a 180-degree timber wall-ride. RTS Tip: Start from Gap Creek Reserve picnic area, where you’ll find parking, toilets, water and shaded areas right beside the trails. If it’s your first visit, warm up on Gap Creek Circuit or Skink Link before exploring the harder lines — and definitely inspect Pipeline’s technical features before committing. Stick to authorised MTB and multi-use trails and remember to give way appropriately when using shared tracks.

45 kmMTB

The Garden MTB Trail is a purpose-built mountain bike network inside the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan in Sydney’s south-west, offering a great mix of beginner-friendly riding and more challenging singletrack in a genuinely unique setting. Camden Council describes it as the Macarthur region’s first designated mountain bike trail and the only MTB trail in the world set within a botanic garden. The network has several loops designed for different abilities. The 1km Kids Loop is a great introduction for younger riders, while the 3.9km Family Loop offers generally smooth riding with a few obstacles and challenges along the way. Riders ready for more can tackle the 2.5km Intermediate Loop. The 3.9km Advanced Loop steps things up with around 70 metres of elevation, jumps, berms, rock gardens and rock drops. While officially rated intermediate with difficult sections, many of the bigger features have alternative B-lines, allowing riders to build confidence and progress their skills. The trails wind through the bushland of the Australian Botanic Garden, giving riders a very different experience from a typical Sydney MTB park. The wider garden covers 416 hectares of rolling hills, native woodland and gardens, so there are plenty of options for families or non-riders to explore while you hit the trails. For anyone searching for Mount Annan mountain bike trails, MTB riding in South West Sydney, beginner mountain bike trails in Sydney or family-friendly MTB trails near Campbelltown, the Garden MTB Trail is an easy one to put on the list. RTS Tip: This is a particularly good network for families and progressing riders, as you can start on the Kids or Family Loop and work your way towards the more technical trails. Trail status can change, particularly following wet weather, so check the current status before travelling and stay off closed trails to help protect the network.

MTB

Geilston Bay MTB Trails, on Hobart’s eastern shore, offer a surprisingly extensive network of natural singletrack and forest trails around Pilchers Hill and Rocky Tom. The area has around 14km of riding, with green, blue and black-rated options ranging from easier trails such as Geilston Gully Circuit and G-String Climb through to flowing intermediate descents and more technical black lines. Expect classic local-style riding with rocky sections, roots, jumps, drops and plenty of short climbs and descents through dry woodland. Better still, Geilston Bay connects into Shag Bay and the wider Meehan Range, opening up the possibility of some seriously big rides across Hobart’s eastern shore. RTS Tip: If you want to make a bigger adventure of it, use Geilston Bay as your gateway into the Meehan Range — the interconnected trails allow you to link several riding areas without getting back in the car. Pilchers Hill Reserve is a good starting point for easier-to-intermediate riding, but remember some tracks are shared with walkers and the Pilchers Hill climbing track is one-way for mountain bikes, with a separate MTB descent back down.

MTB

The Mount George Trails are one half of the George Town Mountain Bike Trails in northern Tasmania, offering a compact but seriously fun network of purpose-built gravity and adventure riding just minutes from town. Mount George features 10 named trails, with the 2.8km Keystone providing the main climb before riders can choose from a collection of descents including Buzzcut, Desperado, Hebe Jeebies, Helter Smelter, 6061, Gadanga Dang and Megawatt. Expect rocky terrain, flowing sections, technical features and around 120m of elevation to play with, with trails spanning green through to advanced grades. Combine Mount George with the much larger Tippogoree Hills network nearby and George Town offers more than 100km of purpose-built riding across its two trail networks. RTS Tip: Mount George is shuttle-friendly, but you can easily earn your descents by pedalling up Keystone and linking several runs together. There’s no drinking water or toilets within the trail network, so stock up in George Town before heading out and check the live trail status before riding — trails can close for maintenance, extreme weather or fire conditions.

MTB

Geurie MTB Trails – Central West NSW Geurie MTB Trails are a substantial cross-country mountain bike network around the small village of Geurie, between Dubbo and Wellington in Central West NSW. Maintained and used by the Dubbo Mountain Bike Club, Geurie offers considerably more riding than you might expect from a small country town, with current Trailforks data showing around 29km of mapped trails. The riding is spread across several areas, including the Homestead Mountain Bike Trails Trailhead and Quarry Mountain Bike Trails Trailhead, along with trails around Bald Hill. Rather than a manicured gravity park, Geurie is classic Central West XC riding, making use of natural terrain, rocky hillsides, open woodland and plenty of winding singletrack. Current mapping lists seven main trails totalling around 18 miles / 29km, including Homestead Trail and Bald Hill Outer Loop. The terrain is ideal for riders who enjoy putting together longer XC laps, with climbing, descending and technical natural sections rather than big bike-park features. Geurie also has a strong connection with the local racing scene. Dubbo Mountain Bike Club builds and maintains trails across the Dubbo and Geurie district, while Geurie is one of the networks used by the wider Central West MTB community. The Central West XC Interclub Series brings clubs from across the region together for social three-hour XC endurance racing. The village is also directly on the almost 400km Central West Cycle Trail, which passes through Mudgee, Gulgong, Dunedoo, Mendooran, Dubbo, Geurie, Wellington and surrounding country. That makes Geurie an interesting stop for riders planning a bigger gravel or bikepacking trip through the region. For riders searching for Geurie MTB, Dubbo mountain bike trails, Central West NSW MTB, cross-country mountain biking near Dubbo or Geurie cycling, this is a great regional network to add to the ride list. RTS Tip: Geurie is better thought of as several riding areas rather than one compact bike park, so having current mapping with you will make exploring much easier. It’s particularly well suited to XC riders looking to clock up some kilometres and explore natural singletrack. Dubbo Regional Council specifically recognises Geurie as one of the region’s established cross-country MTB locations.

10 kmMTB

Gladstone MTB Park, at the end of Koowin Drive in Kirkwood, is Gladstone’s dedicated mountain biking playground, with around 27km of riding across 36 trails and a great mix of hand-built and machine-built singletrack. The network caters for beginners through to advanced riders, with green trails such as Creek 1, Creek 2, LoFlo, Gambler and Archie’s, intermediate XC and gravity options including Rocky Road, Wild West, HyFlo, Joker, Roulette, Fine China and High Voltage, and black-rated challenges including Drop Bear and Devil’s Staircase. Expect everything from relaxed cross-country riding and twisting singletrack to rocks, berms, jumps, drops and fast gravity descents, all built and maintained with the support of Gladstone MTB Inc. RTS Tip: Gambler is a great way to work your way into the park, while the aptly named Stairway to Hell fire road gets you to the top of some of the best gravity trails if you’re happy to earn your descents. More experienced riders should check out Joker, Roulette and High Voltage, while Drop Bear steps things up with steep chutes and bigger drops. Bring plenty of water and check Gladstone MTB Inc. for current trail information before heading out.

MTB

Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park, at the top of Tolosa Street in Hobart’s northern suburbs, is a free public MTB park packed with cross-country, downhill, mountain-cross and dirt-jump riding. Designed originally by renowned trail designer Glen Jacobs and significantly upgraded in 2023, the park caters from beginners right through to expert riders, with trails ranging from green to double-black. Three signed loops make exploring easy: the 3km Silk Road for newer riders, 3.2km Merton Loop and 3.8km Challenger Loop, while the wider park adds berms, jumps, drops and technical gravity features. It also connects directly into the North-South Track, opening the door to a much bigger adventure through Wellington Park and towards kunanyi / Mount Wellington. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, use one of the three signed loops to get your bearings before exploring the harder gravity trails. Experienced riders should still inspect features before committing — some tracks contain extreme jumps, drops and obstacles. For a bigger ride, link the park with the 11km North-South Track to The Springs, giving you one of Hobart’s classic MTB connections.

40 kmMTB

Glenrock MTB Trails – Newcastle Glenrock Mountain Bike Trails are one of the Hunter region’s best-known mountain biking destinations, tucked into Glenrock State Conservation Area between Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Despite being only around 8km from Newcastle CBD, the network delivers genuine bush riding through coastal forest, gullies and ridgelines, with opportunities to ride all the way towards Burwood Beach, waterfalls and scenic lookouts. The official network offers around 34km of riding, made up of approximately 14km of purpose-built MTB trails and 20km of linked management trails. Trails range from green beginner routes through blue intermediate and black advanced riding, making Glenrock suitable for newer riders while still offering plenty of technical terrain for experienced mountain bikers. Expect classic Newcastle sandstone-country riding with flowing singletrack, rocky technical sections, roots, short punchy climbs and fast descents. The management trails can also be used to link different parts of the park together, so riders can create anything from a quick session to a much bigger day exploring Glenrock. One of the things that makes Glenrock special is the setting. The trails wind through open forest and woodland before providing connections towards Burwood Beach, Leichhardt’s Lookout and waterfalls, giving the network a distinctly coastal feel that sets it apart from many inland MTB parks. There’s also significant work underway to shape Glenrock’s future. A new Glenrock State Conservation Area Mountain Biking Plan was released in April 2026, setting out the long-term development and management of sustainable MTB riding in the park, including dedicated Northern, Middle, Southern and Brunker loop areas and skills zones. Navigation is relatively straightforward, with large trail maps at the major entrances and individual MTB trails signed and graded. Importantly, NSW National Parks operates a clear rule here: if there’s no cycling sign, don’t ride it. Some other tracks within the conservation area are walking-only or otherwise closed to bikes. For riders searching for Glenrock MTB, Newcastle mountain bike trails, Hunter MTB, mountain biking near Lake Macquarie or coastal MTB trails in NSW, Glenrock is an essential network to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: With 34km of trails, Glenrock is worth giving more than a quick lap. Use the purpose-built singletrack together with the management trails to explore different parts of the park and make a proper day of it. There are currently park alerts affecting parts of Glenrock, so check the latest NPWS alerts and trail information before heading out.

Verified by 1 rider
14 kmMTB

Glenview – Ferny Forest, on the eastern side of Ewen Maddock Dam near Landsborough on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is one of the region’s best introductions to mountain biking. The purpose-built Ferny Forest MTB Loop is approximately 12–13 km, winding through blackbutt forest, lush fern gullies and melaleuca wetlands with scenic viewpoints across Ewen Maddock Dam. The trail is designed primarily for beginner riders and families, with mostly flat terrain, gentle undulations and very few intimidating technical features. Rather than big climbs or steep descents, Ferny Forest is all about twisty, flowing singletrack, giving newer riders the chance to practise cornering, pumping and carrying momentum through the forest. That doesn't mean experienced riders won't have fun. The relatively smooth terrain makes Ferny Forest a great place for a fast XC lap, and the later sections include some particularly enjoyable flow where riders can work on pumping the trail for speed. The original trail was developed in 2015 by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Trailworx and volunteers from the Bushrangers MTB Club, which continues to assist with maintenance. The scenery is a big part of the ride. The trail passes through dense ferns and forest before opening to views across Ewen Maddock Dam towards the Glass House Mountains, making it feel more like a forest adventure than a suburban beginner loop. Access is available from the Steve Irwin Way rest area, with parking close to the trail. The dedicated MTB loop is primarily for mountain biking, while walkers and runners are directed towards the main multi-use tracks around the dam. Riders should also follow the marked riding direction around the circuit. RTS Tip: Ferny Forest is an excellent choice for a first proper MTB ride with kids or someone new to singletrack. There are no lung-busting climbs or major technical features, but there's enough twisting and flowing trail to make it genuinely fun as skills improve. Stronger riders can use it for a quick fast lap or combine it with other trails around Ewen Maddock Dam for more distance.

MTB

Glenwood Forest Trails, around 15 minutes west of Orange on the slopes of Mount Canobolas, are one of the Central West’s standout mountain biking destinations. Built and maintained by Orange Mountain Bike Club in partnership with Forestry Corporation of NSW, the network makes great use of more than 400m of elevation and caters for beginner through to advanced riders. Galinbundinya, Onwards & Upwards and Trail of Awesomeness combine to create an approximately 20km loop, climbing alongside Boree Creek towards Federal Falls before rewarding riders with flowing singletrack and a long descent. More experienced riders can branch onto harder gravity options, while parts of the network also cater for adaptive mountain bikes. RTS Tip: Glenwood is a working pine forest, so checking the latest trail status before every visit is essential. Forestry operations can temporarily close trailheads and sections of trail — Orange Mountain Bike Club currently advises that some lower sections remain affected by harvesting operations. Follow all exclusion-zone signage and designated shuttle routes, and check the club’s trail page for the latest access information before setting out.

Recommended by 1 rider
20 kmMTB, XC, Enduro, Flow

Glossy Black Reserve, hidden among the suburbs of Reedy Creek on the Gold Coast, packs around 8km of purpose-built mountain bike trails into a compact patch of native bushland. The network is designed around green easy and blue intermediate riding, with eight dedicated MTB trails including Jumpin’ Ant Hill, Lazy Lizard, Rabbit’s Run, Cockys Climb, Drop Bear, Cascades, Test Run and Fledgling. Expect flowing singletrack, switchback climbs, berms, rollers, creek crossings and optional jumps and technical B-lines. Drop Bear is a standout for intermediate riders, delivering a fast descending run filled with berms, rollers and optional jumps, while Fledgling provides a short progression trail for beginners. RTS Tip: A great first lap is to climb Jumpin’ Ant Hill, continue through Lazy Lizard and finish with the flowing descent of Rabbit’s Run. Most of the dedicated MTB trails are one-way, while connecting fire trails are shared with walkers, so follow the directional signage and keep an eye out at crossings. Parking around the reserve is limited and surrounded by residential streets, so riding to the trailhead is encouraged where possible.

MTB

Gordonbrook Dam Mountain Bike Trails, around 20 minutes north of Kingaroy in Queensland’s South Burnett, offer 13.8km of purpose-built singletrack across 11 trails right beside the scenic Gordonbrook Dam. Developed by the South Burnett Mountain Bike Club, the network caters from novice riders through to experienced XC racers, with green trails including First Crack, Chunnel, Bandicoot, Joeys and Antechinus, blue-rated Peanuts, Paper Scissors Rock and Big Dog, and the challenging 4.7km black-rated XCO OMG race loop. Expect flowing cross-country riding mixed with berms, jumps, rock features and technical A and B lines, with Tackers, a short beginner trail beside the main car park, giving younger riders somewhere to get started. RTS Tip: Turn Gordonbrook into a bigger adventure by riding there from the South Burnett Rail Trail at Memerambi. The signposted Gordonbrook Dam Route follows a mix of bitumen and gravel country roads out to the dam, where you can hit the singletrack before riding back. The lower trailhead has parking, basic toilets, picnic tables and shade, but no drinking water, so fill your bottles before setting off.

MTB

The Grampians Rail Trail is a scenic 10km shared trail from Stawell West to Mount Dryden Road, giving riders an easy-going taste of Victoria’s spectacular Grampians region. The relatively flat, fine-gravel route follows part of the historic narrow-gauge tramway once used to haul sandstone from Heatherlie Quarry to Stawell, with around 8km running directly along the old railway alignment. Expect open farmland, bushland, wildflowers, creek crossings, bridges and boardwalks, with the dramatic Gariwerd / Grampians ranges providing the backdrop. It’s an approachable ride for mountain bikes, gravel bikes and hybrids, and works particularly well for families or riders looking for something more relaxed than the region’s mountain bike trails. RTS Tip: The official rail trail currently finishes at Mount Dryden Road, but adventurous riders can continue another 15km to Halls Gap using a combination of quiet country roads and dirt tracks. That connection isn’t an official signed rail trail and includes a bush-track section that can become unsuitable after heavy rain, so download the route before setting off. For an easier outing, simply ride the rail trail out and back for around 20km.

10 kmGravel

The Grand Ridge Rail Trail winds for 13km between Mirboo North and Boolarra through the beautiful Strzelecki Ranges in Gippsland. Following the former Morwell to Mirboo North railway line, the trail rolls through lush eucalypt forest, farmland, deep cuttings and towering embankments, with historic brick culverts and two impressive steel arch bridges adding plenty of railway character along the way. The compacted earth and crushed-granite surface is suitable for mountain bikes, gravel bikes and hybrids, while the gentle railway gradient makes it an approachable ride for families and recreational cyclists. Darlimurla, roughly halfway along the trail, provides a handy rest point with a shelter, interpretive information and access to the historic Big Tree. RTS Tip: For the easier option, start at Mirboo North and ride towards Boolarra — you’ll enjoy a predominantly gentle descent through the forest. Ride it both ways for a 26km return trip, or organise a car shuffle between the two towns. There are toilets, parking and picnic facilities at both ends, plus cafés and shops in Mirboo North and supplies in Boolarra, making it an easy trail to turn into a relaxed half-day adventure.

13 kmGravel

Gravity Eden is a major mountain bike destination in Nullica State Forest just outside Eden on the NSW Sapphire Coast, delivering more than 58km of purpose-built, gravity-fed singletrack from a peak elevation of around 300m. The network has been designed to take advantage of Eden’s dramatic terrain, dropping from rocky forested ridgelines through lush valleys towards the coast and Twofold Bay. Built by specialist trail builders Contour Works, the network features more than 20 trails spanning green, blue and black grades. There’s a strong gravity focus, but this isn’t simply a downhill park — riders will find XC adventures, climbing trails, long traverses, flow descents and technical gravity trails, allowing you to build anything from a short session to a substantial day on the bike. The network is divided into three main riding zones. The Adventure Zone is the gateway to the park and provides easier riding and progression opportunities. The Flow Zone introduces longer descents, berms and faster riding, while the Gravity Zone heads deeper into the forest with the park’s longest and most challenging descents. Some of the standout trails include Garden of Eden, a 2.3km shared-use adventure trail through a fern-filled valley; Gutter Ball, with sweeping berms and rollers; Round the Outside, an 8.4km adventure through varied terrain; and the huge Breath of Fire, a nearly 7km flow descent. More experienced riders can tackle trails such as Prana and Old Tom, where rock gardens, drops, chutes, jumps and steeper terrain turn things up considerably. There’s also a dedicated Skills Park with an asphalt pump track and dirt jump park, giving riders somewhere to warm up, practise features or simply session without heading deep into the network. Gravity Eden is managed by the Eden Mountain Bike Club, which partnered with Forestry Corporation NSW to establish the network on State Forest land. Riding is free, with ongoing trail maintenance funded through the club, sponsors, rider contributions and volunteer trail work. The location makes this one particularly good for a multi-day riding trip. Eden sits roughly halfway between Sydney and Melbourne and around 3.5 hours from Canberra, with beaches, accommodation, cafés and the wider Sapphire Coast right on the doorstep. For riders searching for Gravity Eden MTB, Eden mountain bike trails, Sapphire Coast MTB, South Coast NSW mountain biking or gravity trails in NSW, this is absolutely a destination worth putting on the ride list. RTS Tip: Don’t let the name fool you — you don’t need to be an advanced gravity rider to enjoy Eden. Start in the Adventure Zone and progressively work through Flow before heading deeper into the Gravity Zone. With 58km+ to explore, this is also one worth allowing a full day or, even better, building into a riding weekend. Check live trail status before setting out, particularly after significant rain, high winds or bushfire conditions

58 kmMTB

GreenValleys Mountain Bike Park is a privately owned gravity MTB park at Tongarra, at the foot of Macquarie Pass on the NSW South Coast. Around 20 minutes inland from Shellharbour and roughly 90 minutes from Sydney, it specialises in downhill, freeride, slopestyle and technical gravity riding. GreenValleys is very much a progression-focused gravity playground. The park features purpose-built downhill and freeride trails alongside a skills park, jumps, drops and an impressive collection of more than 50 timber ramps and drop features. There’s also a large airbag for riders developing their jumping and aerial skills. The terrain is aimed predominantly at intermediate and advanced riders rather than complete beginners. Trails make use of the steep foothills of the Illawarra Escarpment, with technical descents, jumps, drops and freeride features providing plenty for experienced riders to session. The park itself specifically notes that it is not currently designed for beginners. One of the big attractions is shuttle-assisted riding. On scheduled Social Gravity Days, riders are transported back to the trailhead via the park’s sealed uplift road, meaning more time descending and considerably less time pushing or pedalling back uphill. GreenValleys also has a strong racing pedigree and regularly hosts gravity competition. In June 2026 it hosted Round 1 of the AusCycling NSW/ACT Gravity Series Downhill, continuing its role as an important venue for competitive gravity riding in NSW. There are facilities including parking, toilets, picnic areas and camping options, making it possible to build a visit into a bigger Illawarra riding weekend. For riders searching for GreenValleys MTB, Illawarra mountain biking, downhill MTB near Sydney, shuttle mountain biking in NSW or freeride MTB parks, this is one of the state’s standout privately operated gravity destinations. RTS Tip: GreenValleys currently operates differently from a normal public bike park. During 2026, while it works through a planning proposal with Shellharbour Council, the park is focusing on scheduled shuttle days and selected events, with coaching offered only on limited pre-scheduled dates. Don’t simply turn up expecting to ride — check the calendar and book your ride day in advance.

MTB

Griffith Mountain Bike Park – Griffith NSW is a purpose-built MTB facility on Abattoir Road in Griffith, bringing around 4.5km of mountain bike trails to the heart of the NSW Riverina. Officially opened in May 2024, the park was developed following community consultation to create an accessible place for locals and visitors to get into mountain biking. The network has been designed for different ages and riding abilities, making it particularly appealing to families, beginners and riders wanting somewhere to build their confidence and skills. Alongside the trails is a dedicated skills area featuring rollover and kicker ramps, giving riders somewhere to practise bike handling and progression before taking those skills onto the trails. The facility also includes a shelter, car parking, fencing and public toilets. While Griffith might be better known for its wineries, food and agricultural landscape, the MTB park adds another reason to bring the bikes when exploring the Riverina by bike. There’s also more established off-road riding around nearby Scenic Hill, where local riders use the fire trails and singletrack. Whether you're searching for Griffith mountain bike trails, mountain biking in the Riverina, Griffith MTB Park or family-friendly MTB trails in NSW, this is a great little purpose-built network to add to the ride list. RTS Tip: With around 4.5km of trails, Griffith MTB Park is ideal for doing multiple laps, working on skills or introducing newer riders to mountain biking rather than chasing a huge day of trail kilometres. Check current trail conditions before heading out and combine it with other riding around Griffith if you're looking to make a bigger day of it.

MTB

Gunyah Return is a rewarding 55km gravel cycling adventure near Tenterfield, taking riders into the quiet backroads and rolling landscapes of the New England High Country. With around 1,000m of climbing, there's plenty packed into the distance. Expect a mixture of gravel roads and sealed sections, rolling country and some solid climbing along the way, making this a good choice for riders wanting a substantial day ride without stepping up to one of Tenterfield's longer bikepacking routes. The real appeal is the setting. The Tenterfield region is surrounded by quiet rural roads, forests, granite country and remote landscapes, creating some brilliant opportunities for gravel riding away from busy traffic. At 55km, Gunyah Return is achievable as a single-day adventure, but the elevation means it's worth allowing plenty of time rather than judging the ride on distance alone. It's best suited to riders with a reasonable level of fitness who are comfortable riding changing gravel surfaces and spending time away from services. There's also loads more gravel riding around Tenterfield, from shorter local loops through to 100km+ adventures and multi-day bikepacking routes, making Gunyah Return a great addition to a longer cycling weekend in the New England High Country. RTS Tip: Some of Tenterfield's gravel rides travel through remote country with limited mobile reception and services. Carry sufficient food and water, basic repair equipment and offline navigation, and check current weather and road conditions before setting out. Follow the mapping link for the detailed Gunyah Return route and navigation.

55 km1000 mGravel, Road

Hassans Walls Reserve rises above Lithgow on the western edge of the Blue Mountains, offering mountain bikers a mix of natural trails, fire roads and technical riding surrounded by spectacular sandstone country. The reserve covers more than 780 hectares and climbs to over 1,100 metres elevation, with huge views across the Hartley Valley and surrounding ranges. The riding around Hassans Walls has a distinctly raw and natural feel. Expect rocky terrain, steep climbs and descents, loose surfaces and sections of technical singletrack rather than the manicured experience of a modern bike park. Hassans Walls Road itself also makes a good mountain bike or gravel ride up towards the lookout. Local MTB mapping shows trails including Channel 6, Ewok Forest, Gun Club DH, Pony Xpress, Pottery Left and Hassans Fire Trail, giving riders opportunities to link different trails and forest roads into a bigger session. Some of these descend steeply from the escarpment, so there’s riding here that will appeal to confident and experienced mountain bikers. The landscape is a big part of the experience. Hassans Walls is known for its sandstone cliffs, pagoda rock formations, fern-filled gullies and native bushland, with several lookouts providing incredible views across the Lithgow and Blue Mountains region. There is also a long history of MTB development at Hassans Walls. Lithgow City Council approved construction of a mountain bike/walking trail in the reserve in 2009, and later developed a broader strategy looking at purpose-built MTB opportunities for the area. For riders searching for Hassans Walls mountain bike trails, mountain biking in Lithgow, Lithgow MTB trails or mountain biking near the Blue Mountains, this is a riding area well worth exploring. RTS Tip: Hassans Walls is best approached as a natural MTB riding area rather than a fully developed bike park. Trail conditions, access and individual lines can change, so check current mapping before heading out and don't rely on old trail information. Some trails are steep and technical, so choose lines that suit your ability and take the opportunity to stop at the lookouts while you're up there.

MTB

Haunted Hills Mountain Bike Park is one of Australia's most unique riding destinations, combining fun, purpose-built trails with a spooky theme inspired by the area's colourful local legends. From ghost stories and mysterious happenings to eerie encounters and historic folklore, the park embraces its haunted reputation at every turn. Themed features are scattered throughout the network, including tombstone-style trail signs, the aptly named Mad Cows trail, and a distinctive skull-and-crossbones pump track that has become a favourite photo stop. Adding to the atmosphere, parts of the trail network run alongside a historic cemetery, making for a truly memorable riding experience. Beyond the theme, Haunted Hills offers a well-designed trail network catering to riders of all abilities. Whether you're looking for flowing beginner-friendly trails, technical challenges or a session on the pump track, there's something for everyone to enjoy. With its combination of creative trail design, family-friendly facilities and unforgettable atmosphere, Haunted Hills Mountain Bike Park is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Gippsland—and don't forget to grab a photo at the iconic park entrance before you ride.

24 kmMTB

Helensburgh MTB Park is a long-established mountain bike riding area in Helensburgh, NSW, sitting between Sydney and Wollongong and offering a huge variety of natural singletrack, technical trails and cross-country riding. The wider Helensburgh trail network is extensive, with current mapping showing more than 80 individual trails and around 75km of mapped riding. The mix ranges from easier green singletrack through to intermediate and advanced trails, giving riders plenty of options for anything from a quick session to a much bigger day exploring the surrounding bushland. At the heart of the local riding scene is Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club -HORCC Track, with the Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club (HORCC) supporting riding and trail activity in the area. Expect a distinctly old-school Sydney MTB feel, with natural surfaces, roots, rocks, tight singletrack, short punchy climbs and technical descents rather than a manicured modern trail-centre experience. Mapped trails include everything from approachable lines such as Grass Track through to more challenging riding spread across the wider network. Helensburgh also connects riders with Cawleys Road trail and the surrounding Garawarra State Conservation Area. NSW National Parks specifically permits mountain biking on Cawleys Road Trail, a generally flat mix of bitumen and gravel through scribbly gum forest, with other trails connecting from the route. Its location makes Helensburgh a great option for riders searching for mountain biking near Sydney, Helensburgh MTB trails, mountain biking near Wollongong, Illawarra MTB trails or technical mountain bike trails in NSW. RTS Tip: There is a lot more riding around Helensburgh than can sensibly fit into one Ride Card. RTS will work on getting the individual routes added as separate rides over time, but until then check the mapping link to explore the individual trails, grades and connections across the network. Trail access and conditions can change, so follow current signage and closures and make sure the trails you choose are open to bikes.

MTB

Hidden Vale Adventure Park at Grandchester, around 30 minutes from Ipswich, is one of Queensland’s biggest privately owned mountain biking destinations, with an 80km+ trail network spread across a spectacular 12,000-acre nature refuge. The network caters from beginners through to experienced gravity riders, mixing relaxed touring trails, technical singletrack, big climbs and some seriously long descents. Highlights include the 7.5km 500 Above, one of Queensland’s longest descents, along with Devine, Skyfall, Dialled Inn, Fire Break, Jalapeno, Treedom and Remnant. Add a skills park, bike hire and shuttle uplifts and there’s easily enough here for a full day — or a whole weekend — of riding. RTS Tip: Hidden Vale is a private, paid-entry bike park, so grab your trail pass and check current trail conditions before heading out. If you want to maximise the descending, the HVAP High 5 shuttle service accesses several of the park’s major gravity trails, including 500 Above, Devine, Dialled Inn and Skyfall. Otherwise, earn your turns and explore the huge network under pedal power — just make sure you sign in and out at the trailhead.

80 kmMTB

Set in the Gold Coast hinterland near Advancetown, Hinze Dam is a scenic spot for a relaxed recreational ride surrounded by bushland, water views and rolling hills. The dam precinct has shared pathways and quiet areas to explore by bike, making it particularly suited to families, casual riders and anyone looking for an easier outing away from the busier coastal paths. With picnic areas, lookouts and visitor facilities around the dam, it’s a great place to combine a ride with a longer stop and enjoy a different side of the Gold Coast. RTS Tip: Hinze Dam is more about enjoying the surroundings than chasing big kilometres. Take your time, stop at the lookouts and make use of the picnic areas. If you’re looking for a longer or more challenging ride, the surrounding Gold Coast hinterland has plenty of options to add to your day.

MTB

Just outside Launceston, Hollybank Reserve offers mountain biking through beautiful Tasmanian forest, with purpose-built trails winding beneath towering trees and through lush bushland. The network includes flowing singletrack, climbs, descents and technical features, with options that allow riders to put together anything from a quick spin to a longer trail session. Hollybank’s forest setting gives it a distinctly Tasmanian feel and makes it an easy MTB escape for riders staying in Launceston or exploring the wider north-east trail scene. RTS Tip: Hollybank can be a great addition to a north-east Tasmania MTB road trip, particularly if you’re travelling between Launceston and the bigger trail destinations further east. Check current trail conditions and closures before heading out, especially after wet weather, and choose trails that match your ability.

25 kmMTB

Howard Springs Pine Forest is one of Darwin’s most accessible mountain bike areas, offering a network of easy, flowing trails through the pine forest on both sides of Howard Springs Road. The mostly flat terrain and lack of major technical obstacles make it particularly well suited to beginners, families and riders building confidence, while faster riders can still have plenty of fun carrying speed through the flowing singletrack and testing their cornering skills. The trails have a hard-packed surface topped with loose pea gravel, creating fast riding but adding an extra challenge through the flat corners. The Pine Forest is a popular riding and racing location for Darwin Off Road Cyclists (DORC), with plenty of interconnected trails allowing riders to put together anything from a relaxed family spin to a longer cardio-focused session. Parking is available from several access points, including around the Stow Road intersection and Old Pine Forest entrance. RTS Tip: Howard Springs is a great choice if you’re new to mountain biking or riding with the family. Don’t underestimate the loose pea gravel though — the trails may be relatively flat and easy, but the surface can make faster corners surprisingly challenging. For your first visit, use the DORC/Trailforks map to navigate the network and bring plenty of water for Darwin’s tropical conditions.

MTB

Located near Wodonga in Victoria’s north-east, Hunchback Hill MTB Park is a popular local mountain bike network with purpose-built singletrack spread across the slopes of Hunchback Hill. Expect a mix of flowing trail, rocky sections, punchy climbs and more technical features, with the terrain and elevation providing plenty of variety for riders looking to build skills or put together a solid trail session. Its location close to Wodonga makes Hunchback Hill an easy ride destination for locals and a worthwhile stop for riders travelling through Victoria’s High Country. RTS Tip: Don’t underestimate Hunchback Hill—the climbs and rocky terrain can make a relatively short ride feel like a proper workout. Explore a few different trail combinations rather than sticking to one loop, and check current trail conditions before riding, particularly following wet weather.

MTB

Illawarra Escarpment MTB Network – Wollongong The Illawarra Escarpment MTB Network is an emerging mountain bike destination above Wollongong on the NSW South Coast, bringing purpose-built and officially sanctioned mountain biking to the dramatic forested slopes of the Illawarra Escarpment. The first major part of the network, the Kembla Mountain Bike Trails, opened in 2025 with around 20km of purpose-built trails. This is the beginning of a much bigger planned 70km Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network, with a further approximately 50km proposed for delivery in 2027. The Kembla network makes the most of the escarpment’s elevation and natural terrain, with dedicated mountain bike trails winding through the bushland around Mount Kembla and Kembla Heights. The official trails provide a much more sustainable way to experience mountain biking in the area while protecting the escarpment’s significant environmental and cultural values. The wider Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area rises dramatically behind Wollongong, creating a spectacular backdrop for riding with dense forest, steep terrain and glimpses back towards the coast. With Wollongong less than 10km away, it also has the ingredients to become a major MTB destination within easy reach of Sydney. Importantly, the area is currently going through a significant transition. From June 2026, NSW National Parks began progressively closing and rehabilitating unauthorised MTB trails around Mount Keira as the sanctioned network is developed. Riders should only use trails that are officially approved and open; closed trails may be signposted or physically blocked and penalties can apply for entering restricted areas. For riders searching for Illawarra mountain bike trails, Wollongong MTB, Mount Kembla mountain biking, mountain biking near Sydney or MTB trails on the NSW South Coast, the Illawarra Escarpment is one to watch as the official network continues to grow. RTS Tip: This is one where current mapping really matters. Don’t rely on older Strava routes, videos or historic trail maps, as some previously ridden trails are now being closed and rehabilitated. Stick to the approved network and check NSW National Parks trail status before heading out. The existing Kembla trails are just Stage 1, with the official network planned to eventually reach around 70km

MTB

Inverell MTB Park is a cross-country mountain bike network around 5km south of Inverell on Bundarra Road, in the New England region of northern NSW. The park has been developed as a community riding facility with a collection of loops and singletrack suitable for everyone from beginners through to more experienced XC riders. Inverell Shire Council’s 2026 community directory identifies 1km, 3km and 5km loops at the park. The 1km Wombat Ramble provides an easy introduction, while Wallaby Wander offers around 2.5km of green-rated riding with a little more challenge. Riders wanting a longer lap can tackle the 3km Short Boundary Loop or the main 5km Boundary Ride, an intermediate blue XC loop. Current Trailforks mapping shows a much broader collection of trail segments and combinations around the park, allowing riders to extend well beyond the basic loops. Expect traditional cross-country riding rather than gravity-focused bike-park terrain, with winding singletrack, short climbs and descents, natural features and plenty of opportunities to link different trails together. Mapped sections include Creepy Creek, Heart Rate Hill, Claret Corner, Home Run, Rockee Road and Slabba the Hutt. The compact layout makes Inverell particularly approachable for families and progression. Newer riders can start with the short green loops, while stronger riders can combine the blue trails and additional singletrack into a longer XC session. There is, however, an important current access issue. Inverell Shire Council temporarily closed the MTB track in March 2026 after the former Inverell Mountain Bike Club became dormant and there was no active organisation maintaining or managing the facility. In April, Council paused its search for another operator after around 20 community members expressed interest in re-forming the Inverell Mountain Bike Club. For riders searching for Inverell MTB, New England mountain bike trails, mountain biking in northern NSW or family-friendly MTB around Inverell, the park has plenty of potential as a handy regional XC network. RTS Tip: “Check Current Access Before Riding”. Although mapping platforms currently show the trails, Council formally announced the facility’s temporary closure in March 2026, and its April update focused on efforts to reform the club rather than confirming that the park had reopened. Until Council publishes a clear reopening update, I wouldn’t list it as definitely open.

40 kmMTB

Jacks Ridge MTB Park – Nambucca Heads Jacks Ridge Mountain Bike Park is a hand-built cross-country mountain bike network in Nambucca State Forest, a short drive from Nambucca Heads and Macksville on the NSW Mid North Coast. It’s a great example of a volunteer-built riding destination, with a strong emphasis on natural singletrack, progression and some seriously memorable timber features. The official park information describes 14km+ of maintained trails, although a 2026 local update reports the broader network has grown to more than 26km of hand-built cross-country trails. The easiest way to explore is via the park’s six well-signposted loops, all beginning from the main trailhead, so riders can choose a route that matches their ability and available time. There’s riding for a broad range of abilities, from beginner-friendly loops through to more technical intermediate terrain. Teagues Loop is a good starting point for newer riders, while Western Loop, Bili Bili Loop, Northern Loop and Roller Coaster Loop progressively add more technical features and faster singletrack. A dedicated 400m kids track beside the car park makes Jacks Ridge particularly appealing for families. What really gives Jacks Ridge its character are the hand-built timber structures scattered throughout the forest. Features including Phil’s Flyover and the legendary Big Boris have become signatures of the park. Most of the larger structures and technical sections provide A and B lines, allowing riders to choose the challenge that suits them rather than being committed to the harder feature. The network is built and maintained by the Nambucca Valley Mountain Bike Club, which has a formal agreement with Forestry Corporation NSW to develop and maintain trails within Nambucca State Forest. Volunteers contribute significant time to keeping the network running, and the park is also used for social rides and XC racing. Facilities at the main trailhead include parking, accessible toilets, hand-washing facilities and a picnic shelter. Riding is free, making it an easy addition to a Nambucca Heads or Mid North Coast riding trip. For riders searching for Jacks Ridge MTB, Nambucca Heads mountain bike trails, Macksville MTB, Mid North Coast mountain biking or family-friendly MTB trails in NSW, this is a fantastic community-built network to add to the ride list. RTS Tip: Jacks Ridge is particularly good for progression. Start with Teagues or the kids loop, then work through the longer loops and choose the A-lines as your confidence grows. The park asks riders to stay off the trails during and immediately after significant rain, and Forestry Corporation can occasionally close the forest for fire danger or extreme weather, so check conditions before travelling.

15 kmMTB

Jerrabomberra MTB Trails – Queanbeyan (Jerra Trails) The MTB trails around Jerrabomberra Mountain Reserve offer a surprisingly extensive pocket of natural mountain biking just outside Canberra and Queanbeyan, with singletrack spread across the slopes of Mount Jerrabomberra in southern NSW. Often simply called “Jerra” by local riders, the area is characterised by hand-built and natural-style singletrack rather than the manicured feel of a major trail centre. Expect rocky sections, tight turns, short punchy climbs, flowing descents and plenty of technical features, with the terrain making good use of the hill’s elevation. Popular mapped trails and loops include Pipeline, Swoop, Lazy Dog, Playschool and Neanderthal, with various connections allowing riders to piece together anything from a quick lap to a longer exploration of the reserve. Some routes are also shared with walkers, so riders need to keep an eye out for other trail users. Climbing towards the top of Mount Jerrabomberra is rewarded with impressive views across Queanbeyan, Canberra and the surrounding ranges. The official lookout and management-road network provides another way to explore the reserve and makes a handy reference point when navigating the area. Its location makes Jerra a great addition to a Canberra MTB trip, particularly for riders already exploring the region’s bigger riding destinations. For riders searching for Jerrabomberra mountain bike trails, Jerra MTB, mountain biking in Queanbeyan, MTB trails near Canberra or mountain biking in southern NSW, this local network is definitely worth having on the ride list. RTS Tip: Jerrabomberra is best treated as a local natural trail network rather than a formal purpose-built bike park. Use current trail mapping to work out individual trails, grades and connections before heading out, be considerate of walkers on shared trails and respect any current signage, closures or access restrictions.

MTB

The Lake Jindabyne Trails offer a spectacular way to explore the shores of Lake Jindabyne by bike, combining flowing lakeside trail, shared paths and natural-surface riding with huge views across the water towards the Snowy Mountains. Starting from Jindabyne, riders can follow the growing Lake Jindabyne Shared Trail network in either direction, with established connections towards Hatchery Bay to the west and Tyrolean Village to the east. The riding varies along the way, from concrete shared paths close to town through to compacted and natural-surface trail hugging the lake's edge. The Hatchery Bay section is a standout, with scenic, relatively approachable singletrack that makes it a great option for families and newer riders while still being plenty of fun for experienced riders looking for a cruisy spin. The wider network offers up to around 30 km of existing shared trail, with shorter out-and-back rides easy to create depending on how far you want to explore. There's plenty more happening here too. The long-term project is developing a roughly 50 km network around the southern half of Lake Jindabyne, including new connections through East Jindabyne and Tyrolean and eventually linking the lakeside trails with the Thredbo Valley Track via Gaden Trout Hatchery. Some sections remain under construction during 2026, so the riding options around the lake will continue to evolve. RTS Tip: This is a brilliant option if you want to ride straight from Jindabyne rather than load up the car. For an easy scenic outing, head towards Hatchery Bay and simply turn around when you've had enough. If you're looking for more dirt, combine the lakeside trail with the Tyrolean & Mill Creek MTB trails — or keep an eye on the developing connection towards the Thredbo Valley Track for a much bigger Snowies adventure. As construction is still underway around parts of East Jindabyne and Tyrolean, check current trail conditions and detours before setting off.

30 kmMTB

Jolly Nose MTB Park – Bonny Hills / Port Macquarie Jolly Nose Mountain Bike Park is one of the standout MTB destinations on the NSW Mid North Coast, located in Queens Lake and Burrawan State Forests near Bonny Hills, around 20 minutes south of Port Macquarie. The network combines cross-country, trail and gravity riding in a huge community-maintained forest playground. The park’s current official trail site lists 60+ individual trails and more than 40km of mapped riding, while NSW tourism information describes the broader network as approximately 70km. Either way, there’s enough here for anything from a quick lap to a full day of exploring. There’s a genuine spread of difficulty, from green beginner trails through blue, black and double-black expert terrain. Riders can start with trails such as the flowing Rollercoaster or tackle the popular 10km green XC loop, before progressing to more technical trails featuring rock gardens, berms, jumps and steeper natural terrain. For stronger riders, Jolly Nose has plenty of technical and gravity-focused options. Rock & Roll mixes berms, rock gardens and jumps, while Morning Glory steps things up into black-rated terrain. The network’s variety means XC riders, trail riders and gravity-focused riders can all find something worthwhile without needing separate destinations. The trails are managed by Hastings Valley Mountain Bike Riders, working in partnership with Forestry Corporation NSW. They’re designated MTB trails within the club’s permit area and are built and maintained largely through volunteer effort, memberships and community support. Riding is free and open to everyone from dawn to dusk, with club membership encouraged as a way to help support the network. The main access is via Spring Creek Road, with free parking at Jolly Nose Mountain Bike Parking Area. There’s no booking required for normal riding. For riders searching for Jolly Nose MTB, Port Macquarie mountain bike trails, Bonny Hills MTB, Mid North Coast mountain biking or gravity and XC trails in NSW, this is absolutely a network worth putting on the ride list. RTS Tip: With so many trails, don’t try to judge Jolly Nose by one loop. Newer riders can start with the green network and 10km loop, while experienced riders should allow enough time to explore the more technical gravity areas. Check current trail status before heading out — the club posts maintenance closures and conditions can change after weather events.

70 kmMTB

Jubilee Park in Toowoomba, Queensland, is one of the region’s premier mountain bike destinations, with more than 28 km of purpose-built singletrack spread across 313 hectares of bushland on the Toowoomba escarpment. Developed and maintained with significant support from the Toowoomba Mountain Bike Club, the network caters for riders from beginner through to expert, with everything from hand-built XC singletrack and machine-shaped flow to rock gardens, drops, jumps, technical descents and dedicated downhill riding. Jubilee Park is also home to Queensland’s first legal downhill mountain bike track. Popular trails include Dirty Granny, Centrelink, Turkey, Rollercat, Viper, Highlife, Reaper, Cheeseburger and the double-black Mackenzie Frenzy, while numerous linking trails allow riders to create longer loops and gravity-focused sessions. With access from Bridge Street, Harvey Street and Amos Road, Jubilee Park is a must-ride destination for mountain bikers visiting Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. RTS Tip: Jubilee Park has a huge amount of variety, so check the trail grading before dropping into something unfamiliar — the difficulty can quickly progress from flowing green and blue trails to serious black and double-black terrain. Stick to the signed official MTB trails, as unsanctioned “pirate” trails also exist throughout the escarpment and are not part of the authorised network. For a first visit, download the trail map and use the short linking trails to build a loop that matches your ability and riding style.

30 kmMTB

Kalamunda is one of Western Australia’s best-known mountain biking destinations, with an extensive network of purpose-built trails winding through the jarrah forest of the Perth Hills. The network offers everything from approachable cross-country and flowing singletrack through to rocky technical sections, jumps and more challenging descents, giving riders plenty of options to build a ride around their ability and appetite for adventure. With a huge variety of trails and loops to explore, Kalamunda works just as well for a quick local lap as it does for a full day of riding. RTS Tip: Don’t try to tackle the whole network in one hit. Pick a few trails that suit your ability and build a loop around them — then save the rest for another visit. Kalamunda can become hot and exposed during warmer months, so carry plenty of water and check current trail conditions and closures before setting out.

50 kmMTB

The Kalateenee MTB Trails are a fantastic mountain bike network in Kalateenee State Forest near Kempsey on the NSW Mid North Coast, with around 25–30km of cross-country and gravity trails winding through beautiful eucalypt, ironbark and brushbox forest. Managed and maintained by Macleay Valley Mountain Bikers, the network caters for a broad range of abilities, from beginners finding their feet on easier trails through to experienced riders looking for faster, more technical terrain. Most trails are also suitable for adaptive mountain bikes. There’s a good mix of XC and gravity riding, with the gravity side of the network receiving a significant upgrade in recent years. Five enduro trails were professionally rebuilt with improved features, jumps and more weather-resilient construction, adding another dimension to what was already a well-established local trail network. Navigation is well catered for, with trail signs throughout the park showing distances and difficulty ratings, making it relatively easy to link together trails for anything from a short session to a bigger day exploring the forest. Access is straightforward too. The original trailhead is behind Kempsey Golf Club off Macleay Valley Way, while a newer dedicated MTB car park on Grass Tree Road provides another entry point and includes accessible toilets. For riders searching for Kempsey mountain bike trails, Kalateenee MTB Park, mountain biking on the NSW Mid North Coast or MTB trails near Port Macquarie, Kalateenee is definitely one to add to the ride list. RTS Tip: With 25–30km of trails and a mixture of XC and gravity riding, it’s worth allowing a few hours rather than treating Kalateenee as a quick stop. Check the current trail status before travelling, particularly after wet weather, and use the trail signage and current mapping to choose trails that match your ability.

MTB

The Karratha MTB Trails offer a distinctly Pilbara mountain biking experience, with an extensive network of rugged trails running through the hills immediately behind Karratha in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The main riding area sits between Madigan Road, Dampier Highway, De Witt Road and North West Coastal Highway, with easy access from town and the Karratha MTB Club trailhead. Rather than a formal bike park with designated loops, the network is made up of organic, volunteer-maintained trails that can generally be ridden in either direction. Expect rocky and loose Pilbara terrain, exposed ridgelines, short technical climbs and descents, and wide-open views across Karratha’s distinctive red landscape. Popular trails include Watch The Rocks, Xylophone Ridge and Mars Scape, with enough interconnected tracks to create anything from a short MTB session to a much longer cross-country ride. The trails are closely associated with the Karratha MTB Club, which maintains trails and runs races, skills sessions and social rides. Night riding is a particularly strong part of Karratha’s MTB culture, allowing riders to escape some of the intense daytime heat for which the Pilbara is known. The trails remain informal rather than sanctioned loops, so riders should expect changing conditions, unmarked intersections and occasional crossings of non-gazetted roads used by local vehicles. RTS Tip: Karratha is proper Pilbara riding, so heat management is just as important as bike choice. Ride early or after sunset during warmer periods, carry considerably more water than you think you’ll need and take repair gear for the rocky terrain. If you’re unfamiliar with the network, download a current trail map before leaving — there are no designated signed loops and trails can change over time.

MTB

Kate Reed Nature Recreation Area, on the southern outskirts of Launceston, Tasmania, is a popular local mountain biking destination offering around 15 km of tracks and trails through approximately 120 hectares of native bushland. The network is known for its narrow, tight and twisty singletrack, small hills, short punchy climbs and fun descents, with around 6 km designated as mountain-bike-preferred trail. The relatively approachable terrain makes Kate Reed particularly good for beginners, families and XC riders, while more experienced mountain bikers can still find plenty of features and fast, flowing sections to keep things interesting. Just around 10 minutes from Launceston’s CBD, it’s an easy option for a quick MTB session or a few hours exploring Tasmania’s northern trail network. The reserve is also used for walking, running and orienteering, while the Launceston Mountain Bike Club regularly uses and helps maintain the MTB trails. Access is available via the Silverdome complex on Oakden Road or from the Kings Meadows connector near the Midland Highway, although parking and access conditions vary between entrances. RTS Tip: Kate Reed is a great choice if you’re newer to mountain biking or want a fun XC ride without committing to a huge trail network. After periods of heavy rain, give the singletrack time to dry — the local trail crew specifically asks riders to stay off wet trails to prevent damage. If parking at the Silverdome, also be aware that its access gate is locked outside business hours.

15 kmMTB

Kelcey Tier MTB Trails Kelcey Tier, on the southern edge of Devonport in North West Tasmania, is a local mountain biking and bushland riding area set within the 185-hectare Kelcey Tier Greenbelt. The network combines purpose-built MTB singletrack with older rocky trails and fire roads, creating plenty of options for cross-country and trail riders looking for a ride close to Devonport. Expect native bushland, short climbs, flowing sections, rocky and natural terrain and descents, with trails ranging from approachable green riding through to more challenging technical sections. Riders can also reach viewpoints overlooking Devonport and the Mersey River Estuary, adding some great scenery to a lap of the reserve. Kelcey Tier is a particularly handy option for mountain bikers travelling through Tasmania's North West, with the trails close to Devonport and within easy reach of other major riding destinations including Wild Mersey and Penguin MTB Park. The main access area is around Durkins Road, and the interconnected singletrack and fire trails make it possible to build anything from a short local spin to a longer XC-style ride. RTS Tip: Kelcey Tier has a more natural, local-trail feel than some of Tasmania's newer destination bike parks, so expect rocks, roots and changing trail conditions. Download a current trail map before riding and use the easier trails to get your bearings before exploring the more technical lines. Keep an eye out for wildlife too — the reserve has important conservation values and is a particularly good place to spot the endangered swift parrot during spring.

10 kmMTB

Kentlyn MTB Trails – Campbelltown The Kentlyn MTB Trails are a long-established mountain bike network hidden in the bushland around Kentlyn and Peter Meadows Creek near Campbelltown in South West Sydney. Known for their raw, technical character, these trails offer a very different experience from the purpose-built riding at nearby Mount Annan. Current mapping shows around 28 MTB trails and approximately 19km of mapped riding, with a mixture of cross-country, descending and technical singletrack. Kentlyn is classic Sydney sandstone mountain biking. Expect plenty of rocks, rock gardens, ledges, short punchy climbs, technical descents and natural features, with trails weaving through rugged bushland above the Georges River. It’s a network where good line choice and confident bike handling can make a big difference. Popular mapped trails include Rock Trail, Magic Carpet, Spank It, Drop Bears and Boronia Single Track, with numerous connecting trails allowing riders to piece together different loops. Rock Trail alone runs for around 5km and includes berms, drops, rock faces and rock gardens, while some of the descending trails step the difficulty up considerably. Kentlyn has been used by local mountain bikers for many years. Campbelltown City Council has previously recognised the area as containing a wide range of riding, including cross-country, short downhill and flow trails, although the network has historically had a complicated status rather than operating as a formally developed MTB park. For riders searching for Kentlyn mountain bike trails, Campbelltown MTB, mountain biking in South West Sydney or technical MTB trails near Sydney, Kentlyn is one of the region’s better-known old-school riding areas. RTS Tip: Kentlyn is best treated as a local natural trail network rather than a formally managed bike park. Use current mapping to choose your trails and understand their difficulty, and pay attention to land-access signage or closures on the ground. Some trails are genuinely technical, so don’t assume the whole network is suitable for newer riders.

MTB

The Kersbrook MTB Trails, around 40 km north-east of Adelaide in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, offer a rugged network of mountain bike trails within Mount Gawler Forest Reserve near Kersbrook. Managed on ForestrySA land and supported by the local Kersbrook Trail Krew, the area is known for its more natural, gravity-focused style of riding, with singletrack, steep descents, technical rock sections, berms, drops and jump features alongside forest roads used for climbing and linking trails. Popular trails include Kersy Koasta, Senduro, Jumps Revamp, North of the Wall and Dead Man’s Climb, with options ranging from intermediate trail riding through to considerably more technical downhill terrain. Surrounded by pine plantation and native bushland, Kersbrook provides a distinctly different experience from the larger Fox Creek Bike Park nearby and is a great option for experienced riders wanting to explore more of the Adelaide Hills MTB scene. The wider Kersbrook area also contains shared-use forest trails and the Old Kersbrook Loop, a 7.5 km route through Mount Crawford Forest Reserve that is open to mountain bikers, providing additional options for riders looking for a less gravity-focused adventure. RTS Tip: Kersbrook has a rawer, more technical feel than a manicured bike park, so check the grading and features of each trail before committing — some lines include sizeable jumps, drops, gaps and rock gardens. Download a current trail map, check ForestrySA access conditions before travelling and remember that forest operations or fire restrictions can affect access.

6 kmMTB

The existing Kingborough MTB Park is currently CLOSED. A replacement mountain bike park is planned within the Kingborough Sports Precinct Kingborough MTB Park in Kingston, south of Hobart, is a compact purpose-built mountain bike and skills park designed for everyone from kids and beginners through to experienced riders. The approximately 3km network includes flow trails, dirt jumps, technical features and a pump track, with trails such as Kids’ Corner, Holy Roller, Serpent Track and Black Betty offering opportunities to build skills and progress onto more challenging riding. The original park was built in 2012 and progressively upgraded, becoming a popular local riding and skills facility within the Kingborough Sports Precinct. The existing park is currently closed for redevelopment, with Kingborough Council planning a new mountain bike park and pump track within the precinct as part of the wider sports precinct redevelopment. Community consultation on the new park design is planned for 2027. RTS Tip: The existing Kingborough MTB Park is currently CLOSED. A replacement mountain bike park is planned within the Kingborough Sports Precinct, so keep this one on your future ride list and check Kingborough Council updates for redevelopment progress and reopening information. In the meantime, nearby Kingston Park has a beginner asphalt pump track, a 300m learn-to-ride circuit and connections to the Whitewater Creek Track.

MTB

Kooralbyn Valley MTB Park, in Queensland’s Scenic Rim, is a historic mountain biking destination with a network spanning everything from approachable green trails to serious black and double-black gravity riding. The park currently features more than 20 trails plus a skills area, with rocky natural singletrack, short punchy climbs, flowing descents, berms, jumps, drops and technical features providing plenty of variety for XC, trail, enduro and downhill riders. Kooralbyn also has an impressive place in Australian mountain bike history. The original trails hosted national-level racing and were once used as a training facility by the Australian MTB team, with Cadel Evans racing here at the 2001 National XCO Championships. After the original resort closed in 2008 and the trails became overgrown, local riders formed the Kooralbyn Valley Mountain Bike Club and began restoring the old network and developing new trails. Today the park once again hosts downhill, cross-country and gravity enduro racing, including the famous Black Snake downhill course. Located on Routley Drive at Kooralbyn, the park is within reach of Brisbane and the Gold Coast and makes a great Scenic Rim MTB day trip or riding weekend. The combination of progressive trails, technical gravity riding and genuine Australian MTB history makes Kooralbyn particularly worthwhile for riders wanting something beyond a manicured modern trail centre. RTS Tip: Don’t assume Kooralbyn is only for advanced gravity riders. There are green and blue options for developing skills, but the network progresses all the way to black and double-black trails with substantial jumps, drops and technical features. Check the trail grading before dropping in, and check the park’s latest updates before travelling as events can affect normal trail access.

MTB

Rising directly behind Hobart, Tasmania, kunanyi / Mount Wellington is one of Australia’s most distinctive urban mountain biking destinations, offering everything from gentle family-friendly riding to flowing singletrack, technical descents and big mountain adventures. The extensive network across Wellington Park and the lower foothills of kunanyi / Mt Wellington connects with almost 60 km of City of Hobart-maintained MTB and shared-use tracks, as well as fire trails that allow riders to create a huge variety of loops. One of the signature rides is the 11 km North-South Track, which links The Springs on kunanyi / Mt Wellington with Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park. Rated intermediate, it winds through changing forest environments with flowing singletrack, sweeping berms and optional technical features. Riders looking for a bigger loop can tackle the 14.5 km Riding the Mountain circuit, linking trails including North-South, Free Wheel'n, Pitfall, Stumpside, Upper Luge, Crosscut and Rocky Wheel'n for a mix of fast descending, technical terrain and climbing. There are plenty of other options around the mountain too. The 12.7 km Pipeline Track provides an easier, family-friendly ride from Fern Tree through tall forest and fern-filled gullies, while the lower foothills around McRobies Gully offer more technical MTB trails including Slides, Jurassic Shark and Tip Top. With connections towards Glenorchy MTB Park and Hobart’s surrounding trail network, kunanyi / Mt Wellington can deliver anything from an easy scenic pedal to a full day of technical mountain biking. RTS Tip: Don’t assume every track on kunanyi / Mt Wellington is open to bikes. Cycling is permitted on formed roads and fire trails plus specifically designated shared-use and bike trails, while riding walking-only tracks can result in fines. Mountain weather can also change extremely quickly, so check conditions and trail alerts before setting out and carry an extra layer even when Hobart is warm and sunny.

11 kmMTB

Kyogle MTB Park is a volunteer-built mountain bike network in Boorabee State Forest on Yongurra Road, just minutes from the centre of Kyogle in the NSW Northern Rivers. The forest is known for its rich, dark loam and fast, flowing singletrack, creating a very different riding experience from the rocky terrain found across many other NSW MTB destinations. The network caters for a broad range of abilities, with green and blue gravity trails, dedicated climbing trails and black-rated features for experienced riders. It’s designed so newer riders can start comfortably before progressively stepping up to longer and faster descents. For beginners, Chain Gang is a roughly 600m green trail with an undulating downhill profile, while Too Easy extends the easier riding and also provides an accessible climbing route. Little Twisties is specifically aimed at kids, making Kyogle a good option for families and developing riders. The blue network is where Kyogle really comes alive. Trails including Marble Run, Bogroll, Downright, Flowvid and Fireflyer deliver longer flowing descents, with Fireflyer and Flowvid each stretching to around 1.5km. For advanced riders, Long Drop adds a cascading series of black-rated drops before feeding back into Fireflyer. The club currently lists its separate black jump trail as closed for repairs, so check current conditions before riding. The trails are built and maintained by the Kyogle Track and Trail Mountain Bike Club, working within Boorabee State Forest. Kyogle Council has also identified mountain biking as an important opportunity for the region, with a broader strategy aimed at developing Kyogle as a Northern NSW MTB destination. Best of all, normal trail access is free, and the network is conveniently located right on the eastern edge of town, making it easy to combine a ride with Kyogle’s cafés, accommodation and other local attractions. For riders searching for Kyogle MTB, Northern Rivers mountain bike trails, Boorabee State Forest MTB, family-friendly MTB in Northern NSW or flow trails near the Gold Coast, Kyogle is a great little network to add to the ride list. RTS Tip: Kyogle is particularly good if you love flow without enormous climbing. Start on Chain Gang and Too Easy, then work through the blues as your confidence builds. The park has previously run special shuttle days, but don’t assume shuttles operate for everyday riding. Check the club’s latest trail conditions before travelling, especially for the black features.

20 kmMTB

La Larr Ba Gauwa Park at Harcourt, Victoria, is one of Central Victoria’s standout mountain bike destinations, with around 34 km of purpose-built cross-country MTB trails set amongst the granite outcrops and bushland of Mount Alexander. Located near Castlemaine and Bendigo and around 1.5 hours from Melbourne, the Harcourt MTB network features 11 trails ranging from beginner green through intermediate blue to advanced black, with natural granite incorporated throughout the riding. Expect technical rock gardens, slabs, hand-built stone sections, switchback climbs, berms, jumps, drops and fast, flowing descents, along with impressive views across the Harcourt Valley and surrounding ranges. The beginner-friendly Wanyarra provides an approachable introduction to the park, while intermediate riders have plenty to explore on trails including Girra, Wilkerr, Murnong, Barramul, Gart Gart, Milipa and Gurri. Experienced riders can step things up on the black-rated Werpil, Mir and Milakuk, where steeper terrain, technical climbing, rock features and challenging descents showcase the distinctive granite landscape that Harcourt is known for. The name La Larr Ba Gauwa means “stones and mountain” in the Dja Dja Wurrung language, reflecting both the cultural significance and defining terrain of the area. RTS Tip: All Harcourt MTB trails are ridden anti-clockwise, so follow the mapped direction and inspect unfamiliar jumps, drops and technical features before committing. Riders park in Harcourt township and use the purpose-built off-road path to reach the trailhead, and there is no potable water at the park, so fill up before you ride. Also check the latest official park update before travelling, particularly following fire or severe weather events, as closures can affect access.

34 kmMTB

Lake Canobolas MTB Park is a compact, purpose-built mountain bike network at Nashdale, around 10 minutes west of Orange in Central West NSW. Sitting directly opposite Lake Canobolas at the foot of Gaanha bula (Mount Canobolas), it combines accessible cross-country riding with a skills and jump area in a picturesque bush setting. The park has around 8km of cross-country singletrack, arranged as three connected loops that become progressively more challenging as riders move through the network. It’s particularly well suited to beginners, juniors and intermediate riders, while still providing enough technical features to keep more experienced riders entertained. Expect hard-packed clay, rocks, roots, wooden bridges, rock gardens, drops and optional A and B lines, with good signage throughout. There’s also a dedicated skills and jump track, making Lake Canobolas a handy place to practise features or build confidence before tackling harder trails elsewhere around Orange. The trails were originally opened in 2014 and are built and maintained by the Orange Mountain Bike Club in partnership with Orange City Council. The setting adds plenty to the experience, with the network winding through revegetated bushland and offering views back towards Lake Canobolas and Orange. One important current change is that the former black trails at Lake Canobolas are now closed and must not be ridden. Orange Mountain Bike Club advises riders to use its updated trail map rather than older maps that may still show those trails as accessible. Across the road, Lake Canobolas has toilets, picnic facilities, a playground and a kiosk, making this an easy MTB destination for families or groups where not everyone necessarily wants to ride. For riders searching for Orange MTB, Lake Canobolas mountain bike trails, family-friendly MTB in Central West NSW or beginner mountain biking near Orange, this is a great little network to add to the ride list. RTS Tip: Lake Canobolas is ideal for progression rather than huge kilometres. Start with the easier loop and work your way through the connected network before spending some time in the skills area. The MTB park is strictly open 8am–8pm, and dogs aren't permitted within the trail area. Most importantly, use the current Orange MTB Club map — all black trails are now closed.

10 kmMTB

Lake Leschenaultia in Chidlow, Western Australia, is a family-friendly mountain biking destination in the Perth Hills, around 45 minutes east of Perth. Set within a 168-hectare bushland reserve, the lake has a dedicated 12 km mountain bike trail network designed primarily for beginner through intermediate riders, making it an excellent place for kids, families, newer mountain bikers and riders looking to build their skills. The network includes flowing singletrack, gentle climbing trails, rollers, small jumps, rock gardens and technical features, with trails including Railway Run, Eastern Line, Hula, Yeehaa, Woohoo, Shakes n’ Ladders, Towies, Stewies, Man vs Machine and Blue Panther. The Eastern Line provides an approachable 1.3 km climb to the upper trailhead, where riders can choose from several descending options. Beginners can build confidence on trails such as Railway Run, Hula and Stewies, while intermediate riders can step up to faster and more technical trails such as Yeehaa, Woohoo, Shakes n’ Ladders and Blue Panther. There’s also a pump track for practising bike handling, while the approximately 3 km Lakeside Trail provides an easier ride around Lake Leschenaultia through marri and wandoo woodland. The network can also be linked towards the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, opening up options for a longer Perth Hills cycling adventure. With parking, toilets, picnic areas, playgrounds, swimming, camping and other facilities around the lake, Lake Leschenaultia is particularly good for combining mountain biking with a family day out or weekend in the Perth Hills. Entry to the reserve is free. RTS Tip: If you’re introducing kids or newer riders to MTB, Lake Leschenaultia is a great place to start — use Eastern Line to reach the upper trailhead and progressively work through the descending trails as confidence grows. In summer, always check conditions before travelling: high fire danger can result in the West Beach area and MTB trails being closed, or the entire reserve closing when conditions become more severe.

9 kmMTB

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, near Marysville in Victoria’s Yarra Ranges, transforms into an alpine mountain biking destination once the snow melts, with trails ranging from beginner-friendly loops to one of Victoria’s standout long-distance MTB descents. Around two hours from Melbourne, riders can explore high-country terrain, snow gum and alpine forest, rocky singletrack and flowing descents, with spectacular views across the surrounding ranges. The headline ride is the Cascades MTB Trail, an approximately 30 km point-to-point descent from Lake Mountain to Marysville. Despite the huge amount of descending, Cascades is a genuine all-mountain adventure rather than a pure downhill run, with pedalling and climbing mixed amongst long flowing descents, rocky sections and more advanced features. There are also shorter trails around the resort village. Trigger Track provides around 1.7 km of beginner flow and minor rock features and can be used as an easier introduction to the start of Cascades, while Lenny’s Loop is a 2 km beginner trail aimed at families and developing riders. Lower Granite Grind adds a longer 5 km option through mountain ash forest and old logging areas, while the short Ski Run 21 provides a more technical intermediate challenge. Trail availability varies throughout the season, so riders should always check which trails are open before travelling. For riders tackling Cascades, a seasonal MTB shuttle operates from Marysville to the Lake Mountain trailhead, making it possible to concentrate on the ride down rather than organising your own vehicle shuttle. Lake Mountain’s MTB season generally operates during the warmer months, with summer access typically running from November through April. RTS Tip: Don’t be fooled by the word “descent” — Cascades is a 30 km alpine MTB adventure, so arrive prepared for more than just gravity riding. There is no potable water on the trail, so carry enough water, high-energy food, puncture and repair gear, plus a warm or waterproof layer as conditions can change quickly in the mountains. If riding point-to-point, organise your Marysville shuttle or vehicle logistics before heading up to Lake Mountain.

MTB

The Landsborough & Mooloolah area offers a great introduction to mountain biking on the Sunshine Coast, linking the trails around Ewen Maddock Dam with Dularcha National Park. Expect mostly wide, relatively flat trails through forest and alongside the dam, with optional hills and side trails for riders wanting to add a little more climbing and challenge. The area works particularly well for beginners, families and recreational riders, while the various connections make it easy to build a longer ride. One of the highlights is the old rail trail through Dularcha National Park, connecting Landsborough and Mooloolah. The roughly 3km route follows part of the former railway alignment and passes through a 100m heritage-listed railway tunnel built in 1890. From Mooloolah you can retrace your route or use the Mooloolah Connection Road bikeway to create a larger loop back towards Ewen Maddock Dam. RTS Tip: Bring a light for the Dularcha railway tunnel — it curves enough that the middle gets properly dark! For a bigger adventure, start at Maddock Park, ride the dam trails into Landsborough, continue through Dularcha to Mooloolah for a coffee, then loop back via the bikeway. There are also optional hillier trails along the way if you want to add some extra climbing.

MTB

Langford Park in Jarrahdale, Western Australia, is a popular mountain biking destination in the Perth Hills, around 50 minutes south-east of Perth. Set amongst rehabilitated former bauxite mine areas and surrounding jarrah and marri forest, the park offers a network of signposted green and blue MTB trails aimed primarily at beginner and intermediate riders. Expect old-school, natural and flowing cross-country singletrack with gradual climbs, fast descents, rocky sections and tighter technical stretches. The network includes favourites such as the 5.1 km Yellow Brick Road, 4.4 km Woodley’s Loop and 4.1 km The Fox, alongside shorter trails including Lovers Lane, Reflectors, Valley of Opportunity, Button’s Fall, Watch Your Head, Conveyor and The Spine. Many trails connect, allowing riders to combine several loops into a longer Jarrahdale MTB ride or progressively move from easier green trails onto the blue-rated singletrack. The Fox is particularly well known for its fast, flowing riding through the forest, while Lovers Lane provides an easier introduction for newer mountain bikers. Langford Park is also a great option for families and social riding, with parking, toilets, picnic and barbecue facilities available at the recreation area. A dual-use trail connection links the park with Jarrahdale township, adding another option for riders wanting to explore the wider Jarrahdale and Perth Hills cycling network. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, use The Spine and Lovers Lane to get your bearings before progressing onto Woodley’s Loop, The Fox and Yellow Brick Road. The trails are designed to link together, so you can easily add extra loops as the legs allow. Mobile coverage can be patchy within Langford Park, so download your trail map before you ride rather than relying on reception once you’re in the forest.

MTB

Legana Pump Track is a purpose-built riding facility within the Legana Recreation Youth Space in Tasmania’s West Tamar region. Built by Dirt Art and Rob Potter, the compact 500m² track uses a flowing series of rollers, berms and turns that riders can link together by generating speed through pumping rather than pedalling. Designed with local young people in mind, it’s a fun and accessible spot for bikes and a great place for riders to practise balance, cornering and bike-handling skills. The pump track forms part of a larger recreation precinct with a basketball court, skate features, playground equipment, climbing cubes, picnic tables, BBQs and a drinking fountain, making it an easy destination for families or a quick riding session. Opened in December 2020, it was the first pump track in the West Tamar municipality and has become a popular community facility for riders of different ages. RTS Tip: This is a great spot for kids, beginners and riders wanting to sharpen their cornering and pumping skills. Try completing laps with as little pedalling as possible — using the rollers and berms to build and maintain your speed is what pump tracks are all about. With BBQs, seating, a playground and drinking water alongside the track, it’s also an easy one to add to a family day out.

BMX

The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, affectionately known as the Warby Trail, is one of Victoria’s most popular rail trails, taking riders for around 40 km through Melbourne’s outer east and the spectacular Yarra Valley to Warburton. Following the former Warburton railway line, the trail passes through Mount Evelyn, Wandin, Seville, Woori Yallock, Launching Place, Yarra Junction, Wesburn and Millgrove before finishing in Warburton beneath the surrounding Yarra Ranges. The mostly fine-gravel trail with some sealed sections follows gentle railway gradients, making it suitable for gravel bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, e-bikes and recreational riders. Along the way, expect a changing landscape of native bushland, farmland, vineyards, river flats and forest, with views towards Mount Donna Buang and Yarra Ranges National Park. Historic station sites and railway infrastructure provide reminders of the original line, while the towns along the route offer cafés, bakeries, toilets, water and plenty of opportunities to break the journey into shorter sections. For riders wanting the full experience, Lilydale to Warburton is around 40 km one way or approximately 80 km return, while shorter options such as Woori Yallock to Warburton or Yarra Junction to Warburton make excellent half-day rides. Lilydale Station also provides convenient train access from Melbourne, making this one of the easier regional Victorian rail trails to reach without a car. RTS Tip: Don’t feel like you need to smash out the entire return trip in one day. The Warby Trail is perfect for a relaxed Yarra Valley cycling weekend — ride from Lilydale to Warburton, stop at the towns and cafés along the way, stay overnight and ride back the following day. If you’re only chasing a shorter ride, start at one of the numerous trail hubs along the route. Watch carefully at road crossings and remember the trail is shared with walkers and, on some sections, horse riders.

40 kmGravel

Linden Ridge Firetrail has many indigenous sites along the route for those keen for side adventures From Linden Station, ride out via Glossop Road to the main gate. Follow the asphalt road until you reach the water treatment works, then turn right onto the firetrail. From Woodford Station, take the off-highway cycle route down the north side of the highway from the Appian Way bridge. This leads to Bulls Camp (water and toilets available), then continues down the cycle path into Linden before joining Glossop Road to the gate. The trail out is undulating with a few steeper climbs along the way. The main ride terminates at an open clearing, where you can turn around and climb back out the way you came. Alternative Offshoots & Singletrack Options Water Tank Bypass Singletrack ~1.8 km from gate Look for a short singletrack running off to the right. You will pass an old water tank on this quick bypass before rejoining the main trail. Mt Twiss Singletrack ~3 km from gate On a sharp right-hand bend, veer left onto the roughly 5 km singletrack out to Mt Twiss. Note: While cleared a few years ago, it is generally regarded as overgrown. Deep Pass Trail ~7 km from gate An adventurous offshoot along the original, unmaintained fire road. It is approximately 4 km return. Jennings Track (End of Firetrail) For the adventurous, there is a difficult hike-a-bike trail at the very end of the trail that connects through to Grose Road in Faulconbridge. Closest public toilets and water is at Bulls Camp in linden

17 kmGravel

Lindrook Loop – Tenterfield Gravel Ride The Lindrook Loop is a 20km gravel ride near Tenterfield, offering a shorter and more approachable way to experience the rugged landscapes and quiet backroads of the New England High Country. With around 250m of climbing, this is a great option for riders who are newer to gravel, looking for a relaxed half-day adventure, or simply wanting to squeeze another ride into a weekend exploring Tenterfield. The route heads into the countryside around Lindrook Road, where unsealed roads and forest surroundings provide a taste of the more adventurous riding the region is known for without the distance and climbing of Tenterfield's bigger gravel routes. This area also provides access towards Basket Swamp National Park, a spectacular part of the region characterised by granite country, forest, creeks and remote high-country landscapes. The wider Lindrook and Basket Swamp area features in several of Tenterfield's longer gravel adventures, making this shorter loop a great introduction before taking on something bigger. Allow around three hours to explore the route at a comfortable pace, particularly if you're stopping along the way to enjoy the scenery. With everything from short gravel loops through to huge day rides and multi-day bikepacking routes available nearby, Tenterfield is well worth treating as a complete gravel cycling destination in northern NSW rather than somewhere you visit for just one ride. RTS Tip: Lindrook Loop is a great introduction to Tenterfield gravel riding. Once you've finished, check out the other Ride Cards on Ride The State to discover longer routes around Basket Swamp, Timbarra and the wider New England High Country. Follow the mapping link for detailed navigation and always respect signage, landholder access restrictions and current road or trail conditions.

20 km250 mGravel

Linga Longa Bike Park, near Balingup and Greenbushes in Western Australia’s South West, is a privately owned gravity mountain bike park and one of WA’s standout destinations for downhill and enduro riding. Set in the hills at Southampton, the park combines substantial elevation with natural terrain and purpose-built trails ranging from green through to double-black, including flowing descents, technical rock sections, steep terrain and seriously big jump lines. A dedicated progression skills area gives riders somewhere to develop their technique before stepping up to the more demanding gravity trails. A major part of the Linga Longa experience is the shuttle uplift, allowing riders to maximise descending time without repeatedly pedalling roughly 200 metres of elevation back to the top. The park is a regular venue for WA Gravity Enduro racing, coaching and rider-development events, and its mix of flow, technical descending and large features has made it a well-known destination within the Western Australian MTB scene. Unlike many trail networks, Linga Longa is also set up as a complete MTB weekend destination. Facilities include camping, toilets, hot showers, a café, bike wash facilities and drinking water available from the café, allowing riders to stay on-site and make a weekend of it. As it is a private bike park, access is through designated ride days, events and bookings rather than unrestricted everyday trail access. RTS Tip: Linga Longa is all about gravity, so take advantage of the shuttle and build into the harder trails rather than going straight for the biggest features. A full-face helmet is mandatory during WA Gravity Enduro activities at the venue, and protective equipment is strongly recommended for this style of riding. Check Linga Longa’s current ride dates, tickets and access requirements before making the trip — then consider camping overnight so you can turn it into a proper South West MTB weekend.

MTB

Located in Sydney’s south on the edge of the Royal National Park, the Loftus MTB Network offers over 100km of interconnected singletrack and fire trails, making it one of Sydney’s premier mountain biking destinations. With everything from flowing beginner-friendly cross-country loops to steep, technical black diamond descents, there’s something for every rider. The popular 10km Loftus Loop is ideal for beginners and XC riders, while more experienced riders can tackle iconic trails such as Holy Trail, Bobcats, and Signalhouse, featuring rock gardens, drops, berms, jumps and technical features. The main trailheads are located at Loftus Oval and Farnell Avenue. The trails are not very well sign posted so make sure you check the maps.

Verified by 1 riderRecommended by 1 rider
57 kmMTB

Lomandra MTB, in Samford Conservation Park on Brisbane’s north-western fringe, is the main trailhead for a well-established network of purpose-built mountain bike trails and shared forest tracks. The riding is predominantly intermediate, combining flowing singletrack, natural features, sustained climbs and fast descents through open eucalypt and ironbark forest. The official network includes eight MTB-only trails, with the Lomandra trailhead providing access to Pipeline, Water Tank, Mopoke, Green Tree Snake, Sunrise and Whipsnake, as well as connections towards Lorikeet, Sunset, Bandicoot and Kombi. Most trails are intermediate-rated, while Whipsnake is difficult, delivering a 2.3 km one-way descent for more experienced riders. A good way to explore the network is to leave the Lomandra warm-up area via the 600 m Green Tree Snake, then climb Lomandra Road towards Three Ways Road. From here, several official loops can be created, including a return via Kombi, a Bandicoot–Sunset combination, or Lorikeet. This makes it easy to keep adding distance and difficulty as your confidence and fitness build. Kombi is one of the network’s signature descents, running for approximately 2.7 km one way, while Bandicoot provides another substantial 2.46 km of trail. Shorter trails around the Lomandra hub are useful for warming up or linking into the larger network. The dedicated Lomandra warm-up area gives riders somewhere to practise before heading onto the main trails. Beyond the MTB-only singletrack, Samford Conservation Park also contains an extensive network of shared trails, where cyclists must give way to walkers and horse riders. Nearby Bunyaville Conservation Park can also be reached by bike or a short drive for even more riding. RTS Tip: For your first Lomandra ride, head out on Green Tree Snake, climb towards Three Ways and return via Kombi for a great introduction to the network. Most of the purpose-built trails are blue/intermediate, so newer riders should take their time rather than assuming the warm-up area means the whole network is beginner-friendly. Avoid riding after heavy rain or when the trails are soft and muddy, and download the official map before setting out — there are plenty of intersecting forest roads and trail options.

MTB

Lynton Reserve, in Adelaide’s southern foothills near Belair and Windy Point, South Australia, offers a surprisingly varied mountain bike network only a short distance from the Adelaide CBD. Developed across former quarry land and Grey Box grassy woodland, the reserve features a mixture of MTB-only trails, shared-use trails, vehicle tracks and connecting singletrack, with steep terrain and excellent views across the Adelaide Plains. The riding ranges from easier links through to technical descending, rocky and loose sections and the Mitcham 4X Track, giving more experienced riders plenty to explore. One of Lynton’s strengths is its connection with the wider Mitcham foothills trail network. Riders can link Lynton Reserve with Sleeps Hill, Randell Park, Saddle Hill, O’Deas Reserve and Shepherds Hill, creating much longer MTB rides through Adelaide’s southern suburbs. The area is also accessible by train, making it an unusually convenient option for riders looking for mountain biking close to Adelaide without needing to travel deep into the Adelaide Hills. RTS Tip: Lynton packs a lot of elevation and technical riding into a relatively small area, so check the trail grading rather than judging a trail by its length. Some tracks are designated for walkers only while others are MTB-only or shared, so follow the trail signage and current City of Mitcham map. The terrain can also become loose and rocky when dry and muddy after rain, so check conditions before riding.

5.7 kmMTB

Lysterfield Park, around 30 km south-east of Melbourne, Victoria, is one of Australia’s best-known urban mountain biking destinations, with approximately 24 km of purpose-built MTB trails catering for beginners through to highly experienced riders. The network winds through native eucalypt forest, plantations and rocky hills surrounding Lysterfield Lake, combining flowing singletrack, berms, jumps, rock gardens, steep climbs and technical descents. Lysterfield also has an important place in Australian cycling history as home to the State Mountain Bike Course used for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. There’s plenty for newer riders and families, including the 6.3 km Lake Circuit Trail, Trail Mix and Lower Blair Witch, plus a dedicated Skills Park and pump track where riders can practise berms, jumps, drops and bike handling before heading onto the main network. Intermediate riders can explore trails including Lower Buckle, Upper Buckle, Middle, Red Gum, Hug, Upper Blair Witch, Snipe and Dog Pound, while experienced riders can step up to black trails such as Follow Me, Aneurysm and the 6.4 km State MTB Course. The short Granite Link takes things another step further with double-black technical terrain. With picnic areas, toilets, lake access and multiple riding options, Lysterfield Park works equally well for a family outing, skills session, quick after-work ride or a longer day linking together the MTB network. The trails are also supported by the volunteer-run Lysterfield District Trail Riders (LDTR), who help maintain and advocate for this hugely popular Melbourne mountain bike network. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, warm up on the Lake Circuit, Trail Mix or Skills Park before progressing into the blue and black singletrack. Experienced riders shouldn’t miss the 2006 Commonwealth Games State MTB Course, which is ridden anti-clockwise and packs technical rock sections, steep climbing and fast descending into 6.4 km. Check current Parks Victoria trail conditions before travelling, particularly after wet weather, and arrive early on busy weekends as parking can fill quickly.

20 kmMTB

You don't have to leave Melbourne behind to find a great gravel ride. Main Yarra Trail to Petty’s Orchard combines riverside paths, smooth gravel and quiet trails for an accessible cycling adventure along the Yarra River. Following the Main Yarra Trail through Melbourne's north-eastern suburbs, riders gradually leave the inner city behind as the landscape changes to river flats, parkland, bush and pockets of farmland around Templestowe. The gravel sections are generally smooth and non-technical, making this a great option for riders newer to gravel or anyone looking for a relaxed day on the bike rather than a technical off-road adventure. There are also plenty of opportunities to extend the ride or explore connecting trails along the way. A highlight is reaching Petty’s Orchard in Templestowe, approximately halfway around the popular 65km gravel loop. The historic orchard makes a perfect destination for a mid-ride break before turning back towards Melbourne. Depending on where you start and which connecting trails you choose, the ride can easily be shortened, extended or incorporated into a bigger loop. That flexibility makes the Main Yarra Trail one of Melbourne's easiest gateways into gravel riding. For riders searching for gravel cycling in Melbourne, this is a brilliant introduction — accessible from the city, relatively easy terrain and enough unsealed riding to get off the pavement without needing to head deep into regional Victoria. RTS Tip: There are plenty of variations and little gravel trails to discover along the Yarra, so don't feel you have to stick to one exact route. Ride The State will continue adding individual Melbourne gravel rides over time. Until then, use the mapping link to plan your preferred route to Petty’s Orchard and remember the Main Yarra Trail is shared with walkers, runners and other riders.

62 km559 mPath, Gravel, Trail

Majura Pines is one of Canberra’s classic mountain bike destinations, packing a great variety of riding into a compact trail network just minutes from the city. Purpose-built singletrack winds through the pine forest with everything from smooth, flowing trails and berms to jumps, technical features and more challenging descending. With trails catering for a range of abilities and plenty of options for linking together laps, Majura is equally suited to newer riders building confidence and experienced riders looking for a fast, fun session. RTS Tip: Majura is perfect for repeat laps, so use your first run to learn the trail and features before adding speed. The network is within a working pine plantation, meaning forestry operations can occasionally affect access — always check current trail closures and conditions before heading out.

20 kmMTB

Maldon MTB Park, on Mount Tarrengower at Maldon in Central Victoria, is a classic gravity mountain biking destination known for steep, rocky and challenging downhill trails. Only a few minutes from historic Maldon and around 40 km from Bendigo, the mountain rises to approximately 570 metres above sea level, providing the elevation and naturally rugged terrain that have made it a long-standing favourite with Victorian downhill riders. The main gravity network features four established descents — The Valley and City Link at intermediate level, the advanced Rough ’n’ Wild, and the expert-level Rocky Road. Expect fast natural singletrack, rock gardens, rough technical sections, drops and challenging lines rather than smooth modern bike-park flow. Maldon is particularly well known for its shuttle riding, with organised ride days using the sealed Mount Tarrengower Road to quickly return riders to the summit. The Valley offers one of the more approachable introductions to the mountain, with alternative lines around harder features, while City Link becomes progressively rougher and rockier. Rocky Road is a significant step up, essentially delivering an extended technical rock garden with few easier alternatives. The surrounding Maldon Historic Reserve also provides impressive views across Victoria’s historic Goldfields from Mount Tarrengower. Beyond the downhill park, Maldon is worth considering as a broader cycling destination. Riders can explore gravel routes around Mount Tarrengower and the surrounding Goldfields, while the rugged Castlemaine to Maldon Trail provides another MTB adventure between the two historic towns. RTS Tip: Maldon is proper old-school gravity riding, so don't underestimate the trail grades. Rocks, loose surfaces and technical features are a big part of the experience, and Rocky Road in particular is intended for highly experienced riders. Check Maldon MTB’s current shuttle or ride-day information before travelling, inspect unfamiliar features before committing and check Parks Victoria conditions and fire restrictions during warmer weather.

MTB

Manly Dam MTB Trail is one of Sydney’s most established and iconic mountain bike rides, winding through the sandstone bushland of Manly Warringah War Memorial Park on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The official loop is around 11km, combining purpose-built singletrack, shared trail and fire road into a classic Sydney cross-country ride. The riding is very much old-school Sydney MTB. Expect exposed sandstone, rock slabs, roots, technical climbs, water bars, drops and short punchy descents rather than long stretches of smooth machine-built flow. While Council describes the trail as suitable for riders from beginners through to advanced, there are jumps, drops and technical features along the route, with easier lines provided around some of the more challenging obstacles. The trail is designed to be ridden clockwise, with several access points around the reserve. Gibbs Street at Manly Vale is recommended by Northern Beaches Council as one of the best places to access the MTB trail, with other entry points at North Balgowlah, Seaforth and Allambie Heights. One of Manly Dam’s biggest attractions is the setting. You’re riding through genuine Sydney bushland around one of the city’s largest freshwater lakes, yet you’re only a short distance from Manly and the coast. The wider reserve also has picnic areas, toilets and walking trails, making it easy to turn a ride into a longer day out. Manly Dam is also useful as part of a bigger Northern Beaches MTB adventure. Stronger riders often use the Dam as the foundation of a longer ride before linking into surrounding riding areas, while nearby Bare Creek Bike Park offers a completely different style of purpose-built gravity, jumps and skills riding. For riders searching for Manly Dam MTB, Northern Beaches mountain bike trails, Sydney MTB, Manly mountain biking or technical XC trails in Sydney, this is one of the city's must-know MTB loops. RTS Tip: Manly Dam is relatively short at around 11km, but don’t underestimate it — the sandstone features and repeated technical sections can make it a much bigger ride than the distance suggests. Night riding is not permitted, and the trail can close after heavy rain or for maintenance. Council currently lists the MTB trail as OPEN, but check the live status before every visit because closures can change quickly.

10 kmMTB

Manning Park in Hamilton Hill, Western Australia, is a popular urban mountain biking and recreation area in the City of Cockburn, around 20 km south of Perth and close to Fremantle. The park’s elevated bushland contains an extensive network of informal mountain bike and shared-use trails, with riders drawn to its short climbs, descents, rocky limestone terrain, natural features and views across the surrounding coastal suburbs. Rather than a formal purpose-built MTB park, Manning Park has developed through many years of recreational riding, creating a dense network particularly popular with local mountain bikers looking for a quick trail session close to Perth. The future of the trail network is currently being reviewed by the City of Cockburn. Environmental and cultural heritage studies have led Council towards rehabilitating and rationalising some existing informal trails rather than developing the larger formal MTB network originally proposed. In June 2026, a proposed rehabilitation plan that included closing dozens of informal trails was deferred, meaning those closures have not currently been implemented while further consultation takes place. For riders searching for mountain biking near Perth, Fremantle or Cockburn, Manning Park remains an easily accessible local riding area, but it’s particularly important to respect signage, environmental rehabilitation areas and any changes to permitted trail access as the management plan progresses. RTS Tip: Manning Park’s trail situation is evolving, so check the City of Cockburn’s latest Manning Park trail information before riding rather than relying solely on older trail maps. Stick to trails currently open for use, avoid rehabilitation areas and remember the park is heavily shared with walkers and runners.

1.4 kmMTB

Mapleton Forest, within Mapleton National Park in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, offers a mix of dedicated mountain bike and shared-use trails through tall blackbutt forest, rainforest, palm groves and drier woodland. The riding is predominantly intermediate, with natural surfaces, moderate climbs, creek crossings and some steeper sections giving the network an adventurous cross-country feel. The Mapleton Day-use Area is a great starting point, with several rides branching into the forest. Highlights include the 19km Oaky Creek Lookout MTB Trail, offering views across the Conondale Range and Mary Valley, plus the 7.8km Turpentine Trail, 6.7km Piccabeen Circuit and 8.5km Kureelpa Falls Circuit. The latter drops around 200m before climbing back out, with the option to walk down to Kureelpa Falls along the way. RTS Tip: For a first visit, start from the Mapleton Day-use Area, where you’ll find parking, toilets and picnic facilities. Remember that several trails are shared with walkers and horse riders, while the Oaky Creek route also crosses the separate Gheerulla trail-bike track — give way and take extra care at crossings. Avoid riding in strong winds due to the risk of falling branches, and check Queensland Parks alerts before heading out.

MTB

Maydena Bike Park in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley, around 90 minutes from Hobart, is one of Australia’s premier gravity mountain biking destinations. Built into the slopes above the small town of Maydena, the park offers 80+ km of trails, 85+ individual trails and an enormous 820 metres of vertical elevation through spectacular Tasmanian rainforest. Designed and developed by specialist trail builders Dirt Art, the network ranges from beginner and family-friendly flow trails through to blue and black technical riding, freeride jump lines, double-black descents and professional-level terrain. Gravity riding is the main attraction, with the Summit Uplift providing access to the full 820 metres of vertical and more than 85 gravity trails. Riders can choose from long top-to-bottom flow trails, steep natural technical descents and freeride lines packed with jumps and drops. Popular trails include Scandinavia, Marriott’s, Colour Blind, Supercross, Dirt Church, The Local, Showtime and Maydena Hits. For riders wanting something more adventurous, the Wilderness Trail combination travels from the summit deep into the forest via Vista, Middle Earth and Outer Limits. Maydena isn’t exclusively for advanced riders. The Lower Mountain provides around 230 metres of vertical and access to 20+ gravity trails, including the green-rated Dirt Surfer, designed as an introduction to mountain biking and the park. There’s also a climbing trail from the base to Midline, providing around 400 metres of climbing and access to 50+ descending options, plus pump, jump, drop and skills areas for riders looking to progress their riding. As a privately operated bike park, riders need a valid Mountain Pass, with uplift passes available separately. Summit access is by the park’s uplift service — private vehicle shuttles and climbing on the shuttle road aren’t permitted. Bike hire and coaching are also available, making Maydena a destination that can easily justify several days rather than a single ride. RTS Tip: Maydena is huge, so don’t try to conquer the mountain on your first lap. Start lower or choose a trail comfortably within your ability, then progressively work your way into the harder terrain. An all-mountain or enduro bike is the park’s recommended choice, and while an approved helmet is mandatory, Maydena strongly recommends a full-face helmet, gloves, eye protection and knee and elbow protection. Check current operating days, trail status and uplift availability before travelling.

85 kmMTB

McMahons Point is a spectacular out-and-back fire trail in the Blue Mountains, suitable for both mountain and gravel bikes. The best starting point is near the old Queen Victoria Hospital site on Tablelands Road, with the route heading deep into the surrounding bushland towards Lake Burragorang. Expect rolling fire road, long descents and some solid climbing, with panoramic views across Lake Burragorang, the Warragamba Dam catchment and surrounding wilderness. From the lower car park, riders can explore two main lookouts — an easy walk of around 200 metres or a more challenging singletrack option of approximately 800 metres each way. The area also provides views towards the culturally significant Battleship Tops, adding another dimension to this rewarding Blue Mountains adventure. RTS Tip: Save something in the legs for the return — those long descents on the way in become solid climbs on the way back. This is a remote ride with limited facilities, so carry plenty of water, food and spares, download your route before leaving and check current National Parks alerts and fire-trail access.

40 km769 mMTB

McRobies Gully in South Hobart, Tasmania, offers a compact but adventurous mountain bike network in the lower foothills of kunanyi / Mt Wellington, only minutes from the Hobart CBD. The riding centres around Slides, Jurassic Shark and Tip Top, which can be linked with the surrounding fire trails to create a rewarding MTB loop featuring flowing singletrack, fern-filled gullies, climbing and increasingly technical descending. The City of Hobart recommends starting from the Old Farm Road car park, climbing Main Fire Trail and Golden Gully Fire Trail before connecting into the singletrack network. Jurassic Shark is a moderate, flowing dual-direction trail connecting Slides with Tip Top, while Slides Track delivers fun, flowing singletrack as it descends through the forest into McRobies Gully. Experienced riders can add Tip Top, a difficult black-diamond trail featuring narrow technical riding and two steep paved rock chutes. Tip Top is downhill-preferred and should be ridden west to east, with riders returning via the fire trail rather than continuing onto adjoining private land. McRobies Gully also forms part of Hobart’s much larger mountain bike network around kunanyi / Mt Wellington, where almost 60 km of MTB and shared-use tracks are maintained by the City of Hobart. A newer connection via Knocksofty Track links McRobies Gully with Knocklofty Reserve, creating even more options for riders wanting to build a longer South Hobart MTB adventure. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, link Jurassic Shark and Slides for a fun introduction before deciding whether you’re ready for Tip Top. The step up is significant — Tip Top’s steep rock chutes and technical terrain are intended for experienced riders. These are also shared-use trails, so stay alert for walkers, follow directional signage and download the current Hobart trail map if you’re linking McRobies Gully into the wider kunanyi / Mt Wellington network.

MTB

Meadowbank MTB, in Tasmania’s beautiful Derwent Valley around one hour from Hobart, offers a boutique mountain biking experience unlike the state’s larger public trail centres. Set across a working farm and the renowned Meadowbank vineyard, the private bike park features around 13 km of purpose-built MTB trails combining flowing descents, ridgeline riding, jumps, playful features and spectacular panoramic views across the Derwent Valley. The trails have been designed around progression and group riding, with options for different skill levels and a strong focus on fun, lower-consequence riding rather than intimidating race-style terrain. A shuttle uplift means riders can spend more time descending and less time climbing, with trails including Merino Way, Pinot Drop, Wine Down, Grasshopper, The Big G and Uncorked. Merino Way provides a long green-rated descent of around 4.7 km, while the wider network gives progressing and experienced riders opportunities to tackle faster trails, jumps and more challenging features. What really sets Meadowbank apart is the complete “ride and wine” experience. MTB sessions can be combined with food and wine at Meadowbank Winery, creating a distinctly Tasmanian riding destination rather than simply another trail network. Access is managed through private group bookings and selected public open days, with public sessions limited to small numbers, so this isn’t a trail network you can simply turn up and ride whenever you like. RTS Tip: Meadowbank MTB is all about quality laps without the crowds, so book ahead and make a day of it. Public open days can be limited to around 30 riders, and the uplift shuttle keeps the laps coming. If you’re travelling through the Derwent Valley, allow time after your ride to enjoy the vineyard setting and local food — this is one MTB destination where hanging around after the final lap is very much part of the experience.

MTB

Nestled at the base of Mount Remarkable, Melrose is one of Australia's premier mountain biking destinations, boasting around 80 kilometres of purpose-built singletrack through spectacular South Australian landscapes. With flowing cross-country trails, technical descents, rocky challenges and breathtaking scenery, it's the kind of destination that keeps riders coming back. The trail network caters to a wide range of abilities, from beginners discovering mountain biking through to experienced riders looking for technical challenges. Popular trails including Greener Pastures, Hellrose, Throwing Copper, The Big Rhua and Dodging Bullets showcase the variety on offer, combining flowing singletrack, rocky terrain, rewarding climbs and exhilarating descents. Many of Melrose's trails traverse private property, generously made accessible by local landowners. Riders are asked to respect this access by staying on marked trails, following signage, helping prevent the spread of weeds and leaving dogs at home where required. One of Melrose's greatest strengths is the community built around its trails. Visitors can connect with the friendly locals from Bike Melrose through regular social rides, while Over The Edge Melrose offers bike hire, guided rides, skills coaching and maintenance support, making it easy for first-time visitors to get out and experience the network. Melrose is also incredibly easy to turn into a full riding getaway. Much of the town's accommodation is within riding distance of the trails, including Ride The State Foundation Partner Under the Mount, offering bike-friendly accommodation right at the foot of Mount Remarkable and an ideal base for exploring the area. Want to explore beyond what you can reach straight from town? Fellow RTS Partner Beyond the Mount can help with bike transport and shuttle options, including connections between Adelaide, Melrose and further north towards Blinman—particularly handy for riders incorporating Melrose into a bigger Flinders Ranges or Mawson Trail adventure. With trails on the doorstep, a passionate local riding community and plenty of bike-friendly places to stay, eat and explore, Melrose is much more than somewhere to squeeze in a ride. Whether you're planning a weekend escape, tackling the 18/6/3 Hours of Melrose or making it part of a longer South Australian riding road trip, it's a destination well worth putting on the list.

80 kmMTB

Mill Creek MTB Trails are a well-established mountain bike network within the Lucas Heights Conservation Area in Sydney’s south, offering a brilliant mix of technical sandstone riding, flowing singletrack, jumps and trails for progressing riders. The network is managed by Sutherland Shire Council with ongoing support from the volunteer-run Mill Creek Trail Association. There’s around 10km of predominantly singletrack trails, with most individual trails under 1km, allowing riders to link and repeat different sections to create a much longer session. The network has evolved from old unsanctioned dirt-bike and 4WD tracks into an officially managed MTB area, while retaining plenty of its raw Sydney sandstone character. Mill Creek is particularly known for its rocky and technical terrain, with sandstone slabs, rock features, tight singletrack and natural obstacles providing plenty of challenge for intermediate and experienced riders. At the same time, newer trail development has broadened the network to include more approachable riding and opportunities for riders to progress their skills. Popular trails include Black Hawk Down and Pump Action for more traditional technical sandstone riding, while Hit the Turps and Acacia Missed It bring more contemporary flow and jump-focused riding into the mix. Whipper Snapper provides another option aimed at skill development. The network is the product of a huge amount of volunteer work. Rehabilitation and trail development have been underway since 2011, with volunteers working alongside Sutherland Shire Council Bushcare and the Mill Creek Trail Association to maintain and improve the trails and surrounding conservation area. Located at Lucas Heights near Menai, Mill Creek is an easy MTB destination to reach from much of Sydney and offers a very different experience from the smoother purpose-built riding found at some of the city’s newer bike parks. For riders searching for Mill Creek MTB Trails, Menai mountain bike trails, Lucas Heights MTB, mountain biking in Sydney or technical MTB trails in southern Sydney, this is one of the city’s established riding networks and definitely one to have on the list. RTS Tip: Mill Creek rewards riders who enjoy technical, natural-style mountain biking, but there are now trails catering to a broader range of abilities. Use the current trail map to choose trails that suit your skill level and check the trail status before heading out, particularly following rain. The local association also cautions that user-generated mapping can contain unofficial trails, so stick to sanctioned trails and current signage.

MTB

Moama MTB Park, also known as the Five Mile Mountain Bike Trail, offers around 7 km of purpose-built mountain bike trails near Moama and Echuca on the NSW–Victoria border. Located within Murray Valley Regional Park beside the Murray River, the trails wind beneath towering river red gums and are designed to cater for a broad range of abilities, making Five Mile a great option for beginners, families and experienced riders looking for a fun cross-country session. The network combines fast, rolling singletrack with berms, rollers, jumps, drops, wall rides and flowing bridge features, packing plenty of variety into its relatively short distance. There’s also a dedicated skills area and pump track, giving newer riders somewhere to practise bike handling while more experienced riders can session features before heading back onto the main trail. The relatively flat Riverina landscape means the riding is more about carrying speed, cornering and enjoying the flow than tackling long climbs. Set around 8 km from Moama along Perricoota Road, Five Mile mountain bike trail is easy to combine with a wider Echuca–Moama cycling trip. After riding, the nearby Five Mile picnic area provides a scenic spot beside the Murray River to relax, picnic or make a longer day of the visit. Parking is available at the MTB trail, although NSW National Parks notes that it can become busy on weekends. RTS Tip: Five Mile is a brilliant spot for riders wanting to build MTB skills without huge climbs. Use the pump track and skills area first, then take those skills onto the rollers, berms and features of the main trail. Summer temperatures in the Murray region can be extreme, so ride early, carry plenty of water and check current Murray Valley Regional Park alerts before travelling. Mobile reception can also be limited within the park, so download any information you need before setting out.

MTB

The Moe – Yallourn Rail Trail is an easy 7.2 km one-way cycling trail in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, around 130 km east of Melbourne. Following the former railway line between Moe and Yallourn Power Station, the coarse-gravel shared trail travels through a mixture of bushland, open countryside and creek flats, with views towards Lake Narracan, the Haunted Hills and Yallourn W Power Station. Its mostly gentle railway gradient makes it well suited to mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, families and recreational cyclists, with an out-and-back ride covering around 14–16 km depending on your exact start point. Starting near Bennett Street in Moe, the trail passes the Moe Botanic Gardens, crosses Narracan Creek and continues past Newborough before heading towards Yallourn. Riders can detour via Sullivans Track towards Lake Narracan, where the Halls Bay area provides an opportunity to add extra kilometres and enjoy views across the water. The rail trail finishes at Graeme Edwards Memorial Garden near Yallourn Power Station, where there is a shelter, barbecue, bike rack, water fountain and parking. The trail follows a railway constructed in the 1950s to serve Yallourn’s power and briquette industries, replacing an earlier railway alignment through the Haunted Hills. The newer line allowed heavy coal trains to avoid the steeper original route and remained in operation until 1986, when briquette production was transferred to Morwell. Today, the imposing Yallourn Power Station at the end of the trail provides a striking reminder of the Latrobe Valley’s industrial and railway history. RTS Tip: For a more interesting return ride, detour towards Lake Narracan via Sullivans Track and Halls Bay rather than simply retracing the entire rail trail. The lake connection is rougher and better suited to mountain bikes, gravel bikes or wider tyres. Emergency marker posts are installed along the rail trail — if you need assistance, quote the nearest marker code when calling 000.

15 kmGravel

The Botanic Gardens side of the Mogo Trails network is a brilliant place to experience the flow and variety that has made Mogo one of Australia’s standout mountain bike destinations. Starting from the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden trailhead, riders can access a mix of green, blue and black trails connected by manageable climbing trails, making this a great zone for families, progressing riders and experienced mountain bikers alike. Expect smooth, purpose-built singletrack packed with flowing berms, rollers, playful descents and optional technical features, with plenty of opportunities to progress as confidence grows. Riders looking for more of a challenge can also connect towards the more technical Mogo Trig area, while the extensive network makes it easy to build anything from a quick lap to a full day on the bike. RTS Tip: The Botanic Gardens side is a great starting point if it’s your first visit to Mogo. Begin with the easier flow trails, then gradually work your way up as you get a feel for the terrain. With so many trail connections, download the current trail map before you ride and plan a few favourites rather than trying to cover the entire network in one day.

75 kmMTB

The Zoo side of the Mogo Trails network delivers an exciting mix of flowing cross-country singletrack, gravity riding and technical descents, easily accessed from the Mogo Wildlife Park side of the forest. Riders can choose from smooth blue flow trails through to challenging black and double-black descents, making it a great zone for progressing trail riders and experienced gravity riders alike. The standout Zooniverse provides a fast and playful 7 km traverse linking the eastern trail zones with berms, rollers and flowing features, while trails including Seamstress, Vertiginous and Final Destination step things up for riders chasing more technical terrain. With multiple trailheads, self-shuttle opportunities and plenty of options for linking together laps, the Zoo side packs a huge amount of variety into one riding area. RTS Tip: Zooniverse is a great way to explore the Zoo side and connect into different parts of the network, but check your planned return route before dropping into the gravity trails. Trail difficulty ramps up quickly here, so pay attention to grading, inspect unfamiliar features and don’t assume the next trail will be the same difficulty as the last.

50 kmMTB

Molonglo Pines and Zoo Pines form part of Canberra’s extensive collection of informal and established mountain bike riding areas, offering a mix of singletrack, fire trails and technical bush riding close to the city. The terrain delivers plenty of variety, with short climbs, flowing sections, rocky features and tighter trails that make the area fun to explore on an XC or trail bike. With multiple tracks and connections through the surrounding landscape, riders can piece together anything from a quick session to a longer exploratory ride. RTS Tip: Trail layouts and access around Molonglo and Zoo Pines can change, so don’t rely on an old route alone. Check the latest local trail information before riding, keep an eye out for closures or changed access, and download a current map if you’re planning to explore beyond the main trails.

20 kmMTB

Morialta Conservation Park, at Woodforde in the Adelaide Hills foothills just 10 km east of Adelaide CBD, offers scenic mountain biking through rugged gorge country, native bushland and the steep hills surrounding Morialta Falls. Unlike a purpose-built MTB park, cycling at Morialta is restricted to designated vehicle tracks, which are shared with walkers and other park users. These tracks provide opportunities for cross-country and adventure-style riding, with sustained climbing, fast fire-road descents and impressive views across the park and towards Adelaide. Morialta is best known for its dramatic quartzite cliffs, waterfalls and deep wooded gorges, providing a spectacular backdrop for a ride close to the city. The wider park contains an extensive walking network around First, Second and Third Falls, although these walking trails should not be confused with the cycling routes — bikes are permitted only on the vehicle tracks specifically designated for riding. There are no MTB-only trails within Morialta Conservation Park. With toilets, picnic facilities and parking available within the park, Morialta can work well for riders looking to combine a shorter off-road ride with exploring one of Adelaide’s best-known conservation parks. It also sits within the broader Adelaide Hills cycling and mountain biking region, making it another option for riders searching for MTB and gravel-style riding close to Adelaide. RTS Tip: Download the Morialta Shared Use Trail Map before riding and pay close attention to signage. Many of Morialta’s best-known trails are walking-only, and mountain bikes are permitted only on designated vehicle tracks. These are shared trails, so control your speed, give way appropriately and avoid riding in wet or muddy conditions.

MTB

The Mount Barker District MTB Trails, in the Adelaide Hills around 35 km south-east of Adelaide, South Australia, provide a growing collection of mountain bike and cycling options around Mount Barker, Hahndorf and the surrounding district. One of the key purpose-built riding areas is Aston Hills Mountain Bike Park, featuring trails designed for a range of ages and abilities, including an easy climbing trail, flowing descents, a pump track and dedicated skills zone. Trails such as Aston Flow, Easy Climb and Lower Path make it particularly well suited to families, beginners and riders looking to practise their MTB skills. The wider Mount Barker district provides plenty of opportunities to extend the ride beyond the bike park. Riders can explore cycling connections around Laratinga Wetlands, the Mount Barker Linear Trail, Newenham Linear Park and the Mount Barker Rail Trail, creating longer recreational and mixed-surface rides through wetlands, farmland and the growing Adelaide Hills township. The Mount Barker Rail Trail also connects towards Laratinga Wetlands and the Summit Sport and Recreation Park, making it possible to combine several local cycling routes into one bigger outing. Nearby Hahndorf adds another MTB option at Tara-Illa Bike Park, which contains mountain bike and walking trails of varying difficulty. Combined with Mount Barker’s growing trail network, this makes the district a handy cycling base for riders wanting to explore more of the Adelaide Hills rather than visiting a single standalone bike park. RTS Tip: If you’re new to the Mount Barker MTB scene, start at Aston Hills Mountain Bike Park and use the Easy Climb, pump track and skills zone to warm up before exploring the flow trails. For more kilometres, link your ride into the Mount Barker Linear Trail and Laratinga Wetlands network. Download your route before setting out and pay attention to signage, as the wider district includes a mixture of MTB trails, shared paths and walking trails rather than one continuous mountain bike network.

8 kmMTB

Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort is one of Australia's most unique mountain biking destinations, transforming from a winter ski resort into a spectacular alpine riding playground throughout the warmer months. Open almost year-round, the resort offers breathtaking scenery, cool mountain air and riding for everyone from first-time trail riders to elite downhill racers. The cross-country trail network winds through snow gum woodlands and alpine forests, with flowing singletrack, challenging climbs and rewarding descents. Riders can explore iconic locations including the summit, enjoy panoramic views from Anthill Lookout, and pass through fields of wildflowers and towering Mountain Ash forests. Elevated boardwalks protect sensitive alpine environments while providing enjoyable riding across wetter sections, and picnic areas along the way make it easy to stop and take in the scenery. Cross-country trails are free to access, with bike hire available from the Adventure Hub. For gravity riders, Mt Baw Baw's downhill track is one of Australia's most iconic alpine descents. Dropping around 300 vertical metres from the village, the trail features a demanding mix of berms, rock gardens, log drops, rollovers, jumps and technical features that have challenged some of the country's fastest riders. While the main line is designed for experienced downhill riders, many of the larger obstacles include alternate B-lines, making the trail accessible to confident intermediate riders looking to progress their skills. Whether you're chasing flowing alpine cross-country trails or one of Australia's most technical downhill runs, Mt Baw Baw delivers an unforgettable mountain biking experience surrounded by some of Victoria's most spectacular alpine scenery.

MTB

Mount Borah MTB Trails, near Manilla in northern NSW, are all about gravity. Built into the slopes of Mount Borah, the network offers a mix of downhill, enduro and flow trails with one of the biggest elevation drops of any mountain bike riding area in northern NSW. The mountain originally became known among riders for its long, raw downhill trails, but the network has expanded considerably over the years. Today there are high-speed berms, natural and constructed jumps, technical descending and newer flow trails, providing options for different abilities while retaining Mount Borah’s gravity-focused character. The standout is Snake Bite, the mountain’s longest trail at around 3.5km with approximately 450m of vertical descent. It’s a serious run and a great example of just how much elevation Mount Borah has to play with. The network has since grown to include enduro-style trails inspired by modern gravity racing as well as more accessible flow trails. One of the big advantages is the vehicle access up Mount Borah. The access road has several drop-off points, with many of the trails running relatively close and parallel to the road. The local club also operates organised shuttle ride days, which are easily the best way to maximise descending without repeatedly tackling the climb back up. The trails are developed and maintained by the North West Mountain Bike Club, with the riding area growing from a handful of gravity enthusiasts into an established destination capable of hosting major downhill and enduro competition. Mount Borah itself is also famous internationally as a paragliding destination, so the huge views across the Manilla countryside are part of the experience when you reach the top. For riders searching for Mount Borah mountain bike trails, Manilla MTB, downhill mountain biking near Tamworth, gravity MTB in NSW or enduro trails in northern NSW, Mount Borah is definitely one for the ride list. RTS Tip: This is primarily a gravity riding destination, and the easiest way to experience it is during an organised shuttle day. Riders are required to complete a waiver before using the trails, and wet weather can affect both trail and shuttle-road access. Check current club information and trail mapping before travelling, and throw some Trail Karma towards the local crew if you ride — these trails are largely supported by the club and the riders who use them.

MTB

The Portland MTB Trail is a fun and accessible 7.5km singletrack loop that offers an enjoyable ride for beginners and intermediate mountain bikers. The trail is well signposted, with each section marked as sectors 1–11, making navigation straightforward despite the unusual numbering system. 2 other loops available with 13km in total. While you won't find perfectly groomed flow trails or large man-made features, the track makes good use of the natural terrain. The ride begins with a long, gentle descent where you can build some speed, with a handful of small to medium jumps adding a bit of excitement along the way. One of the highlights is a winding section that snakes through a small gully, providing some enjoyable corners and a more natural trail feel. The remainder of the loop is relatively straightforward but remains entertaining from start to finish. The trail surface can become quite heavy after rain, so it's worth checking local weather conditions before heading out. As the only dedicated mountain bike trail in the Portland area, it's a worthwhile stop for riders exploring the region or looking to tick off another NSW trail.

13 kmMTB

Mount Cotton, on Queensland’s Redlands Coast south-east of Brisbane, is home to the Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area, a 186-hectare reserve offering an impressive network of purpose-built mountain bike and shared-use trails. The riding climbs through open eucalypt forest and pockets of dry rainforest on the slopes of Mount Cotton, with everything from easier flowing contour trails through to technical blue and dedicated black-diamond MTB trails featuring more challenging obstacles and features. The broader network includes around 25 km of shared and multi-use trails plus dedicated downhill riding, making Mount Cotton a great destination for trail, enduro and cross-country riders looking for mountain biking close to Brisbane and the Redlands. A major highlight is the variety of terrain. Riders can tackle flowing singletrack, sustained climbing, rocky and technical sections and gravity-focused descents, while the summit area provides expansive views across South East Queensland. The main trailhead on West Mount Cotton Road has parking, toilets, drinking water, shelter and a bike repair station, making it easy to base a few hours of riding from one location. Some trails also provide adaptive mountain bike access. Mount Cotton also sits close to Bayview Conservation Park, which has around 60 km of additional bushwalking and mountain bike trails, making the Redlands Coast an excellent area for riders wanting to explore several MTB networks over a weekend. RTS Tip: Check the latest Eastern Escarpment trail map before riding. The Summit Track and Metamorphic Trail were realigned in 2026 after public access through an adjoining section of private property ended, so older maps and GPS routes may no longer be accurate. Stick to the signed entrances and trails, start within your ability and work up to the black-diamond gravity lines once you know the terrain.

MTB

Mount Gambier, on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, offers a distinctive mountain biking experience built around the city’s extinct volcanic landscape. The main riding area is the Crater Lakes precinct, where trails weave around the volcanic craters, Valley Lake and the slopes below Centenary Tower. The official Mount Gambier Crater Lakes Trail is approximately 4.2 km, combining cycling and shared-use sections with narrow trail, climbing and spectacular viewpoints across the crater lakes and surrounding countryside. Riders can start from several locations including Mark’s Lookout, Lions Lookout and Potters Point Lookout, making it easy to incorporate the trail into a wider exploration of the Crater Lakes area. Beyond the main Crater Lakes Trail, Mount Gambier has a collection of local MTB singletrack and connecting trails around the surrounding slopes. Expect a mixture of flowing cross-country riding, pine and eucalypt forest, volcanic rock, technical sections and short but punchy climbs and descents rather than a large modern trail-centre network. Local riding includes trails around the Crater Lakes and surrounding areas, with routes such as Blue Gums Ride, Reverse Pines Loop and Wheel Nuts appearing within the wider Mount Gambier MTB network. The real attraction is the setting. Riders can pedal through an extinct volcanic landscape overlooking Blue Lake / Warwar, Valley Lake / Ketla Malpi and the Leg of Mutton Lake crater, with lookouts around the rim providing expansive views across Mount Gambier and, on clear days, towards the Southern Ocean. This makes Mount Gambier a worthwhile MTB stop for riders travelling through the Limestone Coast between Adelaide and Melbourne, particularly when combined with the region’s other cycling and outdoor attractions. RTS Tip: Mount Gambier’s trail network has undergone changes following bushfire damage and rehabilitation work in the Crater Lakes precinct, so check the latest City of Mount Gambier trail information before riding and don’t rely solely on older GPS routes. Stick to currently open and designated cycling trails, and allow some extra time to explore the lookouts around the Crater Lakes — the volcanic scenery is a huge part of what makes riding here different.

MTB

Mount Hay is one of the Blue Mountains most spectacular ridge top rides, combining sweeping valley views, unique heathland and dramatic cliff lines. The ride follows Mount Hay Road, a long gravel route that gradually traverses the plateau through the world heritage National Park. The ride is easily accessible from Leura Railway Station, with a short connection via local roads to the start of Mount Hay Road. From the roundabout, it is approximately 15 km to the Mount Hay car park, making for a 30 km return ride. The first few kilometres are sealed before transitioning to a gravel surface. From the Mount Hay car park, a walking track leads to the summit of Mount Hay. While bikes are not permitted on this section, the short walk is well worth the effort. From the summit, views extend across the vast Grose Valley, surrounding sandstone escarpments and the western plains beyond Sydney. Mount Hay Road is shared with vehicle traffic, so riders should take care, particularly on corners and during busy periods. The road may also be closed from time to time for maintenance, so it is worth checking with National Parks before setting out. For those looking to explore beyond the ride itself, several outstanding walking tracks branch from the Mount Hay area. The walk to Lockleys Pylon is highly recommended and rewards visitors with one of the finest panoramic lookouts in the Blue Mountains, overlooking the Grose Valley and surrounding wilderness. Butterbox Point is another worthwhile side trip, offering dramatic cliff top views and a different perspective across the valley. Both walks are pedestrian only, so bikes should be left and secured before continuing on foot.

30 kmGravel

Mount Joyce MTB Trails Mount Joyce Mountain Bike Trails, at Lake Wyaralong in Queensland’s Scenic Rim, offer around 25 km of purpose-built IMBA-standard singletrack in a spectacular lakeside setting north-west of Beaudesert. Accessed from the Eastern Trail Access at Wyaralong Dam, the network ranges from beginner-friendly green trails through blue and black terrain to serious double-black riding, making Mount Joyce a destination for everything from recreational cross-country riding to technical gravity sessions. The event-standard network includes steep climbs and descents, rocky terrain, technical trail features and longer flowing sections, with impressive views across Lake Wyaralong and the surrounding Scenic Rim. The dedicated MTB trails sit within a much larger recreation network at Wyaralong, where riders can also access multi-use trails around the lake. More than 40 km of multi-use tracks and trails extend through the wider area, providing opportunities to combine the purpose-built singletrack with longer cross-country and adventure rides. The Shoreline Trail is another option for riders wanting to explore beyond the main MTB network. What makes Mount Joyce particularly appealing is the progression available within one trail system. Newer riders can stay on the easier trails while experienced mountain bikers can tackle steep grades, rocky technical sections and advanced gravity terrain. The combination of substantial elevation, purpose-built singletrack and the Lake Wyaralong backdrop makes it one of the standout mountain biking destinations between Brisbane, Ipswich and the Scenic Rim. RTS Tip: Mount Joyce can be hot, exposed and physically demanding, so carry plenty of drinking water and don't underestimate the climbing between descents. Double-black trails are intended for very experienced riders, so check the current trail map and grading before dropping into an unfamiliar line. Access conditions can also change due to weather, fire management or maintenance, so check the latest Seqwater Wyaralong recreation alerts before travelling.

25 kmMTB

The Mount Laura MTB Trails in Whyalla, South Australia, offer a large network of natural mountain bike singletrack on the outskirts of the city, making this one of the main MTB riding areas on the Eyre Peninsula. The network spreads across the dry, rocky terrain around Mount Laura, with interconnected trails allowing riders to create anything from a short cross-country session to a much longer exploration. Expect classic Whyalla riding conditions — hard-packed dirt, loose rock, exposed terrain, short climbs, fast descents and technical natural features rather than highly manicured bike-park trails. The network includes trails such as Adrenalina, Dogs Breakfast, Blazing Shovels, Rabbit Race, X2, X4 and X5, with green and blue options alongside more challenging sections. Mount Laura has a distinctly old-school, community-built MTB feel, and the wider Eyre Peninsula Trails Strategy identifies it as one of Whyalla’s established informal mountain biking networks. Trails twist across the low hills and open landscape, with plenty of opportunities to link different lines together rather than following one prescribed loop. That makes it particularly appealing to XC and trail riders who enjoy exploring and building their own ride. The exposed landscape is also part of the experience, offering broad views across Whyalla and the Upper Spencer Gulf. With very little shade across much of Mount Laura, conditions can be dramatically different depending on the season, and riding during the cooler months or early in the day is generally the more comfortable option. RTS Tip: Download a current trail map before setting out — Mount Laura is a network of interconnected trails rather than a heavily signposted destination bike park, so knowing which lines you want to ride will make your first visit much easier. Whyalla can also get seriously hot and exposed, so carry plenty of water, avoid the middle of hot days and be prepared for loose, rocky terrain that can be tough on tyres.

44 kmMTB

The Pile Road Trail Network, part of the Mount Lennard trails in Wellington National Park near Collie, is a classic Western Australian mountain bike destination known for its natural, old-school singletrack through beautiful jarrah forest. Now incorporated into the much larger Wambenger Trails network, Pile Road offers predominantly blue intermediate riding, with flowing cross-country trails, steady climbs, fast descents, granite outcrops and technical features, plus a handful of black and double-black options for experienced riders. Unlike newer machine-built bike parks, much of the riding here retains a more organic feel, with gentle gradients that reward riders who can maintain momentum. Grizzly is one of the standout trails, weaving for 5.4km through mature jarrah forest with bermed turns, log rides and views across the lower Collie River Valley, while Boylan provides a 6.7km climbing route that can be combined with Grizzly for a great loop. A dedicated jump area at the bottom of the network adds doubles and tabletops for riders looking for some airtime. RTS Tip: For a great introduction to Pile Road, link Boylan and Grizzly into an approximately 12km loop, then explore more of the surrounding Mount Lennard trails if you have time. Download the Wellington Trails West map or Wambenger Trails App before heading out — the wider Wellington network now contains almost 100km of MTB trails, so there’s plenty more riding nearby.

40 kmMTB

Mount Major MTB Park at Dookie, around 30 km east of Shepparton in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, is a purpose-built mountain biking area offering both cross-country and downhill riding across the rocky slopes of Mount Major. The network ranges from easier XC riding through to very difficult gravity trails, with natural singletrack, rock gardens, log crossings, steep climbs, fast descents and technical rocky outcrops. The main Cross Country course is around 10 km, while the mountain also features several shorter downhill runs dropping from near the summit. The easier Melon Track runs for around 1.5 km with flowing open corners and a gully crossing, while the much harder East and Skyline tracks descend for approximately 1.3 km across rocky terrain, off-camber sections and technical outcrops. Mount Major has also hosted high-level competition, including the 2011 Australian Mountain Bike Championships, giving this relatively compact regional Victorian MTB park a strong racing history. The climb to Mount Major’s summit is part of the experience, with the peak reaching around 381 metres above sea level and providing sweeping views over Dookie, surrounding farmland and the Goulburn Valley. The MTB park is located on land associated with the University of Melbourne’s Dookie agricultural campus and remains part of a working farm, so riders may encounter livestock as well as vehicles using Mount Major TV Road to access communications infrastructure. RTS Tip: Mount Major has everything from approachable XC to genuinely difficult rocky descending, so check the trail grading before dropping into an unfamiliar line. Access is via Mount Major TV Road, and cyclists may need to lift their bike over the access gate. Remember you’re riding through a working agricultural property — watch for livestock, road crossings, snakes during warmer months and seasonal magpies, and dogs, camping and fires are not permitted.

MTB

The Mount Marlay MTB Trails in Stanthorpe, Queensland, deliver a unique mountain biking experience on the granite terrain of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt. Located just 1.5 km from Stanthorpe’s main street, the compact network makes excellent use of Mount Marlay’s roughly 100 metres of elevation, with trails ranging from beginner-friendly cross-country riding to seriously technical black and double-black gravity lines. Expect exposed granite slabs and boulders, rocky technical features, flowing singletrack, berms and challenging descents, with panoramic views across Stanthorpe and the surrounding Granite Belt. The easier side of Mount Marlay includes Green Granite, Rusty and The Grape Escape, providing a great introduction to the distinctive granite riding. On The Rocks and Hammerhead step up the technical challenge and can also be used for climbing towards the summit, while experienced riders can tackle gravity trails including Tankslapper and Gnarly Marlay. Tankslapper and Gnarly Marlay are downhill-only, with the harder trails packing a surprising amount of technical riding into relatively short distances. Another advantage of riding Mount Marlay is the sandy, granite-based soil found around Stanthorpe. Unlike many clay-based Queensland MTB networks, the local trails can often recover quickly after rain, although riders should still check current conditions before setting out. With Passchendaele State Forest and Broadwater State Forest also offering riding nearby, Stanthorpe makes a great base for a bigger Granite Belt mountain biking weekend. RTS Tip: Don’t underestimate Mount Marlay because it’s a compact network — the harder trails make full use of the granite and black really does mean black here. Start with Green Granite, Rusty or The Grape Escape to get a feel for the surface before progressing onto the technical gravity lines. If you’re heading for Tankslapper or Gnarly Marlay, inspect unfamiliar features first and follow the designated downhill direction.

MTB

The Mount Morgan MTB Trails, around 40 km south-west of Rockhampton in Central Queensland, offer approximately 25 km of purpose-built mountain bike trails surrounding the picturesque No. 7 Dam recreation area. The network consists of five main loops ranging from green beginner trails through to blue intermediate riding, combining cross-country singletrack, rocky natural terrain, sustained climbs, flowing descents, berms, jumps and optional technical features. Set amongst ironbark forest and the historic hills surrounding the former Mount Morgan mining township, the trails offer impressive views across the dam and surrounding Central Queensland landscape. The five main trails are Gangulu Trail, Bungoona Trail, Miners’ Mercy, Mundagarra and Cutter’s Run, each offering a slightly different riding experience. Gangulu and Miners’ Mercy provide longer XC-style riding and views across the eastern side of the dam, while Bungoona adds climbing, descending, drops, jumps and gap features. Mundagarra rewards a substantial climb with a flowing descent packed with berms and jumps, while Cutter’s Run delivers another fast, flowing descent with views towards Mount Morgan’s historic mine stack. The trailhead at No. 7 Dam makes Mount Morgan particularly good for families and groups, with free parking, toilets, picnic tables, barbecues, a large shaded playground and outdoor exercise equipment. Access to the MTB trails is free, and the network is open around the clock, making it an easy addition to a Rockhampton or Capricorn Region mountain biking trip. For riders travelling through the region, Mount Morgan pairs brilliantly with First Turkey MTB Reserve in Rockhampton. Together, the two networks provide more than 50 km of riding, with Mount Morgan offering predominantly green and blue trails while First Turkey adds a larger selection of technical and gravity-focused terrain. RTS Tip: Mount Morgan is a great network for beginner and intermediate riders, but don’t assume all the blue trails are cruisy — some head into steeper, rockier and more remote terrain. Carry plenty of water in Central Queensland’s warmer months and download the trail map before leaving the trailhead. If you have time after your ride, explore historic Mount Morgan or make it a two-park MTB trip by adding First Turkey in Rockhampton.

25 kmMTB

Mount Nelson MTB Trails Mount Nelson, just south of Hobart, Tasmania, offers an accessible network of cross-country mountain bike and shared-use trails across Bicentennial Park, Cartwright Reserve, Porters Hill and the surrounding Mount Nelson bushland. Only around 10–15 minutes from the Hobart CBD, the area combines fire trails and natural singletrack with rocky sections, short technical descents and sustained climbing, making it a handy option for riders looking for mountain biking close to Hobart. The broader Mount Nelson riding area contains around 35 km of interconnected trails, with options ranging from easier gravel and shared-use riding through to blue and more technical MTB singletrack. One of the key routes is Signal Station Track, a blue-rated shared-use trail climbing from Enterprise Road towards the historic Mount Nelson Signal Station. The upper section provides a relatively gentle gravel climb, while terrain below Enterprise Road becomes considerably steeper and rockier. Other trails and connections around Mount Nelson allow riders to explore towards Cartwright Reserve, Taroona, Sandy Bay, Dynnyrne and Tolmans Hill, with some suburban road connections required when building longer loops. The setting is a big part of the appeal. Reaching the top of Mount Nelson rewards riders with expansive views across Hobart, the River Derwent, Storm Bay and towards the Tasman Peninsula, while the heritage-listed Signal Station provides an interesting connection to Hobart's maritime history. The easier Signal Station Circuit is around 2.8 km and follows Signal Station Track and Enterprise Fire Trail, providing a good introduction to the reserve before exploring the wider network. RTS Tip: Mount Nelson is a mixture of formal shared-use trails, fire trails and informal tracks, so don't assume every trail you see is open to mountain bikes. Stick to sanctioned riding routes and download a current map before setting out, particularly if you're linking several reserves together. For a first visit, use Signal Station Track to get your bearings and enjoy the views from the summit before exploring the more technical singletrack.

MTB

Mount Peel Bushland Park, on the south-western edge of Toowoomba near Drayton, Queensland, offers a growing network of purpose-built mountain bike trails through more than 123 hectares of native bushland. The riding is predominantly green-grade singletrack, making Mount Peel particularly well suited to beginner mountain bikers, families, kids and riders wanting to build confidence before progressing to Toowoomba’s more technical MTB networks. The park also contains more than 4 km of shared-use firebreaks linking its trail areas, five peaks and several lookouts with views across Toowoomba and the surrounding Darling Downs. The standout ride is the 6 km Wakka Wakka Trail, a one-way clockwise singletrack circuit made up of four stacked loops. Riders can exit at the intervening firebreaks to create shorter rides, making it easy to tailor the distance for younger or developing riders. Other dedicated MTB trails include the 1.25 km Bunda Trail, 825 m Wakka Bunda connector, 2.75 km Darla Trail and 3.04 km Gumbi Gumbi Trail, providing plenty of options for linking together a longer Mount Peel mountain bike ride. The trails feature relatively gentle gradients, good sight lines and limited technical obstacles, with a mixture of flowing singletrack and easy climbing rather than the jumps, drops and technical gravity terrain found at nearby Jubilee Park. Wildlife is another part of the experience, with kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, birdlife and occasionally koalas found throughout the reserve. Main riding access is available from the Darling Street and Westminster Street trailheads. RTS Tip: Mount Peel is a great choice if you’re new to mountain biking or riding with kids. Start with the shorter stacked loops of Wakka Wakka and add more as confidence grows, then use Wakka Bunda to connect into the wider network. Pay attention to trail direction — several MTB trails are strictly one-way, while Wakka Bunda is two-way. If you’re ready for something more technical afterwards, nearby Jubilee Park offers the natural next step into Toowoomba’s blue and black MTB trails.

MTB

Mt Buller Bike Park, in Victoria’s High Country around three hours north-east of Melbourne, is one of Australia’s iconic alpine mountain biking destinations. The Mt Buller and Mt Stirling network offers more than 120 km of cross-country trails, alongside dedicated gravity riding, beginner trails, skills areas and a pump track. Trails range from approachable green riding through to demanding black backcountry adventures, with everything from smooth alpine flow and berms to rocky technical singletrack, sustained climbing and fast gravity descents. The riding spans elevations from around 600 metres to 1,700 metres, delivering spectacular High Country scenery along the way. Cross-country riders have plenty to explore, including the renowned 10 km Stonefly, while gravity riders can tackle trails including Copperhead, ABOM, Outlaw and International. Mt Buller’s gravity network offers more than 11 km of descending trails, with shuttle services operating during the green season to help riders maximise their laps. Copperhead also holds a special place in Australian MTB history as the country’s first purpose-built flow trail. The headline adventure is the 46 km Australian Alpine Epic, a black-rated point-to-point ride crossing Mt Buller and Mt Stirling before descending towards the Delatite River. It’s a genuine backcountry ride rather than an all-downhill cruise, with around 1,000 metres of climbing, substantial descending and an expected ride time of roughly 6–8 hours for experienced, self-sufficient riders. Mt Buller is primarily a summer mountain biking destination, with trails progressively opening from around November and the full network usually operating from December through April, depending on conditions. With accommodation and services in Mt Buller Village, bike hire, shuttles and an enormous variety of trails, it’s an easy place to turn a single ride into a full Victorian High Country MTB weekend. RTS Tip: Alpine riding deserves alpine preparation. Even in summer, conditions at Mt Buller can change rapidly and cold temperatures or even snow are possible. Carry water, food, repair gear and an extra layer, particularly if heading onto Stonefly or the Australian Alpine Epic. Before setting out, check the current Mt Buller trail report — the MTB network closes over winter and individual trails can also be affected by weather or maintenance.

MTB

Mountain Ave is a solid firetrail climb popular with locals for training, packing roughly 400 m of elevation into less than 5 km. It’s a reliable leg tester with a steep gradients that keeps you working to the top. At the top, the trail pushes into hike‑a‑bike territory as it continues toward the Grose Head South trig point. From there you can drop through the saddle to the Grose Head South lookout before looping back into Winmalee, or simply turn around and enjoy the fast, flowing descent back down Mountain Ave. The area also provides access to hiking trails leading to the Grose River and the remnants of the historic Grose River Engineers Track. The ride begins at the closed gate where the sealed surface of Mountain Avenue ends. Suitable for mountain bikes and gravel bikes with low gearing There are no facilities on the route; the closest toilets are at Yellomundee Mountain Bike Park, see tagged ride card for more detail.

5 km400 mMTB, Gravel

Mount Banks, Banks Wall Lookout Ride is a scenic 12 km return gravel and mountain bike ride that follows a gentle fire trail along the edge of the Grose Wilderness. Starting at the Mount Banks car park off Bells Line of Road, the route winds through heathland and open eucalypt forest beneath the distinctive basalt-capped summit of Mount Banks. Frequent gaps in the bush reveal sweeping views across the Grose Valley, while sandstone cliffs and rocky outcrops provide a dramatic backdrop throughout the ride. The easy gradients make for relaxed riding, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the scenery before reaching Banks Wall Lookout, where expansive views stretch across one of the most spectacular wilderness areas in the Blue Mountains. The return journey follows the same route back to the car park. No public transport nearby. There are toilets at the Carpark.

12 kmGravel

Mt Buller Bike Park, in Victoria’s High Country around three hours north-east of Melbourne, is one of Australia’s iconic alpine mountain biking destinations. The Mt Buller and Mt Stirling network features more than 120 km of cross-country MTB trails, alongside dedicated gravity trails, beginner riding, a pump track and skills areas. With trails ranging from around 600 to 1,700 metres elevation, riders can expect everything from smooth alpine flow and berms to rocky technical singletrack, sustained climbing, fast descents and spectacular High Country views. There’s riding for virtually every ability. Beginners can start with the 3 km Family Trail, while intermediate riders can explore trails including Gang Gangs, Misty Twist, Snowgums, Trigger Happy and the Delatite River Trail. More experienced XC riders can tackle the renowned 10 km Stonefly, while gravity riders have ABOM, Copperhead, Outlaw and International. Copperhead has a special place in Australian MTB history as Australia’s first purpose-built flow trail. The headline adventure is the 46 km Australian Alpine Epic, an advanced backcountry ride through the Mt Buller and Mt Stirling alpine landscape. Mt Buller describes it as the Southern Hemisphere’s first IMBA Epic Trail, and it remains one of the signature long-distance mountain bike rides in the Victorian High Country. Mt Buller is primarily a green-season mountain bike destination, with trails progressively opening from November and the full XC network typically available from December through April, depending on weather and trail conditions. Accommodation, bike hire, food and other services in Mt Buller Village make it easy to turn a day of riding into a full Victorian High Country MTB weekend. RTS Tip: Alpine riding deserves alpine preparation. Even in summer, conditions at Mt Buller can change quickly and temperatures can drop below zero, so carry food, water, repair gear and an extra layer when heading onto longer trails. If it’s your first visit, don’t try to cover everything in a day — choose a section of the network that suits your ability and save the Australian Alpine Epic for when you’re properly prepared for a big backcountry ride. Always check the current trail report before travelling, as the MTB network closes for winter and individual trails can close due to weather or maintenance.

40 kmMTB

Just 3.5 km west of Cooma, Mt Gladstone Bike Park offers more than 10 km of singletrack within 125 hectares of native bushland overlooking the Monaro Plains and Snowy Mountains. The compact network caters for a wide range of riders, with easy, intermediate and advanced trails featuring flowing singletrack, rocky and loose terrain, climbs and more challenging features including drops and gap jumps. With parking, toilets, picnic facilities and Cooma only minutes away, it’s a great spot for a quick ride, a few hours of exploring or an MTB stop on the way to other Snowy Mountains destinations. The dedicated MTB trails are one-way, so follow signage and the mapped direction of travel. RTS Tip: Don’t skip the lookout! Mt Gladstone’s views across the Monaro Plains, The Brothers and towards the Snowy Mountains are well worth adding to your ride. If you’re new to the park, start on the easier trails to get a feel for the rocky terrain before progressing to the advanced lines and larger features.

10 kmMTB

Mt Osmond, only around 8 km south-east of the Adelaide CBD, offers steep and rocky mountain biking across the slopes of Mount Osmond Reserve, with connections into Cleland National Park, Chambers Gully and Eagle on the Hill. Rather than a purpose-built bike park, the area combines shared-use tracks, fire trails and designated MTB lines across Adelaide’s Hills Face. Expect sustained climbing, loose and rocky terrain, fast natural descents and some technical sections, all backed by impressive views across Adelaide and the plains towards the coast. One of the key routes through the area is the historic Old Bullock Track, which links Mount Osmond with Eagle on the Hill near Measday’s Lookout and provides access towards the wider Cleland trail network. The Mount Osmond Reserve tracks are officially classified as Grade 3 shared-use walking and cycling trails, with some sections becoming particularly steep and rocky. Riders can use the network to build larger loops incorporating nearby Chambers Gully, Wine Shanty Track and Cleland National Park, making Mt Osmond a useful gateway into a much bigger Adelaide Hills MTB adventure. For riders looking for more gravity-focused terrain, the wider Mt Osmond riding area also contains established MTB descents such as Bullock Track DH, a blue-rated downhill-only trail, and WC Downhill, which features jumps, drops, rock gardens and steep technical sections. These trails are a significant step up from the reserve’s easier shared-use riding and are better suited to confident mountain bikers with good technical skills. RTS Tip: Mt Osmond is a mixture of shared-use tracks, designated cycling routes and trails where cycling may not be permitted, so download a current map and follow local signage rather than assuming every visible singletrack is bike legal. Be prepared for steep climbing and loose rock, give walkers plenty of space on shared trails, and if you’re chasing a bigger ride, link Old Bullock Track into Chambers Gully and Cleland for a brilliant Adelaide Hills loop.

MTB

The Mt Owen MTB Trails in Queenstown, Tasmania, deliver one of Australia’s most dramatic big-mountain riding experiences, with approximately 35 km of purpose-built trails across the exposed rocky slopes of Mount Owen. Rising to 1,146 metres above sea level, the mountain towers over Queenstown on Tasmania’s West Coast, providing more than 800 metres of elevation range and incredible views towards Frenchmans Cap, Lake Burbury, the Southern Ocean and the surrounding West Coast ranges. The terrain is unlike most Australian trail centres, with exposed ridgelines, loose rock, steep gradients, alpine-style landscapes and genuine backcountry riding. The network is divided into Upper Mountain and Lower Mountain trails. The Lower Mountain is accessed from the Tramway Street trailhead in Queenstown and includes options for a broader range of riders. Ready Orr Not provides a 1.5 km introduction to Queenstown riding, while the 5.9 km Welcome to Queenstown climbs onto Little Owen before delivering giant berms, rollers and spectacular 360-degree views. Riders can progress onto Sticht Up and the historic Sledge Track for longer and more challenging adventures. The Upper Mountain is where Mt Owen becomes a serious big-mountain destination. Access is exclusively by authorised shuttle, with trails including the 9.9 km Waterfall, Chamouni Traverse, Summit Loop, The Long Spur, North Owen Descent and Natural Selection. Waterfall travels through boulder fields and past Horsetail Falls before plunging into a remote valley, while Chamouni Traverse follows exposed ridgelines high above Lake Burbury. Natural Selection takes things even further, beginning with a hike-a-bike above 1,000 metres before tackling highly technical summit terrain and a raw descent designed for highly experienced riders. Mt Owen forms part of the wider West Coast Tasmania MTB network, alongside the Silver City trails at Zeehan and other adventure rides across the region. Its combination of mining history, barren rocky mountainsides and huge elevation makes Queenstown a completely different riding experience from Tasmania’s forest-based MTB destinations. RTS Tip: Don’t underestimate Mt Owen — the Upper Mountain trails are remote, exposed and physically demanding, and conditions can change incredibly quickly. Private vehicles cannot access the gated upper mountain road, so pre-book your shuttle if you want to ride from Owen Spur. Carry food, water, repair gear and extra clothing even when Queenstown’s weather looks good. If it’s your first visit, start on the Lower Mountain trails before stepping up to Waterfall, Chamouni or the harder backcountry descents.

35 kmMTB

Mt Tumbarumba Mountain Bike Park is a community-owned and operated MTB destination on the edge of Tumbarumba in the NSW Snowy Valleys. Rising around 300m above town, the mountain delivers dedicated climbing trails and gravity-focused descents through open eucalypt forest, rocky gullies and enormous granite formations, with expansive views towards the Snowy Mountains. The park currently offers around 22km of gravity-focused trails, with green, blue and black options designed to cater for novice through to advanced riders. The terrain is impressively varied, mixing technical granite riding, machine-built flow, jump trails and more natural technical descents. One of Mt Tumbarumba’s biggest drawcards is the 315m of usable elevation. Riders can earn their turns using the dedicated climbing trails or book an uplift shuttle to maximise descending time. Private self-shuttling isn’t permitted, so anyone wanting uplifts needs to use the authorised shuttle service. There’s a strong progression element too. Green trails provide an approachable introduction to the mountain before riders move onto faster blue flow and jump trails and eventually the more technical black terrain. Trails such as Cowabunga, Cattlepult, Send It Express and Tumba Rumble can be linked to create long top-to-bottom descents. What makes the park particularly special is the story behind it. After drought, bushfires and other challenges hit the region, the local community rallied behind the idea of using mountain biking to help strengthen Tumbarumba's visitor economy. The mountain was ultimately purchased through community fundraising — including locals auctioning cattle to help buy the land — and is now managed by Cycle Tumbarumba Inc. The result is promoted as Australia's first community-owned and operated mountain bike park. There’s plenty more riding around town as well. Tumbarumba has additional XC trails including Mason’s Hill, plus a pump track and bike playground, gravel routes and the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, making it easy to build a multi-day cycling trip rather than visiting solely for the bike park. For riders searching for Mt Tumbarumba MTB, Tumbarumba mountain bike trails, Snowy Valleys MTB, shuttle mountain biking in NSW or gravity riding near the Snowy Mountains, this is quickly becoming one of regional NSW’s most interesting riding destinations. RTS Tip: Mt Tumbarumba is a paid-access facility, so every rider needs a valid Mountain Pass, with shuttle passes purchased separately. The park also closes for a winter season because of icy conditions, so check current operating status before planning a trip. The official trail map is available through Trailforks and the park recommends checking it for individual trail closures before riding.

20 kmMTB

MUD MTB Park – Woodburn State Forest, Ulladulla MUD bike trails is a purpose-built mountain bike park in Woodburn State Forest near Ulladulla on the NSW South Coast, developed and maintained by the Milton Ulladulla District Mountain Bikers (MUD MTB). Forestry Corporation recognises Woodburn as a dedicated MTB network and describes it as a family-friendly riding destination. The core network includes around 6km of professionally designed singletrack, with trails that can be linked together and repeated to create a longer session. The emphasis is on beginner to intermediate riding, making MUD MTB a particularly good destination for families, newer mountain bikers and riders looking to build confidence. There’s plenty of variety packed into the relatively compact network. Some trails are fast and flowing with berms and rollers, while others are tighter and more technical. A dedicated skills loop introduces riders to features including small rock drops and elevated timber boardwalks, providing a great place to practise before taking those skills onto the main trails. Mapped trails include Never Never Land, Oompa Loompa and Burnt to a Crisp, with a mixture of green and blue riding and optional features adding progression for more confident riders. The park also has a dedicated car park, trailhead shelter and trail signage, making it easy to arrive, get organised and start exploring. Its location near Ulladulla, Milton and Mollymook makes it an easy addition to a South Coast riding weekend. For riders searching for MUD MTB Park, Ulladulla mountain bike trails, Woodburn State Forest MTB, mountain biking near Mollymook or family-friendly MTB trails on the NSW South Coast, this is a great little network to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: MUD MTB is a great progression park — start with the easier trails and skills loop before working up to the bigger features. The trails are maintained by the local MTB community, so respect closures and avoid riding when conditions could damage the trails. Forestry Corporation also recommends checking current forest events and closures before heading out.

MTB

Mudgee Common MTB Trails are a purpose-built mountain bike network right on the edge of Mudgee in Central West NSW, offering around 32km of mapped trails across more than 40 individual trail sections. The network combines professionally machine-built riding with rocky natural terrain, giving riders plenty to explore without travelling far from town. The network caters for a broad range of abilities, with trails graded from easy through to extreme. Expect flowing singletrack, punchy climbs, rocky technical sections, berms and more challenging features as you move onto the harder trails. The official trailhead map makes it easy to link different trails into loops that suit your ability and how long you want to ride. Popular trails include Giddy Up, Elevator, Mushrooms, Slinky, Butcher, Mayhem, Ant Hill, Rock Lobster and Budgee Smuggler, along with a network of connectors and fire trails. The variety means you can put together anything from an approachable introductory lap to a much more technical session. One of the standout advanced options is Smuggler, a dedicated black-diamond trail reserved for experienced mountain bikers. Unlike most of Mudgee Common's trails, which are shared with pedestrians, Smuggler is bike-only and has specific experience and protective-equipment requirements displayed at its entrance. The network has been developed with the support of the local cycling community and Mudgee Region MTB, with the original vision being to turn an existing riding area into a properly built and maintained mountain bike destination for both locals and visiting riders. Being so close to town is a big advantage. Riders can hit the trails and then make the most of Mudgee's cafés, wineries, accommodation and wider cycling scene, making the Common an easy centrepiece for a riding weekend in the region. For riders searching for Mudgee mountain bike trails, Mudgee Common MTB, mountain biking in Central West NSW or MTB trails near Mudgee, this is one of the region's key riding destinations. RTS Tip: There's enough variety here to warrant using the official map rather than simply following whatever trail appears next. Trails are clearly colour-coded and signed with names and grades throughout the network. Most are shared with walkers, so bikes must give way to pedestrians. Access is via Common Road off Bellevue Road, with parking near the reserve entrance.

10 kmMTB

Nestled within the Blue Mountains National Park, Murphy's Glen is a scenic gravel ride that takes riders through towering forests of Blue Gum and Turpentine trees. Starting from Woodford Railway Station, this out and back route follows a management trail into the secluded forested valley, making it ideal for gravel bikes, mountain bikes and families looking for a shorter adventure. The ride begins with a gentle ride along Bedford Road. Not long after the sealed road ends, riders will reach Linda Rock, a popular lookout offering sweeping views across the surrounding bushland towards Wentworth Falls. From here, Bedford Road becomes Murphy's Road, a wide gravel trail that winds through native bush as it descends towards Murphy's Glen. At the end of the road lies Murphy's Glen Campground, a tranquil picnic and camping area surrounded by a magnificent stand of towering Blue Gums and Turpentine trees. The cool, sheltered forest creates a striking contrast to the exposed ridgelines above and is an ideal place to relax before the return journey. For those seeking a little extra adventure, a hidden short walk off Murphy's road is the second tallest known tree in New South Wales, a forest giant hidden within a few minutes from the main road. While the ride to the campground is mostly downhill or gently descending, riders should save some energy for the return trip. The climb back towards Woodford includes a steep gravel ascent that can test the legs. For a longer adventure, Murphy's Glen can also be used as a gateway to the extensive Blue Mountains trail network, with connections through the Ingar Road and Andersons Fire Trail towards Wentworth Falls. Route Description Start at Woodford Railway Station. Follow Bedford Road south from the station. Continue past Linda Rock Lookout, where the sealed road transitions to gravel. Follow Murphy's Road as it descends through the forest. Continue to Murphy's Glen Campground at the end of the road. Return the same way via Murphy's Road and Bedford Road to Woodford Railway Station. There are pit toilets at Murphy's Campground. No water

12 kmGravel

The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is one of Australia’s premier cycling trails, with around 137 km of sealed trail through North East Victoria and the Victorian High Country. The network connects some of the region’s best-known cycling destinations, including Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Bright, Beechworth, Yackandandah, Oxley, Rutherglen and Wahgunyah, taking riders through the Ovens Valley, farmland, vineyards, historic railway country and the foothills of the Victorian Alps. With a sealed surface and predominantly gentle gradients, it’s suitable for road bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, e-bikes, families and cycle tourers, although the climb towards Beechworth and the route onwards to Yackandandah are noticeably more demanding. The main Wangaratta to Bright section is around 82–83 km, following the former railway through Bowser, Everton, Gapsted, Myrtleford, Ovens, Eurobin and Porepunkah before reaching Bright. This is classic High Country riding, with farmland and vineyards gradually giving way to increasingly impressive mountain scenery as you approach Bright. With cafés, accommodation, wineries, breweries and food stops scattered throughout the corridor, the route works brilliantly as either a long one-day ride or a relaxed multi-day cycling trip. At Everton, riders can branch towards historic Beechworth and Yackandandah. This section includes the trail’s most significant climbing on the way to Beechworth before continuing through bushland, historic railway cuttings and rolling farmland towards Yackandandah. The Beechworth–Yackandandah extension opened in 2024, adding another major cycling connection between two of North East Victoria’s historic gold-rush towns. There are also separate sections further north. Wangaratta to Oxley is around 9 km, providing an easy connection towards the Milawa Gourmet Region, while the Rutherglen to Wahgunyah section is around 8.5 km, taking riders through renowned wine country towards the Murray River. These shorter sections are excellent choices for families or riders wanting a relaxed half-day experience rather than tackling the longer High Country routes. RTS Tip: You definitely don’t need to ride all 137 km to enjoy the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Choose a section that suits your day — Wangaratta to Oxley for an easy food-focused ride, Myrtleford to Bright for spectacular mountain scenery, or Beechworth towards Yackandandah for history and a little more climbing. If you’re planning a multi-day trip, the towns along the route make it easy to build a ride around accommodation, cafés and local produce. Just remember that the network has gaps between some branches, so check the current map carefully before assuming every section connects entirely off-road.

134 kmGravel

Murray Valley MTB Trails The Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trails, near Dwellingup in Western Australia, are one of the standout riding areas within Lane Poole Reserve and the wider Dwellingup Adventure Trails network. Set high above the Murray River amongst towering jarrah forest, the purpose-built singletrack network caters for beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain bikers, with 5 green, 8 blue and 3 black trails. Expect a combination of flowing berms, rollers, jumps, rocky technical features, climbing trails and fast gravity-fed descents, all surrounded by classic South West WA forest. The network is designed around a central upper trailhead known as The Roost, where riders are rewarded with impressive views across the Murray Valley before choosing their descent. Easier trails such as Year 1 provide a flowing introduction to the network, while the blue trails introduce narrower singletrack, loose and rocky surfaces, steeper sections and more technical features. Experienced riders can step up to the black trails, where steeper gradients and larger technical obstacles make the riding considerably more demanding. One of Murray Valley’s biggest attractions is its gravity riding. Riders can pedal back to the top using the dedicated easy and intermediate climbing trails or use the shuttle road off Murray Valley Road, making it possible to build a day around repeated descending laps. The trails form part of the much larger Dwellingup Adventure Trails network, with nearby riding at Marrinup and Turner Hill plus the long-distance Munda Biddi Trail, making Dwellingup an excellent base for a full mountain biking weekend. RTS Tip: If it’s your first time at Murray Valley, climb to The Roost and start with one of the green descents before progressively working through the blues and blacks — there’s plenty here for riders to build confidence without jumping straight into the harder gravity terrain. Lane Poole Reserve entry fees apply, and mobile coverage can be limited away from the upper trailhead, so download the current trail map before riding. Carry water, repair gear and check trail and park conditions before travelling, particularly after heavy rain or during high fire danger.

35 kmMTB

Mystic Bike Park in Bright, Victoria, is one of Australia’s premier mountain biking destinations, sitting just minutes from the centre of town in the heart of the Victorian High Country. The park offers 60+ km of purpose-built MTB trails and more than 20 individual trails, with around 450–500 metres of vertical elevation across the mountain. Riders can choose from beginner-friendly singletrack through to technical cross-country, fast flow trails, jump lines and expert downhill terrain, all winding through the distinctive pine plantation overlooking Bright and the surrounding alpine ranges. Mystic is particularly well known for its gravity riding, with favourites including Hot Wheels, Flowmingo, Flight School, Couch Surfer, Wiggles and Tombstone. The network is designed with progression in mind, so developing riders can build confidence on easier flow trails before moving onto bigger jumps, steeper terrain and advanced technical descents. There’s also a pump track and BMX track at the base, while technical XC trails provide plenty for riders who would rather earn their descents. Mystic operates as a professionally managed, paid-access bike park, with both pedal access and uplift options. Pedal access is available daily and the park operates year-round, while shuttle uplifts run on weekends and holidays, providing access to the higher gravity trails. Bike hire, e-bike hire, coaching and guided riding are also available, with water, toilets, tools and a bike wash located at the main Coronation Avenue trailhead. Its location makes Mystic an ideal base for a bigger Bright mountain biking holiday. Riders can combine park laps with nearby High Country gravel routes, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Great Valley Trail and other MTB destinations around Mount Beauty, Falls Creek and Dinner Plain. RTS Tip: Mystic is a big network with a serious progression from beginner trails through to double-black downhill, so use your first few laps to get familiar with the terrain rather than jumping straight onto the hardest lines. A Mountain Pass is required even if you’re pedalling, with shuttle access purchased separately. Check the current trail status before travelling, inspect unfamiliar jumps and technical features before committing, and if you’re planning a gravity day, booking your shuttle ahead is worthwhile during weekends and busy holiday periods.

MTB

Nail Can Hill is Albury’s major mountain biking playground, rising immediately west of the city and offering a surprisingly extensive network of cross-country, trail and gravity-style riding through dry eucalypt bushland. The trails are closely associated with Albury Wodonga Mountain Bikers (AWMTB), which maintains and promotes riding across the hill. Current Trailforks mapping shows around 70 MTB trails across roughly 30km of mapped riding at Nail Can Hill itself, with green, blue, black and double-black options. The broader Albury trail region extends further again, so there’s plenty here for anything from a quick after-work lap to several hours exploring the hill. The riding has a distinctly natural, old-school Australian MTB feel. Expect rocky singletrack, loose surfaces, punchy climbs, technical descents and plenty of natural features rather than a network dominated by smooth machine-built flow. Trails such as Home Run, Dirt Luge, Shelob’s Revenge, Twister and No More Secrets give riders a good taste of the variety available. There’s a strong XC heritage here, with Nail Can Hill regularly used for club racing and the long-running Nail Can Hill MTB race. Gravity riders aren’t forgotten either — No More Secrets is the hill’s dedicated downhill-oriented trail, with rocky, rutted terrain, drops and more challenging lines. The network has also received significant investment in recent years. AlburyCity, NSW Crown Lands and AWMTB completed a project upgrading more than 10km of existing MTB trails, repairing erosion and improving trail features while also closing illegal trails and B-lines to create a more sustainable sanctioned network. The recommended main access point is at the end of Range Road, off Logan Road, where riders can access the network and AWMTB’s official Nail Can Hill trail map. For riders searching for Albury MTB, Nail Can Hill mountain bike trails, Albury Wodonga mountain biking or MTB trails near the NSW/Victoria border, Nail Can is an essential local network — and its location also makes it a great stop on a bigger riding trip incorporating Beechworth, Yackandandah, Bright or Mt Beauty. RTS Tip: Nail Can Hill is a proper network rather than a single signed loop, so grab the current trail map before heading out. First-time visitors can build an XC loop around the easier and intermediate trails, while experienced riders have plenty of technical and gravity options to explore. Trailforks currently lists Nail Can Hill as open, but check recent reports before travelling as individual trail conditions can change.

40 kmMTB

Nannup has established itself as one of Western Australia’s standout mountain bike destinations, with the Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park forming the heart of the local trail network. Located just 2km from town, Tank 7 offers around 35km of purpose-built trails through tall forest and naturally undulating terrain, with cross-country, all-mountain and gravity riding ranging from green beginner trails through to blue, black and double-black options. Expect a raw and rocky riding style, flowing descents, technical features, natural rock, berms and plenty of elevation to keep things interesting. Nannup’s wider Trail Town network continues to grow, with the sealed Town-to-Tank trail connecting the town centre directly to Tank 7, while the Ngoolark MTB Freestyle Jump Park provides dedicated progression and jump lines closer to town. A new family and progression-focused MTB park at Pine Ridge is also under construction, adding another 16.5km of trails to Nannup’s riding offering. RTS Tip: Download the Experience Nannup App before you ride for interactive maps and offline location tracking. Tank 7 has no drinking water or food at the trailhead, so arrive prepared, and check current trail conditions as individual trails can close due to weather, forestry operations or maintenance. Private shuttle access is restricted in parts of the network, with authorised local shuttle options available.

35 kmMTB

Narooma MTB Main Trail Head is the gateway to one of the NSW South Coast’s biggest mountain bike destinations, with an impressive 85km of purpose-built riding across 54 machine and hand-built trails. Located in Bodalla State Forest just outside Narooma, the network combines gravity, flow, jumps, technical rock riding and cross-country adventures across three distinct riding zones. The network is split into The Playground, Gravity Zone and Wilderness Zone, giving it a huge amount of variety. The Playground is the natural starting point, with progression-focused trails close to the Mitchells Ridge Road trailhead. Riders can warm up and build confidence here before heading deeper into the network, with dedicated climbing trails providing access to longer descents. For gravity riders, Narooma delivers berms, jumps, rock features and long flowing descents, with trails including Thrill Hill, Thunderbirds Are Go, Gnarooma, The Quantum, Dalmeniac and Full Force. There are green through to advanced options, meaning you don't need to be an expert rider to experience the gravity side of the network. The Wilderness Zone provides a different experience again, heading farther into Bodalla State Forest with longer, more natural and adventurous riding. Combined with the XC connections and climbing trails, it means Narooma works equally well for riders wanting to pedal and explore rather than simply session descents. The trails are the work of the volunteer Narooma Mountain Bike Club, which formed in 2019 and secured $4.3 million through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund following the Black Summer bushfires. That investment, together with a huge volunteer effort, helped transform the existing riding area into the 85km destination network riders can explore today. Facilities at the main Mitchells Ridge trailhead include parking, toilets and drinking water, with a volunteer-run kiosk operating at selected busy times. E-bikes are welcome, and commercial shuttle services are available for riders wanting to maximise their descending time. For riders searching for Narooma MTB, South Coast NSW mountain biking, Bodalla State Forest MTB, gravity trails near Narooma or Sapphire Coast mountain biking, this is easily a destination worth allowing a full day — or building an entire riding weekend around. RTS Tip: With 85km and 54 trails, Narooma is definitely one to explore with the current trail map rather than trying to wing it. Also check trail status immediately before riding: the club currently lists a number of Wilderness Zone trails as temporarily closed following planned burn activity.

Verified by 1 riderRecommended by 1 rider
85 kmMTB

The Narooma to Dalmeny Cycleway is one of the South Coast's most scenic shared paths, offering around 21km of coastal riding between two beautiful seaside towns. Following the shoreline of Wagonga Inlet, the Pacific Ocean and Mummaga Lake, this ride combines spectacular ocean views, abundant wildlife and plenty of great places to stop along the way. Starting in Narooma, riders can fuel up at one of the many cafés, bakeries or seafood restaurants before setting off. Be sure to visit the iconic Australia Rock on the southern breakwater and cruise across the stunning Mill Bay Boardwalk, where it's common to spot stingrays, fish and even Australian fur seals in the crystal-clear water below. The mostly sealed shared pathway continues north through Kianga, passing scenic beaches and headlands with breathtaking coastal lookouts. During the annual whale migration, keep an eye on the ocean—you may be lucky enough to spot humpback whales cruising offshore. The ride finishes at Dalmeny, where you'll find cafés, beaches and the Dalmeny Sports Club, making it the perfect place to relax before returning to Narooma or continuing your South Coast adventure. Suitable for riders of all ages and abilities, the Narooma to Dalmeny Cycleway is an ideal family ride or a leisurely way to experience one of New South Wales' most spectacular stretches of coastline. It's a must-do stop for anyone exploring the South Coast with their bike.

21 kmFamily, Path

Narrandera MTB & Bike Trails – Riverina NSW Narrandera offers a mix of off-road cycling, bush tracks and riverside riding through the landscapes surrounding the Murrumbidgee River, Lake Talbot and the Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve. Rather than a traditional purpose-built MTB park, the riding here is best thought of as cross-country and recreational off-road exploration through the Riverina bush. The main option is the Narrandera Bike and Hike Trail System, which can be ridden as a roughly 23km route or broken into shorter individual tracks. It starts from town and links bushland, wetlands and sections along the Murrumbidgee River, with directional and interpretive signage helping riders explore the area. A highlight is riding through Narrandera Wetlands and the surrounding Flora and Fauna Reserve, an area well known for its koala population. The cycling route also provides opportunities to explore around Lake Talbot and the Murrumbidgee River, giving the ride plenty of variety beyond simply chasing singletrack. Mountain bikers can also ride the Koala walking track within Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve, although NSW National Parks notes that e-bikes and motorbikes aren't permitted within the reserve. Access can also be closed during and after wet weather when roads and trails become slippery or boggy. There have previously been plans for a more substantial Lake Talbot Mountain Bike Park, including cross-country circuits, downhill riding, a skills area and beginner through advanced zones. However, I couldn't verify that this proposed purpose-built MTB park has actually been constructed, so I wouldn't describe Narrandera as having a formal MTB park on the RTS card yet. For riders searching for Narrandera mountain bike trails, cycling in Narrandera, Riverina MTB, Lake Talbot cycling or Murrumbidgee River bike trails, the existing Bike and Hike network provides a great way to explore the area on two wheels. RTS Tip: Think adventure/XC rather than bike park for this one. Pick up the current Bike and Hike map from Narrandera Destination and Discovery Hub and combine the individual tracks into a ride that suits your time and ability. Check conditions after rain, particularly around the river and nature reserve, as access can be temporarily closed.

MTB

The National Arboretum Canberra, just 6 km from Canberra’s city centre, offers more than 20 km of multi-use cycling and walking tracks across its spectacular 250-hectare landscape. Rather than a traditional purpose-built MTB park, the Arboretum provides a mixture of unsealed tracks, management trails, shared-use paths and connecting singletrack, weaving between forests containing more than 40,000 rare, endangered and culturally significant trees. Rolling hills and some surprisingly steep gradients add a decent workout, while elevated sections provide brilliant views across Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Black Mountain and the surrounding ranges. One of the biggest attractions for mountain bikers is the Canberra Centenary Trail, which passes directly through the Arboretum as part of the section linking Black Mountain with Stromlo Forest Park. For cyclists, this section combines formed cycle paths, wide management trails and shared-use singletrack, with roots, rocks, logs and some short steep sections adding interest. The Centenary Trail is primarily maintained as a green/easy MTB route, making it suitable for riders with basic off-road skills, mountain bikes, e-MTBs and capable gravel bikes. Within the Arboretum itself, riders can explore the designated unsealed tracks and roads or use the area as part of a much larger Canberra MTB ride. The Bicentennial National Trail also passes through the site, while connections towards Stromlo Forest Park, Black Mountain and Stromlo Pines make the Arboretum an excellent link between some of Canberra’s major riding areas. The Arboretum is particularly good for riders looking for scenic, less-technical mountain biking close to central Canberra. You can combine forest tracks with climbs towards Dairy Farmers Hill, explore the southern forests or simply build your own loop through the designated cycling network before stopping at the Village Centre. RTS Tip: This is a shared-use trail network rather than a dedicated MTB park, so ride accordingly. Cyclists must give way to horses, walkers and runners, and there is a 10 km/h speed limit on shared tracks and trails. Download the Arboretum trail map before setting out and stick to designated cycling routes. For a bigger adventure, use the Canberra Centenary Trail to link the National Arboretum with Stromlo Forest Park and turn a relaxed forest ride into a much longer Canberra MTB mission.

20 kmMTB

Nepean Lookout makes a brilliant destination for a mountain bike or gravel-style ride through the Glenbrook section of Blue Mountains National Park. Sitting above the Nepean River and Fairlight Gorge, the lookout rewards the ride with sweeping views across the deeply cut sandstone landscape and surrounding bushland. You can ride it as a 10km out and back from the top gate but parking is limited, or start it anywhere along the oaks where there is parking, alternative is to go from Euroka campsite, red hands cave parking or for a bigger ride go from the Glenbrook park entrance, riders can follow The Oaks fire trail for around 8km, crossing the Glenbrook Gorge causeway, before turning onto Nepean Lookout Trail for approximately another 4km to reach the lookout. That makes the straightforward out-and-back roughly 24km, with plenty of scope to extend the ride using other authorised trails around Glenbrook. The riding is predominantly unsealed fire trail, so this is more of an adventure/XC ride than technical singletrack. Expect rolling terrain, loose gravel, sandstone surfaces and some solid climbing on the return journey. A mountain bike is the easiest choice, although capable gravel riders should also enjoy the route in suitable conditions. At the end, a short track takes you to the unfenced Nepean Lookout, overlooking the steep, forested gorge with the Nepean River below. The surrounding heath and angophora forest make the destination worthwhile even before you factor in the riding. One of the best things about this ride is how easily it can become part of a bigger Glenbrook adventure. The Glenbrook area also includes authorised riding on The Oaks, Bennetts Ridge and other management trails, so stronger riders can link Nepean Lookout into a much longer loop rather than simply returning the way they came. For riders searching for Nepean Lookout cycling, Glenbrook MTB, Blue Mountains gravel riding, Lower Blue Mountains MTB or mountain bike rides near Penrith, this is a scenic option that’s more about exploration and the destination than technical trail features. RTS Tip: Don’t judge the ride purely by distance. The climb back out of the Glenbrook area can add some sting to the return journey, particularly on a hot day. Carry plenty of water and check NPWS alerts before heading out — the causeway can close following rain and mobile reception is limited in parts of the park.

10 kmGravel

An easy family friendly shared path around the Nepean river with great parks, cafes, bars and restaurants to stop and rest. A great spot for a family ride or an extra loop on to other routes in the area. Suitable for all bike types Away from traffic and shared bike path

Road

The Nepean River Trail is a powerline maintenance route running along the foot of the Blue Mountains between Emu Plains and Yellomundee Mountain Bike Park. It’s a direct and practical option if you’re arriving by public transport or want to add some extra kilometres before hitting the Yellomundee trail network. Although the trail traces the edge of the Nepean River, it’s far from flat. The route follows the escarpment, rolling across ridgelines and dipping into valleys that meet the river. Expect a steady mix of short, punchy climbs that keep you honest all the way to Yellomundee. From the gate on Riverbank Drive to the gate on Springwood Road is roughly 7 km. Make sure you leave enough in the tank to explore the 10 km of cross‑country and enduro trails waiting at Yellomundee (See tagged ride card). The surface is typical of a firetrail, hardpack, loose gravel, and occasional erosion and is suited to both gravel and mountain bikes. There is no water along the route or the Yellomundee end. Snakes are frequently seen along this trail in the warmer months

7 kmMTB, Gravel

Nerang National Park MTB Trails Nerang National Park on the Gold Coast, Queensland, is one of South East Queensland’s best-known mountain biking destinations, offering 20 officially designated MTB trails covering around 34 km, plus an extensive network of shared management trails. Just inland from the Gold Coast and around 12 km from Surfers Paradise, the network winds through open eucalypt forest, casuarina groves and pockets of dry rainforest, with riding ranging from easy beginner loops through to fast, rocky and highly technical black-diamond terrain. Beginners can start on trails such as Training Wheels, Casuarina Grove Circuit, Goanna and Goanna Loop, while intermediate riders have a huge selection including Petes, Rocky Horror, Three Hills, Happy Valley, Wombats, Baileys, Elevator and Explosions. Expect plenty of classic Nerang riding along the way — natural rock, creek crossings, punchy climbs, fast flowing sections, rock gardens, log drops and technical corners. One of Nerang’s biggest claims to fame is its connection with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Three difficult one-way trails — GC2018 Loop 1, Loop 2 and Loop 3 — were purpose-built for the Games and designed to challenge world-class XC riders. Loop 1 incorporates jump-style features, Loop 2 tests technical climbing and fitness, while Loop 3 combines climbing with a fast descent packed with humps, jumps and berms. Experienced riders can also tackle Taipan, a difficult one-way high-speed descent featuring rock slabs, jumps and other technical features. The combination of purpose-built singletrack, old-school natural riding and shared trails makes Nerang particularly good for riders who want to build their own longer Gold Coast MTB loop rather than simply repeat a handful of bike-park descents. The park is also important wildlife habitat, with riders potentially spotting koalas, glossy black-cockatoos, echidnas and other native wildlife while exploring the forest. RTS Tip: Download the official Nerang National Park MTB map before you ride — some trails are one-way while others are two-way, and the shared trails are also used by walkers and horse riders. MTB riders must give way to both walkers and horses on shared trails. Avoid riding during or immediately after heavy rain, stay on the 20 sanctioned MTB trails, and if you’re new to Nerang, start around Casuarina Grove and Goanna before progressing towards Three Hills and the much harder GC2018 and Taipan trails.

MTB

The Nerrina MTB Trails, on the northern outskirts of Ballarat, Victoria, offer a compact network of old-school natural mountain biking through the historic Nerrina goldfields. The riding area contains roughly 6–7 km of mapped singletrack across around 10 trails, with a mixture of cross-country, trail and gravity-style riding. Unlike a manicured modern bike park, Nerrina is characterised by natural rocky terrain, old mining workings, short punchy climbs, rock gardens, drops, jumps and technical descents, making it a fun option for riders who enjoy raw, locally developed trails. Popular trails include Yarrowee Rock Run, Nuggety Dam, The Golden Mile, Kids Play, Big Kids Play, Gap Track, Rock Track and Off to Church. Difficulty ranges from easier riding around Nuggety Dam through to blue and black-diamond singletrack, with features including rock chutes, gap jumps and drops. The Golden Mile runs through remnants of Ballarat’s historic gold diggings, adding another layer of interest to the ride, although riders need to stay on the established line because old mine workings remain throughout the area. Nerrina also connects into the wider Ballarat trail network and Goldfields Track, opening up options for longer XC rides rather than simply lapping the local descents. It remains an active local riding area, with Ballarat’s Club MUD using Nerrina alongside Black Hill, Mt Clear and Creswick for its junior MTB riding program. RTS Tip: Nerrina is an unsanctioned trail network, so ride with extra care and understand that trails may not receive the same formal inspection, signage or maintenance as a managed bike park. Download a current map before heading out, watch carefully for historic mine workings and inspect unfamiliar jumps, drops and technical features before committing. For a bigger Ballarat MTB day, use Nerrina as part of a longer ride incorporating the Goldfields Track, or pair it with nearby Black Hill for more purpose-built XC and downhill riding.

MTB

New Italy MTB Forest – Tabbimoble New Italy Mountain Bike Forest is a purpose-built cross-country MTB network in Doubleduke State Forest at Tabbimoble, around 9km south of Woodburn on the NSW Northern Rivers. The network packs in around 30km of purpose-built singletrack, winding through beautiful sclerophyll forest and catering for a range of abilities. This is predominantly cross-country riding, but there’s plenty of variety in the terrain, with natural features, technical obstacles, bridges, drop-offs and steeper sections adding challenge as you progress through the network. Trails include memorable names such as Burntwood Frenzy, Yabba Dabba Do, Knobby Mayhem, Crumplstiltskin, Snakes N Ladders and Pocket Rocket. Several of these have also been identified as suitable for some types of adaptive cycles, helping make New Italy a more inclusive riding destination. The trails are built and maintained by volunteers from Northern Rivers Dirty Wheels Mountain Bike Club, which manages the network under an occupation permit from Forestry Corporation NSW. The club also manages Duck Creek Mountain Bike Park at Alstonville, making the Northern Rivers a great area to spend a few days exploring by bike. Navigation is straightforward, with all trails signposted and a trail map at the car park. Current mapping is also available through Trailforks. Some trails are one-way while others are multi-directional, so keep an eye on the trail bollards as you explore. For riders searching for New Italy MTB Forest, mountain biking near Woodburn, Northern Rivers mountain bike trails, MTB near Evans Head or cross-country mountain biking in northern NSW, this is a fantastic volunteer-built network to put on the ride list. RTS Tip: There are no toilets or drinking water at the trailhead, so arrive prepared. The forest can also be closed during excessively wet conditions to protect the trails, so check the current Northern Rivers Dirty Wheels trail status before making the trip and stay off the network whenever it is shown as closed

MTB

The Ngoolark MTB Freestyle Jump Park, just 2 km north of Nannup in Western Australia’s South West, is a purpose-built mountain bike jump and skills park designed for riders to develop confidence, jumping technique and progression. Inspired by BMX-style dirt jump trails, the compact park features two 160 m downhill jump lines packed with sweeping berms, rollers, tabletops, step-downs and hip jumps, together with a dedicated 280 m return trail that gently climbs back to the start mound for another lap. The Nyini Ngoolark Biddi is the blue intermediate line, delivering a fast and flowing introduction to jump riding with berms, rollers, tabletops and step-down features. Experienced riders can progress to Boorung Ngoolark Biddi, the black advanced line, where larger, more technical and trickable jumps provide a significant step up in difficulty. Both lines finish onto Garruyul Biddi, the easy return trail back to the top. Ngoolark is part of the rapidly growing Nannup Trail Town network and provides a progression point for riders heading to the nearby Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park. Riders can drive to the trailhead off Miller Road and Vasse Highway, or ride from Nannup via the Old Timberline Trail / Munda Biddi Trail, making it easy to combine the jump park with a much bigger day of mountain biking around Nannup. The name Ngoolark is the Noongar name for the white-tailed black cockatoo. The site was identified as nesting habitat for the species, and the park was developed in consultation with the Karri Karrak Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee, with its design deliberately minimising disturbance to surrounding native bushland. RTS Tip: Start on Nyini Ngoolark Biddi and get comfortable with the speed and features before progressing to the black line — Boorung Ngoolark Biddi contains substantially larger jumps intended for experienced riders. There’s no drinking water or food available at the jump park, so bring supplies from Nannup. The area also contains Phytophthora dieback, so clean your bike before riding elsewhere; a free bike wash facility is available at Nannup Foreshore Park.

3 kmMTB

Nitmiluk National Park, around 30km from Katherine, offers a purpose-built mountain bike network across the spectacular sandstone escarpment above Nitmiluk Gorge. Located on the traditional lands of the Jawoyn people, the trails combine rocky technical riding, steep climbs, flowing singletrack and incredible views across the Katherine River and surrounding gorge country. The network caters for different abilities, with trails ranging from the easier 2.6km Gateway to the River and 5.7km Jalkwarak through to more challenging options including Jatete, Bamjon, Gurumal, Yambi and Waleka. Starting from the Nitmiluk Centre, riders can link trails together to create anything from a shorter introduction to a bigger technical adventure across the escarpment. Some trails are shared with walkers while others are one-way, with trail markers and intersection signage helping riders navigate the network. Trail shelters at the Nitmiluk Centre and near Pat’s Lookout also provide maps and bike repair stations. RTS Tip: The rocky terrain, steep sections and Top End heat can make these trails tougher than the distances suggest. Carry plenty of water, ride with a buddy where possible and download the trail map before setting out as mobile coverage is very limited. Trail availability can change seasonally due to weather, flooding and maintenance, so check current park conditions before your ride. Visitors to the NT also require an NT Parks Visitor Pass.

20 kmMTB

The Noosa Biosphere Trails are one of Queensland's premier nature-based cycling destinations, winding through the spectacular Noosa Hinterland. These shared-use trails traverse forests, rolling farmland, national parks, lakes and mountain lookouts, offering a fantastic mix of gravel roads, natural trails and scenic backcountry riding suitable for mountain bikes and gravel bikes. The network caters to everyone from casual riders through to experienced adventurers looking for full-day or multi-day journeys. Ride The State is currently creating dedicated ride pages for each of the Noosa Biosphere Trails. Each page will include ride descriptions, maps, facilities, rider tips, difficulty ratings, nearby businesses, accommodation and local recommendations. Coming Soon to Ride The State Cooroora Trail (Pomona – Cooran) – 10km Yurol Trail – 14km Woondum Trail (Cooran – Kin Kin) – 22km Wahpunga Trail (Kin Kin – Lake Macdonald) – 25km Kurui Trail – 11km Weyba Trail – 30km Kin Kin Loop Coastal Pathway (planned extension within the Biosphere network) In the meantime, you can access trail maps, current trail conditions and closures through the official Noosa Biosphere Trails resources: Noosa Biosphere Trails Noosa Cycling & Walking Routes Visit Noosa – Noosa Biosphere Trails Please note that some trails may be temporarily closed or undergoing upgrades as the Noosa Trails Masterplan is progressively delivered, so it's always worth checking the latest trail conditions before you head out.

100 kmMTB, Gravel, Road

Tucked away beside the Caboolture River at Burpengary East, the North Harbour Mountain Bike Trail is one of South East Queensland's best-kept secrets for beginner and family-friendly riding. With around 6 kilometres of purpose-built singletrack, the network has been designed to introduce new riders to mountain biking while still offering enough variety to keep more experienced riders entertained. The trail winds through peaceful bushland within the North Harbour Heritage Park precinct, combining smooth flowing sections with natural features including roots, rocks, small rollers and optional technical obstacles. Riders can choose from several loop options, with rides ranging from approximately 2.5km, 3.75km or the full 5.25km circuit, making it easy to tailor the ride to your ability or available time. Beginners will appreciate the gentle gradients and forgiving trail surface, while intermediate riders can enjoy more challenging trail offshoots and optional features that add a little extra excitement. It's an ideal destination for families, riders progressing their skills or anyone looking for a relaxed ride close to Brisbane without the steep climbs found at many other mountain bike parks. The trailhead offers convenient facilities including parking, picnic shelters, BBQs, toilets and drinking water nearby, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring both the mountain bike trails and the surrounding Heritage Park. Riders can also enjoy riverside picnic areas and walking trails before or after their ride. Whether you're introducing the kids to mountain biking, dusting off the bike after a break or simply looking for an enjoyable cross-country ride without the intimidation factor, North Harbour delivers a fun, scenic and welcoming experience that's well worth adding to your Ride the State list.

6 kmMTB

Starting from the National Park gate at the end of Binnowee Drive Lawson, this 18 km return trail has around 440 meters of elevation gain. Following Lawson Ridge Firetrail, riders are treated to a dense tree canopy that provides welcome shade, sandstone formations and erosion caves line the side of the trail. The route features a mix of steady climbing, several steeper pinches, and fast rolling descents that keep the ride engaging from start to finish. Although the entire route follows a firetrail, a worn singletrack line in the leaf and bark litter often develops along the main trail, adding an enjoyable and flowing riding experience. At the turnaround point, riders are rewarded with views towards Mount Hay and the surrounding Blue Mountains landscape. No Facilities or water onsite

18 km440 mGravel

Nestled on the forested slopes of Mt Nowa Nowa in East Gippsland, Nowa Nowa MTB Park is one of Victoria's most beginner-friendly mountain bike destinations. Designed around a unique climb-then-descend layout, riders pedal a gentle 5 km ascent to the top of the mountain before choosing from a variety of flowing singletrack descents back to the trailhead. The network offers around 35 km of trails, including 20 km of dedicated mountain bike singletrack and 15 km of shared walking and cycling trails. Most trails are graded green, making the park an ideal destination for riders building confidence, while the blue-rated Jumping Jackaroo and Wallaby Ramble provide extra excitement with flowing berms, rollers and small jumps for more experienced riders. Jumping Jackaroo is the signature descent, delivering around 15 minutes of fun, flowing trail featuring sweeping corners, log rollovers and optional jumps. Riders looking to maximise the downhill can also take advantage of the vehicle-access shuttle road leading to the upper trailhead. Just minutes from the township of Nowa Nowa and within easy reach of Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale, the park combines accessible riding with welcoming local businesses, making it an excellent destination for families, weekend riders and anyone exploring East Gippsland. Ride Highlights One of East Gippsland's most beginner-friendly MTB parks Unique climb-once, choose-your-descent trail design Signature Jumping Jackaroo flow trail Smooth singletrack with berms, rollers and small features Shuttle road to the upper trailhead Scenic Mt Nowa Nowa summit lookout Close to Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale Suitability Perfect for beginners, families and riders looking for flowing cross-country trails without technical terrain. Intermediate riders will enjoy the blue-rated descents, while experienced riders can use the shuttle road for repeated downhill laps. Night riding is permitted, and the park is IMBA-rated, making it a versatile destination for riders of all ages and abilities.

35 kmMTB

O’Halloran Hill MTB Trails, in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, is one of the city’s most accessible purpose-built mountain bike destinations, with around 18 km of dedicated MTB trails within the O’Halloran Hill section of Glenthorne National Park–Ityamaiitpinna Yarta. Around 18 km south of the Adelaide CBD, the network makes excellent use of the park’s steep gullies and hillsides, with trails ranging from easy beginner riding through to intermediate flow, technical cross-country and advanced gravity lines. Expect berms, rollers, jumps, rock features, tight switchbacks and fast descending, with dedicated climbing trails helping riders get back to the top for another lap. Beginners and families have plenty to explore, including Easy As, Upstart, Haarsma’s Vision, Sylvanian Families, Wiggles and Grom Flow. Easy As is a descending-only introduction to berms and rock features and pairs with the 1.95 km Upstart climbing trail to create an excellent progression loop. Grom Flow adds big berms and rollers for younger riders wanting to develop their skills. Intermediate riders can step things up on Dam Revamp, Flat Pedal City, Blue Luge, Uprising, Vincenzos Gulf, Winding Wraith, Frogger and Fifty Shades of Clay. Dam Revamp combines open flowing terrain with berms, jumps and multiple line choices, while Blue Luge delivers a faster descending experience with bermed corners and rock features. The 3.4 km Fifty Shades of Clay adds a longer cross-country option for riders wanting more pedaling between the gravity laps. Experienced riders can tackle Shapeshifter, Flight Club and Rock XCarving. Shapeshifter retains an old-school downhill character with hand-built features and rocky sections, while Flight Club is a very difficult bike-park-style descent featuring large berms, jumps, gaps and transitions. Rock XCarving provides advanced XC riding with steep and highly technical rock sections. RTS Tip: O’Halloran Hill is brilliant for progression riding — start with the Easy As/Upstart loop, move onto Blue Luge and Dam Revamp, then tackle the advanced lines once you’re comfortable with the terrain. Don’t confuse the MTB network with the flatter trails on the other side of Majors Road; the more challenging mountain biking is specifically within the O’Halloran Hill section of Glenthorne National Park. The park closes on Catastrophic Fire Danger days and may close on Extreme days, so check conditions before travelling and avoid riding wet or muddy trails.

18 kmMTB

The Ocean Grove District Ride Centre, at Kingston Park in Ocean Grove on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, is a brand-new purpose-built riding facility designed for mountain bikes, BMX and other wheeled sports. The $3.5 million centre officially opened on 1 August 2026, giving local and visiting riders a dedicated progression-focused venue with jump lines, a pump track and skills features. Designed and constructed by World Trail, the centre features five dirt jump lines catering from beginner through to advanced riders. The lines incorporate rollers, berms, tabletops, hip jumps and a wall ride, allowing riders to progressively build confidence rather than having to jump straight onto large features. The overall facility is designed to accommodate around 100 riders at a time. A major feature is the approximately 130 m asphalt pump track, designed primarily for beginner and intermediate progression but suitable for a wide range of riders. Unlike the dirt jump lines, the asphalt circuit can also be used by BMX bikes, scooters and skateboards, making the centre particularly useful for families with kids interested in different riding disciplines. There are also skills and trials features designed to help riders improve bike control, stability and confidence before progressing onto the jump lines. Around the riding areas are landscaped spaces for spectators and families, along with shelters, seating and bike racks. The centre is fully fenced from the remainder of Kingston Park. The project has strong community roots. It grew from the huge number of informal bike jumps constructed around Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads during the COVID period. More than 60% of the makeshift jumps identified across Greater Geelong were in these two suburbs, prompting the City to work with local riders and the community to develop a permanent facility. Kingston Park was eventually selected because of its central location and existing park amenities. RTS Tip: This is a great destination for skills progression rather than traditional trail riding. Start on the pump track and beginner jump lines to get a feel for the features, then progressively work through the larger lines rather than jumping straight to the advanced options. It’s also a particularly good choice for families and mixed-ability groups, as riders can session different features while staying within the same compact facility. And because it only opened in August 2026, you’re riding one of Victoria’s newest dedicated bike parks.

MTB

Old Man’s Valley MTB Trails – Hornsby Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail, better known to Sydney riders as Old Man’s Valley (OMV), is a purpose-built mountain bike network tucked into the bushland below Hornsby town centre in Sydney’s north. One of its biggest advantages is accessibility — you can be on genuine MTB singletrack within minutes of Hornsby Station and the surrounding shops. Hornsby Shire Council describes the official network as around 6km of purpose-built MTB trail, while current Trailforks mapping shows a broader collection of approximately 23 MTB trail sections around Old Man’s Valley. There’s a surprising amount packed into the valley, with green, blue and black-rated riding, climbing trails, technical descents, flow sections and a jump area. The terrain has a distinctly Sydney feel, combining sandstone rock, tight singletrack, bridges, drops, rock faces, berms and technical features. Popular trails include Lava Flow, Intermediate Trail, High Line, Stage 1 Black Descent and the Green Loop. Lava Flow is one of the standout flow-style trails, while the black descent adds drops, jumps, rock faces and other features for experienced riders. Newer riders can stick to the easier green options before progressing through the network. OMV’s compact layout makes it particularly good for session-style riding. Rather than heading out for one long loop, riders can climb back through the network and repeat different descents, practise features or combine sections into a longer ride. Its location also makes Old Man’s Valley one of Sydney’s most convenient MTB destinations. Hornsby Council specifically highlights that the trails are only a short walk from Hornsby Train Station, making this a rare Sydney MTB network that can realistically be reached without a car. For riders searching for Old Man’s Valley MTB, Hornsby mountain bike trails, OMV MTB, mountain biking in northern Sydney or MTB trails accessible by train, this is definitely one to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: Old Man’s Valley packs a lot into a relatively small area, so don’t judge it purely by kilometres — the fun comes from linking and repeating the different trails. Current mapping shows everything from the Green Loop through to black descents and technical features. Check individual trail status before riding, as sections can close independently for maintenance or trail conditions.

6 kmMTB

Set amongst the spectacular Victorian High Country, Omeo MTB Park has quickly established itself as one of Australia's premier mountain bike destinations. With more than 114 kilometres of purpose-built trails, the network caters for every riding style, from gentle cross-country loops and scenic adventure rides to fast flow trails, jump lines and technical gravity descents. All trails begin from Livingstone Park, just a short pedal from Omeo's historic main street, making it a true ride-in, ride-out destination. Riders can spend days exploring the network, with long descents, flowing berms, natural rock features, technical alpine terrain and expansive mountain views combining to create an unforgettable riding experience. The trail network has been designed to progressively challenge riders of all abilities. Beginners can enjoy smooth green trails and cross-country adventures, intermediates will love the flowing descents and berm-filled trails, while advanced riders can tackle technical rock gardens, freeride features and big jump lines such as Bangarang, one of the park's signature expert trails. Livingstone Park also features an asphalt pump track, skills area, bike wash, maintenance station, picnic facilities and easy access to Omeo's cafés, accommodation and services, making it an ideal base for both day trips and multi-day riding holidays. Ride Highlights: Over 114 km of purpose-built mountain bike trails Nearly 600 metres of vertical elevation Ride-in, ride-out access from Omeo township Flow trails, gravity runs, jump lines and XC adventures Progressive trail network for every ability Asphalt pump track and skills area Alpine scenery and historic gold mining landscapes Bike wash, maintenance facilities and picnic area Great cafés and accommodation within riding distance Suitability Omeo MTB Park caters to everyone from first-time mountain bikers through to experienced gravity riders. Beginners can enjoy flowing green trails and family-friendly loops, while intermediate and advanced riders have access to long descents, technical alpine trails, freeride features and jump lines. With enough variety to keep riders entertained for several days, it's an ideal destination for both weekend escapes and dedicated mountain bike holidays.

114 km600 mMTB

Ourimbah MTB Park on the NSW Central Coast is a long-established mountain biking destination with a strong mix of cross-country, gravity and technical trail riding. Set within Ourimbah State Forest, the network features classic hand-built singletrack, rocky sections, roots, punchy climbs and fast descents, with trails that reward good bike handling and offer plenty of challenge for experienced riders. With both XC loops and gravity-focused riding available, Ourimbah is a great destination for everything from a longer pedal-powered session to a day spent tackling more technical terrain. RTS Tip: Ourimbah has plenty of old-school, technical character, so don’t judge a trail purely by its distance — rocks, roots and steeper sections can make for a bigger ride than expected. Check current trail and forestry conditions before heading out, and ride within your limits while learning the more technical lines. Shuttles available 7 days a week

Verified by 1 rider
22 kmMTB

The Outer Circle Rail Trail, also widely known as the Anniversary Trail, is a 17 km shared cycling and walking trail through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, running from Fairfield to Hughesdale. Following much of the alignment of Melbourne’s former Outer Circle Railway, the trail winds through Kew, Deepdene, Canterbury, Camberwell, Burwood, Ashburton and East Malvern, combining leafy linear parks, historic railway cuttings and suburban cycling connections. With an almost entirely asphalt or concrete surface, it’s well suited to road bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, e-bikes, families and everyday recreational cycling. One of the most attractive sections runs through Kew and Canterbury, where the trail follows the former railway alignment through a deep, tree-lined cutting that feels surprisingly removed from the surrounding city. Further south, riders pass alongside the operational Alamein railway line between East Camberwell and Alamein, the only part of the original Outer Circle route still carrying trains. The trail then continues across Gardiners Creek, through the Malvern Urban Forest and Boyd Park, before finishing near Hughesdale Station. The trail also has some fascinating Melbourne railway history. The Outer Circle Railway opened in 1890–91 but operated as a complete railway for only around three years before sections began closing. Parts later reopened, including the famous Deepdene Dasher passenger service, while the East Camberwell–Alamein section eventually became today’s Alamein Line. Historic station sites and interpretive signs along the trail help tell the story, while the old railway bridge across the Yarra River at Chandler Highway has now been repurposed for the trail. One of the biggest advantages of the Outer Circle Rail Trail is how well it connects with Melbourne’s wider cycling network. Riders can link directly with the Main Yarra Trail, Gardiners Creek Trail, Koonung Creek Trail, Scotchmans Creek Trail and Djerring Trail. Combining the Outer Circle with the Rosstown Rail Trail also creates a roughly 25 km cycling route from Kew towards Elsternwick, opening up plenty of options for longer Melbourne bike rides. RTS Tip: The Outer Circle is easy riding, but navigation and road crossings are the main things to watch. There are busy crossings around Harp Junction, Toorak Road and Dandenong Road, and the route can be slightly confusing where it leaves the old railway alignment or intersects other shared paths. Download the route before setting out and take your time at crossings. With Fairfield and Hughesdale railway stations near either end, it’s also a great trail to ride one-way and use Melbourne’s train network for the return journey.

15 kmGravel

Parklands Mountain Biking Trails Parklands Conservation Park, just north-east of Nambour on the Sunshine Coast, is a favourite for riders who enjoy natural, old-school mountain biking. The park has 13 dedicated MTB trails plus around 15km of shared trails, winding through tall eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies, rocky platforms and creek lines. Expect roots, rocks, tight turns, switchbacks, steep pinches and technical natural features rather than smooth machine-built flow. The dedicated network includes 2 easy, 8 intermediate and 3 difficult trails, giving riders plenty of options to link together different loops. Lush provides a good introduction for newer riders, while trails such as Tazer, Blue Tongue and Road Rage step things up with increasingly technical terrain. There’s also a mountain bike skills area near the Radar Hill Road trailhead. RTS Tip: Parklands is known for being rocky, rooty and technical, and the network can be surprisingly tricky to navigate on your first visit, so download the official Queensland Parks map or Trailforks before heading out. Trails can become slippery and muddy after heavy rain and may be temporarily closed to protect them, so always check current park alerts before riding.

MTB

Located at Stony Creek in South Gippsland, PBI Ride Farm brings gravity and cross-country mountain biking to a private ride park originally established for motorsports. The MTB area features downhill and cross-country trails, including flowy jump-focused riding, with an on-site shuttle taking some of the hard work out of getting back to the top. It’s a great option for riders looking for a dedicated riding destination and a day of repeated runs rather than a big pedal-powered trail adventure. Entry is paid and MTB operating days and hours can vary, so check directly with PBI before making the trip. RTS Tip: Make the most of the included shuttle and get plenty of laps in, but start with a cruisier run to get familiar with the trails before increasing the pace. PBI’s operations are weather dependent, so check the latest track update before leaving home — especially after rain.

MTB

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.

16 kmMTB

Penguin MTB Park, just 2 km inland from the coastal town of Penguin on Tasmania’s North West Coast, is a compact but feature-packed mountain bike park offering more than 6 km of purpose-built cross-country singletrack. Built around the site of the old Penguin speedway and managed by the Cradle Coast Mountain Bike Club, the network caters for beginners through to experienced riders, combining flowing forest singletrack with jumps, wall rides, berms and dedicated skills areas. The main trail network includes Start ’Em Up, Easy Peasy, Stalking Rooster, Return of the Penguin, Copperhead, Ringtail, Prehistoric Park and Flying in a Blue Dream. Most of the park is green-rated beginner terrain, while Copperhead and the longer 2 km Flying in a Blue Dream provide intermediate options. The compact layout makes Penguin particularly good for riders wanting to practise skills, session individual sections or introduce kids and newer riders to mountain biking. At the centre of the old speedway is the park’s Freeride Jump Park, an advanced area with multiple jump lines and features including a whale tail, wall ride and container jump. The Little Devils Skills Park provides the opposite end of the progression scale, with beginner-friendly berms, pump-track features, a wall ride and other obstacles designed to help riders develop bike handling before heading onto the larger trails. One of Penguin MTB Park’s biggest advantages is its direct connection into the much larger and more adventurous Dial Range MTB network. From the southern end of the park, riders can continue towards Mount Montgomery and Iron Tor, stepping from short bike-park laps into rugged backcountry riding. The approximately 6 km Montgomery Loop provides a good introduction to the Dial Range, while the 15 km Iron Tor loop delivers a much tougher ride with sustained climbing, rocky ridgeline terrain, technical descending and impressive views across Tasmania’s North West Coast. RTS Tip: Penguin is perfect for a progression day — warm up on Easy Peasy and the green XC trails, practise in Little Devils Skills Park, then move onto Copperhead, Flying in a Blue Dream or the freeride features as your confidence grows. Experienced riders should allow extra time to continue into the Dial Range, but remember that this is a much more demanding and remote riding environment than the bike park itself. Download the current trail map, follow directional signage and be aware that some Dial Range trails are shared with walkers.

6 kmMTB

The Pioneer Rail Trail is an easy, family-friendly 6 km railside trail running between Oberon and Hazelgrove in the NSW Central Tablelands. Following the historic Oberon–Tarana railway corridor, the trail winds gently through open farming country and offers a relaxed ride with plenty of railway heritage along the way. The trail is predominantly sealed with a gentle gradient, making it suitable for riders of most abilities, including families, recreational cyclists, touring and hybrid bikes and mountain bikes. Interpretive signage along the route shares the story of the railway and surrounding region, while the old railway infrastructure adds plenty of character to the journey. Starting around the historic Oberon Railway Station, the route passes the railway precinct and museums before heading out through the Central Tablelands countryside towards Hazelgrove. Riders should take care at the uncontrolled road crossings at Albion Street and Lowes Mount Road. At Hazelgrove, restored railway tracks, switches and a passing loop hint at ongoing efforts to bring heritage trains back to the line. At just 6 km each way, it's an approachable ride on its own or an easy addition to a day exploring Oberon. The area also offers plenty to see off the bike, including the Oberon Railway Museum, Mayfield Garden, nearby cellar doors and the wider Blue Mountains region. Distance: 6 km one way Surface: Sealed Difficulty: Easy Best for: Families, recreational riding, touring, hybrid & MTB Start/Finish: Oberon – Hazelgrove, NSW

6 kmGravel

Plenty Gorge MTB Trails, in Plenty Gorge Park in Melbourne’s north-east, offer a huge network of old-school cross-country mountain biking along the steep-sided Plenty River gorge. The local Plenty Gorge MTB Club describes more than 130 km of trails spread across the 1,350-hectare park, with the riding characterised by tight natural singletrack, roots, rocks, logs, creek crossings, short punchy climbs and technical descents. The gorge provides far more elevation than you might expect this close to suburban Melbourne, making Plenty Gorge a favourite for XC and trail riders who enjoy natural, technical terrain. The network stretches for roughly 11 km along the Plenty River, with trails weaving through grassy woodland, river flats, gullies and rocky ridgelines. Popular riding areas are concentrated around Yellow Gum Recreation Area and Goldsworthy Lane, with longer routes taking riders towards Blue Lake and through the wider Plenty Gorge Park. Rather than neatly defined bike-park loops, there are countless interconnected lines, making it possible to build anything from a quick after-work ride to a challenging 20 km-plus MTB loop. Plenty Gorge is best suited to intermediate and advanced riders. The local club specifically notes that there are no green trails in the Gorge, with typical riding involving roots, rocks, logs and steep sections. Even relatively short rides can accumulate plenty of climbing because the trails repeatedly drop into and climb out of the gorge — as the locals put it, there aren't many flat trails here. An important change is underway at Plenty Gorge. Much of the network has historically consisted of informal trails, but Plenty Gorge MTB Club and Parks Victoria are working together to formalise a sustainable MTB network. The current project is focused around the area known as “The Tank” on Goldsworthy Lane, with funding secured for approximately 21 km of formal mountain bike trails that will ultimately be assessed, signposted and maintained. RTS Tip: Plenty Gorge is famous for being a maze, so downloading a current trail map before you ride is highly recommended. Better still, the Plenty Gorge MTB Club runs regular social rides with experienced local ride leaders — a great way to learn the network. Start around Yellow Gum/Goldsworthy Lane, expect plenty of short climbing and technical natural singletrack, and carry water and basic repair gear. With the formalisation project continuing, stick to recognised trails and check current access information rather than relying on an old GPS route.

MTB

Pomingalarna Park, or “Pomi” as it’s known locally, is Wagga Wagga’s main mountain biking destination, combining a 13km bushland MTB network with the impressive Wagga Wagga Multisport Cycling Complex. Located at Pomingalarna Reserve on the western edge of the city, it offers everything from natural cross-country riding to jumps, pump tracks, BMX and track cycling in the one precinct. The bushland network has four marked trails of varying difficulty, with options of approximately 3.6km, 7km and 13km. The riding is predominantly easy to intermediate, following undulating natural terrain through native bushland with plenty of climbing and descending along the way. Make it to the higher points and you’re rewarded with some excellent views back across Wagga Wagga and the surrounding Riverina landscape. For newer riders or anyone wanting to practise features, the dedicated 1.5km Mountain Bike Playground Loop is a great addition. It has six optional features including tabletop jumps, a flip-flop berm, seesaw, log rides, rock step-downs and a bridge, with ride-around options allowing riders to build confidence progressively. Right alongside the MTB trails is the $12 million Multisport Cycling Complex, opened in 2022. It includes a pump track, three-level jump track, BMX track, 1.5km criterium circuit, 400m velodrome and cycling education area, making Pomingalarna one of the most diverse cycling precincts in regional NSW. The jump area is particularly good for progression, with easy, medium and hard lines. The easy line uses 1.2m tabletops, while the medium and hard lines introduce progressively larger gap jumps up to 2m. Pomingalarna also forms part of the wider Wiradjuri Trail, so there are opportunities to extend the ride beyond the MTB network. The reserve is shared with walkers, runners and other recreational users, while outer fire trails are also used by horse riders. For riders searching for Wagga Wagga MTB, Pomingalarna MTB Park, Riverina mountain bike trails, family MTB in Wagga or cycling parks in Central West NSW, Pomi is an excellent all-round riding destination. RTS Tip: This is one where it’s worth allowing extra time. Ride the 13km bushland MTB loop first, then finish with a session on the MTB playground, pump track or jumps. With BMX, criterium and velodrome facilities alongside it, Pomingalarna is much more than just an MTB trail network — it’s a genuine multi-discipline cycling hub.

Verified by 1 rider
13 kmMTB

The Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail is a scenic 37.5 km shared cycling and walking trail on Victoria’s spectacular South West Coast, linking the historic seaside town of Port Fairy with Koroit and Warrnambool. The route combines former railway corridor with coastal and riverside paths, passing through open farmland, native vegetation, wetlands, volcanic landscapes and coastal dunes before reaching the Southern Ocean at Warrnambool. With mostly gentle gradients and a mixture of compacted gravel and sealed surfaces, it’s well suited to gravel bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, e-bikes, families and recreational cyclists. The Port Fairy to Koroit section is around 18 km, gradually climbing through farmland and native vegetation towards the beautifully restored Koroit Railway Station and goods shed. Along the way riders pass remnants of the original railway, including old station sites and sidings, while the trail skirts the northern side of Tower Hill, the enormous extinct volcano that now forms Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. This section is a great standalone ride, with plenty of food and facilities available in both Port Fairy and Koroit. From Koroit to Warrnambool, the trail covers around 20 km, descending towards Illowa before crossing the wetlands of Kellys Swamp on boardwalks and continuing towards the coast. The final kilometres follow the Merri River towards Warrnambool’s foreshore and Breakwater, creating a completely different riding experience from the rural section around Koroit. Warrnambool’s Lake Pertobe, foreshore and Breakwater precinct make an excellent finish to the journey. The trail also has a strong railway history. The railway linking Warrnambool, Koroit and Port Fairy — then known as Belfast — was completed in 1890, helping farmers transport produce including wheat, barley, potatoes and other agricultural goods. Remnants of several former stations remain along the corridor, with Koroit Station one of the most impressive surviving pieces of railway infrastructure. RTS Tip: You don’t need to ride the full trail to enjoy it. Port Fairy to Koroit makes an excellent roughly 36 km return ride, while shorter rides around Warrnambool combine wetlands, the Merri River and the coast. If tackling the entire trail, allow time to stop at Koroit and Tower Hill rather than treating it as a race between towns. The trail is generally straightforward, but signage between Warrnambool and Illowa can be limited, and current access from Warrnambool Railway Station requires a detour via Pertobe Road or Harris Street, so download the latest route before setting out

37.5 kmGravel

Port Macquarie Urban MTB Park is a compact cross-country trail network hidden right in the middle of Port Macquarie, beside Wayne Richards Park on Koala Street. Despite its suburban setting, the park packs a surprising amount of singletrack into a small area and is a great option for a quick ride, families or riders wanting somewhere accessible without heading out of town. Current Trailforks mapping shows around 22 MTB trails covering approximately 5km, predominantly green and blue graded. The network is primarily cross-country, with short interconnected sections that can be combined and repeated to create a longer ride. Trails including Koala Trees, Soccer Straight East & West, T1–T4, Beanfield Berms, Banksias/Rollercoaster, Pump Bumps and Rock Garden provide plenty of variety. Expect twisting singletrack, small climbs and descents, berms, rocky features and sections of flow rather than long gravity runs. The Cakewalk, at around 1.6km, is a good introductory loop for riders getting to know the network. One of the biggest bonuses is the adjacent Wayne Richards Park Pump Track. The international-standard Velo Pump Track was completed in 2022 and sits right alongside the MTB trails, making this a particularly good spot for juniors, families and riders wanting to work on skills before or after hitting the singletrack. The park's compact layout also makes it excellent for progression. Newer riders can stick to the easier green sections, while more confident riders can seek out the blue trails and technical features. With trails repeatedly crossing and reconnecting, it's easy to put together different combinations rather than simply riding one prescribed loop. For riders searching for Port Macquarie MTB, Port Macquarie Urban MTB Park, family mountain biking in Port Macquarie or MTB trails on the NSW Mid North Coast, this is a handy little network to have on the ride list — especially if you're staying in town. RTS Tip: Don't come here expecting a huge destination network like nearby Jolly Nose. The appeal of the Urban MTB Park is that it's right in town, easy to access and packed with short trails you can session and combine. There’s plenty of parking at Wayne Richards Fields, but riders are specifically asked not to ride across the sporting fields when accessing the trails. Current Trailforks mapping is strongly recommended because there are lots of intersections in a relatively small area.

MTB

A fun and casual Singletrack loop that can be ridden in either direction then a steep sealed road climb that pays off with a magnificent view is certainly worth the addition to your Glenbrook national park riding trip. Tag it onto The Oaks Singletrack, The Oaks fire trail (Woodford to Glenbrook), Bennetts Ridge Loop (Coathanger), Red Hands Cave or Nepean Lookout. You can start the ride from any of the carparks but the singletrack loop start is what we have pinned to maps

Verified by 1 rider
Gravel, MTB

The Promisedland MTB Trails, in Cordalba State Forest near Childers and Bundaberg, Queensland, offer a substantial network of dedicated mountain bike singletrack through rugged forest and rocky gullies. Located around 46 km south-west of Bundaberg and 14 km north-west of Childers, the network has grown from its original 20 km to around 38 km of riding, with trails ranging from easy beginner loops through intermediate singletrack to more difficult technical options. The terrain has a distinctly natural cross-country MTB character, weaving through tall open eucalypt forest, patches of vine scrub and rocky gullies. Riders can expect dirt and root-covered singletrack, short climbs, flowing sections, rocks and technical features, with fire and management roads used to connect different parts of the network. Most of the riding is aimed at intermediate riders with moderate fitness, although there are green options for newer riders and black trails for those wanting more challenge. The official trail map includes shorter options such as the 800 m Joey Trail, along with trails and connectors including Grass Tree, Start Straight, Dingo, Cow Bones and Drifty Bars. Longer loops can be created by combining multiple trails, making Promisedland suitable for anything from a quick introductory ride to several hours exploring Cordalba State Forest. The network was developed through a partnership between Mountain Biking Bundaberg Inc. and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, with local volunteers playing an important role in building and maintaining the trails. Facilities at the main trailhead include parking, shelter and toilets, making it a useful MTB destination for riders travelling through the Bundaberg and Childers region. RTS Tip: Promisedland has plenty of intersecting trails, so download the official Cordalba State Forest MTB map before riding and use the easier loops to get your bearings before linking together a longer ride. The terrain can be rocky and conditions hot, particularly through the warmer months, so carry plenty of water, tools and spares. For a first visit, start around the Hilltop trailhead and build your ride from there — there’s enough singletrack here to make Promisedland far more than a quick roadside MTB stop.

MTB

Quarry Park Mountain Bike Trails, in Footscray/Maribyrnong just 5 km from Melbourne’s CBD, provide a compact purpose-built MTB facility overlooking the Maribyrnong River valley and Melbourne skyline. Developed within a former quarry site, the park is designed for riders of different ages and abilities, with three one-way mountain bike trails, a skills park and pump tracks packed into a relatively small inner-city space. The trail network includes an easy green ascent trail, an easy descent, an intermediate descent and an intermediate descent featuring jumps. Rather than long cross-country riding, Quarry Park is all about short gravity laps and skills progression, with flowing bermed corners, rollers, rock features, drops and tabletop jumps. Riders can repeatedly climb back to the top and work on cornering, jumping and descending technique without needing to travel to one of Melbourne’s larger MTB destinations. The dedicated skills park adds rock gardens, rock and timber drop-offs, bermed corners, rollers and tabletop features, while the pump-track area provides both beginner and intermediate options. This makes Quarry Park particularly useful for kids, newer mountain bikers and developing riders, while the jump and intermediate lines give more experienced riders something to session. Its location is a major attraction. Quarry Park sits on the escarpment above the Maribyrnong River, with panoramic views towards Melbourne’s CBD, and can easily be incorporated into a longer urban cycling ride using the surrounding shared-path network. Entry is free and the facility is open at all times. RTS Tip: Quarry Park is a great place to practise MTB skills rather than chase big kilometres. Start on the green ascent and easier descent, spend some time in the skills area, then progress onto the intermediate and jump lines as your confidence builds. Current remediation works mean the MTB track is only partially open, so follow all directional signage and check the latest City of Maribyrnong information before travelling. Council encourages riders to arrive by bike; if driving, parking is available at Footscray Park off Farnsworth Avenue.

MTB

The Queens Domain MTB Trails, just minutes from the Hobart CBD in Tasmania, provide an easily accessible introduction to mountain biking without leaving the city. Set across the bushland and native grasslands of Queens Domain, the riding combines easy shared-use singletrack, gravel tracks and recreational cycling paths, making it particularly well suited to beginners, families, kids and riders looking for a quick Hobart MTB ride. The City of Hobart includes Queens Domain as part of its network of almost 60 km of maintained mountain bike and shared-use tracks. The main MTB option is the Queens Domain Summit Track, an easy 3.2 km dual-direction loop around the summit. It’s a flowing, entry-level ride with gentle climbing and enough corners and trail features to make it interesting without becoming overly technical. The track has also been modified for adaptive mountain bikes, with improved width, corner radii, gradients and cross-slopes; it is rated intermediate for aMTB riders. Riders can extend the Summit Track using the Domain’s wider shared-trail network. Max’s Infinity Loop adds another 2.7 km easy cycling loop, while Soldiers Memorial Avenue provides a useful connection towards the Cenotaph, Hobart waterfront and city cycling network. This makes Queens Domain a good option for combining some easy off-road riding with a longer urban Hobart bike ride. The location is a big part of the appeal. From the higher sections there are views across Hobart, the River Derwent and kunanyi / Mt Wellington, while the surrounding Domain contains native grassy woodland, historic Soldiers Memorial Avenue, Legacy Park and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Parking, toilets and drinking water are available around the Soldiers Memorial and Crossroads Ovals, making it an easy place to start a ride. RTS Tip: Queens Domain is best thought of as an easy urban MTB and family riding area rather than a technical bike park. Start with the 3.2 km Summit Track and add Max’s Infinity Loop or Soldiers Memorial Avenue if you want more distance. Most of the network is shared with walkers and runners, so keep your speed under control and expect other users around blind corners. If you’re looking for more challenging Hobart mountain biking afterwards, McRobies Gully, kunanyi / Mt Wellington and the wider Hobart trail network provide a natural next step

MTB

The RACV Goldfields Resort MTB Tracks, at RACV Goldfields Resort near Creswick, Victoria, offer a compact purpose-built mountain bike network amongst the bushland and rolling hills surrounding the resort’s golf course. The official resort circuit is approximately 4.5 km, making use of the natural terrain to deliver berms, jumps, sweeping hills and scenic viewpoints. The trails are a great option for a quick Creswick MTB ride, a warm-up before exploring the wider region or for resort guests wanting to get straight onto singletrack from their accommodation. The wider mapped network includes trails such as A Beautiful Hill, Flying Fifth, Dam Drop, Just Practicing, Last Leg, Ol’ Man Roo and Old Course, with a mix of green and blue-rated cross-country singletrack. Just Practicing provides an easier introduction, while trails such as Flying Fifth add berms and jumps and Old Course provides a longer intermediate singletrack loop. The riding is predominantly XC and trail focused rather than full-scale downhill, making it well suited to riders wanting short, repeatable laps. One of the biggest advantages of riding at RACV Goldfields Resort is its connection to the much larger Creswick mountain biking network. The Goldfields Track passes directly by the resort, while a roughly 15 km Creswick off-road cycling circuit also links with the resort singletrack. Creswick itself has become a significant Victorian MTB destination, with the newer Djuwang Baring mountain bike trail network adding around 60 km of purpose-built riding through the surrounding forest. The resort also caters particularly well for travelling mountain bikers, with secure bike storage, bike racks, bike-washing facilities and tools available on site. With accommodation, food and other resort facilities right beside the trails, it makes a convenient base for a Creswick, Ballarat and Victorian Goldfields mountain biking weekend. RTS Tip: Don’t limit your ride to the resort circuit. Use the RACV Goldfields MTB tracks as a starting point and link into the Goldfields Track and wider Creswick trail network for a much bigger day on the bike. If you’re newer to MTB, start on Just Practicing before progressing to the blue trails and jump features. The resort trails are on private property, so respect signage and current access conditions, and check the latest trail status before riding.

MTB

Railway Dam MTB Trails on the southern edge of Narrogin offer a compact but varied mountain biking network that’s great for everything from beginner laps to a quick hit of more technical riding. The network includes the flowing 1.2km green 1K Loop, the 4km Novice Loop and the main 5.4km blue-rated Griffo Circuit, which rolls across the hillside with plenty of rocky rises, descents and changes in elevation. More experienced riders can seek out Havoc, a short black-rated downhill loop featuring a rock garden, platform, step-down, berms and rock rollovers. Railway Dam also has parking and picnic facilities and sits directly opposite Foxes Lair, making it easy to combine the two areas for a longer Narrogin ride. RTS Tip: Don’t stop after one lap. Railway Dam is ideal for linking different loops together, and you can cross over to Foxes Lair for another 5.5km of riding if you want to turn it into a bigger session.

16.6 kmMTB

Randell Park, in Belair in Adelaide’s southern foothills, is one of four official trail zones within the City of Mitcham’s off-road cycling and walking network. Located west of Old Belair Road and north of Sheoak Road, the reserve covers around 47 hectares of bushland and contains approximately 9 km of shared-use and mountain bike trails. The terrain ranges from easier flowing tracks to steep, technical descending, with rocky singletrack, old quarry workings, gullies, switchbacks and punchy climbs providing plenty of variety surprisingly close to the Adelaide CBD. The reserve’s history has helped shape the riding. Randell Park was previously used for quarrying and grazing, and riders still pass old quarry faces, exposed rock formations and remnants of the area’s industrial past. The landscape now includes pockets of Grey Box, Drooping Sheoak and Golden Wattle, with elevated sections providing impressive views across the Adelaide Plains towards the coast. Trail difficulty varies considerably across Randell Park, from green-rated riding through to highly technical double-black terrain. Recognised MTB lines include Randell Park Track 1, Randell X Over, Parkers Blue and Brown Hill Steep, with the latter delivering an extremely steep double-black descent. This makes Randell Park particularly useful for riders wanting a compact network where they can progress from easier shared trails into much more demanding technical riding. Randell Park can also form part of a much bigger Adelaide foothills MTB ride. The wider City of Mitcham network contains around 40 km of off-road trails across four trail zones, including nearby Lynton Reserve, Sleeps Hill, Ashby Reserve, Saddle Hill and O’Deas Reserve, with connections towards Shepherds Hill Recreation Park. RTS Tip: Don’t judge Randell Park by its relatively small size — some of the trails become very steep and technical very quickly. Check the trail grading at the trailhead and build up progressively before tackling the harder lines. Many trails are shared with walkers, so control your speed and give way appropriately. For a longer ride, link Randell Park with Lynton Reserve and the wider Mitcham trail network for a great Adelaide foothills MTB adventure.

MTB

Red Hill MTB Park, more formally the mountain bike trail network within Arthurs Seat State Park on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, is one of the region’s best-known destinations for trail, enduro and downhill mountain biking. Located around Red Hill, Dromana and Arthurs Seat, the network uses the steep forested slopes of Arthurs Seat to deliver everything from beginner-friendly cross-country singletrack through to fast flow trails, technical rock gardens, steep chutes, jumps, drops and competition-level downhill terrain. There is a good progression of riding across the network. Wonga provides a wide, flowing introduction for first-time mountain bikers, while Loop Trail and Friends can be combined into a relatively gentle family-friendly lap. Riders ready to step up can tackle blue trails including High Roller, Rock Salt, Wombat and Slippery Gypsy, where roots, rocks, berms, tighter corners and faster descending start to become a bigger part of the experience. Experienced riders have plenty to keep them busy. Fall Line, Deadwoods and Crits deliver increasingly technical descending, while The Crusher is a challenging black trail featuring rock step-downs, drops, technical gullies and rapid changes in terrain. At the top end, Gunn Barrell is a double-black, competition-level downhill trail with steep rocky drops, gap jumps, high-speed sections and demanding technical features intended for advanced riders only. The network also extends towards Seawinds and McLarens Dam, with Sawtooth providing a roughly 2.8 km descending trail through natural bushland before transitioning into fast, flowing berms through the ferns. Riders can then earn their way back up via Bowsaw, a dedicated climbing trail with switchbacks, rocks and roots. This combination of climbing and descending trails makes Red Hill equally enjoyable for riders chasing a longer pedal-powered MTB adventure rather than simply gravity laps. Red Hill is also well positioned for a bigger Mornington Peninsula cycling trip. Nearby Red Hill Station Reserve has a free MTB skills park with jumps, a berm/wallride and skinny boardwalk features, while the Red Hill–Merricks Rail Trail provides around 6.5 km of easier shared riding through the surrounding countryside. RTS Tip: Red Hill has a big jump in difficulty between its easier trails and its black and double-black descents, so use Wonga, Loop Trail and High Roller to get a feel for the conditions before progressing. The natural roots and rocks can ride very differently when wet, and unfamiliar jumps and drops should always be inspected before committing. For a great first visit, build a loop using the dedicated climbing trails rather than trying to tackle everything at once — there’s enough variety here to easily fill a full day of Mornington Peninsula mountain biking

MTB

The Red Hill Rail Trail, also known locally as the Merricks–Red Hill Trail, is a scenic 6.3 km cycling, walking and horse-riding trail on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, connecting Merricks with Red Hill. Around 90 km south of Melbourne, the route travels through rolling rural countryside, vineyards, orchards, pine trees and native vegetation, with excellent views across Western Port towards Phillip Island. The surface is predominantly compacted earth and fine gravel, making it best suited to mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids and capable e-bikes rather than narrow-tyred road bikes. Starting at Merricks Station Ground, the first 2.7 km towards Tonkins Road is actually steeper than many riders expect from a rail trail. This lower section does not follow the original railway formation for its entire length, and riders face a steady climb for roughly 2 km before being rewarded with expansive views across the Mornington Peninsula countryside and Western Port. The trail is narrow in places and is regularly used by horse riders, so cyclists need to approach blind corners and passing situations carefully. From Tonkins Road to Red Hill, the character changes as the trail returns to the original railway easement. This approximately 3.6 km section climbs much more gently, passing through pine trees and two old railway cuttings before reaching Red Hill Station Reserve. Interpretive signage and a commemorative plaque mark the former Red Hill railway station, while the nearby Red Hill village provides cafés, a bakery and other places to stop before the return ride. The trail follows part of the former Bittern to Red Hill railway, which opened in 1921 after decades of campaigning by local residents. The railway was particularly important for transporting the district’s fruit — including apples, pears and strawberries — towards Melbourne markets. Despite the effort involved in building the steep branch line, improving roads reduced demand and the railway closed in 1953 after only 32 years of operation. Much of the former corridor between Bittern and Merricks later passed into private ownership, leaving the Merricks–Red Hill section as today's rail trail. There are plans to make the trail considerably more significant in the future. Mornington Peninsula Shire has identified the Red Hill Rail Trail extension towards Balnarring and Bittern as an opportunity within the broader Peninsula Trails network. Almost 7 km of the potential 14 km corridor is currently established, with future connections intended to make better use of surviving railway land and road reserves. RTS Tip: If you're riding return, start at Merricks and get the harder climbing out of the way first — then enjoy Red Hill's cafés before a generally easier trip back. Allow roughly 13 km for the out-and-back ride. The trail can become muddy and slippery during winter or after significant rain, and the lower section is steeper and rougher than you might expect from the words “rail trail”, so wider tyres are a good choice. Remember this is a shared trail with walkers and horse riders, slow down when passing and give horses plenty of room.

6 kmGravel

Rifle Butts MTB Park, on the southern outskirts of Mansfield in Victoria’s High Country, is a compact but surprisingly varied mountain bike network within Rifle Butts Reserve (Loyola G50 Bushland Reserve). Only a couple of kilometres from Mansfield township, the park offers around 8–10 km of interconnected cross-country singletrack, with green, blue and black-rated riding suitable for beginners, families and experienced mountain bikers. The trails are maintained by the Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club, making Rifle Butts an excellent local alternative or addition to the larger MTB destinations at Mt Buller and Mt Stirling. The network is designed so that the higher you climb, the more technical the riding becomes. Around the base of the reserve, riders will find relatively flat and flowing singletrack with switchbacks, rollers and smaller jumps. Heading higher introduces steeper climbing, exposed rocks, boulders, rock gardens and technical drops. This progression makes Rifle Butts particularly good for riders developing their MTB skills without needing to commit to a huge trail network. Popular trails include Bogans’ Beginnings, a smooth and relatively flat beginner-friendly loop around the base; Fourteen Farts, which adds flowing trail and switchback climbing; and Critters, where riders tackle a punchier climb before descending through rollers, jumps and berms. More experienced riders can head onto Get Over It, with steep climbing, rock gardens and a technical rock-drop descent, or session Rubbish Run, a gravity-inspired flow trail featuring berms and jumps. A mapped Rifle Butts XC Loop links several of the trails into an approximately 4.5–5 km circuit, making a good introduction to the park before exploring individual lines. Because the network is tightly packed into a relatively small reserve, riders can easily repeat favourite sections or combine different trails to build a longer session. Rifle Butts also has a strong connection with the local cycling community. The Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club uses the park for junior development and local riding activities, and the venue has hosted Victorian Downhill Series racing, adding gravity riding to what has traditionally been a predominantly cross-country network. RTS Tip: Rifle Butts is a great choice if you’re looking for mountain biking close to Mansfield without heading all the way up Mt Buller. Newer riders should start around Bogans’ Beginnings and the lower trails, then progressively work higher up the hill as confidence grows. Experienced riders can link the rockier upper trails with Rubbish Run and the more technical descents for repeated laps. There are no reliable water facilities at the trailhead, so bring your own, and check current trail conditions before riding.

MTB

Rileys Mountain Trail links two standout lookouts above the Nepean River, The Rock, which requires a short hike‑a‑bike to reach, and Nepean Lookout (Mulgoa), which is rideable right to the end. The trail finishes at a beautiful north facing viewpoint over the Nepean River, making it a rewarding out and back with plenty of scenery along the way. The ride is 18km return but for a shorter ride, you can start at The Rock carpark, cutting out the initial dirt road and head straight toward the lookouts. The route begins at the end of the sealed section on Fairlight Road Suitable for gravel bikes and mountain bikes. No Facilities

18 kmGravel, MTB

The Ringwood – Belgrave Rail Trail, also known as the Belgrave Rail Trail or Heathmont to Belgrave Trail, is a roughly 17 km shared cycling and walking route through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and into the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. The trail runs alongside the active Belgrave railway line, travelling through Ringwood, Heathmont, Bayswater, Boronia, Ferntree Gully, Upper Ferntree Gully, Upwey and Tecoma before reaching Belgrave. Predominantly sealed with asphalt and concrete, it’s suitable for road bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, e-bikes, families and recreational cyclists. The first 10 km from Ringwood towards Ferntree Gully has a distinctly suburban character, following wide shared paths beside the railway and passing parks, shopping areas and several railway stations. Around Heathmont, the route briefly joins the Dandenong Creek Trail, providing an excellent connection into Melbourne’s extensive eastern shared-path network. Bayswater, Boronia and Ferntree Gully all offer cafés, shops, toilets and train access, making it easy to shorten the ride if needed. Beyond Upper Ferntree Gully, the scenery and riding change considerably as the trail begins climbing into the Dandenong Ranges. The surroundings become increasingly leafy and forested, with the route incorporating sections of the historic alignment once used by the narrow-gauge railway that became Puffing Billy. Riders pass through Upwey and Tecoma, with several roadside shared-path sections and some noticeably steeper climbing before reaching Belgrave. The railway history is one of the highlights. The original Upper Ferntree Gully to Gembrook narrow-gauge railway opened in 1900, carrying passengers, timber and agricultural produce through the Dandenong Ranges. After closure in the 1950s, preservation efforts eventually created the famous Puffing Billy Railway. When the modern suburban railway was extended and electrified to Belgrave in the early 1960s, parts of the abandoned narrow-gauge alignment became available for what is now the cycling and walking trail. Belgrave makes a great destination, with plenty of cafés and shops and the famous Puffing Billy Railway station only metres from the trail's end. Riders wanting to explore further into the Dandenong Ranges can also investigate the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail, a separate 15 km route between Clematis and Gembrook that again follows sections of the Puffing Billy corridor. RTS Tip: If climbing isn't your thing, take advantage of the railway running alongside the trail: catch a Belgrave Line train uphill to Belgrave and ride predominantly downhill back towards Ringwood. If riding Ringwood to Belgrave, save some energy for the final section — the climb becomes more noticeable after Upper Ferntree Gully and there’s a particularly steep pinch approaching Belgrave. Navigation can also be tricky around station car parks and road crossings, so download the route before setting out. For more kilometres, connect with the Dandenong Creek Trail or EastLink Trail around the Ringwood/Heathmont end.

17 kmGravel

Ross Dam/ Ross River offers a beginner-friendly cross-country mountain bike network along the foreshore of Lake Ross, around 30km south of Townsville. The trails combine flowing singletrack, fire roads, short pinch climbs, rocky creek crossings and fun descents, with beautiful views across the dam and surrounding ranges. The network is generally suited to beginner and intermediate riders, making it a great contrast to some of Townsville’s more technical MTB areas. (rockwheelers.com.au) Access to the MTB trails is tightly controlled because Ross Dam forms part of Townsville’s drinking water supply. Riding access is currently available to eligible Townsville Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Club members on weekends and public holidays, subject to completing the required induction and following the conditions of entry. General public access to the MTB trails is prohibited. (rockwheelers.com.au) RTS Tip: Don’t arrive expecting to simply ride in — Ross Dam MTB access requires current Rockwheelers membership, completion of the Ross Dam induction and sign-in before every ride. Access is generally permitted from 5am Saturday to 6pm Sunday and 5am–6pm on public holidays, with trails closed during wet weather unless specifically approved. Check the latest Rockwheelers access information before heading out

MTB

Rowallan Park, on Glendaragh Road north of Mackay, Queensland, is the home trail network of the MAD Mountain Bike Club. Set within the Rowallan Park Scout grounds, the network offers around 15 km of purpose-built cross-country singletrack, designed to cater for riders from newer mountain bikers through to experienced XC racers. Expect a distinctly North Queensland mix of rocky singletrack, short climbs and descents, switchbacks, berms, jumps, rock gardens and tight tree-lined sections, with A and B lines providing options on many features. The riding is predominantly green and blue graded, although the naturally rocky terrain means even some of the easier trails can feel more challenging than their grading suggests. Mackay’s regional MTB strategy describes roughly 55% of the network as easy and 45% as more difficult, with a small amount of very difficult terrain. The beginner trail 101 provides a good introduction, with flowing singletrack, berms and optional features, while trails such as Pip’s Playground step things up with intermediate riding. Rowallan Park has a strong XC racing and club-riding focus. MAD Mountain Bike Club runs social rides, skills clinics, trail-building activities and competitive events here, and the venue has hosted significant regional racing. In May 2026, Rowallan Park hosted the mountain biking competition for the Mackay North Queensland Games, with categories ranging from junior riders through to Expert, Masters and e-bike racing. The park also complements the newer Finch Hatton MTB network in the Pioneer Valley. Together, the two destinations make Mackay a much stronger MTB stop: Rowallan provides the established, rocky and technical club-built XC experience, while Finch Hatton delivers a newer purpose-built trail-centre experience amongst the rainforest landscape. RTS Tip: Don’t underestimate Rowallan’s green trails — the naturally rocky Mackay terrain can make them feel more technical than a typical beginner flow trail. Start with 101 to get a feel for the surface before progressing deeper into the network. Rowallan Park is managed in partnership with the local Scouts and MAD MTB Club, so check the club’s current trail status and access requirements before riding; the club’s current site also posts whether Rowallan Park is open or closed.

MTB

Royal National Park MTB & Cycling Trails – Sydney Royal National Park, on Sydney’s southern doorstep, offers a fantastic mix of mountain biking, fire-trail riding and easy gravel-style cycling through rainforest, sandstone bushland and along the Hacking River. Rather than one purpose-built MTB park, the Royal is a large network where riders can link approved cycling trails into anything from a short family ride to several hours of exploring. One of the best-known MTB options is the Loftus Loop, an official 10km loop starting near the NPWS office at Farnell Avenue. The route combines around 8km of trail with 2km of designated bike track, changing from wide, relatively easy trails to rockier singletrack, creek crossings and steeper sections around Temptation Creek. NPWS notes that linking trails allow rides ranging from around 15 minutes to four hours. For something easier, Lady Carrington Drive is one of Sydney’s classic off-road rides. The historic carriage route follows the Hacking River for 10km one way from near Audley, crossing 15 creeks and travelling beneath blue gums, turpentines and pockets of rainforest. Its wide track and relatively gentle terrain make it a great choice for families, newer riders and gravel bikes, although it can become boggy after rain. There’s also riding around the East Heathcote trails, where approved cycling routes and fire trails provide more opportunities to build longer MTB loops through the western side of the park. Royal National Park specifically operates a “no sign – no ride” policy for singletrack: cycling is permitted on fire trails, but singletracks can only be ridden where they are specifically marked for cycling at the trailhead. With entry points around Loftus, Heathcote, Waterfall and Audley, the park is also unusually accessible for a major bushland riding destination, including options for riders arriving by train. For riders searching for Royal National Park mountain bike trails, Loftus MTB, Heathcote mountain biking, gravel riding near Sydney or MTB trails in southern Sydney, the Royal offers plenty to explore and is one of Sydney’s most established bush riding areas. RTS Tip: Think of Royal National Park as a collection of individual rides rather than one MTB trail network. Loftus Loop is the pick for MTB, while Lady Carrington Drive is brilliant for an easier gravel or family ride. Most importantly, stick to authorised cycling trails — fire trails are permitted, but don't assume every piece of visible singletrack is legal to ride. Check the current NPWS cycling map, park alerts and trail signage before heading out.

MTB

Rydal MTB Trails are a classic cross-country mountain bike network in Lidsdale State Forest, beside the tiny village of Rydal near Lithgow in the NSW Central Tablelands. The trails start from Rydal Showground and spread north into the surrounding forest, delivering a distinctly old-school mix of natural singletrack, rocky terrain and repurposed 4WD and moto tracks. The network currently has around 22 mapped MTB trails, predominantly green, blue and black-rated cross-country riding. Rather than smooth bike-park flow, expect tight singletrack, rocks, roots, short punchy climbs, natural descents and technical features, with plenty of different trail combinations available. Trails such as Hazzard County add some extra spice, with drops and gap-jump features mixed into the XC terrain. The broader network makes good use of the existing forest tracks, so riders can easily link sections together for anything from a quick lap to a longer session exploring Lidsdale State Forest. Rydal has a particularly strong connection with the Central Tablelands Mountain Bike Club (CTMBC), one of Australia’s long-established MTB clubs, formed in 1984. The club is based around the Lithgow region and regularly hosts racing at Rydal, including its Tuesday night race series. It’s also an established endurance racing venue. Rydal hosted Round 3 of the 2026 NSW Central West XC Mountain Bike Interclub Series, with racing based from Rydal Showground, and has previously hosted major endurance events including the Jetblack 24 Hour. The main trailhead is at Rydal Showground at the top of Market Street. From here, trails head into the forest on either side to the north of the showground, making it a relatively straightforward place to start exploring. For riders searching for Rydal MTB, Lithgow mountain bike trails, Central Tablelands MTB, Lidsdale State Forest cycling or XC mountain biking west of Sydney, Rydal is a great regional network to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: Rydal is best suited to riders who enjoy natural XC rather than manicured bike-park trails. Current mapping is worth having with you because there are plenty of old forest, 4WD and moto tracks intersecting the MTB network. It also pairs brilliantly with the wider Lithgow riding scene if you’re planning a full weekend in the region.

10 kmMTB

Ironbark Gully / Samford Conservation Park MTB Trails, around 20 km north-west of Brisbane, is a popular South East Queensland mountain biking destination offering a mix of dedicated MTB singletrack and longer shared-use forest trails. The riding winds through open eucalypt forest and gullies, with a character that ranges from flowing contour trails to rocky technical sections, berms and fast descents. The official network is predominantly intermediate, with several difficult trails for experienced riders, making Samford particularly good for riders wanting to progress beyond beginner-level MTB. The current Queensland Parks network includes 12 designated MTB trails, plus a purpose-built warm-up area at Lomandra MTB. Intermediate options include Pipeline, Water Tank, Fitness Trail, Lorikeet, Bergin Creek, Bandicoot, Kombi, Mopoke, Green Tree Snake and Sunrise, while Sunset and Whipsnake are graded difficult. Pipeline and Water Tank offer relatively flat contour riding, while Fitness Trail introduces more climbing and undulating terrain. For riders chasing descending, Kombi is a roughly 2.7 km one-way intermediate trail running downhill towards the Lomandra trailhead, while Bandicoot delivers around 2.46 km of contouring singletrack including a natural rock garden before linking directly into Sunset. Sunset steps things up with a difficult, one-way descent featuring natural trail features and berms. Whipsnake, at around 2.3 km, provides another difficult downhill option for experienced riders. The Lomandra trailhead is the best starting point for exploring the network. Queensland Parks recommends using Green Tree Snake to access the shared trail network before climbing gently towards Three Ways Road. From there, riders can choose several suggested loops, including returning via Kombi, combining Bandicoot and Sunset, or taking Lorikeet, a fast and rocky intermediate descent. Samford also works brilliantly as part of a bigger Brisbane MTB adventure. Nearby Bunyaville Conservation Park has another dedicated mountain bike network, and the two parks can be linked by bike or reached with a short drive. Riders looking for longer and more demanding backcountry-style riding can also explore permitted MTB routes within nearby D’Aguilar National Park. RTS Tip: Start at Lomandra and use the warm-up area before heading onto Green Tree Snake and climbing towards Three Ways Road. For a solid intermediate loop, work your way towards Kombi or Lorikeet; confident riders can combine Bandicoot into Sunset for a more technical finish. Shared trails are also used by walkers and horse riders, with cyclists required to give way. Avoid riding after heavy rain or when trails are soft and muddy, and check current park alerts before heading out.

MTB

Scribbly Gums MTB Trails Scribbly Gums, within the Redlands Regional Track Park at Alexandra Hills, is one of Brisbane’s most accessible mountain biking areas and a particularly good destination for beginners, families and developing riders. Around 25 km south-east of the Brisbane CBD, the network covers approximately 152 hectares of bushland, with more than 30 trails and around 32 km of riding. Most trails are graded green or blue, and the relatively flat terrain means you can clock up plenty of kilometres without the sustained climbing found at many other South East Queensland MTB parks. The riding is predominantly flowing cross-country singletrack, winding through open eucalypt forest and the scribbly gums that give the area its name. Surfaces are generally smooth and hard-packed but can become sandy in places, with plenty of twists, small rises, roots and natural features to keep things interesting. Rather than big gravity descents, Scribbly Gums is about maintaining momentum, linking trails together and enjoying fast, fun XC riding. A great feature of Scribbly Gums is how easily riders can build different-sized loops. A popular mapped option is the 20 km Scribbly Gums Loop from Kinross, which links around 25 individual trails and has roughly 236 m of climbing. It’s rated as an easy MTB route overall, making it a good option for riders wanting a longer XC ride without highly technical terrain. The trail network also connects into the wider Redlands Track Park and Hilliards Creek riding areas, allowing locals to piece together much longer rides. Scribbly Gums is especially useful for riders building fitness or confidence before progressing to more demanding South East Queensland destinations such as Daisy Hill, Bayview or Mt Cotton. RTS Tip: Scribbly Gums is a brilliant choice if you're new to MTB or riding with kids — start with a few of the shorter green trails, then link the blue trails together as confidence grows. Don’t let the lack of big hills fool you: the maze of interconnected singletrack makes it easy to turn a quick ride into 20 km or more. Download the current trail map before heading out, as there are plenty of intersections. Also check current trail reports before riding; some sections can be temporarily closed or affected by fallen trees and works.

MTB

Seeonee Park at Limestone Creek, between Rockhampton and Yeppoon, is a cross-country mountain bike network managed by Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club (Rocky MTB). Set within the 600-acre Scouts Queensland property, the network offers a collection of XC trails catering for a range of abilities, with natural singletrack, climbs and descents through the bushland. It’s particularly popular as an endurance training ground and regularly hosts club social rides, cross-country races and regional competitions. Compared with Rocky MTB’s larger First Turkey network, Seeonee is a smaller and more XC-focused riding area, making it a great option for riders looking to build fitness, practise cross-country skills or get in some training laps. RTS Tip: Seeonee Park is privately owned by Scouts Queensland and MTB access is restricted to Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club members during designated hours — it isn’t a 24/7 public trail network. Check the current access times and conditions with Rocky MTB before heading out.

MTB

The Shaws Ridge / Blue Gum Swamp loop is generally ridden in an anticlockwise direction. It is mostly firetrail in varying condition, and while there are some steep climbs, it is generally achievable by beginner riders. The ride offers a beautiful forest floor atmosphere with towering Blue Gums and flowing creeks. Getting There Access the trail from the gate at the end of White Cross Road, Winmalee, where you’ll find a trailhead sign and parking. The closest railway station is Springwood station a 7km ride Optional Side Trip For those with strong legs, Bees Nest Hill (signposted off the Blue Gum Swamp firetrail) takes you up to the Springwood Ridge firetrail for expansive views over the Grose Valley from the Grose Head South Lookout. Facilities at White Cross Shopping Centre

9 kmMTB

Shepherds Hill MTB Trails Shepherds Hill Recreation Park, around 11 km south of Adelaide’s CBD, packs an impressive amount of mountain biking into a relatively small suburban park. There are around 16 km of MTB trails, ranging from family-friendly green loops through to short, punchy cross-country riding and intermediate downhill trails. Expect rocky Adelaide foothills terrain, loose surfaces, tight corners, short steep climbs and fast descents, all amongst remnant grey box woodland with views across the Adelaide Plains and coastline. The network is particularly good for skills progression. Easier shared-use options include the River Red Gum Loop, Seaview Loop and Grey Box Loop, while riders wanting more challenge can tackle the Diagonal Ascent before dropping into the dedicated Intermediate Downhill. The official park map clearly separates shared-use trails from the dedicated MTB descent, making it easy to put together several different loops. At the Ayliffes Road entrance, riders will also find two excellent skills areas. The Kids Zone provides a safe, easy dirt area where younger and newer riders can practise bike handling, while The Bowl is a bikes-only pump and jump track with features suitable for different abilities. It makes Shepherds Hill especially good for families or riders wanting somewhere to session skills before heading onto the main trail network. Its location also makes Shepherds Hill part of a much bigger Adelaide foothills riding area. Nearby trail networks include Sturt Gorge/Craigburn Farm, Lynton Reserve, Randell Park and the wider City of Mitcham trails, giving experienced riders plenty of scope to incorporate Shepherds Hill into a longer MTB adventure. RTS Tip: Start at the Ayliffes Road trailhead with a few laps of the Kids Zone or The Bowl, then use the easier loops to warm up before tackling Diagonal Ascent and the Intermediate Downhill. Many of Shepherds Hill’s trails are shared with walkers, so keep speeds under control and give way appropriately. Also watch the Archery Club warning flags — there is no access through that area when the red flag is flying. The park closes on Catastrophic Fire Danger days and may also close on Extreme days, so check conditions before heading out.

23 kmMTB

The Silvan MTB Trails, in the Silvan area of Dandenong Ranges National Park east of Melbourne, offer around 13 km of formally designated mountain bike singletrack, backed by an extensive network of management vehicle tracks that can be used to create much longer rides. Set beneath the Dandenong Ranges’ tall forest canopy, Silvan has a distinctly natural, hand-built character, with hard-packed clay, roots, logs, ruts, short punchy climbs and fast flowing descents. The official network provides beginner and intermediate opportunities, although much of the singletrack is best enjoyed by confident intermediate riders. Silvan isn’t a manicured bike park; much of its appeal comes from exploring interconnected forest trails. Popular trails include Magpie, Twisted Sister, Bakers Dozen, Yarbung, Temple of Zoom, Downhill and Huds. Magpie mixes pinchy climbing with roots, logs and flowing XC sections, while Temple of Zoom delivers 1.6 km of descending with speed, berms, ruts, steep corners and a few short climbs. The aptly named Downhill is a 700 m one-way descent with small jumps, ruts, steeper lines and log features, providing plenty of fun for trail and enduro bikes without being a full-on downhill race track. Huds sits farther south-east near the Silvan Reservoir boundary and RJ Hamer Arboretum. This 1 km one-way descent is smoother and faster, winding through the forest with large-radius corners before emerging near Silvan Road. Another standout is Tchan’s / Avec Plaisir, around 2.1 km of twisting singletrack featuring numerous corners, wide berms, fast straights and a large log rollover. For a longer outing, local riders have created several loops linking the singletrack with forest roads. A popular Hills and Valleys blue loop is around 16 km with roughly 500 m of climbing, combining trails including Magpie, Twisted Sister, Bakers Dozen and Burnt Out Climb. This gives a good indication of Silvan’s character: distances might not look huge, but the repeated climbing can make for a substantial workout. The easiest starting point is Silvan Reservoir Picnic Area, where there is parking, toilets, picnic tables, barbecues and drinking water. From here, ride around 500 m along Stonyford Road to Track 13, which leads into the Forest Flow network. Another option is RJ Hamer Arboretum, providing access towards Huds. The trails are managed by Parks Victoria with support from Yarra Ranges Mountain Bikers, who assist with ongoing maintenance. RTS Tip: Silvan is one of those networks where having a map makes a big difference. The singletrack is scattered through a much larger maze of forest management tracks, so download the current Parks Victoria map or Trailforks before setting off. For a first visit, start from Silvan Reservoir Picnic Area and build a loop around the central trails before venturing farther towards Huds or Tchan’s. The hard-packed clay, roots and steep sections can become much trickier after rain, and temporary closures can occur following storms or during trail works, so check current Parks Victoria conditions before riding.

MTB

The Silver City MTB Trails, on the outskirts of Zeehan on Tasmania’s wild West Coast, deliver around 35 km of purpose-built mountain biking through the spectacular Heemskirk Range. Opened in December 2022, the network combines stacked-loop trail riding with genuine backcountry adventure, progressing from accessible flowing trails near Zeehan to remote and highly technical riding high in the mountains. The landscape is unmistakably West Coast Tasmania, with buttongrass plains, rainforest, exposed rocky ridgelines and huge views across the surrounding wilderness. The network starts from the Heemskirk Road trailhead, around 500 m north of Zeehan. Despatch provides the main 4.5 km climb through rainforest and buttongrass to the top of Oonah Hill, where riders can drop into Oonah Hill, a 2.8 km flow trail packed with linked berms and rollers. This combination provides one of the more accessible experiences in the network and is a great introduction to Silver City before venturing farther into the Heemskirk Range. For riders wanting a bigger adventure, Heemskirk Link provides access to trails including Western Odyssey, Featherstone and Silver Lining. Western Odyssey flows across open buttongrass towards Piney Prospect, while Featherstone adds a faster ridgeline descent featuring gravel, rocks, berms and built features. The farther you travel from Zeehan, the more remote and demanding the riding becomes. The headline ride is Stormsdown, a challenging 14 km advanced adventure trail into the Heemskirk Range. Riders face a substantial mountain climb before dropping into a highly technical ridgeline descent featuring rock slabs, natural rock features and multiple line choices. The official trail information recommends allowing 2–5 hours for Stormsdown alone, reflecting just how different this is from a typical trail-centre loop. Silver City also tells the story of Zeehan’s extraordinary mining past. Once nicknamed “The Silver City”, Zeehan boomed during Tasmania’s mining era, and many of the MTB trails are named after mines that once operated throughout these hills. Historic mining activity also creates a very real hazard: open mine shafts remain within the area, and sections around Oonah Hill are classified as an Extreme Hazard Area. Riders must remain on the designated trail at all times. RTS Tip: Silver City is a network where you should choose your ride carefully. For a shorter introduction, climb Despatch and descend Oonah Hill for a brilliant taste of Zeehan’s flow riding. If you're heading deeper towards Silver Lining or Stormsdown, treat it as a genuine backcountry ride. The Heemskirk Range is remote and highly exposed, with weather capable of changing suddenly and dramatically. Download your maps, check the forecast, carry plenty of food, water, tools and appropriate clothing, and allow considerably more time than the distance alone suggests. Most importantly, stay on the trail due to historic open mine shafts throughout the area.

35 kmMTB

Silvalite Reserve is a natural bushland reserve on the western side of Wagga Wagga, covering approximately 34 hectares alongside the Olympic Highway. For riders, its main significance is as one of the scenic bushland sections traversed by the 42km Wiradjuri Trail, making it a useful link in a much bigger ride around the city. The riding here is about exploration rather than technical mountain biking. The Wiradjuri Trail passes through the reserve on a mixture of natural and unsealed surfaces, providing a quieter, more bush-focused section of the wider Wagga loop. It works particularly well for MTBs, gravel bikes and capable hybrids. Silvalite is also an important conservation area. Although much of the landscape was historically cleared and grazed, significant natural regeneration has occurred over the past 50 years. Today the reserve contains recovering box woodland and native habitat and forms part of a wildlife corridor connecting Willans Hill, Birramal Conservation Area, Pomingalarna Reserve and the Murrumbidgee River. The reserve supports a surprising variety of wildlife, including threatened species such as Squirrel Gliders, Superb Parrots, Swift Parrots, Brown Treecreepers and Grey-crowned Babblers, so this is definitely a section where slowing down and taking in the surroundings is worthwhile. For riders searching for Silvalite Reserve cycling, Wagga Wagga bike trails, Pomingalarna Park, Wiradjuri Trail or gravel riding in Wagga, this is best considered a scenic section of Wagga’s broader cycling network rather than a standalone MTB destination.

MTB

The Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path is a scenic 17km sealed cycling trail running from opposite Flynn’s Grave to Simpsons Gap in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. The gently undulating path winds through classic Central Australian desert country, with views across the MacDonnell Ranges and surrounding rocky hills, mulga, witchetty bush and river red gum country. Four rest areas along the route provide places to stop and take in the landscape, with interpretive signs highlighting the area’s plants, wildlife and geology. The path connects with Alice Springs’ town cycling network, with Flynn’s Grave around 7km by bike from central Alice Springs, making it possible to ride all the way from town. Ride the path one-way for 17km, return for a 34km outing from Flynn’s Grave, or extend from Alice Springs for a bigger Red Centre adventure. RTS Tip: The cooler months from April to September are the best time to ride, and early mornings are a good option as temperatures rise. Carry plenty of water, snacks and puncture-repair gear, and stay on the sealed path — the surrounding desert vegetation can quickly cause punctures. Mobile coverage is also limited along the route, so download your map before setting off. Visitors to the NT require an NT Parks Visitor Pass.

17 kmMTB, Road

Smithfield MTB Park Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Trail head, around 20 km north of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, is one of Australia’s most iconic mountain biking destinations. Set within Smithfield Conservation Park, the trails climb from the coastal lowlands into spectacular tropical rainforest, delivering everything from approachable green singletrack to technical cross-country, enduro and World Cup-level downhill terrain. The current official network is around 30 km, with green, blue, black and double-black riding available. Smithfield has played a huge role in Australian MTB history. The venue has hosted the 2014 and 2016 UCI Mountain Bike World Cups and the 2017 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, along with national racing and Crankworx competition. Riders can still experience trails shaped by that racing heritage, including the famous World Cup and Nationals downhill terrain, alongside a much broader network of XC and trail riding. The lower green trails provide the best introduction, with shorter loops and relatively few technical challenges for beginners, younger riders and families. From there, Smithfield quickly steps things up. Blue trails introduce the park’s characteristic steep climbs, roots, rocks, rainforest singletrack and fast technical descents, while black-rated trails are designed for advanced riders comfortable with considerably more demanding features and terrain. For experienced riders, Smithfield is famous for its gravity riding. Trails including Cuss Cuss, MP39, Stumpies, Happies and Nationals DH make use of the steep rainforest slopes, with features including large berms, drops, rocky sections and fast descending. Commercial shuttle services are also available for some of the park’s major downhill runs, allowing riders to maximise their descending time. There’s also a major transformation coming. The Queensland Government is investing $15.5 million to expand Smithfield to an 85 km nationally significant MTB network, with more beginner trails, intermediate and advanced riding, upgraded trailhead facilities, improved signage, skills areas and better shuttle access. The final masterplan is due in 2026, construction is expected to begin in 2027, and full completion is targeted for late 2028. RTS Tip: Smithfield rewards riders who build up gradually. Start on the lower green trails to get used to the tropical conditions before heading higher into the blue and black network — the combination of heat, humidity, steep climbing, roots and technical rainforest terrain can make trails considerably tougher than the distance suggests. Download the current map and check trail conditions with the Cairns Mountain Bike Club before riding, particularly during the wet season. With the huge expansion now planned, also expect the network and access arrangements to evolve over the next few years.

85 kmMTB

Smiths Gully MTB Park, around 40 km north-east of Melbourne in Victoria’s Nillumbik region, is an expansive network of natural mountain bike trails spread through the steep bushland and reserves surrounding Smiths Gully. Current mapping shows around 26 MTB trails and more than 40 km of riding, with the network focused primarily on cross-country and trail riding, plus several faster enduro-style descents. Unlike a manicured trail centre, Smiths Gully has a distinctly old-school, natural character with hardpack dirt, loose rock, roots, tight trees, steep hills and plenty of punchy climbing. Popular trails include Midden, Orchid, Marsben, Buldwij Trail, Ridge Road, Goat Track Descent and Boomers Drop In. Midden delivers tight switchbacks and fast XC sections broken up by short climbs, while Ridge Road feels more like an enduro stage with tight trees and fast descending. Boomers Drop In is another favourite, combining flowing high-speed sections, sweeping corners and steeper chutes. There’s plenty here for riders wanting a substantial workout. A popular Smiths Gully Short Loop is around 10 km with roughly 190 m of climbing, while the much bigger Tough Smiths Loop stretches to approximately 43 km with more than 800 m of climbing, linking many of the network’s best-known trails into a serious day out. A traditional starting point is the Smiths Gully General Store, with another common access point at Smiths Gully MTB Car Park on Clintons Road. The General Store makes a particularly handy base for a ride, with food and coffee available before or afterwards. The network is best suited to intermediate riders, particularly those who enjoy exploratory XC rather than clearly defined bike-park loops. Many trails are shared with walkers and horse riders, so speeds need to be controlled around blind corners and other trail users given plenty of room. RTS Tip: Smiths Gully is a maze of interconnected natural trails, so download a current map before setting out — it’s very easy to turn a planned quick lap into a much bigger ride. Start with the Short Loop from the General Store to get a feel for the terrain, then add trails such as Midden, Ridge Road and Boomers Drop In if you want more. Expect steep climbs and loose hardpack, particularly in dry weather, and be careful not to stray into nearby conservation areas where bicycles are prohibited.

MTB

Hidden deep within Boola Boola State Forest, Somewhere Good MTB is a true destination for riders who appreciate old-school, hand-built singletrack and a natural riding experience. The network weaves through lush fern-filled gullies, delivering tight, flowing trails packed with berms, roots, natural features and endless rhythm. Rather than machine-built flow, these trails embrace the terrain, creating fast, technical riding that rewards good line choice and bike handling. Expect a mix of playful descents, punchy climbs and feature-rich singletrack that keeps experienced mountain bikers engaged from start to finish. Surrounded by towering forest and a remote wilderness setting, the riding feels immersive and untouched. For riders seeking authentic singletrack with character, Somewhere Good more than lives up to its name—offering one of Victoria's hidden mountain biking gems that leaves visitors planning their next return.

MTB

South Hobart MTB Trails South Hobart is one of the main gateways into the extensive mountain bike network on the lower slopes of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, with a mixture of purpose-built singletrack, technical descents, climbing trails and connecting fire roads beginning only minutes from Hobart’s CBD. Rather than one defined bike park, South Hobart forms part of a much larger interconnected riding area stretching across the mountain foothills. The City of Hobart maintains almost 60 km of MTB and shared-use tracks across its reserves, with South Hobart one of the primary access points. A key riding area is Cascades Track and the surrounding Cascades network. Riders can link sanctioned trails and fire roads into everything from short after-work laps to substantial mountain rides. The terrain is classic Hobart: rocky natural singletrack, roots, forest, technical features and sustained descending, with plenty of climbing required if you’re earning your turns rather than shuttling. Nearby McRobies Gully adds some of the area’s best-known sanctioned riding. Jurassic Shark is a moderate, open and flowing trail connecting into Slides, a fun descent through fern-filled gullies. More experienced riders can tackle Tip Top, a difficult downhill-preferred trail featuring a narrow twisting line and two steep paved rock chutes. Together, Jurassic Shark, Slides and Tip Top can be combined with the surrounding fire roads into an excellent technical South Hobart loop. South Hobart is also an excellent finishing point for a top-to-bottom kunanyi ride. Starting at The Springs Wellington Park, around 720 m above sea level, riders can descend a combination of sanctioned MTB trails and connecting fire roads towards South Hobart, losing roughly 550 m of elevation along the way. For riders wanting an even bigger adventure, the wider mountain network includes connections towards Junction Cabin, the famous North-South Track and ultimately Glenorchy. One thing to be aware of is that the wider South Hobart/Cascades area contains a mixture of sanctioned and unsanctioned trails. Official City of Hobart MTB trails are signed at their entrances, while many informal trails are unsigned. Within Wellington Park, bikes must remain on tracks where cycling is permitted, and riders can be fined for using walking-only trails. RTS Tip: For a first visit, start from Old Farm Road and explore the sanctioned Jurassic Shark, Slides and Tip Top network, choosing Tip Top only if you’re comfortable with difficult technical riding and steep rock chutes. If you want the bigger Hobart experience, organise a lift or shuttle to The Springs and descend back towards South Hobart. Download the current official trail map before setting out and stick to signed, bike-permitted trails — this part of Hobart has a maze of tracks, and not everything visible on the ground is sanctioned for MTB use.

MTB

Sparrow Hill and East Kowen form one of Canberra’s largest and most rewarding mountain bike networks, with the two areas linked to create plenty of options for anything from a quick spin to a big day on the bike. Expect kilometres of purpose-built singletrack weaving through pine forest and native bush, with flowing sections, punchy climbs, technical features and fast descents. The extensive network means riders can build loops to suit their distance and ability, making it a favourite for XC and trail riders who enjoy covering ground and exploring. RTS Tip: With so many trail junctions and loop options, it’s worth having your route sorted before you roll out — especially if you’re linking Sparrow Hill and East Kowen into one longer ride. Forestry operations and events can also affect access, so check current trail conditions and closures before heading out.

60 kmMTB

Located within the University of New England campus in Armidale, the SportUNE Mountain Bike Trails offer one of Australia's premier cross-country riding venues. Designed to international competition standards, the network caters to riders of all abilities, from beginners and families through to elite racers, with a variety of purpose-built singletrack and technical features. The trails combine flowing cross-country riding with rock gardens, bridges, climbs, descents and optional technical features, making them equally suited to recreational riding and race-day challenges. The network has hosted numerous state, national and world championship events, highlighting the quality of the trail design while remaining accessible for everyday riders. Conveniently located alongside the extensive SportUNE sporting precinct, riders have access to excellent facilities including parking, amenities and bike-friendly services. Whether you're looking to build skills, train for competition or simply enjoy a ride through the New England bush, the SportUNE trail network delivers a world-class mountain biking experience in the heart of Armidale.

Verified by 1 riderRecommended by 1 rider
MTB

The Spring Gully MTB Trails, on the southern edge of Bendigo, Victoria, are a well-established cross-country mountain bike network winding through the Red Ironbark and Grey Box bushland of Bendigo Regional Park. Built and maintained by volunteers from the Bendigo Mountain Bike Club with support from Parks Victoria, the network delivers classic Bendigo riding: dry hardpack, rocky singletrack, short punchy climbs, twisting descents and plenty of natural technical features. Spring Gully has a strong XC focus, with interconnected trails allowing riders to build anything from short laps to longer training rides through the surrounding bush. The network is particularly well known locally as a race venue, and has hosted AusCycling MTB National Series XCO racing, demonstrating that while there are approachable options, there is also plenty here to challenge experienced cross-country riders. For an easier introduction, the Spring Gully Mountain Bike Loop is approximately 3.9 km and is promoted by the Goldfields Track as a family-friendly ride. It winds through attractive ironbark and Grey Box forest and sits only around 1 km from the Goldfields Track, making it easy to incorporate Spring Gully into a much longer Bendigo MTB adventure. One of Spring Gully’s strengths is its connectivity. The wider Bendigo off-road network links the area with Spring Gully Reservoir, Diamond Hill, Salomon Gully, the Goldfields Track and trails towards central Bendigo. Spring Gully Recreation Reserve is described as a hub for mountain bike riders, allowing riders to piece together substantial off-road loops rather than limiting themselves to the immediate MTB trails. The riding here feels much more natural and old-school than a modern machine-built bike park. The terrain is undulating and can be rocky and loose, rewarding good line choice and momentum rather than relying on big built features. This makes Spring Gully particularly appealing to XC riders, intermediate mountain bikers and riders wanting to develop technical skills. RTS Tip: Start with the 3.9 km Spring Gully MTB Loop to get a feel for Bendigo’s rocky, hardpack terrain, then start linking into the wider network if you want more kilometres. Spring Gully connects beautifully with the Goldfields Track and Bendigo’s extensive bush trails, so download a map before heading out and you can easily turn a quick lap into a much bigger adventure. Stick to the marked trails within Bendigo Regional Park and respect any temporary closures or race signage.

MTB

Spring Mountain Forest Park MTB Trails Spring Mountain Forest Park, in Logan’s western suburbs near Springfield and Greenbank, Queensland, offers a growing network of mountain bike and shared-use trails through a large area of lowland eucalypt forest. The park connects directly with Ipswich’s White Rock–Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, forming part of the important Flinders–Karawatha Corridor. The riding combines purpose-built singletrack with wider multi-use and fire trails, giving riders plenty of scope to create anything from a short beginner ride to a longer backcountry-style loop. The official MTB network includes Thornbill (1.1 km) and Sheoak (800 m) as the main easy trails, while intermediate riders can explore Batwing (400 m), Horseshoe Loop (1.9 km), Pinto Path (1.6 km), Monarch (2.7 km) and Surefoot (1.8 km). Together, these trails provide a good mix of flowing singletrack, climbing, rocky sections and natural bush riding without the large jumps and gravity-focused features found at dedicated bike parks. For a first visit, Thornbill and Sheoak provide the easiest introduction. Thornbill creates a playful singletrack entrance into the park before connecting with Sheoak and the wider trail network. Sheoak follows gentler slopes through stands of sheoak and large eucalypts before joining Horseshoe Loop, where rocky outcrops and undulating terrain start to add more challenge. More experienced riders can combine Monarch and Surefoot for approximately 4.5 km of backcountry-style singletrack. These trails contour through varied terrain with switchbacks, creek crossings and granite boulders before connecting with Mountain Creek Break in the valley below. Pinto Path provides another useful connection through the network, with a mix of easy and moderate gradients and some rewarding descending when ridden in the opposite direction. One of Spring Mountain’s strengths is the ability to build much longer adventure rides using the surrounding multi-use trail network. The neighbouring White Rock–Spring Mountain Conservation Estate contains additional cycling routes and bush trails, allowing capable riders to put together substantial loops through the broader conservation corridor. RTS Tip: Spring Mountain is a great option for riders who enjoy natural XC and exploratory trail riding rather than a jump-focused bike park. Newer riders should start with Thornbill and Sheoak, then add Horseshoe Loop before progressing to Monarch and Surefoot. Distances may look short on the map, but the hilly terrain, rocky sections and repeated climbing can make a bigger ride surprisingly demanding. Download the official trail map before heading out, and remember that many routes are shared with walkers and horse riders, so ride accordingly.

MTB

The St Helens Mountain Bike Trails on Tasmania’s spectacular East Coast are one of Australia’s premier mountain biking destinations, combining more than 66 km of stacked-loop riding near St Helens with the epic 42 km Bay of Fires Trail. The network has everything from easy family-friendly green trails to flowing blue singletrack, technical black descents and genuine wilderness adventure riding, all set amongst granite boulders, eucalyptus forest, fern-filled gullies and coastal landscapes. The main Flagstaff Trail Network, around five minutes south of St Helens, is the best place to start. Eight stacked loops radiate from a purpose-built trailhead, allowing riders to progressively increase both distance and difficulty. Green trails including Trailhead, Over There, Swell Done, Humpback, Eagle Eye and Pearla provide approachable riding, while Rock Lobster, Wedged In, Seeya Later and Old Salty Dog step things up with longer, faster and more technical terrain. Experienced riders can head higher onto Loila Tier, where trails such as Send Helens, Icarus, Shucka and Mack 10 deliver the network’s very difficult black-rated riding. These gravity-focused trails make use of the elevation above St Helens for faster descending, technical features and more demanding terrain. For riders wanting a longer challenge, Dreaming Pools provides a substantial 23 km intermediate adventure deeper into the landscape. The headline experience is the Bay of Fires Trail, a roughly 42 km point-to-point adventure beginning high on the Blue Tier and finishing at Swimcart Beach. Riders travel from sub-alpine terrain through huge granite formations, rainforest and eucalyptus forest before a long ridgeline descent towards the coast, eventually emerging onto the famous white sands and turquoise water of the Bay of Fires. It’s one of those rare MTB rides where the destination is every bit as impressive as the trail itself. St Helens is also designed as a genuine MTB destination rather than simply a collection of trails. The Flagstaff trailhead has parking, toilets, a bike-wash/hygiene station and shuttle drop-off facilities, while the 3.8 km Townlink allows riders to pedal between St Helens township and the trailhead. Blue Derby is around an hour away, making it easy to combine the two networks into an incredible North East Tasmania riding trip. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, give yourself more than one day. Start at Flagstaff and use the stacked loops to find your level before progressing onto the Loila Tier descents. Save Bay of Fires or Dreaming Pools for a dedicated adventure day — both take you farther from the trailhead and require more preparation than a normal bike-park lap. Carry food, water, tools and extra clothing, download your maps offline and check current trail conditions before setting out; mobile reception can be limited on parts of the network.

110 kmMTB

The Stanhope – Girgarre Rail Trail is a short and easy 5 km shared cycling and walking trail in northern Victoria’s Campaspe region, connecting the small rural towns of Stanhope and Girgarre. Following the former Rushworth–Girgarre railway corridor through classic Goulburn Valley dairy country, the trail is almost completely flat and has a light sandy-gravel surface. It’s well suited to mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, touring bikes and families, and at only around 10 km return makes an approachable ride for almost any ability. Starting from Stanhope Park on the northern edge of Stanhope, the trail heads north through open farmland and increasingly established native plantings. The route is wonderfully straightforward, with long, straight sections following the old railway formation. Several irrigation channels cross the corridor along the way; some retain narrow bridges while others require short gravel-road diversions where the original railway bridges have been removed. Approaching Girgarre, riders can make a worthwhile stop at the Gargarro Botanic Garden, showcasing indigenous plants from the Campaspe region and providing a café for a mid-ride break. The trail then continues into Progress Park, on the site of the former Girgarre railway station, where quirky musical installations including tubular bells reflect the town’s strong community and arts focus. The railway itself dates back to 1917, when the branch line from Rushworth to Girgarre opened to service the surrounding agricultural district. The section beyond Stanhope closed in 1975, with the remaining railway shutting in 1987. Development of the rail trail has been driven largely by the local community and Landcare volunteers, with the first 2 km completed in 2015 and the connection through to Stanhope finished in 2022. There are bigger ambitions for the corridor. The community’s long-term plan is to extend the trail south from Stanhope towards Rushworth, where it could eventually connect with the newer Waranga Rail Trail, creating a much more substantial regional cycling route. RTS Tip: This is an ideal easy 10 km out-and-back ride. Start in Stanhope, ride north to Girgarre and stop at the Gargarro Botanic Garden and café before heading back. The trail is flat, but the light sandy gravel can be a little loose and narrow in places, so wider tyres will make the ride more comfortable. If you're visiting on the second Sunday of the month, time your ride with the Girgarre Farmers Produce and Craft Market for an even better reason to linger at the turnaround point

19 kmGravel

Stromlo Forest Park is Canberra’s flagship mountain biking destination and one of Australia’s best-known purpose-built MTB parks. Located around 15 minutes from Canberra’s city centre, the 1,200-hectare multi-sport precinct offers more than 50km of professionally built and maintained mountain bike trails, catering for everyone from first-time riders through to experienced XC, enduro and downhill riders. The network has a huge variety of riding, with green, blue and black trails spread across Mount Stromlo. Expect flowing singletrack, technical rock features, berms, jumps, drops, natural obstacles and long descents, alongside dedicated climbing trails that allow riders to pedal their way back up for another run. Stromlo has a particularly strong cross-country heritage, having hosted the 2009 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. Today there’s an extensive XC network where riders can link trails together into anything from a short beginner loop to a substantial ride around the mountain. Gravity riders are equally well catered for, with dedicated downhill and jump trails descending from the upper mountain. Popular trails across the wider network include Luge, Pork Barrel, Old Duffy Descent and Trebuchet, with everything from fast flow to serious technical terrain. Current Trailforks mapping shows more than 100 individual MTB trail sections across the broader park. One of Stromlo’s biggest advantages is the shuttle service, allowing riders to maximise their descending rather than climbing for every lap. The official shuttle currently operates Friday to Sunday, on public holidays and during ACT school holidays, generally taking riders to the top of the mountain every 40 minutes. There’s also plenty for riders developing their skills. Stromlo has the Evolution Coaching Trails, The Playground and a pump track, providing dedicated areas to practise cornering, jumping and technical features before taking those skills onto the mountain. Adaptive riders are well catered for too, with current mapping identifying more than 20 adaptive-accessible trail sections, adding to Stromlo’s appeal as a genuinely broad cycling destination. The main precinct includes parking, an event pavilion and nearby café/bar and bike hire, while the park also features a 1.2km criterium circuit and other cycling and recreation facilities. For riders searching for Stromlo MTB, Canberra mountain bike trails, Mount Stromlo MTB, downhill MTB Canberra or ACT mountain biking, this is the region’s must-know destination and easily worth building an entire day of riding around. RTS Tip: Stromlo is big enough that it pays to plan your ride around your ability and preferred style rather than trying to cover everything. Newer riders can stick to the green loops and progression areas, trail riders can build a big pedal-powered adventure, while gravity riders can grab a shuttle pass and concentrate on the descents. All designated MTB trails are one-way, and individual trails can close for maintenance, events or weather, so check the official trail status before riding.

Recommended by 1 rider
50 kmMTB

Sturt Gorge Recreation Park MTB Trails, around 13–15 km south of Adelaide’s CBD, is one of the city’s standout mountain biking destinations, with more than 40 km of singletrack and shared-use trails spread through the gorge and the adjoining Craigburn Farm area. The riding ranges from easy family-friendly trails through to flowing intermediate singletrack and rocky, technical descents, all amongst grey box woodland, open grasslands, steep gullies and the rugged Sturt River valley. Entry to the park is free. Craigburn Farm is the main hub for purpose-built MTB riding. Easier options include Surf and Turf (1.2 km), Walk the Dog (1.8 km) and Lakeview (1.5 km), while intermediate riders have a great selection including Sidewinder (2.8 km), Gunners Run (3 km), Cow Bones Loop (2 km), Little River (1.5 km) and Horners Corners (2 km). Sidewinder contours along the hillside, while Gunners Run delivers flowing singletrack with plenty of variety and works well in either direction. For more technical riding, Sticks and Stones (1.5 km) features challenging rock gardens, while Craigberms (700 m) packs bermed corners and big dips into a short, fun descent. Longer intermediate adventures can incorporate de Rose Trail, Lomandra Trail, Wattle Trail, Spring Creek and Tapa Turrungka, with some steep climbs and more natural terrain as you move away from the central Craigburn Farm network. The River Trail provides a more adventurous way to explore the gorge, extending for around 8 km through the Sturt River valley and linking with other routes across the park. It includes steep sections and some walking-only portions, so riders need to pay attention to signage rather than assuming the entire trail is bike-accessible. Sturt Gorge is also geologically significant. The park protects Sturt Tillite, rock formed from glacial material around 800 million years ago, as well as nationally threatened grey box grassy woodland. This combination of natural history and surprisingly rugged terrain makes the park feel far removed from suburban Adelaide despite being only a short drive from the CBD. RTS Tip: For your first visit, start in Craigburn Farm and link Sidewinder, Gunners Run and Cow Bones Loop for a good taste of the network before progressing to Sticks and Stones or Craigberms. If you want a bigger adventure, use the connecting trails to explore deeper into Sturt Gorge — but download the official map first, as some routes contain walking-only sections. Many trails are shared with walkers and horse riders, and cyclists must give way. Avoid riding when trails are wet or muddy, and remember the park closes on Catastrophic Fire Danger days and may also close on Extreme days.

MTB

Sugar Bag Road MTB Park, in Caloundra West on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is a compact but feature-packed mountain bike network with riding for everyone from kids and newer riders through to experienced technical riders. Set within Sugar Bag Recreation Reserve, the network mixes natural cross-country singletrack, flow trails, jumps, berms and an extraordinary collection of timber technical features. Sunshine Coast Council describes more than 60 timber features, with riding ranging from green beginner trails through to double-black features. One of Sugar Bag’s defining characteristics is its “choose your own adventure” design. Many trails have easier main lines alongside optional technical features, allowing riders of different abilities to ride together while choosing their own level of challenge. Party Mix, at approximately 3 km, is the network’s longest individual trail and is green-rated overall but includes around 20 optional blue and black technical features. Intermediate riders have plenty to explore. Sweet Sugar incorporates ladders, bridges, a see-saw and log rides, while Honeycomb delivers natural contouring XC singletrack with off-camber sections, bridges and a rock garden. Syrup is a short one-way flow descent featuring jumps, rollers and berms that can either be rolled or ridden faster as confidence develops. Experienced riders can step things up considerably on Beez Kneez, a dark-blue signature trail with optional black features including rock-garden entries, jumps, berms, large bridges, timber rollers and wall rides. The Playground pushes into black and double-black territory with natural rock features, ladders, bridges, see-saws and an impressive 28 m log ride. For newer riders, there’s a mapped 6.4 km Beginners Loop, although official guidance suggests having at least a little MTB experience before tackling it. The trailhead also has the Sunshine Coast’s first pump track, suitable for everything from balance bikes to experienced BMX and MTB riders. Facilities are excellent for a relatively small MTB park, with parking, toilets, shelters, barbecues, picnic tables, a fenced playground, bike storage, pump track and an onsite café. The network is developed and maintained through a partnership between Sunshine Coast Council and Caloundra Off Road Cycling Association (CORCA). RTS Tip: Sugar Bag is a brilliant place for skills progression. Start with the pump track and easier sections of Party Mix, then gradually add the optional technical features rather than jumping straight onto the harder lines. Confident riders shouldn't underestimate the park because of its small footprint — the timber features, rock lines and double-black Playground can provide some serious technical challenges. Council and CORCA are continuing to upgrade parts of the network, so check current signage and trail conditions when you arrive.

12 kmMTB

Superbowl & Butterfly MTB Trails – Nowra Just south of Nowra on the NSW South Coast, South Coast United Mountain Bikers SCUM - Superbowl MTB Park and South Coast United Mountain Bikers (SCUM) - Butterfly MTB Trail are two distinctive mountain bike networks in Currambene State Forest, developed and maintained by the volunteer-run South Coast United Mountain Bikers (SCUM). Together with nearby Coondoo, they form one of the Shoalhaven’s key MTB destinations. Superbowl is the more varied of the two, combining traditional cross-country singletrack with the newer Airflow network for riders who love flow, jumps and gravity-style features. The XC riding mixes short technical sections, fast twisting singletrack, modest climbing and fun descents, while the broader network includes green, blue and black-rated options. Just another 5 minutes along Butterfly Road, Butterfly delivers a completely different experience. SCUM describes this roughly 5.5km intermediate XC network as deliberately a little “rough and ready”, with mostly hand-built, old-school singletrack. Expect rocky technical descents, short punchy climbs, tight natural trail and plenty of character rather than manicured machine-built flow. The two networks are close enough to easily ride on the same trip, and riders looking for an even bigger day can add nearby South Coast United Mountain Bikers SCUM - Coondoo MTB Park. In fact, all three networks are combined for the Willo Mountain Bike Marathon, demonstrating just how much riding can be linked together around Nowra and Currambene State Forest. For riders searching for Nowra mountain bike trails, Superbowl MTB, Butterfly MTB, Shoalhaven mountain biking or MTB trails on the NSW South Coast, these are well worth adding to the ride list. RTS Tip: If you only have time for one, choose Superbowl for greater variety, flow and jump features, or Butterfly for raw, old-school hand-built XC singletrack. If you have a full day, ride both — or add Coondoo and explore all three SCUM networks. Check SCUM’s current trail status before heading out, as conditions and forestry activity can affect access.

MTB

The Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) at Penrith isn’t just for rowing — it also offers a fantastic 5km sealed cycling circuit around the competition lake, providing an easy, scenic and largely traffic-free place to ride in Western Sydney. Originally purpose-built for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the centre covers around 178 hectares at Penrith Lakes, with views towards the Lower Blue Mountains. The cycling path loops around the 2.3km competition lake and surrounding parkland, making it a particularly good option for families, beginners, recreational riders and anyone looking for an easy fitness ride. The smooth, relatively flat circuit means riders can simply complete as many laps as they like — one lap for an easy 5km spin, two for 10km or keep circulating for a longer training session. The venue specifically permits cycling on its lakeside paths, although speed limits apply and the paths are shared with walkers and runners. There’s plenty of space to make a family outing of it too, with picnic areas, BBQ facilities, toilets and extensive parkland around the venue. The Olympic rowing infrastructure and backdrop of the Blue Mountains also make it a pretty unique place for a casual ride. For riders searching for Penrith bike paths, family cycling in Western Sydney, Sydney International Regatta Centre cycling, Penrith Lakes cycling or traffic-free bike rides near Penrith, SIRC is an easy local option to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: The Regatta Centre is still a major working sporting and event venue, so public access can change on event days. Check the current opening hours and event schedule before heading over. On regular non-event days, the 5km loop is a brilliant option for newer riders, kids or anyone wanting to knock out some easy laps without dealing with road traffic

Verified by 1 rider
5 kmRoad, Family

Tamrookum Creek Bike Park is a privately owned gravity-focused mountain bike park in Queensland’s Scenic Rim, around 90 minutes from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Set across an impressive 835-acre property with around 270m of elevation, the park has been built and managed by the team at All Mountain Solutions, with a strong focus on challenging enduro and downhill riding. The network features a mix of fast natural singletrack, steep descents, rock gardens, berms, drops and technical terrain, with trails including Turkey Run, Trap Door, Waterfall Way and Flat Out. Uplift shuttles operate during designated ride days, making it possible to maximise laps without having to pedal back to the top. RTS Tip: Tamrookum Creek is private property and isn’t open for casual riding every day — access is currently limited to designated open days, events and organised ride days. Check upcoming dates before making the trip. A full-face helmet and appropriate AusCycling licence are required for open days, and there’s no internet reception onsite, so organise everything before you arrive.

MTB

Tamworth Mountain Bike Park is a purpose-built community MTB network at Forest Road in North Tamworth, only around 10 minutes from the CBD. Developed and maintained by Tamworth Mountain Bikers (TAMMTB) with support from Tamworth Regional Council, the park offers 14km of graded MTB trails, plus a pump track, skills park and an impressive 5km of adaptive cycling trails. The network caters for a broad range of riders, from kids and complete beginners through to experienced cross-country riders. The 3 Piggies provides an easy kids’ introduction, while green trails including Yellow Brick Road, Hillside and Southpark offer flowing, approachable singletrack with gentle progression into switchbacks and rocky terrain. Step up to the blue trails and the riding becomes considerably more interesting. Creekline delivers a fast run weaving through and across the creek, while Secret Valley traverses the width of the park, climbs around Central Mountain and finishes through a small gorge with a technical rock garden. Goanna Crawl and Skyline add further intermediate riding, allowing plenty of different trail combinations rather than one prescribed loop. One of Tamworth’s standout features is its commitment to adaptive mountain biking. Around 5km of dedicated adaptive trails complement accessible sections of the wider network, with the club publishing individual guidance on which trails can be navigated by XC, RX and Explorer handcycles. Adaptive riders can also contact the club for gate-code access and parking closer to the central picnic area. The park is also well set up for families and longer sessions, with a central picnic area, shelters, tables, toilets, drinking water and a children’s playground. There are two entrances: riders can pedal into the lower entrance directly from the Tamworth Regional Council cycleway, while the upper entrance provides parking with room for larger vehicles and trailers. TAMMTB continues to use the park for club rides, racing and rider development, and the venue regularly hosts larger competitions. In August 2026, for example, the park is hosting a three-day MTB weekend incorporating school racing, XC competition and a round of the NSW/ACT XCO State Series. For riders searching for Tamworth MTB, New England mountain bike trails, family-friendly MTB in Tamworth, adaptive mountain biking in NSW or cross-country MTB in northern NSW, this is a very well-rounded regional riding destination. RTS Tip: Tamworth is particularly good for progression and mixed-ability groups. Newer riders can start with The 3 Piggies and green network before moving into the blues, while experienced riders can link multiple trails into a longer XC session. Normal recreational riding is free and you don't need a licence or club membership, although all riders must follow the park’s Conditions of Entry.

20 kmMTB

Tangari Park, also known as 80 Acres Park, in Woodcroft offers a fun local riding spot for BMX and bike riders in Adelaide’s southern suburbs. The park’s BMX-style dirt track features a series of rollers, berms and jumps that make it great for practising bike handling, pumping through features and building confidence. With open parkland surrounding the riding area, it’s an easy option for a quick session, younger riders developing their skills or anyone looking to squeeze some bike time into the day. RTS Tip: This is a great spot for sessioning rather than chasing kilometres. Start slowly to check the condition and shape of the jumps and rollers, particularly after rain, then build your speed as you become familiar with the lines.

MTB, BMX, Jumps

Tara Illa MTB Trails is a small community-focused mountain bike park on the edge of Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, just a short ride from the town’s main street. Built on a former landfill site, the network was designed by Destination Trails to provide an accessible place for locals, families and visiting riders to enjoy purpose-built mountain biking close to town. The network currently features three main trails: Round the Outside, a green easy descending trail; Climbing Trail, a green shared-use climbing route; and Blueberry Thrill, a blue flow trail offering a faster and more challenging descent. The trails were designed to IMBA standards, with the green options providing a good introduction for newer riders while Blueberry Thrill adds flow and progression for more confident riders. RTS Tip: Park at Blueberry Hill Lookout on Fairview Road and follow the short link trail into Tara Illa. The network is compact, so it’s perfect for a quick session or a few repeated laps, and its location close to Hahndorf makes it easy to combine your ride with a coffee, meal or wander through town afterwards. Be mindful that some access trails are shared with walkers and neighbouring Yantaringa Reserve includes sensitive Bush for Life vegetation.

MTB

The Tasman Peninsula MTB Trails, at Taranna near Port Arthur in southern Tasmania, are a community-built mountain bike network set across approximately 90 acres of privately managed bushland on Bayview Road. Developed and maintained by the Tasman Peninsula Mountain Bike Association, the trails offer a grassroots alternative to Tasmania’s larger commercial MTB destinations, with riding through natural forest and elevated terrain overlooking the spectacular Tasman Peninsula. The network has been created largely by local volunteers, with funding coming from memberships, visiting riders, donations and support from surrounding businesses. This gives Taranna a distinctly local, hand-built character rather than the highly manicured feel of a major trail centre. Trails are mapped on Trailforks, making it easier to explore the developing network and see current individual trail gradings. One of the attractions is the location. Taranna sits between Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur, making the trails an easy addition to a Tasman Peninsula road trip. The property includes parking, picnic facilities and lookout areas, so riders can base themselves at the trailhead before heading into the network. Unlike many public MTB parks, access isn't simply unrestricted and free. The trails are community funded, with visitor access currently available through the Hivepass app, using the QR code at the gate. Visitor contributions start from around $5, while annual membership options are also available. Those fees directly help the volunteer association continue building and maintaining the trails. RTS Tip: Tasman Peninsula MTB Trails are a great one to support if you enjoy discovering smaller community-built riding areas. Download the Trailforks map before arriving, then scan the Hivepass QR code at the gate to organise access. Because the network is volunteer-built and continues to evolve, check the latest trail information before your ride rather than relying on an older route. If you're travelling around Tasmania specifically for MTB, Taranna makes a good southern stop that can be combined with the larger Hobart and Meehan Range networks on the way to or from the peninsula.

90 kmMTB

Tenterfield to Stanthorpe – Gravel Bikepacking The Tenterfield to Stanthorpe Overnighter is a brilliant 141km, two-day cycling adventure, linking the New England High Country of northern NSW with Queensland's beautiful Granite Belt. Starting in Tenterfield, the route leaves town behind and heads north through quiet country backroads and gravel, crossing the NSW–Queensland border and exploring the rural landscapes between two of Australia's great high-country cycling regions. Rather than taking the direct highway between Tenterfield and Stanthorpe, this ride turns the journey into an adventure. Expect rolling terrain, gravel roads, farmland, forests and plenty of climbing as the route winds its way through the border country. The destination is Stanthorpe, the heart of Queensland's Granite Belt — a region known for its cool climate, granite landscapes, orchards, vineyards and country towns. It makes a pretty great place to finish a day on the bike, refuel and settle in before continuing the adventure. Over two days, the distance is achievable for experienced gravel and bikepacking riders while still providing a proper sense of travelling somewhere by bike. It's a great introduction to multi-day riding for those ready to step beyond shorter day loops, or another fantastic route for experienced riders building a longer cycling trip through the New England and Granite Belt regions. The ride also opens up plenty of possibilities at either end. Tenterfield has an extensive collection of gravel routes ranging from short local loops to multi-day adventures, while Stanthorpe and the surrounding Granite Belt provide even more country roads and cycling opportunities to explore. RTS Tip: This is a multi-day ride through rural country, so plan your food, water, overnight stop and transport logistics before setting out. Carry offline navigation, repair equipment and sufficient supplies, and check current weather, road and access conditions before your ride. Follow the mapping link for the detailed Tenterfield to Stanthorpe route and navigation.

141 km1180 mGravel, Road

The Tenterfield Pump Track is a fantastic all-ages riding destination featuring two asphalt pump tracks alongside the modern Tenterfield Skatepark. Suitable for bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller skates and balance bikes, the smaller circuit is perfect for beginners and younger riders, while the larger track offers bigger rollers, berms and a more challenging flow for experienced riders. It's a fun, free facility that's ideal for building skills, fitness and confidence in a welcoming community setting.

BMX

Terrace Falls Fire Trail through to Valley Road is a tranquil ride with several short offshoots to explore. The main gravel section is only around 3 km, but the surrounding network adds plenty of variety. Along the way you’ll pass a creek crossing and the link up to Baths Road Fire Trail, as well as two down hill orientated trails leading toward Adams Lookout from Lake Road. Adams Lookout is best accessed from Valley Road on the climb out of the valley, offering a more direct and flat approach. All Facilities in Hazelbrook town center

3 kmMTB, Gravel

Terrey Hills offers a great mix of mountain biking and fire-trail riding through the bushland of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with routes extending into Ku-ring-gai Chase and Garigal National Parks. The area is particularly popular for longer XC-style adventures, combining wide fire trails, rocky sandstone surfaces, rolling terrain and some solid climbs with classic Sydney bushland scenery. Popular routes can be linked together to create anything from a shorter local spin to a much bigger day exploring trails such as Perimeter, Long and Duck Holes. RTS Tip: Terrey Hills is perfect for building your own adventure by linking the surrounding fire trails, but sandstone can become rough, sandy and slippery depending on conditions. Carry plenty of water and spares for longer loops, download your route before heading out and check current National Parks alerts and trail access.

23 kmMTB

If there's one mountain bike trail that belongs on every Australian rider's bucket list, it's the Australian Alpine Epic. Stretching 46 kilometres from Mt Buller to Mirimbah, this legendary backcountry adventure is the only IMBA EPIC-accredited trail in Australia, taking riders through some of the country's most spectacular alpine terrain. Starting high on Mt Buller, the ride quickly leaves the resort behind as it traverses snow gum forests, alpine ridgelines and remote wilderness before crossing Mt Stirling and descending thousands of vertical metres into the Delatite Valley. Along the way you'll experience flowing singletrack, technical rocky sections, challenging climbs, exhilarating descents and breathtaking High Country views that make every pedal stroke worthwhile. Despite its reputation as a descending ride, don't underestimate the effort required. Riders should expect 6–8 hours on the bike, around 1,000 metres of climbing, extended remote sections and constantly changing terrain. This is a physically demanding ride designed for experienced mountain bikers who are confident riding black-rated trails and capable of being completely self-sufficient. Preparation is essential. Weather can change rapidly in the alpine environment, mobile reception is limited in places, and there are long sections without services. Carry plenty of water, food, tools, spare parts and appropriate clothing, and consider organising a vehicle shuttle from Mirimbah back to Mt Buller before setting off. For riders chasing Australia's ultimate mountain bike adventure, few experiences compare to the Australian Alpine Epic. Combining world-class singletrack, remote wilderness, technical challenges and unforgettable scenery, it's a ride that truly lives up to its name and deserves a place on every serious mountain biker's bucket list.

46 km1124 mMTB

Just 30 minutes from the Perth CBD, Goat Farm Mountain Bike Park is one of Western Australia's most iconic mountain bike destinations. Nestled in the Perth Hills at Greenmount, the park features over 20 kilometres of purpose-built singletrack, catering for everyone from first-time riders through to elite downhill racers. The trail network offers an impressive variety of riding styles, including flowing cross-country loops, technical descents, jump lines, adaptive mountain bike trails and one of WA's premier skills parks. Beginners can build confidence on wide, easy trails before progressing to blue and black-rated singletrack, while experienced riders can tackle legendary descents such as Lucky 13, Legacy and the challenging Rampage freeride line. One of the park's biggest strengths is its accessibility. Located just 4 kilometres from Midland Railway Station, Goat Farm is one of the few major Australian mountain bike parks that can easily be reached by public transport. The elevated location also rewards riders with sweeping views across Perth between sections of fast-flowing trail. The park has become a hub for rider progression, with dedicated skills areas allowing riders to practise drops, jumps, berms and technical features before taking them onto the trail network. With trails ranging from easy green through to double black diamond, it's a destination riders can continue returning to as their skills improve. There are toilets on site, however riders should come prepared. Drinking water isn't available within the park, shade is limited during the warmer months, and carrying plenty of water is essential. Whether you're looking for a relaxed family ride, an after-work trail session or a full day of technical mountain biking, Goat Farm delivers one of Western Australia's best all-round riding experiences.

20 kmMTB

The Hill MTB Park in Maitland, NSW, is a compact mountain bike network built around fun, accessible riding with a mix of singletrack, climbs, descents and technical features to keep things interesting. The trails make good use of the hillside terrain, offering plenty of opportunities to practise cornering, bike handling and descending without needing to commit to a huge backcountry ride. It’s a handy local option for a quick trail session or for linking together multiple laps when you want more time on the bike. RTS Tip: The Hill is well suited to sessioning, so use your first lap to learn the trail layout and check the condition of any features before picking up the pace. After rain, give the trails time to dry and always check current local trail conditions before riding.

MTB

Ironbark Trail is a roughly 2km dirt and gravel MTB trail near Cootamundra in the NSW Riverina, forming part of the riding around Cootamundra Mountain Bike Park. This is more of a natural cross-country connection/trail than a purpose-built flow or gravity run. Expect a predominantly unsealed surface through classic inland NSW bushland, making it suitable for mountain bikes and a straightforward addition to a longer ride around the Cootamundra trail network. At only around 2km, Ironbark works best when linked with surrounding trails rather than ridden as a destination on its own. It’s a handy option for riders wanting to add some extra distance while exploring Cootamundra’s MTB riding. The surrounding landscape is characterised by open woodland and ironbark country, typical of this part of the Riverina. Nearby Pioneer Park is another established recreation area, with local tourism information describing its landscape as open woodland with native grasses and acacias. For riders searching for Cootamundra MTB, Ironbark Trail Cootamundra, Riverina mountain biking or MTB trails in southern NSW, Ironbark is a useful little trail to include when exploring the wider local network. RTS Tip: Think of Ironbark as one piece of the Cootamundra MTB puzzle rather than a standalone ride. At around 2km, combine it with the surrounding trails to create a longer loop and use current trail mapping to navigate the different connections.

2 kmMTB

The Woodford to Glenbrook ride is one of the Blue Mountains' must-do adventures, offering something for almost every level of rider. Simply catch the train to Woodford Station and roll onto the trail from there. Don't be fooled into thinking it's all downhill though! There are a few solid climbs early on, including the ascent to the helipad, but they're well worth the effort. The panoramic views are spectacular, and once you've reached the top you'll be rewarded with kilometres of fun descending all the way towards Glenbrook. Be prepared before you leave. There is a water tap at the top gate, but after that there are no facilities until the Glenbrook National Park entrance. Carry plenty of water, snacks, basic spares and sunscreen, as the first half of the ride offers very little shade. When you reach the gate, you can choose to continue on the classic Oaks Fire Trail (now sealed) or take the 7km Oaks Singletrack alternative (see the Oaks Singletrack ride card for details). From there you continue all the way into Glenbrook via the sealed road, the gorge crossing is usually shallow enough to keep dry if you roll through at the correct speed! — just remember to save a little energy for the final climb out of the gorge. If you're looking to extend your day, the surrounding National Park offers plenty of fantastic add-on rides, including Nepean Lookout (10km return - turn right before the singletrack), Red Hands Cave (10km return - turn left a few hundreds meters after the gate), Bennetts Ridge, Portal Loop, Portal Lookout and, for those still chasing more kilometres and Singletrack, Knapsack Reserve on the Glenbrook side of town. Strong riders can comfortably complete the ride in around 1 to 1.5 hours, while beginners, families and riders wanting to stop for the views should allow 3 to 4 hours to fully enjoy the experience.

27 km442 mGravel, MTB

The Oaks Singletrack is a dedicated mountain bike trail in the Glenbrook section of Blue Mountains National Park, providing a fun, technical alternative to staying on The Oaks Fire Trail as riders descend towards Glenbrook. The trail packs plenty into a relatively short distance, with flowing singletrack, sandstone rock features, tight corners, rollers, small drops and technical sections. It has a distinctly old-school Blue Mountains feel, using the natural rocky terrain to create a playful descent rather than the smoother, heavily machine-built style found at modern bike parks. The trail is predominantly intermediate riding, although individual features can provide additional challenge. Riders should be comfortable on uneven surfaces, exposed sandstone and rocky trail before carrying too much speed. While commonly ridden as part of the longer Woodford-to-Glenbrook Oaks ride, or adding on from Bennetts ridge loop, The Oaks Singletrack is a worthwhile trail in its own right and can be accessed as part of shorter MTB sessions within the Glenbrook area. One of its biggest appeals is simply how much fun it adds to a ride. After kilometres of wider fire trail, dropping into narrow singletrack immediately changes the experience, with plenty of corners and features to keep riders engaged all the way through. For riders searching for The Oaks Singletrack, Glenbrook MTB, Blue Mountains singletrack or technical mountain bike trails near Sydney, this is one of the Lower Blue Mountains’ best-known sanctioned MTB trails. RTS Tip: This Ride Card covers The Oaks Singletrack only, not the wider Oaks Fire Trail or Woodford-to-Glenbrook ride. It’s a relatively short trail, so think quality rather than kilometres — a brilliant section to add into a bigger Glenbrook MTB session. Check current NPWS alerts and trail conditions before riding, particularly after heavy rain.

14.6 km193 mMTB

Located just north of Margaret River town centre, The Pines Mountain Bike Network packs more than 16 km of purpose-built mountain bike trails into Wooditjup National Park. With 21 individual trails ranging from Easy (Green) through to Difficult (Black), it’s a compact network with plenty of variety for riders looking to squeeze in some fun laps while exploring the Margaret River region. The network is particularly popular with intermediate riders, with a mix of climbing trails, cross-country singletrack, downhill runs, flow trails and jump lines. Beginners aren't left out either, with approachable green trails such as Once Upon a Climb and Happily Ever After, while more experienced riders can step things up onto technical and jump-focused trails, including black-rated options. The main trailhead is at the Carters Road car park in Wooditjup National Park, only around a five-minute drive from the centre of Margaret River. Parking, visitor information and a picnic area are available at the trailhead, but there is no drinking water, so make sure you arrive prepared. Margaret River itself provides easy access to cafés, toilets, accommodation and other services before or after your ride. The Pines also sits close to the larger Wooditjup Mountain Bike Network, formerly known as Compartment 10, making it easy to combine the networks and build a bigger day on the bike. Trails: 21 Distance: 16+ km of trails Difficulty: Green / Easy to Black / Difficult Style: XC, Flow, Jump, Downhill & All-Mountain Best for: Intermediate MTB riders, with options for beginners and experienced riders Location: Margaret River, South West WA Current trail note: Trails WA advises that Loosey Goosey and Black Pearl are closed, with Gulliver’s Travels partially closed as required, for maintenance works that commenced 20 July 2026. Riders should check current conditions before heading out and follow all closure signage.

16 kmMTB

The Piney – Armidale State Forest The Piney is one of Armidale’s best-known mountain bike networks, tucked into Armidale State Forest just a few kilometres north of town. Developed and maintained with the support of New England Mountain Bikers (NEMTB), it has long been a staple of the New England MTB scene, offering a great mix of cross-country singletrack, rocky technical riding and fast forest trails. The riding has plenty of variety. Expect flowing pine-forest singletrack, roots, rock gardens, punchy climbs, bridges and technical trail features, with B-lines available around many of the harder obstacles. Trails such as Snakes n’ Ladders, Big Dog’s Den, Igor, Rooty Hill, Angry Eyes and The Fort give the network plenty of character. A traditional Piney loop is around 9–10km, although the broader mapped network contains considerably more trail, allowing riders to link different sections or knock out multiple laps. It’s predominantly XC and trail riding, with enough technical features to keep experienced riders entertained while still providing options for less confident riders. At more than 1,000m above sea level, Armidale brings its own flavour to the ride. Conditions can be noticeably cooler than surrounding lower-altitude areas, particularly through winter, while the pine forest, open sections and rocky terrain give The Piney a distinctive New England feel. The network has also hosted plenty of racing over the years, including NEMTB club events, endurance racing and the 2017 NSW XCO State Championships, giving The Piney a long connection with Armidale’s competitive MTB community. For riders searching for Armidale mountain bike trails, The Piney MTB, New England MTB, Armidale State Forest cycling or mountain biking in the New England High Country, this is an iconic local network worth knowing about. RTS Tip: Check the current trail status before riding. NEMTB currently warns of numerous fallen trees following high winds, with a number of trails closed, and recommends staying out of the forest during windy conditions. Some older sections have also been decommissioned following forest rehabilitation works, so don’t rely on historic routes or old ride files. Use current Trailforks status and NEMTB information to see exactly what is open before heading out.

MTB

Thredbo Mountain Bike Park – Snowy Mountains Thredbo is one of Australia’s premier mountain biking destinations, transforming the alpine resort into a huge lift-accessed MTB park during summer. Set within Kosciuszko National Park in the NSW Snowy Mountains, the park offers more than 40km of gravity trails, over 600m of vertical elevation, four MTB lifts, cross-country trails, skills areas, jump lines and pump tracks. The big attraction is the ability to load your bike onto the lift and head straight back up the mountain, allowing riders to clock up serious descending without having to pedal every metre of elevation. Thredbo describes itself as Australia’s only lift-accessed MTB park, with trails running from beginner flow right through to advanced technical downhill terrain. There’s a strong focus on progression. Newer gravity riders can start on trails such as Easy Rider and Sidewinder, with Sidewinder delivering 3.2km of smooth berms, rollers and flowing descending. Intermediate riders can progress into trails such as Grasshopper, Dream Catcher and the Kosciuszko Flow Trail, while experienced riders have technical and downhill terrain including the famous Cannonball Downhill. Thredbo isn't only about gravity. There’s also a linked cross-country network around the village, including Pipeline Path, Friday Flat Loop, Village Loop and Golf Course Loop. Riders can also connect directly onto the Thredbo Valley Track, which continues down the valley towards Lake Crackenback and, for advanced riders tackling the complete route, all the way towards Jindabyne. Skills development is another big part of the park. Thredbo has beginner and intermediate skills parks, two pump tracks and the Boost Mobile Jumps Park, along with an MTB School offering clinics for riders wanting to improve their gravity skills. The alpine setting makes the riding particularly memorable. Trails descend from high on the mountain through open alpine terrain, snow-gum forest and rocky technical sections before finishing back around Thredbo Village, giving riders a style of riding that's difficult to replicate elsewhere in Australia. For riders searching for Thredbo MTB, Snowy Mountains mountain biking, lift-accessed MTB in Australia, downhill mountain biking NSW or alpine MTB trails, this is absolutely a destination to build a riding trip around. RTS Tip: Thredbo is a seasonal MTB destination and the park is currently closed following the 2025/26 summer season. Lift-accessed riding requires an MTB lift pass, although several of the village XC trails can be ridden without one. When planning for the next summer season, check the current trail map and resort status before travelling — alpine weather and maintenance can affect individual lifts and trails.

40 kmMTB

Thredbo Valley Trail (TVT) Thredbo Village to Lake Crackenback Resort: 16.7 km This upper section of the TVT is beginner to intermediate friendly consisting of easy flowing trail, iconic bridges crossing the Thredbo River, lush alpine scenery, and minimal steep climbing. Lake Crackenback to Gaden Trout Hatchery: 18.4 km The lower section of the TVT is best suited to intermediate and advanced riders due to its more technical single track, sustained climbs and remoteness. Total Distance (Full Trail): ~35 km (One-way) Ride Stats & Logistics You can ride back into Jindabyne from the trout hatchery via the lake trails Shuttles can be organised through local providers to service the TVT Other great rides in the area: Jindabyne lake trails and Thredbo MTB Park. Full facilities at Thredbo Village and Crackenback resort, check shop opening hours.

35 kmMTB

Thunder Point MTB Trails, in Warrnambool on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road coast, is home to a compact but distinctive cross-country MTB network of around 6–7 km. Wedged between the Warrnambool harness racing track and the cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean, the trails deliver tight, twisting singletrack through dense coastal tea-tree and Moonah scrub. Despite having very little overall elevation, the constant short climbs, quick descents, roots, limestone, sandy corners and natural obstacles make Thunder Point much more entertaining than its distance suggests. The network is divided into three colour-coded loops – Green, Blue and Purple. The Green Loop provides the easiest introduction to Thunder Point’s narrow, twisty riding, while the Blue and Purple loops add more technical terrain and climbing. Around 60 wayfinding signs were installed across the network, with each loop designed to eventually return riders to their starting point. One of Thunder Point’s defining features is its unusual coastal surface. Sections closer to the ocean run across light sand over packed dirt and limestone, while the inland trails weave tightly through dense vegetation. Expect gnarled tree roots and stumps, small drops, jumps, off-camber corners and repeated punchy rises rather than long sustained climbs or descents. The sandy, free-draining ground also means Thunder Point can often remain rideable when wetter conditions have affected other Victorian MTB destinations. The trails have strong links with the Warrnambool Mountain Bike Club, which was established in 2007 and has invested significant volunteer effort into maintaining and protecting the sanctioned network. Importantly, riders should stick strictly to the approved trails: in July 2026 the club reported damage to vegetation and existing trails caused by unauthorised trail and jump construction within the reserve. Thunder Point is also easy to incorporate into a bigger Warrnambool cycling day. The coastal reserve sits close to Warrnambool’s Foreshore Promenade, while the Warrnambool to Port Fairy Rail Trail can be linked into a longer ride for riders wanting more kilometres after finishing the singletrack. RTS Tip: Don’t judge Thunder Point by its modest elevation or distance — the tight trees, constant direction changes and short sharp climbs can give you a surprisingly good workout. Start with the Green Loop, then add Blue and Purple as your confidence builds. Stay on the signed, sanctioned trails and avoid any informal lines or jumps; the coastal vegetation is sensitive and recent unauthorised building has caused damage within the reserve.

MTB

The Tiger Rail Trail, at Forrest in Victoria’s Otway region, is a short 4.4 km shared cycling and walking trail following part of the former railway line that once connected Forrest with Birregurra. The trail runs north from Forrest towards Yaugher and the Barwon Downs direction, with a predominantly fine-gravel surface and gentle gradients. It’s suitable for mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids and recreational riders, and is particularly useful as a link into Forrest’s extensive MTB network. Starting opposite the former railway precinct in Forrest, the route heads north towards the Barwon River. One of its most interesting features is the railway infrastructure along the way: riders pass the remains of an old trestle bridge before crossing the river on a rebuilt railway bridge incorporating the original piers. From there, the trail continues towards the former Yaugher Station site and into Yaugher State Forest. The trail becomes particularly useful for mountain bikers at Yaugher, where it connects with the Forrest MTB Trails – Yaugher network. From the former station area, riders can access the Yaugher trail hub and use MTB trails to create a much larger loop rather than simply returning along the rail trail. The Tiger Loop MTB trail also connects near the northern end, providing another way back towards the Yaugher trailhead. The railway has an interesting history. The Birregurra–Forrest branch line opened to Deans Marsh in 1889 and Forrest in 1891, carrying passengers, agricultural produce and tourists heading towards Lorne and Apollo Bay. The trail’s unusual name comes from a converted Dodge sedan railmotor painted with yellow and black stripes, nicknamed the “Tiger”, which operated on the line from 1937 until 1952. The railway finally closed in 1957. There were once plans for the Tiger Rail Trail to extend all the way between Forrest and Birregurra, potentially passing Barwon Downs and Deans Marsh. However, much of the former railway corridor is now privately owned, and investigations found significant difficulties establishing a continuous route. Colac Otway Shire currently describes the constructed trail as the section extending north from Forrest, with no current plans to complete the originally proposed route to Birregurra. RTS Tip: The Tiger Rail Trail is best used as part of a bigger Forrest riding day. Ride north from town to Yaugher, then jump onto the Forrest MTB network and use the Tiger Loop or other Yaugher trails to create a longer circuit. If you’re after something easier, simply ride the rail trail out and back for around 9 km. Don’t plan on continuing along the former railway corridor towards Birregurra — sections beyond the developed trail cross private land and are not a public through-route

4.4 kmGravel

The Tippogoree Hills MTB Trails, near George Town in northern Tasmania, are the larger and more adventurous half of the George Town mountain bike destination. The completed network features more than 30 named trails, ranging from approachable green singletrack through flowing blues to technical black and double-black riding. Built across the rocky Tippogoree Hills landscape, expect granite slabs and boulders, natural rock features, fast flow, technical descents and substantial climbing, with a strong emphasis on progression and adventure riding. The network is arranged across several elevations, allowing riders to progressively work their way higher into the hills. Trails such as Switchplate, kuwara and BBA Way provide easier options around the lower network, while intermediate riders have a huge selection including Claysnake, Hotdog, Roulette, Aluminati, Flow Head, Cracker Jack, Liquidus, Hashtag and Yeah Buoy. The official network includes green, blue, black and double-black gradings, so there is plenty of scope to build skills over multiple visits. One of the standout climbing routes is Skyhook, which takes riders high into Tippogoree Hills. Lower Skyhook weaves through boulders and across rock slabs, while the 2.5 km upper section tackles switchbacks and around 140 m of climbing to reach the upper reaches of the network. From higher points, riders can link together lengthy descents through trails including Rickerty Split, Slab Hunter, Humbugs & Haystacks and other gravity-focused lines. Tippogoree Hills was developed as the second stage of the broader George Town MTB project, complementing the nearby Mount George MTB Trails. The original masterplan proposed approximately 56 km across 36 trails, incorporating adventure, airflow and gravity-style riding. The finished destination has become one of northern Tasmania’s significant MTB networks and provides a very different experience from the better-known riding at Derby. There’s also a commercial uplift service, which makes Tippogoree particularly attractive to gravity riders. With multiple shuttle drop-off points, riders can access the upper trails without repeatedly climbing, while those wanting a pedal-powered day can still earn their descents using the climbing network. RTS Tip: Give yourself plenty of time at Tippogoree Hills — this is much more than a quick trail-centre lap. Newer riders should explore the lower green and easier blue trails first, while confident riders can climb Skyhook or use the uplift to access the higher gravity trails. The terrain becomes increasingly rocky and technical as you progress, so pay close attention to trail gradings rather than choosing purely by distance. Download the trail map before riding and check the current trail status, particularly if you're planning to tackle the more remote upper network.

MTB

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park stretches west from Alice Springs through some of Central Australia’s most spectacular landscapes, with ancient red ranges, rocky escarpments, river red gums and desert country creating an incredible backdrop for riding. For cyclists, the standout experience is the Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path, a sealed 17km one-way trail running from opposite Flynn’s Grave to Simpsons Gap beneath the West MacDonnell Ranges. The gently undulating route passes through mulga, witchetty bush and river red gum country, with rest areas and interpretive signs along the way. The path connects with Alice Springs’ cycling network, making it possible to ride from the centre of town for a roughly 50km return adventure. Tjoritja itself extends for around 161km and includes iconic destinations such as Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, the Ochre Pits and Redbank Gorge, making it well worth exploring beyond the bike ride. The landscape is culturally significant to the Arrernte people, and riders should stay on designated cycling routes and respect all cultural and environmental restrictions. RTS Tip: The Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path is the designated cycling experience within the national park and is a brilliant option if you want to experience the West Macs by bike without technical terrain. Carry plenty of water, food and basic repair gear, as mobile coverage is limited and conditions can be hot and exposed. The cooler months from April to September are the best time to ride, and visitors to the NT require an NT Parks Visitor Pass.

MTB

Tolmans Hill MTB Trails, in Hobart’s southern foothills, provides a mix of family-friendly bike tracks, gravel fire trails and connections into the larger Ridgeway and kunanyi / Mount Wellington trail network. It’s less of a standalone purpose-built MTB park and more of a gateway into Hobart’s extensive bushland riding, with the City of Hobart maintaining almost 60 km of MTB and shared-use tracks across its reserves. At Tolmans Hill Park on Woodcutters Road, there’s a looped mini bike track designed specifically for younger riders developing their mountain-bike skills. The surrounding park has a playground, picnic areas, shelter, barbecues, toilets and parking, making this a particularly handy option for families wanting somewhere for kids to practise riding. For riders wanting more adventure, the Tolmans Hill Fire Trail heads into nearby Ridgeway Park. The roughly 1.4 km dirt and gravel route is open to mountain bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes and gains around 80 m of elevation. It connects into a broader maze of trails around Ridgeway, including Ribbon Track, The Serpent and Shaking the Serpent’s Tail, allowing riders to build much longer loops through the surrounding bushland. The real advantage of Tolmans Hill is its connectivity. The surrounding fire-trail network provides links towards Waterworks Reserve, Ridgeway, Fern Tree and kunanyi / Mount Wellington, opening up significantly longer rides for experienced riders who know the network. For more technical riding, nearby South Hobart and McRobies Gully offer sanctioned trails such as Jurassic Shark, Slides and Tip Top, while the broader mountain network includes routes such as the North-South Track and the 14.5 km Riding the Mountain circuit. RTS Tip: Tolmans Hill works best as two different riding experiences: families and young riders can head to Tolmans Hill Park for the mini MTB loops, while experienced riders can use the area as an access point into Ridgeway and the wider kunanyi / Mount Wellington network. Download an official bushland map before exploring beyond the park — there are numerous informal trails around Hobart, and riders should stick to tracks where cycling is permitted.

MTB

Tom’s Crossing MTB Trails Tom’s Crossing, within Lane Poole Reserve near Dwellingup, Western Australia, is a compact, gravity-focused MTB network built for riders who enjoy steep, technical downhill terrain. The network consists of four purpose-built descending trails totalling around 5 km, with blue and black-rated riding plus optional black and double-black features. Unlike the more accessible trails elsewhere around Dwellingup, Tom’s Crossing is aimed primarily at confident intermediate through advanced riders. The two blue trails are The Luge (1.5 km) and Slingshot (1.1 km). The Luge is the best introduction, with short steep descents, extended off-camber sections and fast corners. Slingshot turns up the technical challenge with rock slabs, drops, step-ups and step-downs, plus optional black-rated features for riders looking to progress. Advanced riders can tackle Devils Pass (1 km) and Mayhem (1.4 km). Devils Pass is packed with rock gardens, slabs, chutes and drops, including its distinctive road-crossing feature, while Mayhem is a fast and steep black descent with large unavoidable technical features. Both offer optional double-black lines for highly skilled riders. The network was rebuilt in 2024, creating the current four-trail layout while integrating Tom’s Crossing into the broader Dwellingup Adventure Trails network. Riders can also connect towards the Murray Valley MTB Trails for a much broader mix of green, blue and black riding through the surrounding jarrah forest. Access is through Lane Poole Reserve, following Park Road to the shuttle access road. Nearby facilities are available at Dwaarlindjirraap, while the Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre in town provides maps, toilets, showers, lockers and other rider facilities. Mobile coverage can be limited within the reserve. RTS Tip: Make The Luge your first run, even if you're an experienced rider, to get a feel for Tom’s Crossing’s steep terrain and conditions. A sighting lap is strongly recommended before committing to the harder A-lines or double-black features. Full-face helmets and appropriate protective equipment are recommended for this gravity-focused network. If the blue trails already feel challenging, head across to Murray Valley rather than progressing to Devils Pass or Mayhem — the black trails contain serious, committing features.

MTB

The Toogoom Mountain Bike Trails and Skills Park are located in Vernon State Forest near Toogoom, around 19 km north-west of Hervey Bay on Queensland’s Fraser Coast. Developed in partnership with the Fraser Coast Mountain Bike Club, the official network winds through open eucalypt woodland and forested hillsides, offering everything from easy beginner singletrack to faster, more technical descents. The official network includes 11 named trails plus a skills park. Easier options include Joey (675 m) and Sidewinder (450 m), while riders can progress onto trails including Snakes and Ladders (1.4 km), Downhill Madness (700 m), Glass (650 m), Krankshaft (670 m), Kamikaze (600 m) and Outer Limits (3.6 km). The mix of two-way and directional trails allows riders to link together different loops depending on ability and available time. Toogoom doesn’t have huge elevation, but the trails make good use of what’s available. Expect flowing dirt and loose-gravel singletrack, berms, short climbs, quick descents and technical features, with the easier climbing trails making it particularly good for riders developing their descending skills. Bicycle Queensland describes the core network as around 13 km of green and blue riding, suitable from beginners upwards. For riders wanting a bigger adventure, a designated MTB link trail connects Toogoom with the Takura Trail on the other side of Vernon State Forest. This allows experienced riders to extend well beyond the main trail network and build a substantially longer forest ride. Facilities make Toogoom particularly good for families and groups. The main trailhead off O’Regan Creek Road includes parking, a covered picnic area, toilets and the skills area, while Toogoom itself is only a short ride or drive away for a post-ride stop near the coast. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, start with Joey and Sidewinder, then work your way onto the longer and faster trails once you’ve got a feel for the loose Fraser Coast surface. Confident riders can link Kamikaze, Downhill Madness and Outer Limits into a bigger session, while the Toogoom–Takura link is worth adding if you want more distance. Some trails are one-way, so check the official map and directional signage before dropping in.

MTB

Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area MTB Trails Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area, just 4 km from central Launceston, is one of the city’s established mountain biking areas, offering a combination of purpose-built singletrack and a much larger network of shared-use tracks. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service lists more than 35 km of tracks and trails across the reserve, including around 7–8 km of purpose-built MTB singletrack developed in partnership with the Launceston Mountain Bike Club. The purpose-built singletrack stretches roughly from Gorge Road towards Hoo Hoo Hut, with interconnected loops allowing riders to put together different combinations rather than following one fixed circuit. The riding ranges from relatively approachable sections through to more technical terrain, with rocks, roots, tight corners, short steep climbs and natural obstacles adding plenty of challenge. Parks Tasmania describes Trevallyn as offering a mix of beginner and technical riding suitable for a range of abilities. Beyond the dedicated MTB trails, experienced riders can explore the reserve’s extensive multi-use tracks and fire trails, which considerably expand the amount of riding available. These routes tend to have a more natural character, with some short sections becoming steep, rocky and rooty, particularly compared with the purpose-built singletrack. The setting is a big part of Trevallyn’s appeal. The reserve covers around 440 hectares around the South Esk River and Lake Trevallyn, bordering Launceston’s famous Cataract Gorge. Dry open forest, rocky gorge country and riverside scenery give the network a surprisingly wild feel considering how close it is to the city. There are several useful starting points, including Apex Hut/Aquatic Point, Trevallyn Dam Picnic Area and Hoo Hoo Hut, with picnic tables, shelters, toilets and barbecues available at these main visitor nodes. The wider reserve is shared with walkers, runners and horse riders, so riders need to be particularly mindful when using the multi-use tracks. RTS Tip: Trevallyn is a great option if you want proper singletrack without travelling far from Launceston. Start with the purpose-built MTB loop to get a feel for the rocky, rooty terrain before exploring the more technical multi-use tracks. Download a map before riding, give way to walkers and horse riders on shared trails, and check current conditions before heading out. The trails are maintained with significant volunteer input from the Launceston Mountain Bike Club, so respect closures and avoid riding soft or damaged trails after bad weather.

MTB

Unsanctioned trails - Tuggeranong Pines offers a compact network of mountain bike trails in Canberra’s south, with purpose-built singletrack winding through the pine forest and surrounding terrain. The network packs plenty of variety into a relatively small area, with flowing sections, berms, climbs, technical features and faster descents making it a fun option for XC and trail riders. Its interconnected trails make it easy to string together different loops, session favourite sections or add extra laps for a longer ride. RTS Tip: Tuggeranong Pines is a great place to practise skills and repeat sections, so take an easier lap first and then build up your speed as you learn the trails. As the network sits within an active plantation area, forestry operations can affect trail access — check current closures and conditions before you ride.

5 kmMTB

Turner Hill MTB Trails, between North Dandalup and Dwellingup in Western Australia, is a classic cross-country mountain bike destination known for its fast, flowing singletrack, rocky technical features and punchy climbs and descents. The main trail is an approximately 11 km blue-rated loop, designed for intermediate riders with some technical MTB experience. It winds through the jarrah forest on almost continuous singletrack, with tight corners, rocks, obstacles and optional lines keeping the riding interesting from start to finish. Turner Hill Mountain Bike Track has a traditional hand-built XC feel rather than the smoother character of a modern flow park. Recent upgrades retained that character while adding around 2.5 km of optional lines and alternative descents, giving experienced riders extra features to explore without fundamentally changing the original loop. If you don't want to tackle the full circuit, a shortcut reduces the main ride to around 5.4 km while retaining much of the fun terrain. There's also Tiny Turner, a 1.1 km green-rated beginner loop starting from the car park, with easy rock features and playful tight turns. This gives younger and developing riders somewhere to build confidence before progressing onto the blue loop. Turner Hill is now part of the much larger Dwellingup Adventure Trails network. Recent development has created around 16 km of new MTB trail linking Marrinup with Turner Hill, opening up the possibility of much longer rides rather than simply completing laps of the original circuit. The wider Dwellingup area also includes the Murray Valley network and gravity-focused Tom's Crossing trails. The trailhead is accessed from Scarp Road, with the final approach along graded unsealed road. Parking and a public toilet are available, but there is no drinking water, so arrive self-sufficient. Trails WA recommends April to October as the best riding period. RTS Tip: For your first visit, ride the 11 km Turner Hill loop clockwise as intended and take the optional lines only once you've got a feel for the terrain. Newer riders can start on Tiny Turner, while stronger XC riders can now link Turner Hill with Marrinup for a considerably bigger forest adventure. Bring plenty of water and download your map before leaving Dwellingup — mobile coverage at Turner Hill is limited, with Trails WA currently reporting Telstra coverage but little or none from other networks.

11 kmMTB

Tyrolean & Mill Creek MTB Trails – Jindabyne Tyrolean & Mill Creek is one of Jindabyne’s best-known mountain bike networks, sitting beside Lake Jindabyne near Tyrolean Village and offering a brilliant mix of flowing green trails, hand-built singletrack and more technical blue and black riding. Snowy Monaro Regional Council describes it as a stacked-loop network catering for all MTB ability levels. The network currently has around 23 mapped MTB trails covering roughly 22km, with everything from approachable family-friendly riding through to rocky technical lines. Copper Tom Trail and Mill Creek Trail are popular green options and provide easy connections between Jindabyne, the lake and the main trail network. From there, riders can step things up on trails including Felicity’s, Golden Oldie, Pink Trail, Julio, Huff ’n’ Puff and Bunty’s, with a mixture of machine-built and hand-cut riding. Expect flowing berms, rocky sections, technical climbs, natural features and fast descents, all packed into a relatively compact area. A huge advantage is the connection with the wider Jindabyne Shared Trail. The developing network links Tyrolean and Mill Creek back towards Jindabyne and around Lake Jindabyne, making it possible to ride from town rather than drive to the trailhead and build the MTB trails into a much bigger ride. The area is also undergoing a major upgrade in 2026. Recent works have included upgrades to Knights in Shining Armour and Golden Oldie, a new Mill Creek Trail carpark connection, new trails and bridges, with further trail rebuilds and connections underway as the Jindabyne Shared Trail project approaches completion. The network is cared for by Jindabyne Trail Stewardship, whose volunteers play a major role in maintaining and improving the trails. For riders searching for Jindabyne MTB, Tyrolean MTB Trails, Mill Creek mountain biking, Snowy Mountains MTB or mountain bike trails near Lake Jindabyne, this is an essential network to have on the ride list — and a great complement to the bigger alpine riding around Thredbo and the Snowies. RTS Tip: With the 2026 redevelopment still underway, current mapping and trail status are particularly important here. Several trails have recently been closed or realigned for rebuilding, while new trails and connections are opening. Check the latest status before heading out rather than relying on an older GPX or trail map.

MTB

Uki Mountain Bike Park is the Tweed Shire’s first official mountain bike park, located at Smiths Creek near Uki with the spectacular backdrop of Wollumbin / Mt Warning and the Tweed Valley. It’s a compact, purpose-built network focused on progression, flow and gravity-style descending, making it a great option for families, developing riders and experienced mountain bikers alike. The park packs more than 6.4km of purpose-built trails into the site, with eight MTB trails in total. There’s one green climbing trail providing access to seven descending trails: three green, three blue and one black diamond. All trails were constructed to International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) trail construction standards. The riding is designed around earning your turns, with no shuttle service operating at the park. Riders pedal up the green Trail 1 climbing trail, which connects with the different descending options. Across the network you’ll encounter flowing corners, constructed technical features, obstacles, bridges, drop-offs and steeper terrain as the difficulty increases. There’s a particularly strong progression pathway. Newer riders can start on the green trails before stepping up to the faster and more challenging blue descents, while the black diamond trail provides the most difficult riding in the park. Adaptive mountain bikes are also specifically supported on the 4 Rolling trail. Alongside the main trails is a pump track and skills area, designed particularly with children aged around 5–12 in mind, making Uki a good destination for families where riders may be at very different stages of their MTB journey. The park is a Tweed Shire Council facility operated in partnership with Tweed Valley Mountain Bike Riders, with volunteers playing an important role in maintaining the trails. Normal recreational access is free and no booking is required. Facilities include parking for around 20 vehicles, toilets and a water bubbler at the main trail hub. For riders searching for Uki MTB, Tweed Valley mountain bike trails, Northern Rivers MTB, family-friendly mountain biking or MTB near Murwillumbah, this is a great little purpose-built park to add to the ride list. RTS Tip: Uki’s trails are built on clay-based soil and are particularly vulnerable after rain, so don’t ride if the trails are wet or muddy. The park can close because of rain, high winds, fire danger, maintenance or club events, so check the current status before travelling. It’s normally open seven days from dawn to dusk.

MTB

Valley Heights Fire Trail is a short, quiet stretch of pretty, shaded bushland with a hidden waterhole along the way that’s perfect for a refreshing dip on hot days. The trail can be accessed from gates on either Greens Parade or Banksia Drive, depending on the direction you choose to ride. It sits close to Valley Heights Railway Station, making it easy to reach by public transport, and it’s only a short roll from all the shops and facilities available in Springwood. A simple, scenic local loop that’s ideal for a quick spin or a relaxed warm‑up. Everything available in Springwood

4 kmMTB

Victory Heights Recreational Trails, just minutes from the centre of Gympie, Queensland, is a fantastic community trail network covering around 60 hectares of remnant eucalypt forest and seasonal creek country. Around 25 km of well-maintained singletrack winds through the reserve, with riding designed for everyone from young kids and first-time mountain bikers through to experienced riders looking for jumps and technical challenges. Mountain bikers have a mixture of green, blue and black trails, including 14 one-way MTB-only descents. The harder trails incorporate jumps, drops, rocks and other technical features, with popular descents including Sideline, Gully, Double Mocha, The 4x4, Popgun, Double Espresso, Six Rocks, Dropside and Wreck It Rod. There are also around 17 km of shared-use singletrack and 5 km of fire roads, making it easy to build longer XC-style loops. Victory Heights is particularly good for families and skills progression. A dedicated 2 km kids bike track gives younger riders room to develop confidence, while a beginner-grade jump line provides an introduction to getting wheels off the ground. The network’s mix of easier trails and optional technical riding means families and groups with different skill levels can still enjoy the same destination. The Bath Terrace trailhead is well set up for a riding day, with off-street parking, public toilets, drinking water, visitor information and a bike washdown area. Shelters and picnic tables are also available near the kids track. The trails are developed and managed with significant involvement from the Cooloola Trail Care Alliance, which holds regular maintenance and trail-care days. RTS Tip: Victory Heights is a great place to progress your riding without needing to travel far from Gympie. Newer riders can start around the kids track and green trails before moving onto the blue network, while experienced riders should seek out the 14 dedicated descents for the jumps and technical features. All trails are clearly marked as either MTB-only or shared use, so watch the signage and give way appropriately on shared sections. With water, toilets and a bike wash at the trailhead, it’s also an easy place to settle in for a few hours and keep adding loops until the legs say otherwise.

MTB

Walcha MTB Trails are a compact, old-school cross-country network on the outskirts of Walcha in the New England region of NSW, offering around 10km of predominantly singletrack riding through a travelling stock reserve off Ohio North Road. The network contains around 12 mapped trails, with a mixture of green and blue-rated riding. Rather than heavily constructed bike-park trails, Walcha makes good use of the existing landscape and natural features, with flowing singletrack, tight corners, rocky sections, short climbs, berms and a handful of constructed features scattered throughout the network. One of the highlights is Speedy, a longer section where riders can open things up on flowing singletrack before encountering tighter turns, berms and natural rock gardens. Other mapped trails include Roo Ridge, Roo Racin’, Start Straight, Thunderbolt’s Run, Heading North and Home Climb, which can be linked together to explore most of the network. The riding is primarily cross-country, and with only modest elevation across the network it’s a good place to knock out a few laps rather than chase huge gravity descents. Walcha itself is also surrounded by quiet gravel roads and remote backcountry riding, making the MTB trails an easy addition to a bigger cycling weekend in the New England High Country. The trailhead is approximately 4km north of Walcha, off Ohio North Road. Parking is available near the picnic tables or farther along near the yellow gate, making the network easy to reach from town. For riders searching for Walcha mountain bike trails, New England MTB, mountain biking near Armidale or cross-country MTB in northern NSW, Walcha is a great little local network to add to the ride list. RTS Tip: This is a travelling stock reserve, so you may encounter cattle or sheep while riding. Leave gates exactly as you find them and give stock plenty of room. Trail marking is also limited, so having current mapping open is strongly recommended. Trailforks currently lists the network with a caution status, so check individual trail reports before heading out.

MTB

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.

MTB

The Wambenger Trails – Arklow network, immediately north of Collie in Western Australia’s South West, is a substantial cross-country MTB destination set amongst beautiful jarrah forest and granite outcrops. Arklow forms part of the much larger Wambenger Trails system surrounding Collie, with DBCA reporting the expanded Arklow Forest Block network at around 54 km of singletrack. The riding ranges from approachable green trails through to flowing and technical blue terrain, making it particularly good for beginner to intermediate riders, XC riders and families. The network can be accessed from several trailheads, including Harris River Dam, Ray’s Trailhead and Mornington Trailhead. Trails can be linked together to create everything from short loops to substantial half-day rides, while the nearby Munda Biddi Trail provides a direct riding connection between Collie and the network. A standout is Mornington Glory, a fast blue descent connecting the Munda Biddi with the main Arklow network. It’s packed with tabletops, rollers and flowing downhill terrain, providing a fun introduction to the faster side of Arklow. 220 Trail offers around 6.2 km of more technical riding, while trails such as Dead Cats, Ray’s Trail and Pet Cemetery can be combined into longer loops through the forest. Arklow is also notable for its focus on adaptive mountain biking. The network includes a dedicated adaptive trail designed for handcycles, while Bull Ant is rated partially accessible under the Australian Adaptive MTB Guidelines. Bull Ant can be combined with the Munda Biddi to create an approximately 8 km adaptive loop, making Arklow one of the more inclusive MTB networks in Western Australia. The wider Wambenger project has transformed Collie into a major trail destination. Arklow can easily be combined with the Wellington National Park, Kylie and Wagyl Biddi MTB networks, with the overall Wambenger system now comprising nearly 175 km of mountain bike trails around Collie. RTS Tip: If it’s your first Arklow visit, start from Ray’s or Harris River Dam trailhead and build a loop suited to your ability before exploring farther into the network. Stronger riders can pedal from Collie via the Munda Biddi and Mornington Glory, turning the ride into a much bigger adventure. Bring your own water — there is no drinking water on the trails — and download the Wambenger Trails map or app before setting out, as mobile coverage can be limited.

11 kmMTB

The Mount Lennard Trails, Pile Road form the western side of the Wambenger Trails network in Wellington National Park, near Collie in Western Australia’s South West. Mt Lennard is one of the region’s original MTB areas, with around 40 km of trails weaving through mature jarrah-marri forest, granite outcrops and the hills above the Collie River Valley. The riding has a distinctly natural, old-school cross-country character, with flowing singletrack, gradual climbs, technical features and fast descents rather than heavily machine-built bike-park terrain. The network caters particularly well to intermediate riders, although there are options from green through to black and double-black terrain. Lennard Circuit is a great starting point: a 6.7 km green-rated loop with gentle rolling terrain that can be ridden on its own or used to connect with harder trails. One of the signature rides is Grizzly, a roughly 5.4–6.5 km blue descent from Lennard Road towards the lower trailhead. It twists through mature jarrah forest and granite outcrops with flowing corners, technical features and log rides. Pair it with the 6.7 km Boylan Trail to create an approximately 12 km loop, with Boylan providing the climb back into the upper network. Other trails include Wals, a 1.8 km fast-flowing descent with technical features, and Butcher, a 2.9 km blue-rated trail using an old fire-road alignment. While Mt Lennard generally favours natural XC riding, there’s also a jump area at the bottom of the network featuring doubles and tabletops for riders looking for some airtime. Mt Lennard now sits within a much larger riding destination. The wider Wambenger Trails in Wellington National Park contain almost 95–100 km of MTB trails, linking Mt Lennard with Wellington Dam, Honeymoon Pool and the Collie River Valley. Together with the Arklow and other Collie networks, it has transformed the region into one of Western Australia’s major MTB destinations. RTS Tip: For your first Mt Lennard ride, start with Lennard Circuit, then step up to the classic Boylan–Grizzly loop for around 12 km of excellent blue singletrack. Mt Lennard’s trails are generally less manicured than the newer Wambenger trails, so expect roots, rocks, natural surfaces and old-school XC features. There are no toilets at the Mt Lennard trails, so come prepared, carry water and download the Wambenger Trails map before heading into the forest.

MTB

Wagyl Biddi, right on the edge of Collie in Western Australia’s South West, is the most accessible and family-friendly part of the wider Wambenger Trails network. Around 6 km of purpose-built MTB trails across 12 trails wind through jarrah forest beside the Collie River, with a mix of green, blue and black riding plus the dedicated Dropped Pye skills zone. Its close-to-town location makes it ideal for beginners, families and riders wanting a quick session without heading deep into the surrounding forests. The network is particularly good for skills progression. Wilman Trail is an easy 830 m flowing ride beside the river, while Sprockets Rocket provides around 730 m of beginner-friendly XC singletrack. Sprockets Rocket can also be combined with nearby trails and the shared path to create an easy introductory loop. Intermediate riders can step up to trails including Missing Link, Drop Dead Fred and Townie. Missing Link introduces small jumps and rockier terrain, while the 1 km Drop Dead Fred mixes enduro-style riding with jumps and technical features. Short but playful Townie packs knuckle jumps, berms, rollable gaps and tabletops into just 200 m, with an optional black-rated wall ride for more confident riders. The Dropped Pye Zone is one of Wagyl Biddi’s standout features. Its Playground contains balance beams of varying difficulty alongside jumps, rock descents, ladder drops and berms, allowing riders to practise individual features before taking those skills onto the trails. Experienced riders can tackle Tertiary Trials, a short black-rated downhill line featuring gap jumps and tight technical manoeuvres. Access is easy from Soldiers Park, with riders following the dual-use Collie River Trail for approximately 1.4 km to the Wagyl Biddi trailhead. Soldiers Park provides parking, toilets, drinking water, picnic areas, barbecues and a playground, although there are no facilities once you're inside the MTB network itself. Entry to Wagyl Biddi is free and the trails are open seven days a week. The name has a strong connection to the area: Wagyl refers to the serpent from Noongar creation stories associated with the formation of rivers, lakes and waterways, while Biddi means path through the forest. The trails sit within the much larger Wambenger system around Collie, so riders can easily progress from this introductory network to Arklow, Kylie and Wellington National Park for considerably bigger adventures. RTS Tip: Wagyl Biddi is a great first stop when riding Collie, especially with kids or newer mountain bikers. Start with Wilman Trail and Sprockets Rocket, spend some time practising in the Dropped Pye skills area, then progress onto Missing Link, Drop Dead Fred or Townie. Stronger riders shouldn't skip it either — the optional features and short black-rated Tertiary Trials provide plenty of fun before heading out to the bigger Wambenger networks. Download the free Wambenger Trails map before you ride.

6 kmMTB

The Wambenger Trails in Wellington National Park, around 20 km west of Collie in Western Australia’s South West, form the largest mountain bike trail network in WA, with nearly 100 km of riding linking Wellington Dam, Honeymoon Pool, Mount Lennard and the Collie River Valley. The network caters for everyone from beginners through to experienced riders, combining easy forest loops, flowing descents, technical downhill trails and longer cross-country adventures through beautiful jarrah and marri forest. The network is split by the Collie River into Wellington Trails East and Wellington Trails West. The eastern side around Wellington Dam, Potters Gorge and Honeymoon Pool has many of the newer trails and some of the best beginner-friendly riding. Green trails such as Van Dam, Big Dipper, Lichen This and Weir Ya Goin’ provide approachable riding while still incorporating berms, rollers and optional technical features. Intermediate riders have a huge amount to explore. Pipe’n Hot is a 1.1 km blue descent featuring rock gardens and jumpable rollers, while Whip’n Hollow, Scull, The Watcher and Honeymoon’s Over add everything from fast descending to longer cross-country riding and sustained climbing. GOAT Track, at 5.1 km, delivers a classic WA cross-country adventure over the region’s famous pea-gravel terrain. There’s plenty for advanced riders too. Send It is a 2.3 km black trail loaded with technical features, while Black Glove, Firetail and Wam Bam provide harder descending options around the Wellington Dam side of the network. Elixir takes a more flow-focused approach, packing large berms, hips and jumps into an 800 m descent. Across the river, Wellington Trails West incorporates the renowned Pile Road and Mount Lennard trails. This side has a more natural, old-school character, with gently rolling singletrack and fewer machine-built features. It predominantly caters to intermediate riders, with blue trails plus several black and double-black options and a dedicated jump area with doubles and tabletops. The wider Wambenger project has added 47 km of new dedicated MTB trail within Wellington National Park, which together with upgraded existing trails has created a network of almost 95 km. A realigned section of the Munda Biddi Trail also connects Wellington Dam with Collie, opening up possibilities for much longer rides and multi-day adventures. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, start on the Wellington Dam side with Van Dam, Big Dipper and Lichen This before progressing onto the blue and black descents. Give yourself a full day if you want to explore properly — this is a huge network, not a single MTB loop. Download the Wambenger Trails app and the separate East and West trail maps before heading out. Also note that as of August 2026, Wellington Dam Road is closed on weekdays from 10 June 2026 during construction of the new Wellington Dam Kiosk, but remains open on weekends, so check current access before your trip.

33 kmMTB

Warburton Bike Park, around 70 km east of Melbourne in Victoria’s Yarra Ranges, is rapidly developing into one of Australia’s major mountain bike destinations. As of August 2026, more than 70 km of purpose-built trails are open, spread across the forested mountains surrounding Warburton and Wesburn, with up to 650 m of elevation available. The long-term vision is for as much as 160 km of trail, creating a huge destination combining adventure/XC, flow and gravity riding. The network caters for beginners through to advanced riders, with green, blue and black trails built by World Trail. Easier options include Hop Scotch, Settle Down, Warburtron and 3 Owls, while intermediate riders can progress onto trails such as Gnarnia, Hey Hey My My, Mad Max and The Riddler. Advanced riders have technical gravity options including Barefoot Wizard, Shred Galah and Acka Dacka, where steeper terrain, rocks, roots, jumps and more demanding features come into play. One of the big attractions is the amount of top-to-bottom descending available. The green-rated Dropping into Warburton route, for example, runs around 11.2 km from Mt Tugwell Summit to Dolly Grey Reserve, providing a genuine mountain descent that's still designed to be accessible to developing riders. Stronger riders can mix climbing trails with faster blue and black descents or use the park's commercial shuttle uplift service to maximise gravity laps. Wesburn Park is the main trailhead and is exceptionally well equipped, with free parking, shuttle pickup, pump track, toilets, showers, bike wash, picnic areas and a playground. Trails also connect into Warburton itself, putting riders close to the town's cafés, accommodation and other services. The wider network connects with the Lilydale–Warburton Rail Trail and O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail, opening up even more possibilities for longer rides. And Warburton isn't finished yet. The first 30 km opened in July 2025, followed by more than 40 km in the next phase in 2026. Further trails are due to open from September 2026, with the fully funded 125 km Southern Network expected to be completed in 2027. RTS Tip: If it's your first visit, don't underestimate Warburton's trail gradings — the park specifically warns that its green trails may feel harder than green trails at some other networks. Start with trails such as Hop Scotch or Warburtron, then progress once you've got a feel for the terrain. For gravity riders, book the shuttle in advance as sessions can sell out. Always check the live trail status before leaving home: the entire park closes on Total Fire Ban days, and individual trails can close for weather, maintenance or construction.

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30 kmMTB

Warrimoo Downhill MTB Park, better known to many Sydney riders as “Crackers”, is a sanctioned gravity trail at St Ives Chase on Sydney’s North Shore. It’s a small network in terms of distance, but it’s designed specifically for riders looking for serious technical downhill terrain. The main attraction is a roughly 600m double-black-diamond downhill trail, accompanied by a dedicated return climbing route. Ku-ring-gai Council describes it as a world-class downhill experience intended for skilled and experienced riders, so this is definitely a case where trail length doesn’t reflect the challenge. Expect steep, technical and demanding riding, making use of the natural Sydney bushland and sandstone terrain. Unlike larger bike parks with dozens of trails, Warrimoo is essentially about lapping one challenging downhill line, climbing back to the top and going again. There is also a small beginner loop, providing an easier option away from the main double-black trail. The trail has an interesting history. Warrimoo originally existed as an informal MTB network known as Crackers, but was closed in 2017 due to concerns about the environmentally significant Coastal Upland Swamp and surrounding bushland. Council subsequently worked with riders, environmental specialists, trail builders and government agencies to develop a sustainable sanctioned downhill trail while protecting sensitive areas. Today the park is supported by the volunteer Moo Crew through Ku-ring-gai Council’s Trailcare program. Volunteers help with trail maintenance, rock armouring, erosion control and environmental work, helping keep one of Sydney’s relatively rare sanctioned downhill trails open. Access is from Warrimoo Avenue, St Ives Chase, with nearby Warrimoo Oval providing parking, toilets, drinking water, picnic facilities and other amenities. For riders searching for Warrimoo MTB, Crackers MTB, Sydney downhill trails, North Shore mountain biking or double-black MTB trails in Sydney, this is a short but seriously challenging trail worth knowing about. RTS Tip: Don’t underestimate Warrimoo because it’s only around 600m long — the main trail is double black and intended for experienced riders. The trail can also close following rain or for maintenance, so check its status before travelling and never ride when it’s signed closed.

MTB

Wedding Bells MTB Trails – Woolgoolga Wedding Bells State Forest is a dedicated mountain bike destination just north of Woolgoolga on the NSW Coffs Coast, offering a gravity-focused network of fast, flowing and technical singletrack through around 250 hectares of State Forest. The network has around 12km of trails, with riding ranging from strong beginner through to advanced. All of the MTB trails are single-direction, with a mixture of natural technical terrain and machine-built flow, plus progressive jumps and features for riders wanting to step things up. Wedding Bells is particularly well known for its gravity-style riding. The forest has just under 100m of vertical elevation, so the fire-road climbs back to the top aren't huge, but clever trail design allows for descents of up to 3km. That makes it easy to spend a session climbing, descending and trying different lines rather than completing one traditional XC loop. Trails include names such as King Brown, Bangers & Mash, Blind Collab, Green Goblin, Dirt Serpent and Sinusoidal Tendencies, giving riders plenty to explore across the network. The trails are maintained by the Woolgoolga Mountain Bike Club, which also coordinates group rides, junior development, trail-building days and events. Wedding Bells has become an established race venue too, hosting gravity enduro and other MTB events on the Coffs Coast. Access is via Sherwood Creek Road, with the upper trailhead at the 4-Way at the top of Stuarts Road. Large trail maps are installed at both the upper and lower trailheads and individual trails are named and marked. There are no toilets or water at the trailhead, although the Arrawarra Rest Area is only around 2km away and has toilets, water and shaded tables. For riders searching for Wedding Bells MTB, Woolgoolga mountain bike trails, Coffs Coast MTB, gravity trails near Coffs Harbour or mountain biking on the NSW North Coast, this is definitely one to put on the ride list. RTS Tip: Wedding Bells is a great choice if you like earning your descents without a massive climb back up. With everything from approachable flow through to technical and jump-focused trails, there's plenty of progression available. Check current conditions with Woolgoolga MTB Club before travelling and stay off the trails if your tyres are leaving marks after rain.

MTB

Welby MTB Trails sit within Mount Alexandra Reserve at Welby, near Mittagong in the NSW Southern Highlands, offering a compact but surprisingly varied network of cross-country mountain biking through native bushland. The trails are on Wingecarribee Shire Council land and are officially designated for mountain biking and walking. The network offers green, blue and black-rated riding, making Welby suitable for everyone from newer riders learning the ropes through to experienced mountain bikers looking for more technical terrain. The riding mixes fire trail and natural singletrack, with plenty of rocks, tight corners, short climbs and technical descents giving the network a distinctly old-school XC feel. The green loop is around 4.5km and mostly follows easier fire trails, making it the best introduction to the area. The blue route extends to around 8km, adding much more singletrack, rocky sections, a technical descent into a gully and some punchy climbing. More experienced riders can add the black sections, which contribute roughly another 3.3km of harder riding. Welby is also used for organised cycling events and has a long association with the Southern Highlands trails riding community. Its location just outside Mittagong and Bowral makes it particularly handy for a quick ride or as part of a bigger Southern Highlands MTB trip. For riders searching for Welby MTB, Mittagong mountain bike trails, Southern Highlands trails MTB, mountain biking near Bowral or XC trails south of Sydney, this is a great local network to add to the ride list. RTS Tip: Welby is relatively compact, so it’s easy to combine the different loops or knock out a couple of laps for a longer session. Stick to the marked MTB trails rather than creating or following unofficial lines. Also check conditions before travelling: Council may close the reserve during Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger, while a High rating means caution applies

Verified by 1 riderRecommended by 1 rider
MTB

Westleigh H2O MTB Park is a well-known mountain bike network in the bushland at Westleigh in Sydney’s north, long loved by local riders for its natural singletrack and technical riding. However, there’s an important update for the RTS card: the existing H2O trails are currently closed while the site is redeveloped into a formal, sanctioned MTB network. Historically, H2O developed as an unsanctioned community-built trail network on former Sydney Water land. The riding became particularly popular for its relatively compact network of natural trails, with rocky sandstone features, technical sections, tight singletrack and flowing lines giving it a distinctly North Shore Sydney MTB character. The exciting part is what comes next. Hornsby Shire Council has now commenced construction of the approved Westleigh Park MTB Trail Network. Specialist MTB trail builders have been appointed to construct and rehabilitate the trails, replacing or upgrading existing lines and building new connections while closing and rehabilitating trails through environmentally sensitive areas. Construction officially commenced in August 2026, initially with around 900m of access road, followed by construction of the MTB trails themselves. Council currently expects the new trail network to open in early 2027. The MTB network forms part of the much larger Westleigh Park redevelopment, a roughly 36-hectare recreation precinct planned to eventually include sporting fields, parkland, walking facilities, improved cycling and pedestrian access, parking and other community infrastructure. For riders searching for Westleigh H2O MTB, Westleigh mountain bike trails, Hornsby MTB, mountain biking in northern Sydney or Sydney North Shore MTB trails, this is definitely one to keep on the radar — the next version of H2O should be a very different proposition from the informal network riders have known for years. RTS Tip: Westleigh H2O is currently CLOSED. Hornsby Shire Council has closed all public access to Westleigh Park during construction, so the old trails should not be ridden. The new sanctioned MTB network is expected to open in early 2027. For riding nearby in the meantime, Council recommends the existing Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail at Old Man’s Valley.

MTB

The Latrobe MTB network is the western gateway to Tasmania’s Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails, an interconnected system of more than 98 km of riding between Latrobe, Railton and Sheffield. Starting in Warrawee Reserve on the outskirts of Latrobe, this section has been deliberately designed as the most family-friendly and progression-focused part of Wild Mersey, with mellow terrain, flowing singletrack and increasingly technical trails as riders move farther from the trailhead. Latrobe currently has 19 named trails, comprising 13 easy, five moderate and one extreme trail. Green options include Devil’s Run, Off The Hook, Session Sauce, Laughing Gear, Easy Does It, Bee Line, Disco and Bracken Track, giving beginners and younger riders plenty of choice without having to immediately tackle difficult terrain. Intermediate riders can progress onto Hand Packed, High Voltage, Sugar Coated, Big Bend and Boiler Buster, adding more speed, descending and technical features. At the top end, No Mersey is the network’s short but serious extreme-rated trail, providing a very different challenge from the predominantly green and blue riding elsewhere at Latrobe. One of the biggest attractions is the ability to turn Latrobe into a much larger adventure. The Railton Express is an easy-rated 9.75 km connection between Latrobe and Railton, allowing riders to pedal directly into the next Wild Mersey network. From Railton, trails continue towards Sheffield, meaning riders can explore the three towns as one interconnected MTB destination rather than three separate bike parks. The Latrobe trailhead is at the end of Shale Road and is well equipped for a riding day, with toilets, showers and a bike washdown area. The stacked-loop layout means riders can stay relatively close to the trailhead on easier terrain or progressively head farther into the network as their confidence grows. RTS Tip: Wild Mersey – Latrobe is an excellent choice for families, newer MTB riders and anyone wanting to build confidence before tackling harder Tasmanian networks. Start with trails such as Easy Does It, Session Sauce and Laughing Gear, then gradually add the moderate trails. If you’ve got the legs for a bigger day, take Railton Express all the way to Railton and explore both networks. With almost 100 km available across Wild Mersey, download the current trail maps and check trail status before heading out.

98 kmMTB

The Railton MTB network sits at the heart of Tasmania’s Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails, an interconnected system of more than 98 km linking Latrobe, Railton and Sheffield. Starting beside Goliath Park in Railton, the network offers a particularly strong mix of flowing beginner trails, longer cross-country adventures and increasingly technical intermediate and difficult singletrack. Railton currently has 19 named trails, with eight easy, nine moderate and two difficult trails. Green options include Teleport, Green Hornet, Super Hornet, Easy Tiger, Green Mile, Ewoks and Sheffield Way, while intermediate riders can tackle Franky Flyer, Raptor Ridge, Funky Chicken, Sweet Caroline, 7 Shreds, Harden Up, Gnarvana, Woodhooker and Pony Up. The two difficult trails, Back To School and Echidin’ Me, provide the network’s more technical challenges. One of Railton’s standout beginner rides combines Teleport and Green Hornet. Teleport provides a gentle 3 km climb, followed by the 2 km Green Hornet descent, which is wide, flowing and designed to let newer riders build speed and confidence without throwing major technical obstacles at them. Wild Mersey describes it as arguably one of Tasmania’s best beginner loops. More experienced riders can build considerably bigger loops. The official Redline Loop is around 12.1 km, while Squiggly is approximately 15.8 km and incorporates Pony Up and Gnarvana. The Round The Outside route stretches to around 17.5 km, linking 11 trails and including the difficult Back To School and Echidin’ Me. Railton is also brilliantly positioned for a bigger Wild Mersey adventure. The easy-rated Railton Express runs 9.75 km to Latrobe, while trails on the other side of the network connect towards Sheffield. This means you can use Railton as a base and ride between all three Wild Mersey trail areas rather than treating them as separate destinations. The main Railton trailhead is at the end of Giblin Street beside Goliath Park, and there’s also an asphalt pump track in town, making Railton particularly good for families and developing riders. RTS Tip: For a first visit, ride the 5 km Up Then Down loop — Teleport up and Green Hornet back down. It’s a great introduction to Wild Mersey and an ideal progression ride for newer mountain bikers. Stronger riders should step up to Redline, Squiggly or Round The Outside, or use Railton as the launching point for a much bigger ride towards Latrobe or Sheffield. Download the current map and check trail status before setting out, especially if you’re planning one of the longer inter-town rides.

98 kmMTB

The Sheffield MTB network is the eastern and most technically challenging part of Tasmania’s Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails, an interconnected system of more than 98 km of riding across Sheffield, Railton and Latrobe. Sheffield itself has around 30 km of diverse terrain, starting with flowing trails around the lower slopes before climbing into increasingly steep, rocky and technical country beneath Mount Roland. The network currently includes 14 named trails, with five easy, five moderate and four extreme-rated trails. Easier options include Badgers Run, Zen Garden, Gold Rush, Up Start and Railton Rattler, providing a good introduction before riders venture higher into the hills. Intermediate riders can progress onto Shredwater Creek, Blue Tongue, Bluetopia, Rock N Roland and Jack Jumper. These trails introduce more technical terrain and make greater use of Sheffield’s elevation, with the network becoming noticeably more challenging as you climb away from the trailhead. Experienced riders have several serious options, including Syked Out and Over Quolified, plus the short E-Challenge and Double Trouble extreme trails. Sheffield’s builders specifically describe the upper hills as becoming “super technical”, making this the Wild Mersey location best suited to riders chasing a step up from the predominantly green and blue riding elsewhere in the system. There are also several mapped loops that make exploring easy. The Run Around is approximately 5.5 km and easy-rated, while Little Combo provides an intermediate ride of around 8.7 km. Strong riders can tackle the 20.9 km Large Combo, which links ten trails and incorporates terrain extending towards Railton. A major attraction is the connection with the rest of Wild Mersey. Railton Rattler runs 9.5 km towards Railton, following the former railway corridor, allowing Sheffield and Railton to be incorporated into one substantial ride. From Railton, riders can continue through the wider network towards Latrobe for a genuine multi-town MTB adventure. The main Wild Mersey Sheffield Trailhead is on Badgers Road, around 3.2 km from central Sheffield via Nook Road. The location also puts riders beneath the spectacular Mount Roland and close to Sheffield itself, making it a great base for a multi-day Wild Mersey trip. RTS Tip: Sheffield is the one to choose if you're looking for the more technical side of Wild Mersey. Start with Badgers Run, Zen Garden or Gold Rush, then progress into the blue network before considering the extreme trails higher up. For a bigger day, use Railton Rattler to connect Sheffield and Railton rather than driving between the two. Download the current map and check trail status before setting out, particularly after storms or wet weather.

98 kmMTB

Willans Hill is a large ridgeline running through the heart of Wagga Wagga, offering a network of natural multi-use trails and MTB riding only minutes from the centre of town. It’s a favourite local option for a quick ride, with trails weaving through dry eucalypt woodland across both the northern and southern sections of the hill. Rather than one defined MTB loop, Willans Hill contains a collection of interconnected tracks, allowing riders to create their own route depending on how far they want to ride and the level of difficulty they’re looking for. MTB Wagga notes that both ride length and difficulty vary considerably depending on the trails chosen. Expect natural cross-country-style riding, with undulating terrain, short climbs and descents and a mixture of wider tracks and narrower trails. It’s not a purpose-built gravity bike park, but its central location and variety make it particularly handy for beginner through to intermediate riders or anyone looking for a quick local MTB session. There are multiple ways into the network, with major access points near the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens and around the intersection of Lord Baden Powell Drive and Captain Cook Drive. MTB Wagga provides separate maps for the Willans Hill North and Willans Hill South trail areas. The setting is also worth taking your time to explore. Willans Hill Reserve contains dry eucalypt open woodland and forest and forms part of an important natural corridor stretching towards Pomingalarna Reserve and the Murrumbidgee River. Its elevated position also provides views across Wagga and the surrounding Riverina landscape. Willans Hill can also be incorporated into a much bigger ride around Wagga, with the wider trail system connecting into the Wiradjuri Trail, giving riders the option of linking Willans Hill with other areas around the city. For riders searching for Willans Hill MTB, Wagga Wagga mountain bike trails, Riverina MTB or cycling trails in Wagga, this is a convenient local network that's easy to add to a wider Wagga riding itinerary. RTS Tip: Willans Hill is best treated as an explore-and-link trail network rather than a single prescribed MTB loop. Download the North and South trail maps before riding and put together a route to suit your time and ability. If you’re visiting Wagga for a riding weekend, it pairs nicely with Pomingalarna Park, Silvalite Reserve and the Wiradjuri Trail.

MTB

Located just north of Melrose in Mount Remarkable National Park, the Willowie Forest Mountain Bike Trails add a distinctly Flinders Ranges flavour to the wider Melrose riding experience. The purpose-built network was designed and constructed by TrailScapes and features around 17 km of one-way singletrack, using a stacked-loop layout that allows riders to progressively take on more challenging terrain as they move further from the trailhead. The riding here feels a little different to the trails immediately surrounding Melrose. Expect raw, rocky terrain mixed with sections of fast, flowing singletrack, with less of the steep, rolling character of the town trails and more of the rugged landscape you'd expect from the Southern Flinders Ranges. The network caters for beginner through to intermediate riders, with family-friendly options alongside progressively more challenging features for riders wanting to step things up. One of the best things about Willowie is how easily it can be incorporated into a bigger Melrose ride. Rather than driving, riders can reach the network from town via an approximately 9 km cruise along the Southern Flinders Rail Trail, linking two very different riding experiences. Alternatively, there's parking at the dedicated trailhead just off the Horrocks Highway, with toilets, shelters, picnic tables and a bike repair station available. If you're making a few days of it, Melrose makes a great base for exploring Willowie alongside the town trails and wider Mount Remarkable network. Bike-friendly Under the Mount puts you right amongst the action for accommodation, while Beyond the Mount can help with rider and bike transport if you're looking to explore further afield or incorporate Melrose into a bigger Southern Flinders or Mawson Trail adventure. With purpose-built singletrack, rugged Flinders Ranges scenery and easy connections back into Melrose, Willowie Forest is well worth adding to the itinerary rather than treating it as an add-on to the town trails. Trails: Approx. 17–20 km Difficulty: Easy / Green to Intermediate / Blue Style: MTB singletrack, flow, natural & rocky terrain Best for: Beginners, families & intermediate MTB riders Access: Trailhead off Horrocks Highway or approx. 9 km ride from Melrose via the Southern Flinders Rail Trail Location: Willowie Forest, Mount Remarkable National Park, SA

17 kmMTB

The Wiradjuri Trail is a 42km loop around Wagga Wagga, linking riverbanks, wetlands, bushland reserves, hilltops and urban sections into one big ride around the city. With multiple entry points and a mixture of surfaces, it’s a great option for riders wanting to explore Wagga beyond the dedicated MTB trails. The route mixes sealed paths, unsealed tracks, rougher trail sections and shared roads, with generally flat to moderate gradients. Visit Wagga grades the complete route intermediate to advanced for cycling, largely because of the changing surfaces and some more challenging sections rather than major technical MTB features. One of the highlights is the variety of landscapes packed into the loop. The trail follows sections of the Murrumbidgee River and passes Wagga Beach, Wiradjuri Reserve, Marrambidya Wetland, Flowerdale Lagoon, Birramal Conservation Area and Lake Albert, giving riders a great cross-section of the city and its surrounding natural areas. The trail also passes through Silvalite Reserve and Pomingalarna Reserve, where riders can enjoy some of the best elevated views across Wagga. Pomingalarna is particularly worth knowing about for cyclists, as it's home to Wagga’s dedicated MTB trails and the Multisport Cycling Complex. You don’t necessarily need to tackle the entire 42km in one go. With multiple access points around Wagga, the Wiradjuri Trail can easily be broken into shorter sections or incorporated into other local rides. The official Visit Wagga page also provides a downloadable GPX file, which is useful given the changing environments and surfaces along the route. The route also has an important connection to Country, travelling through a number of significant Wiradjuri places around Wagga Wagga. For riders searching for Wagga Wagga cycling, Wiradjuri Trail, Riverina bike rides, gravel riding in Wagga or cycling around Wagga Wagga, this is an excellent way to explore the city on two wheels. RTS Tip: At 42km, this is much more than a casual urban cycleway. The changing mix of sealed, gravel, rough trail and shared-road sections means a gravel bike, MTB or capable hybrid is a sensible choice for completing the full loop. You can also combine it with a visit to Pomingalarna Park if you want to add some dedicated MTB riding — although that will turn an already decent ride into a much bigger day.

42 kmMTB, Gravel

The Woodford Dam Loop is a scenic mountain bike ride along fire trails in the beautiful Blue Mountains National Park. Expect a mix of steep climbs and fast descents, all rewarded with spectacular views over the Woodford Dam catchment area. The ride is generally done in a clockwise direction from the end of Winbourne Road and finishing at the end of Clearview Parade. Easily accessed from Hazelbrook Train station to make it a 10k ride. Toilets and Water available at Hazelbrook shops

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7 kmMTB

The Wooditjup Trails, just north of Margaret River in Western Australia, are the centrepiece of the town’s mountain biking scene. Set within Bramley National Park and adjoining forest, the broader Wooditjup riding area offers roughly 40 km of singletrack, with everything from easy green trails to flowing intermediate descents and technical black jump lines. The riding is famous for making a lot out of relatively little elevation, using berms, rollers, tabletops, natural gullies and fast contouring trail to create a network that is all about flow. The purpose-built core network, formerly known as Compartment 10, contains around 10 km of trail across 17 named trails, with another roughly 15 km immediately across the boundary in The Pines. Trails link together closely, making it easy to keep adding laps and different lines without lengthy fire-road transfers. Entry is free and the trails are open seven days a week. Newer riders can start with Cut Cork, a green loop that contours alongside the Wadandi Track and passes through beautiful karri forest beside Bramley Brook. From there, trails such as A River Somewhere, High Horse, Pugsley, Big Pine and Line Manager introduce faster blue-rated riding with berms, rollers, jumps and flowing corners. Big Pine is one of the network favourites and regularly features in the Cape to Cape MTB event. Advanced riders aren't forgotten. Cash & Karri is a black-rated jump trail inspired by Canadian bike-park riding, with step-ups, step-downs and a large hip jump, while Paper Trail delivers a more technical descent incorporating rock gardens, doubles and multiple line choices. One of Wooditjup's biggest strengths is how well it connects with the rest of Margaret River's riding. The Wadandi Track acts as a cycling backbone through the area, while connections lead into The Pines, Creek Trails and other nearby singletrack, allowing stronger riders to build a substantial day out. The wider Margaret River area now has nearly 80 km of sanctioned and mapped singletrack. The easiest starting point is Rotary Park or the Carters Road trailhead, just outside Margaret River. Rotary Park has parking, toilets, drinking water, shelter and barbecues, while bike hire, cafés and bike supplies are readily available in town. RTS Tip: Wooditjup is brilliant for progression. Start with Cut Cork, then move onto trails such as A River Somewhere, Big Pine and Pugsley before considering the black lines. Don't be fooled by the modest elevation — the builders have packed an impressive amount of speed and fun into a small hillside. If you've got more time, cross into The Pines and keep exploring; together the networks offer considerably more riding than the core Wooditjup loop suggests. And respect the local request: no skidding — the area's fast, groomed corners don't need extra help getting blown out.

17 kmMTB

The Wooroi MTB Trails, within Tewantin National Park just outside Tewantin and around 15 minutes from Noosa Heads, are one of the Sunshine Coast’s best-established mountain bike networks. Starting from Wooroi Day Use Area, riders can explore 11 official MTB routes through tall eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies and semi-heath country, with easy, intermediate and difficult riding available. The trails are managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service with assistance from the Noosa Trailblazers MTB Club. The network packs plenty of variety into a relatively compact area. Trails incorporate well-known sections including Hovea, Indy, Glider, Secrets, Glossy, Bloodwood, Crosscut, Milk Maid, Trailblazer, Day Dream, Keelback, Turn 10 and Snake. Expect classic subtropical riding with flowing singletrack, roots, short punchy climbs, fast descents, berms and natural technical features, with some management-track connections between sections. Newer riders can begin with Hovea, an easy 1.3 km official circuit following mostly management tracks. From there, the intermediate routes range from around 3 km to 12 km, making it easy to progressively explore more of Wooroi. A particularly good introduction for capable riders is the roughly 11.5–12 km perimeter-style loop incorporating Top Track and Milk Maid, which samples several vegetation zones and gives a great overview of the network. More experienced riders can tackle Wooroi’s three difficult routes: Keelback (800 m), Turn 10 (1.5 km) and Snake (600 m). Turn 10 and Snake are one-way trails, while Keelback is two-way, so riders need to pay attention to directional signage when linking trails together. The trailhead is easy to access from Noosa–Cooroy Road, with parking, picnic tables and tap water available at the Wooroi day-use area. There are no toilets at Wooroi itself, so plan accordingly. The forest is also known habitat for wildlife including koalas, glossy black-cockatoos and white-bellied sea-eagles, adding a distinctly Noosa feel to the ride. RTS Tip: For your first Wooroi visit, use Hovea as a warm-up, then step onto the intermediate network and work towards Milk Maid, Indy and Glider before considering the difficult trails. Some sections are shared with walkers and several trails have mandatory riding directions, so check the official map before setting out. Most importantly, avoid riding during or immediately after wet weather — Wooroi’s trails can close after heavy rain to prevent damage, so check current park alerts before travelling.

25 kmMTB

Wylde has approximately 15 km of MTB trails to explore. Many of them are ‘choose your own adventure’ so you can make them as long or short as you like. The shortest trail is the Junior Loop, a 1.3 km loop that starts and finishes at the trail head. It’s a self-contained loop designed for young riders to hone their skills before taking on the bigger track network. The longest continuous trail is up to you depending on which adventure you choose. A full circuit of the mountain bike trails is approximately 15 km beginning at ‘Start Your Engines’ followed by Upper Link, Exile, Hidden Valley, Smiles Link, Smiles for Miles, Roly Poly Valley, Lower Link and finishing with Home Run. Wylde BMX is a destination for riders young and old. Wylde also hosts race meets and competitions through the Western Sydney BMX Club. BMX racetrack: AUScycle accredited BMX racetrack Pump track: The large pump track at the trail head offers a place for riders to warm-up and practice before they head out into the parkland. Western Sydney BMX Club: Wylde is home to the Western Sydney BMX Club. The club provides a training facility for the next generation of riders, and hosts race meets and competitions.

Verified by 1 riderRecommended by 1 rider
15 kmBMX, MTB, Pump Track, Jumps, Features

Yackandandah MTB Park, better known as Yack Tracks, is a classic cross-country mountain bike network in Stanley State Forest near Yackandandah in Victoria’s High Country. More than 70 km of predominantly hand-built singletrack winds through Box-Ironbark forest and historic gold-mining country, with natural terrain, creek gullies, rocky features and plenty of climbing. Most of the network is blue/intermediate, although easier and more advanced options allow riders to choose their level of challenge. The network is arranged around several well-signposted loops. The Green Loop is 4.2 km, while the intermediate options include Yakonda Loop (10.8 km), Ground Effect Loop (17.2 km), Kokoda Loop (17.8 km) and Diggers Loop (18.5 km). There’s also a 4 km all-abilities/adaptive MTB loop, making Yackandandah accessible to a broader range of riders. Yack’s character is distinctly raw and natural rather than heavily sculpted bike-park riding. Expect narrow singletrack, rocks, roots, creek crossings, short technical sections and plenty of punchy climbing followed by rewarding flowing descents. Remnants of the region’s historic gold-mining activity are scattered throughout the forest and have even influenced some of the trail features. For experienced riders looking for something harder, the network includes optional advanced sections such as Carcass Canyon, which drops into a historic gold-mining water race. The numerous linking trails also mean stronger riders can combine the marked loops into a much larger cross-country adventure. Yack Tracks now connects directly into the spectacular Indigo Epic, a 56 km blue/intermediate MTB trail linking Yackandandah and Beechworth. The Yackandandah portion can be ridden as an approximately 39 km loop back to town, or riders can tackle the entire Indigo Epic for a big all-day adventure between the two historic towns. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, start with the Green Loop or the shorter Yakonda Loop before committing to one of the bigger intermediate circuits. Yack Tracks are famous for their hand-built, natural XC character, so expect the blue trails to feel quite different from smooth modern flow trails. Download the current map before heading out and watch for numbered signposts at key intersections. For a huge day on the bike, combine Yack Tracks with the Indigo Epic — just allow plenty of time, food and water for the full 56 km adventure.

MTB

The Yalbunullup MTB Trails, in Yellagonga Regional Park beside Lake Joondalup in Perth’s northern suburbs, are a purpose-built, family-friendly mountain bike network offering around 7 km of cross-country and flow trails. The network has been designed primarily for beginner and intermediate riders, making it an excellent place for kids, newer mountain bikers and riders looking to develop their skills without travelling far from Perth. The network includes around 14 trails, with green and blue options spread across the hillside overlooking the lake. Beginner-friendly trails include Winging It, Duck Dive, Roo Run and Rat Race, while intermediate riders can step up to Bermuda, Daisy Chain, Rocky Road, Sentry, Cowabunga and Little Wedgie. The trails are relatively short, allowing riders to easily link multiple climbs and descents into a longer session. There’s a strong focus on skills progression. Winging It provides a gentle 985 m green climb with views across Lake Joondalup, while Duck Dive is an easy introduction to XC riding and pairs nicely with Roo Run. Moving into the blues, Daisy Chain adds sweeping berms and rock rollovers, while Rocky Road provides one of the more challenging cross-country rides in the network. The park has become even more useful for progressing riders with the addition of two dedicated jump lines in late 2025, catering for intermediate and advanced riders. A new flyover bridge also allows the network to host cross-country events without conflicting trail movements. Facilities are excellent for an urban MTB park, with a large car park, toilets, pavilion shelter, drinking fountains, bike racks and interpretive signage. Several trails also carry adaptive MTB ratings, adding to the network’s emphasis on accessible riding. Access is free. The name Yalbunullup was selected in consultation with Traditional Owners and reflects the traditional Noongar name for the site. The trails sit within culturally significant Yellagonga Regional Park, with the open design preserving views towards Lake Joondalup and the surrounding bushland. RTS Tip: Yalbunullup is a brilliant skills-progression park. Start with Winging It, Duck Dive and Rat Race, then move onto Bermuda, Daisy Chain and Rocky Road as your confidence builds. More experienced riders can add laps of the newer jump lines. With toilets, water, shelter and parking right at the trailhead, it’s also an easy choice for families or a quick MTB session in Perth’s northern suburbs.

7 kmMTB

The Yarra Valley Trail, in Victoria’s beautiful Yarra Valley east of Melbourne, is a developing shared cycling and walking trail that will eventually connect Lilydale, Yarra Glen and Healesville before linking into the Lilydale–Warburton Rail Trail to create a huge valley-wide cycling network. The currently open section runs for approximately 8.5 km from Lilydale through Coldstream and Yering, following the historic railway corridor across open farmland with sweeping views towards the surrounding Yarra Ranges. Starting from the trail junction near Beresford Road in Lilydale, the route heads north through pasture and scattered bushland towards Coldstream. The former Coldstream Station site provides parking, toilets and a pump track, while a shared path provides access into the township. From there, the trail continues through classic Yarra Valley countryside towards the former Yering Station site. Beyond Yering, riders cross McIntyre Lane before continuing for around 900 m along the old railway embankment. This newer section includes two rebuilt railway bridges and uninterrupted views across the surrounding farmland before reaching the current trail end. The predominantly fine-gravel surface and gentle railway gradients make the route suitable for gravel bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, e-bikes and recreational riders. The trail follows the former railway towards Yarra Glen and Healesville, which originally opened in 1889. Its future development is particularly exciting: Stage 1 will ultimately extend the trail to Yarra Glen Railway Station, with further stages planned towards Tarrawarra and Healesville. Longer-term plans would connect back into the Lilydale–Warburton Rail Trail around Seville East and Woori Yallock, creating an impressive loop through the wider Yarra Valley. The existing trail is also easy to combine with the Lilydale–Warburton Rail Trail. Both routes split from the same general area in Lilydale, so stronger riders can explore the Yarra Valley Trail towards Yering before returning and continuing towards Mount Evelyn, Wandin, Woori Yallock and Warburton. RTS Tip: The Yarra Valley Trail is still a work in progress, so don’t assume you can currently ride all the way to Yarra Glen or Healesville. For now, an out-and-back from Lilydale to the current trail end beyond Yering gives you roughly 17 km of easy riding, with Coldstream making a handy stop along the way. The route is exposed across sections of farmland, so pack sun protection and water on warmer days. Keep an eye on the trail’s development too — once the planned connections are completed, this will become part of one of Victoria’s most impressive recreational cycling loops

40 kmGravel

Yellomundee MTB Park, is one of Western Sydney’s most established mountain biking destinations. Located at Hawkesbury Heights, around 8km north-west of Penrith, the park sits on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Mountains and offers a network of natural cross-country and gravity trails through classic sandstone bushland. The riding has a distinctly old-school, natural character. Expect rocky and rooty singletrack, sandstone features, loose surfaces, creek crossings, short punchy climbs and technical descents rather than smooth machine-built bike-park trails. NPWS specifically highlights the area south of Shaws Farm for its singletrack and trails catering to varying technical abilities. Yellomundee is particularly well known for cross-country riding and racing. The trail network allows riders to combine different sections into anything from a shorter social ride to longer XC laps, with the terrain providing plenty of climbing and descending along the way. Western Sydney Mountain Bike Club’s full XC race course averages around 6km per lap, with shorter modified courses used for junior racing. There’s also plenty here for riders who prefer the bike pointing downhill. Club events use the existing trail network for gravity racing, with timed stages focused on the more technical descending trails, making Yellomundee a great all-round venue rather than purely an XC network. A huge part of Yellomundee’s MTB history is its connection with Western Sydney Mountain Bike Club. The club maintains the MTB trails through regular volunteer trail-work days and uses the park for XC, gravity, social riding and racing, helping keep Yellomundee an important hub for Western Sydney’s mountain biking community. The main MTB access is from the Springwood Road/Hawkesbury Road area at Hawkesbury Heights, with parking at the trailhead. The wider Yellomundee Regional Park also includes lookouts, picnic areas and other recreational trails, with impressive views across the Nepean River and Western Sydney. For riders searching for Yellomundee MTB, Yello MTB, Western Sydney mountain bike trails, Penrith MTB or Blue Mountains cross-country riding, this is one of the region’s essential networks. RTS Tip: Yellomundee rewards riders who enjoy natural, technical MTB rather than manicured bike-park flow. The network has lots of intersections, so current mapping is useful for first-time visitors. Also check NPWS alerts before heading out — there is currently an alert affecting Yellomundee Regional Park, and access or individual areas can change due to hazard reduction, weather or maintenance.

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10 kmMTB

The Kurrajong Mountain Bike Area, within You Yangs Regional Park between Melbourne and Geelong, is the easier and more family-friendly half of the You Yangs MTB network. While nearby Stockyards is known for steep, rocky and technical riding, Kurrajong offers around 20 km of flatter, flowing trails through established eucalypt and Sugar Gum plantations. It’s an excellent destination for beginners, families and developing riders, while still providing enough speed and features to entertain experienced XC riders. The core network includes Plantation Track (7.5 km), Lumberjack Track (5 km) and Axeman’s Track (2.5 km). Plantation is the longest, with fast, winding riding through the plantation, while Lumberjack delivers tight and flowing singletrack that’s particularly good for practising cornering and carrying speed. Axeman’s is a shorter twisting trail that provides another approachable introduction to mountain biking. Riders looking for a step up can add Chainsaw Track (3.5 km), which introduces four-cross-style singletrack, larger berms and dirt jumps. Junction Track (4.5 km) connects Kurrajong with the more technical Stockyards network and incorporates rock gardens, dirt jumps, berms and boardwalk sections. Riding it from Kurrajong towards Stockyards also provides a solid climbing challenge. The Eastern Epic (4.5 km) adds another option, linking the park entrances at Toynes Road and Branch Road with Kurrajong. Although officially easy-rated, it still packs in plenty of twists, boardwalks and banked corners and can be incorporated into longer adventures around the park. Kurrajong is part of the wider You Yangs MTB destination, which contains more than 50 km of purpose-built trails across Kurrajong and Stockyards. The two areas can be linked for riders wanting to progress from Kurrajong’s smoother XC terrain into Stockyards’ much rockier and more technical riding. RTS Tip: Kurrajong is the place to start if you’re new to the You Yangs. Try Lumberjack and Axeman’s first, then add Plantation for a longer XC ride. Once you’re comfortable, Chainsaw provides a great progression into jumps and bigger berms before making the move across to Stockyards. The trails can become vulnerable when wet, so avoid riding soft or muddy trails and always check current Parks Victoria conditions before heading out.

44 kmMTB

The Stockyards Mountain Bike Area, in You Yangs Regional Park between Melbourne and Geelong, is the more technical and gravity-focused half of the You Yangs MTB network. While nearby Kurrajong provides flatter beginner-friendly riding, Stockyards makes use of the park’s dramatic granite outcrops and former quarry landscape to deliver challenging cross-country, all-mountain and downhill trails. Expect rock gardens, natural rock ramps, steep drops, berms, jumps and fast technical descents. The Inner Loop provides a useful backbone through the network and can be used to access many of Stockyards’ individual trails. It’s best ridden anti-clockwise and connects with more technical options including Lactic Acid, Dam View and Turbulence. Rockwell Run provides a gentler climbing route back towards the upper network, making it useful for riders putting together pedal-powered laps. Intermediate riders can tackle trails such as Quarry Pit, a tight and twisting singletrack through gums, wattles and rocky outcrops. As confidence builds, Stockyards quickly steps things up: Travs Diamond features technical rock sections, boardwalks, berms, obstacles and challenging climbs, while other well-known trails include Cressy Descent and Lactic Acid. At the top end, Stockyards contains some seriously demanding gravity terrain. Turbulence and Bandages or Glory are double-black options aimed at highly experienced riders. Bandages or Glory combines rock gardens, logs, jumps, bridges, berms and steep drops, and is firmly in advanced downhill territory. Stockyards and Kurrajong can also be linked via the 4.5 km Junction Track, giving stronger riders the option of exploring both You Yangs MTB areas in one ride. Junction itself isn't simply a transfer trail — it includes rock gardens, flowing berms and jumps, with a solid climb when ridden from Kurrajong towards Stockyards. Across the two riding areas, You Yangs Regional Park contains more than 50 km of purpose-built MTB trails. The easiest direct access to Stockyards is from the Drysdale Road car park on the northern side of the park. There are limited facilities at Stockyards itself, with the nearest toilets and drinking water located elsewhere within the main park, so arrive prepared if you're planning a longer session. RTS Tip: If you're new to Stockyards, start with Inner Loop, Rockwell Run and Quarry Pit before progressing onto the harder technical descents. Stockyards is a substantial step up from Kurrajong, and the black and double-black trails contain serious rock features, drops and committing lines, so sight unfamiliar trails before riding them at speed. Stay off muddy trails after rain and check current Parks Victoria conditions before heading out.

44 kmMTB

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Tathra MTB Park’s Bundadung Trail Network is the heart of mountain biking in Tathra on the NSW Sapphire Coast, delivering classic hand-built cross-country singletrack through coastal eucalypt forest just minutes from the beach. Tathra has established itself as one of NSW’s premier MTB towns, with the wider network offering around 50–55km of singletrack and more than 40 trails. Bundadung is the main northern trail network and the birthplace of Tathra’s XC riding scene. Expect plenty of climbing followed by rewarding descents, with tight hand-built singletrack, rocks, log rollovers, gully crossings and natural technical features rather than heavily manicured bike-park terrain. The elevated sections also deliver glimpses out towards the coast and Tathra Beach. The broader Tathra network caters for children and beginners through to experienced riders, so there’s plenty of opportunity to build confidence before tackling the more demanding sections. Bundadung can also be linked with Tathra’s other riding areas, including the Fire Shed trails, creating much longer XC adventures. One of Tathra’s biggest strengths is just how easy it is to ride from town. The main trailhead is near Tathra Beach Country Club, roughly 1km north of the township, while the Mogareeka Cycle and Walkway provides another connection into the MTB network via Katung Road. The trails are very much a community-built network, and that hand-built character is part of the appeal. Rather than huge jumps and gravity lines, Tathra is about linking kilometres of natural singletrack together, exploring the forest and enjoying a proper old-school XC ride in a spectacular coastal setting. There’s also a Mountain Bike Skills Park at Tathra Country Club, giving kids and developing riders somewhere to practise skills in a controlled environment before heading deeper into Bundadung. For riders searching for Tathra MTB, Bundadung MTB Trails, Sapphire Coast mountain biking, South Coast NSW MTB or cross-country mountain biking near Bega, this is one of the region’s must-ride networks. RTS Tip: Tathra is a great contrast to the newer gravity-focused destinations farther down the Sapphire Coast. Think hand-built XC, natural features and lots of linking singletrack rather than a modern shuttle park. With Gravity Eden to the south and Narooma to the north, Tathra also fits brilliantly into a multi-day South Coast MTB road trip.

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Tathra MTB Park’s Bundadung Trail Network is the heart of mountain biking in Tathra on the NSW Sapphire Coast, delivering classic hand-built cross-country singletrack through coastal eucalypt forest just minutes from the beach. Tathra has established itself as one of NSW’s premier MTB towns, with the wider network offering around 50–55km of singletrack and more than 40 trails. Bundadung is the main northern trail network and the birthplace of Tathra’s XC riding scene. Expect plenty of climbing followed by rewarding descents, with tight hand-built singletrack, rocks, log rollovers, gully crossings and natural technical features rather than heavily manicured bike-park terrain. The elevated sections also deliver glimpses out towards the coast and Tathra Beach. The broader Tathra network caters for children and beginners through to experienced riders, so there’s plenty of opportunity to build confidence before tackling the more demanding sections. Bundadung can also be linked with Tathra’s other riding areas, including the Fire Shed trails, creating much longer XC adventures. One of Tathra’s biggest strengths is just how easy it is to ride from town. The main trailhead is near Tathra Beach Country Club, roughly 1km north of the township, while the Mogareeka Cycle and Walkway provides another connection into the MTB network via Katung Road. The trails are very much a community-built network, and that hand-built character is part of the appeal. Rather than huge jumps and gravity lines, Tathra is about linking kilometres of natural singletrack together, exploring the forest and enjoying a proper old-school XC ride in a spectacular coastal setting. There’s also a Mountain Bike Skills Park at Tathra Country Club, giving kids and developing riders somewhere to practise skills in a controlled environment before heading deeper into Bundadung. For riders searching for Tathra MTB, Bundadung MTB Trails, Sapphire Coast mountain biking, South Coast NSW MTB or cross-country mountain biking near Bega, this is one of the region’s must-ride networks. RTS Tip: Tathra is a great contrast to the newer gravity-focused destinations farther down the Sapphire Coast. Think hand-built XC, natural features and lots of linking singletrack rather than a modern shuttle park. With Gravity Eden to the south and Narooma to the north, Tathra also fits brilliantly into a multi-day South Coast MTB road trip.

50 km780 mMTB