Rides

Find your next ride.

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

Coast
Find a Club

142 ridesof 713

Coast

Showing rides matching “Coast” across Australia.

The Coast Park Path Rail Trail is a fantastic 25km coastal cycling route through Adelaide, combining sections of historic railway corridors with some of the city’s best beachfront riding between Woodville, Grange, Glenelg and Marino. The route is made up of three distinct sections. From Woodville to Grange, riders follow a railside path alongside the operational Grange railway line and the route of the former Grange Tramway. From Grange, the ride hits the coast and follows the beachfront south through some of Adelaide’s most popular seaside suburbs towards Henley Beach and Glenelg. From Glenelg, the trail continues south towards Brighton and Marino, following sections associated with the former Glenelg to Marino railway. Expect long stretches of ocean views, sandy beaches, jetties and plenty of opportunities to stop for coffee, food or a swim along the way. The trail is mostly flat and sealed with concrete or paving, making it an excellent option for families, recreational cyclists, e-bikes and riders looking for an easy coastal day out. Ride the full 25km point-to-point, choose a shorter beachfront section or turn around whenever you’ve had enough. It also connects beautifully into Adelaide’s wider cycling network. Riders can link with the River Torrens Linear Park Trail, Mike Turtur Bikeway, Outer Harbor Greenway and Coast to Vines Rail Trail, opening up plenty of possibilities for longer rides and loops. The bigger Adelaide Coast Park vision stretches approximately 70km along the metropolitan coastline from North Haven towards Sellicks Beach, with much of that wider coastal route already available. The 25km Woodville–Marino section highlighted here is the portion Rail Trails Australia specifically identifies for its railway heritage. Whether you're searching for Adelaide rail trails, cycling along Adelaide beaches, family-friendly bike rides in Adelaide or easy cycling trails in South Australia, the Coast Park Path is a brilliant way to explore the city on two wheels. RTS Tip: This is a popular shared path, particularly around Henley Beach, Glenelg and Brighton, so expect plenty of walkers, runners and families during busy periods. Slow down through crowded beachfront precincts, give way appropriately and allow some extra time for stops — this is definitely a ride where there’s no need to rush.

25 kmGravel

Coast to Vines Rail Trail – Adelaide to McLaren Vale & Willunga The Coast to Vines Rail Trail is one of South Australia’s standout cycling experiences, taking riders from Adelaide’s southern coastline through rolling countryside and into the famous vineyards of McLaren Vale and Willunga. Running for around 37km from Marino Rocks to Willunga, the trail follows sections of the former railway line that once connected Adelaide with the Southern Vales. The route is predominantly sealed and follows gentle railway gradients, making it suitable for recreational cyclists, families, e-bikes and touring riders, while still being long enough to create a fantastic day on the bike. Starting near the coast at Coast to Vines Marino Trailhead, riders initially enjoy views across Adelaide’s coastline before heading inland through Hallett Cove, Old Reynella, Hackham and Noarlunga. Shady railway cuttings, historic bridges and sections of the original railway formation provide reminders of the route’s past along the way. As the suburbs disappear, the landscape opens into farmland and rolling hills on the approach to McLaren Vale. Vineyards begin to dominate the scenery, with cafés, restaurants, cellar doors and local produce making this a ride where taking your time is definitely part of the experience. The final 8km from McLaren Vale to Willunga is known as the Shiraz Trail, following a gentle climb through the Southern Vales wine region before finishing near the historic Willunga township. There are plenty of ways to ride it. Tackle the full 37km point-to-point, ride a shorter section around McLaren Vale, or turn it into a roughly 74km return adventure. The trail also connects with the Southern Vales Loop, opening up even more cycling around Willunga, Aldinga and the surrounding wine country. Whether you're searching for Adelaide rail trails, cycling in McLaren Vale, bike rides near Adelaide, family-friendly cycling in South Australia or cycling trails through the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Coast to Vines Rail Trail is an absolute beauty. RTS Tip: Allow extra time for this one. Between the coastal views, historic towns, cafés and McLaren Vale wine country, there are plenty of reasons to stop along the way. The trail is shared with walkers and other users, so keep speeds appropriate, particularly through busier sections. If you don't want to tackle the whole trail, choose one of the individual sections and make a day of exploring the area by bike.

37 kmGravel

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

Capricorn Coast Pineapple Rail Trail – Yeppoon The Capricorn Coast Pineapple Rail Trail is an easy, family-friendly cycling trail in Yeppoon, Central Queensland, following part of the former railway line that once connected the Capricorn Coast with Rockhampton. Currently stretching around 4.5km from Yeppoon through to Barmaryee, the sealed asphalt trail travels from the urban edge of town into picturesque bushland, providing a relaxed, predominantly traffic-free ride suitable for families, recreational cyclists, e-bikes and riders of varying abilities. The railway itself dates back to 1909 and once extended approximately 53km between Yeppoon and Rockhampton. It became closely associated with the region's pineapple industry, transporting produce from the coast before the line eventually closed in 2006. The first section of the Pineapple Rail Trail opened in 2014, giving the historic corridor a new life as a recreational cycling and walking route. With a gentle gradient and smooth surface, this is a great option for riders looking for easy cycling in Yeppoon or a family-friendly bike trail on the Capricorn Coast. Ride it as a roughly 9km return trip, or simply turn around whenever you've had enough. There's plenty more to enjoy around Yeppoon too, making the trail easy to incorporate into a bigger day exploring the Capricorn Coast, beaches and Southern Great Barrier Reef region. The bigger story is what could eventually come next. The former railway corridor continues towards Rockhampton, with approximately 39km of disused corridor between Yeppoon Golf Course and Nerimbera identified as a potential future rail trail extension. For now, though, riders should treat the developed Yeppoon section as the ride rather than assuming the entire former railway is accessible. RTS Tip: The currently developed Pineapple Rail Trail is relatively short, so it's perfect for a relaxed spin, families or riders wanting to add a few easy kilometres while visiting Yeppoon. The trail is shared with walkers, runners and other users, so keep speeds appropriate and check current trail information before setting out.

4.5 kmGravel

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 Copper Coast Rail Trail is a 25km fully sealed shared trail connecting Kadina, Wallaroo and Moonta on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula. Following former railway corridors through the heart of the historic Copper Coast, the route combines easy, mostly flat riding with open farmland, mining heritage and glimpses towards the coast. The original 8km Kadina–Wallaroo section is joined by a newer 17km Wallaroo–Moonta section, making it possible to ride between all three towns. Along the way you’ll pass historic railway sites, remnants of the Wallaroo and Moonta mining areas and interpretive signs telling the story of the region’s copper-mining past. Shelters, seating and bike repair stations are positioned along the route, while each of the three towns offers cafés, shops and facilities. The sealed surface and gentle gradients make this a particularly accessible option for families, recreational riders, touring bikes and e-bikes. RTS Tip: For a great shorter ride, tackle the 8km Kadina to Wallaroo section and finish at the Wallaroo waterfront, or ride the 17km Wallaroo to Moonta section to explore the historic Moonta Mines. If you want more, connecting paths continue from Moonta to Moonta Bay and Port Hughes, making it easy to add some beach time to your ride. The trail crosses several roads along the way, so watch for give-way points even though most of the ride is separated from traffic.

25 kmGravel

The Gold Coast Cycle Centre at Nerang is a dedicated cycling complex bringing together an outdoor velodrome, criterium circuits and direct access to the mountain bike trails of Nerang National Park. The centre’s outdoor 356m asphalt velodrome is complemented by approximately 900m and 1.5km road circuits, creating a versatile venue for track riding, criterium racing, time trials, training and junior development. It’s home to Gold Coast Cycling Club, which regularly uses the facility for racing and coached sessions, while the neighbouring forest means road, track and mountain biking all come together in one seriously handy cycling precinct. RTS Tip: Check the Gold Coast Cycling Club calendar before heading down if you want to join an organised session. Track training caters for juniors and adults, while time trials and racing also run at the centre throughout the year. If you’re bringing the MTB as well, allow extra time — Nerang National Park is right next door, so you can swap the velodrome for the dirt without moving the car.

0.356 km6 mTrack

The North-West Tasmanian Coastal Cycleway, also known as the North West Coastal Pathway, is an ambitious shared cycling route linking the towns and cities of Tasmania’s spectacular North West Coast. The developing route stretches between Latrobe, Devonport, Don, Turners Beach, Ulverstone, Penguin, Burnie, Somerset and Wynyard, combining dedicated sealed cycleways, former railway corridors, coastal paths and some on-road connections. The long-term vision is for a roughly 110 km continuous off-road pathway, although several gaps remain as of 2026. The scenery is a major reason to ride it. Sections hug the edge of Bass Strait, cross rivers and estuaries and pass beaches, coastal reserves, farmland and historic railway infrastructure. Riders can explore the waterfronts of Devonport, Ulverstone, Penguin, Burnie and Wynyard, with cafés, accommodation, swimming beaches and other facilities available in the towns along the way. The predominantly sealed surfaces on completed sections make the pathway suitable for road bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, e-bikes, touring bikes, families and recreational cyclists. One of the biggest recent additions is the 13.2 km Wynyard to Burnie section, completed in October 2024. Much of this high-quality asphalt pathway follows the former railway corridor through Somerset and Cooee, providing a scenic separated connection between the two towns. Other enjoyable sections include Latrobe to Devonport, the coastal ride from Devonport through Don, and the paths around Turners Beach, Ulverstone and Penguin. The route also makes an excellent backbone for a bigger North West Tasmania cycling or MTB trip. From Latrobe, riders can detour towards the Wild Mersey MTB Trails, while Penguin provides access towards the Dial Range and other North West Coast riding. Devonport also provides a natural arrival point for riders travelling to Tasmania, with cycleway connections extending from the city towards the surrounding coastal towns. RTS Tip: Don’t assume the entire North-West Coastal Cycleway is continuous off-road yet. As of 2026, gaps remain around Wivenhoe–Heybridge and West Ulverstone–Penguin, with some sections requiring on-road riding. Check the latest route before setting out, particularly if you're planning a long point-to-point ride. For an easy standalone option, the Wynyard–Somerset–Burnie section is a brilliant choice, while experienced tourers can use the completed paths and road connections to build a much bigger journey along Tasmania’s North West Coast.

20 kmGravel

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

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

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

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

Recognised as one of only a handful of IMBA Epic rides in Australia, the Bay of Fires Epic is a true bucket-list mountain bike adventure. This spectacular 42km point-to-point trail begins high in the Blue Tier Forest Reserve and winds its way through ancient rainforest, towering tree ferns, granite boulder fields and open eucalypt forest before finishing on the brilliant white sands of Swimcart Beach at the world-famous Bay of Fires. The ride delivers an unforgettable mix of flowing singletrack, fast berms, technical features and rewarding climbs as the landscape continually transforms from cool mountain forest to coastal wilderness. Riders descend more than 600 metres in the opening section before tackling rolling backcountry terrain, with panoramic ocean views appearing as you approach the coast. Every kilometre offers something different, making it one of Australia's most scenic and rewarding mountain bike experiences. This is a remote backcountry trail with no services along the route, so riders should come well prepared with food, water and repair equipment. Most riders access the trail via a shuttle from St Helens or Derby, with transport available to the Blue Tier trailhead and collection at the finish. Ride Highlights 42km IMBA Epic point-to-point adventure. Ride from the mountains to the sea. Flowing singletrack, berms and technical features. Ancient rainforest, granite outcrops and coastal scenery. Finishes on the white sands of Swimcart Beach. Shuttle access available from St Helens and Derby. Suitability Mountain Bike Cross Country Trail Advanced Intermediate to Advanced Riders Good to Know Distance: 42km Difficulty: More Difficult Ride Time: Allow 4.5–6 hours. Facilities: No water or services on the trail. Carry supplies and let someone know your plans, as mobile reception is limited in places.

42 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

Bermagui MTB Park is a local mountain bike trail network just outside Bermagui on the NSW Sapphire Coast, offering a fun mix of natural singletrack, forest riding and technical terrain close to town. Located around Scenic Forest Drive, approximately 1.5km north of Bermagui, the network features around 8km of mountain bike trails and is described by Sapphire Coast tourism as a challenging and fast course. Expect a more natural trail-riding experience, with winding singletrack through the coastal forest and enough changing terrain to keep experienced riders entertained. It’s a great option for riders wanting to squeeze in a few laps while staying around Bermagui or add another trail network to a bigger Sapphire Coast mountain biking road trip. Bermagui is also well positioned amongst some fantastic riding on the NSW South Coast, with established mountain bike destinations at Tathra and Merimbula providing plenty of opportunities to turn a visit into a multi-day MTB adventure. Whether you're searching for mountain biking in Bermagui, Sapphire Coast MTB trails or mountain bike riding on the NSW South Coast, Bermagui MTB Park is another local network worth putting on the list. RTS Tip: This is a smaller local trail network rather than a major purpose-built bike park, so check current trail conditions and mapping before heading out. Respect any closures or signage, avoid riding when trails are wet and ride within your ability on unfamiliar features.

7 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

Bruny Island North is a beautiful gravel loop exploring the quieter northern end of one of Tasmania's most iconic islands, combining smooth gravel roads, coastal views, rolling farmland and a little local history into a brilliant day on the bike. Covering approximately 45km with around 914m of climbing, the route is roughly 55% gravel and 45% sealed road. There aren't any major sustained climbs, but don't expect a completely easy spin — the terrain continually rolls up and down throughout the ride, adding up to a surprisingly solid day. Starting from the Kettering ferry terminal, the adventure begins with a ferry trip across to Bruny Island. Once on the island, riders make their way towards beautiful gravel roads hugging Barnes Bay, before heading inland towards the historic Bruny Island Quarantine Station. From there, the route continues through Killora and along the island's north-western coastline, delivering some fantastic water views before reaching Dennes Point at the northern end of the island. The return journey winds back through quiet farmland, forests and classic Bruny Island countryside before eventually reconnecting with the road to the ferry. The gravel is generally smooth and enjoyable rather than highly technical, making this a great option for confident gravel riders looking for an adventure without taking on the much rougher terrain found on some of Tasmania's more demanding gravel routes. Allow some extra time to stop at the Quarantine Station, enjoy the coastal views and explore along the way — this is definitely a ride where the experience is more important than racing the clock. RTS Tip: Your ferry crossing is part of the adventure, so check the current timetable before setting out and allow enough time to make the return ferry. Dirty Freehub recommends 40mm+ tyres, and riders should carry their own supplies and check current weather and road conditions before heading out. Follow the mapping link for the detailed route, GPX and additional ride information.

45 km914 mGravel, Road

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

Cape Pallarenda and Townsville Town Common deliver some of Townsville’s most scenic mountain biking, combining coastal views, rocky hillsides, wetlands and open tropical landscape just a short ride from the city. The standout MTB trail is Under the Radar, a long, technical singletrack that winds around the slopes of Mount Marlow with rocky sections, tight corners, creek crossings and plenty of natural features to keep intermediate riders busy. The wider network links into trails and shared tracks including Smedley’s, Lagoon Trail, Shelly Cove Trail and Freshwater Trail, giving riders plenty of options to create longer loops through both Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park and Townsville Town Common Conservation Park. RTS Tip: Under the Radar is the one to ride if you’re here for the MTB, but allow time to explore the wider network too. Townsville’s heat can make this ride much tougher than the distance suggests, so an early start, plenty of water and sun protection are worthwhile. Check Queensland Parks alerts before heading out, particularly during the wet season when trail conditions and access can change.

11 kmMTB

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

Tasmania is an incredible destination for gravel riding, with quiet backroads, forest tracks, remote fire trails and rugged cycling routes stretching across the island. From shorter gravel bike rides around Hobart and southern Tasmania to remote adventures through the Central Highlands, North East, West Coast and rural backcountry, Tasmania offers an enormous variety of terrain for gravel cyclists. Expect everything from fast-rolling country gravel and farmland to steep forest roads, rocky 4WD tracks and big climbs through some seriously wild landscapes. For riders looking to make a bigger adventure of it, Tasmania is also brilliant for bikepacking and multi-day gravel cycling. Routes can link small towns, national parks, forests and remote communities, while longer adventures such as the Tasmanian Trail show just how much of the state can be explored away from the main roads. The changing landscape is a huge part of the experience. One ride might take you through farmland and rolling hills, while another heads deep into temperate forest, alpine country or towards Tasmania's dramatic coastline. Add historic towns, local food and plenty of places worth stopping along the way and it's easy to turn a gravel ride into an entire Tasmanian road trip. Whether you're searching for an easy gravel day ride, a challenging loop or a multi-day Tasmanian bikepacking adventure, there's a huge amount of riding waiting to be discovered. RTS Tip: Tasmania has loads of individual gravel routes to explore, and Ride The State will be working on getting these added as individual Ride Cards over time. Until then, check out the mapping link to browse the Ride with GPS Tasmania gravel collection, find a route that suits your distance and ability, and start planning your next Tassie gravel adventure. Tasmania's weather and remote conditions can change quickly, so always check current access, weather, road and trail conditions before setting out and come prepared for the route you're tackling.

100 kmGravel, Road

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

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

The Coonawarra Rail Trail is a 19km sealed trail from Penola to Glenroy, running through the heart of South Australia’s famous Coonawarra wine region. Following the former Mount Gambier–Wolseley railway corridor, the route is almost completely flat and remarkably straight, passing vineyards, grazing country and historic railway sites along the region’s distinctive terra rossa landscape. From Penola it’s around 10.5km to the former Coonawarra Siding, where a 1.3km connecting path leads into Coonawarra township, with food, facilities and several cellar doors nearby. The main trail then continues another 8.5km through vineyard country to its current northern end at Glenroy–Bool Lagoon Road. With its sealed surface and gentle gradients, it’s an easy-going ride suited to families, recreational riders, touring bikes and e-bikes. RTS Tip: Make the short detour from Coonawarra Siding into Coonawarra township for a food or cellar-door stop before continuing your ride. If you’re thinking of extending north to Father Woods Park, be aware that this requires riding around 3.7km on the Riddoch Highway, which carries fast-moving traffic and isn’t recommended for children or inexperienced riders.

19 kmGravel

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

The Denmark–Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail is a scenic gravel adventure through Western Australia’s Great Southern, following sections of the historic railway between Denmark and Nornalup. Trails WA lists the route at around 68km one way, passing through tall forest, wetlands, farmland and coastal bushland, with historic railway remnants and four original timber rail bridges adding plenty of character along the way. The trail is rated moderate for mountain biking, with surfaces varying from good-quality compacted sections near Denmark to rougher, sandy and sometimes boggy terrain further west. It’s a beautiful ride for those who enjoy exploration, history and quieter back-country gravel rather than a perfectly groomed rail trail. RTS Tip: Don’t assume the full Denmark-to-Nornalup route is currently continuous. Trails WA notes a 14km section between Parker Road and Bow Bridge is not yet open, so plan your route carefully rather than relying on the rail corridor all the way through. For an easier introduction, the approximately 12km Denmark River mouth to Hay River section has some of the best-quality riding and lovely views around Wilson Inlet.

61 kmGravel

The Don to Devonport Cycleway is a relaxed and scenic 11km sealed shared-path network exploring Devonport’s coastline, rivers and railway heritage. The main ride between Don Reserve and central Devonport is around 8km, following the Don River, passing alongside sections of the heritage Don River Railway, then continuing past Coles Beach and around the Bass Strait coastline before reaching the Mersey River foreshore. Riders can extend the journey another 3km south to Horsehead Creek, following the Mersey beside the working railway and port. Wide concrete and bitumen paths, gentle gradients and plenty of places to stop make this a great option for families, casual riders and anyone wanting to explore Devonport by bike. RTS Tip: Make it a bigger adventure by connecting into the North-West Coastal Pathway. From Don, the developing coastal route continues west towards Turners Beach, Ulverstone, Burnie and beyond, while from Devonport you can head east along the Mersey towards Latrobe. If you’re keeping it local, add the Old Tramway loop through Don Reserve for a little more variety before cruising back along the coast.

11 kmGravel

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

The Encounter Bikeway is a beautiful coastal ride across South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, linking Goolwa, Middleton, Port Elliot and Victor Harbor over approximately 31km one way. The route combines sealed shared paths with relatively quiet on-road sections, following beaches, coastal reserves and sections of the historic railway corridor. Between Port Elliot and Victor Harbor, the trail frequently runs right beside the railway, so you may even find yourself riding alongside the historic Cockle Train. With ocean views, heritage towns, cafés, beaches, parks and plenty of places to stop along the way, it’s an easy-going ride that works just as well as a short family outing as it does a full point-to-point adventure. RTS Tip: One of the best ways to experience the Encounter Bikeway is to ride one way and catch the Cockle Train back with your bike. Bike carriage is available on selected services, but space can be limited, so check with SteamRanger before relying on it for your return journey. Otherwise, break the trail into shorter sections — the 7.5km Port Elliot to Victor Harbor stretch is a particularly scenic option with plenty of coastline and railway action along the way.

28 kmGravel

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

The Beerburrum & Glass House Mountains Loop is a fantastic 59km gravel cycling adventure in South East Queensland, combining rail trail, quiet country roads, forest tracks and forestry roads with some spectacular views across the iconic Glass House Mountains. Starting in Caboolture, the ride begins with an easy roll along the Caboolture–Wamuran Rail Trail, providing around 10km of sealed riding before the route begins to get more adventurous. From Wamuran, riders leave the rail trail behind and head through quieter roads and into natural forest, following sections of the old Wamuran rail corridor. After a steady climb, the route enters the Beerburrum State Forest, where around 12km of forestry roads lead towards one of the highlights of the ride — the Glass House Mountains Lookout. It's a great place to stop, catch your breath and take in the views across one of Queensland's most distinctive landscapes. From the lookout, things get a little rougher with a short, bumpy and rocky descent before the route settles back into gravel roads towards Beerburrum. From here, a mixture of sealed roads and quieter backroads eventually returns riders towards Caboolture to complete the loop. Rated medium difficulty, this isn't an overly technical ride, but its 59km distance, climbing and rougher descent mean riders should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable handling a bike on changing gravel surfaces. With rail trail, forest riding, gravel roads and those unmistakable Glass House Mountains views all packed into one loop, this is a brilliant way to explore another side of the Sunshine Coast hinterland and Moreton Bay region by bike. RTS Tip: There are toilets and opportunities to stop along the route at Wamuran, Glass House Mountains Lookout and Beerburrum, with coffee and food options available if you want to make a day of it. Forestry and gravel road conditions can change, particularly after wet weather, so check current conditions before setting out and follow the mapping link below for detailed navigation.

60 kmGravel, Road

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

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

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

The Hillview Drive Trail in Kilsyth South, Victoria, is a local shared trail offering an easy-going ride through the leafy eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Following the Hillview Drive corridor and connecting into surrounding paths and reserves, it’s well suited to casual riders, families and anyone looking to add some traffic-free kilometres to a neighbourhood ride. Rather than being a destination trail on its own, its value is in the local connections it provides, making it handy for exploring the wider Kilsyth, Bayswater and Dandenong Creek cycling network. RTS Tip: Use Hillview Drive Trail as part of a longer local loop rather than riding it in isolation. Check the map for nearby shared paths and trail connections before you head out—you can easily turn this short section into a much bigger eastern Melbourne ride.

MTB

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

The Historic Bump Track, in Mowbray National Park just south of Port Douglas in Far North Queensland, is a steep, rugged heritage route that has become a classic adventure for mountain bikers. The historic section is around 6 km, climbing from the Mowbray Valley up the Macalister Range towards Black Mountain Road. Riders encounter a mix of rough doubletrack, rocks, creek crossings and steep gradients through both open eucalypt forest and lush Wet Tropics rainforest, with spectacular views back across the coastal plain towards the Coral Sea. The Bump Track dates to 1877, when Christie Palmerston and William C. Leyton were commissioned to establish a route between the coast and the Hodgkinson goldfields. Historical accounts indicate the route may have incorporated an existing Aboriginal pathway through the ranges. Its development was pivotal to the establishment of Port Douglas, providing a much-needed transport connection between the mining fields and the new coastal port. By 1878 the route had been upgraded from a pack track to accommodate drays and coaches, and it became an extraordinarily busy transport corridor. Bullock teams, horse teams, packers, mail services and eventually Cobb & Co coaches negotiated the brutal climb, hauling supplies and heavy mining equipment inland and carrying produce towards the coast. On the steep descents, teamsters sometimes dragged logs behind their wagons to help prevent them from sliding uncontrollably downhill. Today, remnants of that history are still visible along the ride. Slatey Pinch features a dramatic hand-cut rock face, while the Landing marks an important stopping point near the top of the original climb. At Running or Robbins Creek, remnants of the old timber bridge remain around the crossing. The track continued to play an important role well into the 20th century and was even prepared for demolition during World War II in case it needed to be denied to an invading force. For mountain bikers, the experience is very different depending on direction. Climbing from Mowbray is a serious physical challenge, with sustained steep gradients and rough surfaces. Riding from the top towards the coast turns it into a fast and demanding descent, with loose rocks, erosion, creek crossings and steep sections requiring good bike handling. The trail is multi-use, so riders must be prepared to encounter walkers and horse riders. RTS Tip: If you're chasing the fun option, organise a drop-off towards the Black Mountain Road end and ride the Bump Track down towards Mowbray Valley — but don't underestimate it. This is a historic transport route rather than a manicured MTB trail, so expect rocks, steep gradients, creek crossings and changing conditions. Control your speed around blind corners and always give way to walkers and horses. If you choose to ride it uphill instead, bring plenty of water and be ready for a proper tropical climbing

13.4 kmMTB

Sydney to Summit – Sydney to Mount Kosciuszko Bikepacking Sydney to Summit is an epic 679km bikepacking journey from Sydney to Mount Kosciuszko, taking riders from Australia's largest city all the way to the highest point in the country. Starting at the iconic Sydney Opera House, the route gradually leaves the city behind and heads through national parks, forests, quiet backroads and remote country on its way towards the Australian Alps. With approximately 13,000 metres of climbing, this is a serious multi-day adventure. The route weaves together bike paths, sealed backroads, gravel roads and doubletrack, creating a constantly changing journey as riders travel from sea level towards the mountains. One of the best parts of Sydney to Summit is watching the landscape transform along the way. The urban start quickly gives way to lush coastal and hinterland forests before the route ventures deeper into regional NSW, eventually reaching open high plains and alpine country. There's some brilliant gravel riding along the journey, but riders should expect much more than smooth gravel roads. Remote sections, changing surfaces, substantial climbing and unpredictable alpine weather all add to the challenge. The ultimate goal is hard to beat — riding from Sydney to Mount Kosciuszko, climbing from sea level to Australia's highest mountain and finishing an enormous journey across NSW under your own power. Sydney to Summit was created as a self-sufficient bikepacking challenge, so riders taking inspiration from the route should be experienced in multi-day riding, navigation, equipment management and travelling through remote areas. RTS Tip: This is a serious long-distance bikepacking adventure through remote and alpine environments. Routes and access conditions can change, so don't rely on an older GPX without checking current information. Plan resupply, water, accommodation or camping and emergency communications carefully, and check current national park, road, fire and alpine weather conditions before setting out.

680 kmGravel, Road, Trail

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

John Forrest National Park in the Perth Hills, Western Australia, is a fantastic destination for cycling and cross-country mountain biking just around 30 minutes from Perth. As Western Australia’s oldest national park, it combines bush riding with railway history, waterfalls, granite outcrops and sweeping views across the Swan Coastal Plain. One of the key cycling routes is the 41 km Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, which follows the former Eastern Railway through John Forrest and continues through Perth Hills communities including Darlington, Parkerville and Mundaring. Riders can also tackle the 16 km Noolbenger Off-Road Cycle Trail, a dedicated cross-country MTB adventure featuring varied terrain, scenic viewpoints, granite outcrops and seasonal creeks. For an easier ride, sections of the old railway formation provide relatively gentle cycling and access to some of the park’s best-known attractions, including Hovea Falls, National Park Falls and the historic Swan View Tunnel. Around 6 km of the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail passes through the national park, making John Forrest an excellent starting point for anything from a short family-friendly ride to a longer Perth Hills gravel or MTB adventure. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail is a great way to explore John Forrest by bike, while the Noolbenger Trail offers a bigger off-road challenge. Winter and spring are particularly rewarding when the waterfalls are flowing and wildflowers are appearing. Stick to sanctioned cycling trails, check current park and trail conditions before riding, and remember that national park entry fees may apply.

9 kmGravel

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

Just east of Perth, Kalamunda and the Perth Hills offer a huge playground for gravel riding, with quiet backroads, forest tracks, fire trails and old railway corridors providing plenty of options for riders looking to escape the city. Starting around Kalamunda, riders can quickly leave the suburbs behind and head into the forests and rolling terrain of the Darling Scarp. The surrounding network combines gravel roads and unsealed tracks with plenty of climbing, making it possible to create everything from a shorter gravel spin through to a challenging full-day adventure. The landscape is classic Perth Hills — jarrah and marri forest, granite outcrops, valleys and elevated sections with views back towards the coastal plain. Head further into the hills and the riding opens up towards Mundaring and an even larger network of cycling routes and backcountry tracks. There are also some well-known cycling trails to discover throughout the region. The Kalamunda Railway Heritage Trail provides a more accessible introduction to riding in the hills, while longer adventures can connect with routes including the Munda Biddi Trail and Kep Track around Mundaring. With Perth sitting within easy reach, Kalamunda makes a brilliant base for riders wanting to explore gravel cycling in Western Australia without having to travel far from the city. RTS Tip: There isn't just one Kalamunda gravel ride — the Perth Hills are packed with backroads, forest tracks and cycling routes waiting to be explored. Ride The State will continue working on adding individual routes as separate Ride Cards over time. Until then, use the mapping link to explore route options and always check current access, fire, weather and trail conditions before heading out.

50 kmGravel

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

Kenilworth, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, offers a very different style of mountain biking from purpose-built networks such as Wooroi or Sugar Bag. Riding here is centred around the forests surrounding Charlie Moreland Camping Area and Mount Allan Firetower, with long forestry roads, sustained climbing and backcountry-style exploration rather than manicured singletrack. The classic Kenilworth ride begins at Charlie Moreland and follows Sunday Creek Road towards Mount Allan. Bushrangers MTB Club describes the traditional route as being famous for its steady climb to the fire tower, giving riders a substantial workout before reaching the high point of the ride. The club regularly uses the area for its Kenilworth rides and currently grades its longer outing as Grade 4 due to the steep initial climb. From Mount Allan, riders can return the way they came or explore further along the surrounding forestry tracks. Routes can extend towards Booloumba Creek and deeper into the hinterland, although access restrictions need to be respected and conditions can change within the working forest and protected areas. Expect wide gravel and dirt roads, long climbs, fast fire-road descents and a much more remote feel than the Sunshine Coast’s trail centres. This makes Kenilworth particularly well suited to XC mountain bikes, gravel bikes and e-MTBs, as well as riders who enjoy putting together longer adventure loops rather than repeatedly lapping short trails. Sunshine Coast Council specifically highlights the region’s hinterland forests for this style of mountain-bike exploration. The main starting area at Charlie Moreland also makes Kenilworth a good option for a ride-and-camp weekend, with the campground sitting right at the gateway to the forest. RTS Tip: Come to Kenilworth expecting an adventure ride rather than a bike park. The climb towards Mount Allan is the signature challenge, so save some legs for the return and carry plenty of water, food, spares and navigation. If you explore beyond the main out-and-back, download your route beforehand and check current access restrictions — the surrounding forest has numerous intersecting roads and tracks. For some local knowledge, Bushrangers MTB Club’s Kenilworth guide is a great starting point.

MTB, Gravel

Kiwarrak MTB Park, often known locally as the “Tip Trails”, is a huge hand-built mountain bike network in Kiwarrak State Forest just south of Taree on the NSW Mid North Coast. Developed over more than 20 years, it has grown into nearly 70km of MTB-specific singletrack, making it one of the largest established trail networks on the eastern seaboard. Kiwarrak isn't built around one main loop. Instead, the forest contains an interconnected web of trails, crossing and linking in countless combinations so riders can effectively build their own adventure. The riding covers everything from family-friendly XC through to flow, technical trail and enduro-style gravity riding, so there’s plenty here for both newer riders and experienced mountain bikers. For an easier introduction, there are marked 5km, 10km, 15km and 20km loops leaving from the main car park off The Bucketts Way. The 5km loop suits most riders, while the 10km adds a little more challenge. The 15km steps things up for intermediate riders, and the 20km loop incorporates some of the network’s more technical riding, including jumps, drops and rock gardens. Beyond the marked loops, Kiwarrak is famous for its fast, flowing hand-cut singletrack and gravity runs, along with purpose-built structures and jump lines. The natural contours of the forest allow trails to weave together without huge climbs, making it easy to keep adding “just one more trail” to the ride. The network has an impressive community story too. The trails were developed and are maintained by the Manning Great Lakes Tip Riders Mountain Bike Club. After the Black Summer bushfires devastated the forest, destroying around 50 bridges and almost 40 jumps, significant rebuilding followed, culminating in the upgraded Kiwarrak Mountain Bike Trail officially opening in 2024. Entry is free, with parking, toilets and family-friendly facilities available at the main trailhead. The club also runs regular social rides, events and trail-maintenance days, making Kiwarrak a major hub for the Mid North Coast MTB community. For riders searching for Kiwarrak MTB, Taree mountain bike trails, Tip Trails, Mid North Coast MTB or mountain biking near Forster and Taree, this is absolutely a destination worth putting on the ride list. RTS Tip: With nearly 70km of interconnected trails, this is one where having current mapping makes a huge difference. First-time visitors can start with one of the signed loops, while experienced riders should use the wider network to build a bigger adventure. The club specifically asks riders not to ride when the trails are wet, and Forestry Corporation recommends checking current State Forest events and closures before heading out.

Recommended by 1 rider
70 kmEnduro

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

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

The Marino Rocks Greenway Rail Trail is a 16 km sealed cycling route connecting the Adelaide CBD with Marino Rocks in South Australia’s southern suburbs. Following the active Adelaide–Seaford railway line, the greenway uses a combination of separated shared paths, quiet local streets and on-road cycling sections to provide an important commuter and recreational cycling connection between the city and coast. Starting from the Adelaide Parklands, the route travels south through areas including Goodwood, Clarence Park, Edwardstown, Oaklands Park, Brighton and Marino, finishing near Marino Rocks Railway Station. The smooth asphalt surface and generally gentle gradients make the Marino Rocks Greenway suitable for road bikes, hybrids, e-bikes, touring bikes and recreational cyclists. Along the way it intersects several of Adelaide’s major cycling routes, including the Mike Turtur Bikeway and Sturt Creek Linear Park Trail, with further connections towards the Patrick Jonker Veloway. Regular railway stations along the corridor also make it easy to create a one-way ride and catch an Adelaide Metro train back. One of the biggest reasons to ride the Marino Rocks Greenway is where it can take you next. At Marino Rocks it connects directly with the Coast to Vines Rail Trail, which continues south through Adelaide’s coastal suburbs towards McLaren Vale and Willunga. Riders can also divert towards the Coast Park Path for a seaside ride through Brighton and Glenelg, making the greenway a useful backbone for much longer Adelaide cycling adventures. RTS Tip: If you don’t want to ride the full return distance, use the Seaford railway line to your advantage — ride the 16 km from Adelaide to Marino Rocks and catch the train back, or take the train out and enjoy the ride towards the city. For a bigger day, continue from Marino Rocks onto the Coast to Vines Rail Trail. Be aware that this isn’t entirely an off-road rail trail; several sections use quiet streets and bike lanes, so follow the greenway signage carefully and take extra care at road crossings.

16 kmGravel

The Mary to Bay Rail Trail is a developing cycling and shared-use trail on Queensland’s Fraser Coast, following the former railway corridor between Maryborough and Hervey Bay. When fully completed, the trail is planned to extend for approximately 48 km, ultimately creating an off-road connection between historic Maryborough and Urangan Pier on the Hervey Bay waterfront. Around 30 km is currently developed, although the trail is not yet continuous and riders need to plan around gaps between completed sections. The ride offers two very different experiences. Around Hervey Bay, the Urangan to Nikenbah section provides a wide, predominantly sealed and relatively flat pathway through Urangan, Pialba, Urraween and Nikenbah, with easy access to beaches, cafés, parks and the impressive 868 m Urangan Pier. Beyond the urban section, the trail becomes a more adventurous gravel ride through the Wallum bushland between Nikenbah, Takura and towards Colton, passing native vegetation, wetlands, bird habitat and remnants of the former railway. A separate approximately 3 km unsealed section has also been developed from Walker Street in Maryborough towards Quarry Road. The railway originally reached Pialba in 1896 and Urangan in 1913, carrying agricultural produce, freight from Urangan Pier and generations of holidaymakers travelling to the coast. The line eventually closed in 1993, and today its corridor is progressively being transformed into a recreational trail linking two of the Fraser Coast’s major centres. For an easy family or recreational ride, the sealed Urangan Pier to Nikenbah section is the standout, while riders wanting more adventure can continue on the rural gravel sections. The trail also connects beautifully with the Hervey Bay foreshore shared path, allowing riders to combine the historic railway corridor with a scenic coastal ride beside the Great Sandy Strait. RTS Tip: The Mary to Bay Rail Trail is not yet a continuous Maryborough-to-Hervey Bay ride. There is currently no formal trail crossing of the busy Maryborough–Hervey Bay Road between the urban and rural sections, and the Maryborough end does not yet connect through to the main trail. Check the latest trail map before setting out and choose your trailhead accordingly. For a brilliant introduction, start at Urangan Pier, follow the sealed rail trail through Hervey Bay and add the waterfront path for a longer Fraser Coast cycling adventure.

30 kmGravel

The Mike Turtur Bikeway is a popular 9 km sealed cycling route connecting the edge of Adelaide’s CBD with the beachside suburb of Glenelg. Following the Glenelg tram corridor, the bikeway provides a mostly separated and relatively flat ride through Adelaide’s inner suburbs, making it equally useful for commuters and riders looking for an easy way to pedal from the city to the coast. Starting at South Terrace and Peacock Road beside the Adelaide Parklands, the route follows the tram line through Goodwood, Glandore and Plympton before finishing at Brighton Road in Glenelg, just a short distance from Jetty Road and the beach. Most busy road crossings are controlled by traffic lights or overpasses, although riders should remain aware of pedestrians, tram crossings and several road intersections along the way. The bikeway is asphalt and concrete throughout and is suitable for recreational riders, families, touring and hybrid bikes and mountain bikes. It also connects with several other Adelaide cycling routes, including the Adelaide Parklands Trail, Sturt River Linear Park Trail, Coast Park Path and Westside Bikeway, making it easy to incorporate into a much longer loop or day of exploring by bike. The route follows a railway corridor dating back to 1873, which was later converted for electric tram operation. The bikeway itself opened in 2010 and is named after South Australian cycling identity Mike Turtur, Olympic and Commonwealth Games cyclist and long-time race director of the Tour Down Under. Distance: 9 km one way Surface: Asphalt & concrete Difficulty: Easy Best for: Recreational riding, commuting, families, touring & exploring Adelaide Route: Adelaide Parklands – Goodwood – Glandore – Plympton – Glenelg Location: Adelaide, SA Note: As of June 2026, construction associated with new tram and trail overpasses is affecting parts of the bikeway, with detours and further closures planned from August. Riders should check current trail conditions before setting out.

9 kmGravel

The Burnaaga–Goanna Trail is one of the signature adventure rides within the Mogo Trails network, delivering an epic 28 km backcountry-style journey from the summit of Wandera Mountain towards Mogo township. Rated Blue, the trail combines long, flowing singletrack with sweeping coastal and valley views, lush forest, creek crossings and plenty of variety along the way. Confident intermediate riders will find a hugely rewarding adventure, while optional A-lines provide opportunities for more experienced riders to tackle additional technical features. Set within Mogo’s extensive 125+ km trail network, Burnaaga–Goanna is a standout ride for anyone wanting to experience the bigger, more adventurous side of mountain biking on the NSW South Coast. RTS Tip: This isn’t just another quick Mogo lap — plan Burnaaga–Goanna as a proper point-to-point adventure. Sort your transport or shuttle arrangements before setting out, carry water, food and basic trailside repair gear, and allow plenty of time to enjoy the ride rather than rushing through it.

28 kmMTB

The Mooloolah Valley Cycle Circuit offers a relaxed way to explore the Sunshine Coast hinterland by bike, taking riders through the rural landscapes and quiet surrounds of Mooloolah Valley. Expect a mix of local roads and country riding, with rolling terrain, farmland and pockets of bushland creating a scenic alternative to the busier coastal cycling routes. It’s a good choice for recreational and touring riders wanting to explore the hinterland at a slower pace while still enjoying enough undulation to keep the ride interesting. RTS Tip: This is more about exploring than racing. Allow time to enjoy the hinterland scenery and be prepared for changing road and path conditions along the circuit. Carry water and basic spares, and take extra care on any sections shared with vehicles.

15.4 kmRoad

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 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

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

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

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 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

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 Harbor Greenway Railside Trail is a 23 km cycling and shared-use route from the Adelaide Parklands to Outer Harbor, providing a valuable bike connection between central Adelaide, Bowden, Woodville, Port Adelaide, Semaphore and the Lefevre Peninsula. The route generally follows Adelaide’s operational Outer Harbor railway line, combining sealed shared paths with quiet suburban streets and short on-road sections. Its predominantly flat terrain makes it suitable for road bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, e-bikes, families and recreational cyclists. From the Adelaide Parklands, riders follow the River Torrens / Karrawirra Parri before heading through Bonython Park and alongside the railway through Bowden, Brompton and West Croydon towards Woodville Station. This first section is around 8 km and includes a combination of separated paths, quiet streets and grade-separated crossings of several major roads. From Woodville, the Greenway continues another 6 km towards the historic Port Adelaide precinct, passing through suburban streets and shared paths before entering the former Port Dock railway yards. This is a great section for riders interested in Adelaide’s transport history, passing close to the South Australian Aviation Museum, National Railway Museum and South Australian Maritime Museum before reaching the Port River waterfront. The final 9.5 km from Port Adelaide to Outer Harbor crosses the Port River via the historic Birkenhead Bridge, then follows the railway corridor north through the Lefevre Peninsula. The trail finishes near Lady Ruthven Reserve and the Outer Harbor Lookout, where riders can connect directly with the coastal cycling network. One of the best things about the Outer Harbor Greenway is its connections. At Woodville, riders can branch onto the Grange Greenway towards the coast, while around Semaphore and Outer Harbor there are connections with the Semaphore Rail Trail and Coast Park Path. The Coast Park connection opens up the possibility of continuing south along Adelaide’s coastline towards Grange, Henley Beach, Glenelg and beyond. RTS Tip: The Outer Harbor Greenway is ideal for a one-way ride using Adelaide’s train network. Ride the 23 km from Adelaide towards Outer Harbor, explore Port Adelaide and Semaphore along the way, then catch an Outer Harbor Line train back rather than retracing the entire route. It isn’t completely separated from traffic, so take care through the quiet-street sections and at road crossings. For a bigger adventure, continue from Outer Harbor onto the Coast Park Path and turn it into a much longer Adelaide coastal ride.

23 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

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 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

The Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail is a scenic 37km cycling and walking trail connecting the historic seaside town of Port Fairy with Warrnambool via Koroit. Following much of the former railway corridor, the trail takes riders through rich farmland, wetlands, volcanic landscapes and coastal country, making it one of south-west Victoria’s great regional rides. The riding is generally easy to moderate, with gentle railway gradients and predominantly off-road riding. It’s well suited to gravel bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids and touring bikes, and riders can tackle the full point-to-point journey or break it into shorter sections between Port Fairy, Koroit and Warrnambool. A major highlight is Koroit, roughly midway along the trail and a great place to stop for food or a break. The route passes the restored Koroit Railway Station and travels close to the dramatic volcanic landscape of Tower Hill, before continuing through open farmland towards the coast. At the Warrnambool end, riders can continue towards the waterfront and Warrnambool Breakwater, while Port Fairy provides an equally rewarding finish with its historic streets, Moyne River and coastal atmosphere. The trail can easily become the centrepiece of a cycling weekend rather than simply a ride from A to B. RTS Tip: At around 37km one way, this is perfect for a bigger day ride, but the Port Fairy–Koroit section also makes a great shorter option. If you’re riding point-to-point, organise your return transport beforehand; otherwise, turning around at Koroit gives you a substantial out-and-back with the bonus of a food stop in the middle.

38 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

The Semaphore Rail Trail is an easy 4.2 km sealed cycling and walking trail in Adelaide’s north-west, running from New Port through Semaphore to Semaphore Park. Around 16 km from the Adelaide CBD, the route follows parts of the former Semaphore railway corridor before reaching the coast and continuing alongside the operating Semaphore–Fort Glanville tourist railway. Mostly flat and well surfaced, it’s particularly suited to families, beginner riders, hybrids, e-bikes and recreational cyclists. Starting near Semaphore Road and Panama Drive at New Port, the trail heads west towards Glanville Station and then follows Semaphore Road through the heart of Semaphore. This section mixes shared path, marked bicycle facilities and a short on-road section before reaching Semaphore Beach and Jetty. Cafés, shops, playgrounds and facilities along Semaphore Road make this an easy ride to combine with a stop for lunch or coffee. From Semaphore Jetty, the ride turns south and becomes particularly scenic. A sealed railside path runs through the coastal parklands beside the Semaphore and Fort Glanville Tourist Railway, where riders may find themselves cycling alongside one of the little steam trains. The trail continues through the dunes past historic Fort Glanville before finishing at Semaphore Park, where there are toilets, picnic facilities and a playground. There’s plenty of railway history packed into the short route. The original Semaphore railway opened in 1878, connecting Port Adelaide with the new Semaphore jetty and helping move supplies towards nearby military installations. The line remained in service for a century before closing in 1978. Today, the wide median along Semaphore Road provides one of the clearest reminders of where the railway once ran. The trail really comes into its own when connected with Adelaide’s wider cycling network. Near Glanville it intersects the Outer Harbor Greenway, providing connections towards Port Adelaide, Adelaide CBD and Outer Harbor. At the coast, riders can also join the Coast Park Path, opening up much longer rides along Adelaide’s metropolitan coastline. RTS Tip: At only 4.2 km, Semaphore is perfect for a relaxed family ride, but it’s even better as part of a bigger loop. Combine the Outer Harbor Greenway, Semaphore Rail Trail and Coast Park Path for a longer adventure through Port Adelaide and along the coast. If riding with kids, the Semaphore Jetty to Semaphore Park section is a great choice — it’s flat, scenic and you might even get to ride alongside a steam train. Be aware that bikes aren't permitted on Semaphore Jetty itself, so park the bike and explore the jetty on foot.

4.2 kmGravel

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 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

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

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 Sterling Valley MTB Trail, between Tullah and Rosebery on Tasmania’s West Coast, is a rugged 12 km point-to-point mountain bike adventure through spectacular myrtle rainforest beneath Mount Murchison. This is very much an old-school West Coast ride rather than a manicured trail-centre experience, combining historic tracks with steep climbing, wet roots, rocks, mud and a long technical descent into Rosebery. The official West Coast MTB guide grades it intermediate with difficult sections, making it best suited to confident and experienced riders. The ride begins around 300 m west of the Anthony Road junction on the Murchison Highway, south of Tullah. From here, riders climb gradually through button grass and forest before the route becomes steeper and more rugged on its way towards Sterling Saddle. The full climb gains roughly 320 m, with slippery logs, rocks and sections where even capable riders may find themselves off the bike. Once over Sterling Saddle, the character changes dramatically. The trail drops towards Rosebery through dense, atmospheric rainforest on technical natural singletrack, with slippery roots, rocks, steep sections and potentially deep mud. As the descent continues it becomes faster and more flowing, delivering a brilliant finish through the forest towards Rosebery. Discover Tasmania specifically highlights Sterling Valley as a technical ride for experienced mountain bikers. Sterling Valley also has strong links to Tasmania’s MTB history, having featured in the legendary Wildside MTB event. Unlike the newer purpose-built networks at nearby Zeehan and Queenstown, this route retains its raw adventure character. Maintenance is a collaborative effort involving Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, West Coast MTB Club and West Coast Council. RTS Tip: Sterling Valley is a ride to prepare for, not simply turn up and explore. The official point-to-point route takes around 1.5–2 hours, but allow extra time for wet conditions, fallen trees or technical sections. A shuttle or vehicle at Rosebery makes logistics much easier; otherwise you'll need to factor in the road return. Download the route offline, carry tools, food, water and wet-weather gear, and let someone know your plans. Tasmania’s West Coast weather can turn quickly, and this trail is renowned for being wet, muddy, slippery and remote even when conditions elsewhere seem good.

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

Journey into one of Australia's last great wilderness areas on the spectacular Tarkine Drive, a route that winds through the ancient takayna / Tarkine region of north-west Tasmania. While primarily known as a scenic touring drive, it's also an unforgettable destination for gravel riders and bikepackers looking to experience remote forests, rugged coastlines and quiet country roads. The route passes through vast cool-temperate rainforests that have remained largely unchanged since the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana. Along the way you'll discover towering myrtle and sassafras forests, wild rivers, windswept beaches, dramatic lookouts and fascinating geological formations, making it one of Tasmania's most rewarding nature experiences. Highlights include the powerful Southern Ocean views at Edge of the World, the tranquil Lake Chisholm sinkhole walk, Trowutta Arch, the towering rainforest of Julius River Forest Reserve, Milkshake Hills, Sumac Lookout, and numerous picnic areas and short walks that invite you to slow down and explore. For cyclists, the Tarkine Drive offers an incredible mix of quiet sealed roads, rolling terrain and a true wilderness atmosphere. The roads are generally lightly trafficked, with long stretches passing through untouched forest and coastal landscapes. Riders should be completely self-sufficient, as services are limited once inside the Tarkine. Carry plenty of food, water and suitable repair equipment, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions at any time of year. Whether you're chasing an epic bikepacking adventure, a scenic gravel ride or simply one of Australia's most unique cycling destinations, the Tarkine Drive delivers an unforgettable journey through some of the country's most pristine and remote landscapes.

125 kmGravel

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

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 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

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

Watagans Forest Gravel Roads – Gravel & Adventure Cycling Stretching across the ranges between Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter and Central Coast, the Watagans offer a huge playground of gravel roads, forest tracks and backcountry cycling adventures. Rather than one defined route, Watagans Forest Gravel Roads is all about exploring the extensive network of unsealed roads running through Watagans National Park and the surrounding State Forests. Expect classic Australian forest riding, with gravel roads winding through tall eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies and rugged sandstone country. There are plenty of climbs and descents throughout the ranges, and riders can build everything from a shorter forest loop to a challenging full-day gravel adventure. Watagan Forest Road forms one of the main spines through the area, with numerous connecting roads and tracks opening up opportunities to explore deeper into the forest. Lookouts, picnic areas and campgrounds scattered throughout the Watagans also make it possible to turn a ride into a bigger day out or incorporate the area into an overnight bikepacking adventure. Don't expect manicured gravel everywhere. Surfaces can range from relatively smooth forest roads to loose gravel, corrugations, rocky sections, steep climbs and rougher 4WD tracks. Conditions can change considerably after rain, making a capable gravel bike or mountain bike a good choice depending on the route you're planning. One of the biggest advantages is the location. The Watagans are within easy reach of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast, providing riders with a genuine backcountry gravel experience without having to travel deep into regional NSW. For riders searching for gravel riding near Newcastle or the Central Coast, the sheer number of possible route combinations makes the Watagans an area worth returning to again and again. RTS Tip: There isn't one single Watagans gravel route — there's a whole network to explore. Ride The State will work on getting some of the best loops and route combinations added as individual Ride Cards over time. Road conditions and access can change quickly, particularly after wet weather, and some roads are suitable for 4WD vehicles only. Check current NSW National Parks and Forestry access information before setting out, carry offline navigation and enough food, water and repair gear for your planned adventure.

60 kmGravel

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

Wyong & Laguna Gravel Loop – Central Coast NSW The Wyong & Laguna Gravel Loop is an epic full-day gravel adventure linking the NSW Central Coast with the forests and valleys of the Watagans and Hunter Valley. Starting from Wyong, the route leaves the traffic behind and heads towards Watagan Forest Road, where the gravel begins almost immediately with a steady climb into the forest. From here, riders follow beautiful undulating gravel roads through the Watagans, with forested ridgelines, valleys and long stretches beneath the canopy creating some brilliant riding. The route passes Olney Headquarters campground before turning onto Wollombi Forest Road and beginning the descent towards Watagan Creek. The landscape changes dramatically as you drop from the forest into the valley, where flowing gravel follows Watagan Creek through farmland towards Laguna. Laguna provides the perfect halfway destination and an important opportunity to refill water and grab some food before tackling the return journey. From Laguna, the route heads south before turning back onto gravel around Murrays Run Road, following Wollombi Brook through more farmland and quiet country before another substantial climb. One of the rewards comes later with the long Brush Creek Road descent, dropping through beautiful forest on well-graded gravel before the route eventually works its way towards Yarramalong and back to Wyong. It's a big day on the bike, combining long gravel sectors, sustained climbing, forest roads, rural valleys and some fantastic descents. For experienced riders searching for gravel riding near Sydney, Newcastle or the Central Coast, this is one worth putting on the list. Another huge bonus? Wyong Station makes the ride accessible by train, opening up the possibility of a serious gravel adventure without needing to drive to the trailhead. RTS Tip: Water and resupply opportunities are limited through much of the route, so carry plenty with you and make the most of the stop at Laguna. Download your navigation before leaving, carry repair equipment and check current forestry, road, weather and fire conditions before setting out. Conditions in the Watagans can change considerably following rain.

100 kmGravel, Road

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

Adcock Park Velodrome in West Gosford is a classic outdoor cycling track on the NSW Central Coast. The approximately 460m asphalt velodrome loops around the athletics field at Garnet Adcock Memorial Park and is used for both recreational riding and organised track cycling. It’s home turf for Central Coast Cycling Club, which uses the venue for track training and racing, catering for riders from beginners and juniors through to experienced competitors. Outside organised club activities, the velodrome is generally available for public use, making it a handy spot for training laps, building fitness or experiencing track-style riding without needing an indoor facility. RTS Tip: Check for club training, racing or athletics act ities before heading down, as access can be restricted or shared when organised sessions are underway. If you're new to riding a velodrome, keep your line predictable, be aware of faster riders and use the quieter outer sections while you get comfortable.

0.46 km4 mTrack

Alexandra Park is home to the Portland BMX Club and a dedicated BMX racing track in Portland, Victoria, providing a great place for local riders and visitors to experience BMX riding and racing. The track features the jumps, rollers, straights and banked corners you'd expect from a purpose-built BMX race facility, giving riders the opportunity to develop skills, build confidence and experience the fast-paced fun of BMX. As the home of Portland BMX Club, the track plays an important role in the local cycling community, supporting BMX racing, training and opportunities for riders to get involved in the sport. Whether you're a local rider, visiting Portland with the bikes or looking for BMX tracks and cycling facilities in south-west Victoria, Alexandra Park is another great riding location to add to the list. Portland also has plenty more to discover on two wheels, so check out the other Ride The State Ride Cards to find mountain biking, gravel, trails and cycling adventures around Portland and Victoria's spectacular south-west coast. RTS Tip: As an active BMX club and racing facility, access may vary around organised training, racing and events. Check current Portland BMX Club information before making a special trip and respect any club activities taking place at the track.

BMX

Bellthorpe Circuit is a challenging 78.4km road cycling loop through the Sunshine Coast hinterland, starting and finishing at Landsborough. The route rolls through Beerwah before the climbing begins towards Peachester and Bellthorpe National Park, eventually gaining around 1,200m of elevation on the way to Maleny. The reward is some spectacular hinterland scenery, including views across the Glass House Mountains and as far south as Brisbane, before a fast and winding descent through Bald Knob returns riders to Landsborough. With sustained climbing, narrow rural roads and limited shoulders, this one is best suited to experienced road riders with strong fitness and confidence riding in traffic. RTS Tip: Maleny makes the perfect mid-ride coffee and refuel stop before tackling the descent back towards Landsborough. Take extra care on the downhill sections — speeds can be high and the roads are narrow and winding with little or no shoulder. Landsborough railway station also makes this a handy adventure to access by train from Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast.

78.4 km1200 mRoad

Blue Lake Sports Park Velodrome – Mount Gambier Blue Lake Sports Park Velodrome is a dedicated outdoor cycling track in Mount Gambier, South Australia, providing a home for track cycling, training and racing in the Limestone Coast region. Located within the large Blue Lake Sports Park sporting precinct, the velodrome features a 250-metre concrete track with approximately 40-degree banking, creating a proper track cycling experience for riders looking to develop speed, tactics and bike-handling skills. The velodrome has a long association with the Mount Gambier cycling community, hosting club racing, training, coaching and track carnivals over the years. The wider Blue Lake Sports Park is recognised by the City of Mount Gambier as an important regional sporting precinct, with cycling among its key sporting facilities. For riders travelling through the Limestone Coast, it's another great example of the variety of cycling available around Mount Gambier — from track cycling and road riding to mountain biking, gravel and recreational trails throughout the surrounding region. Whether you're searching for track cycling in Mount Gambier, velodromes in South Australia, cycling facilities in the Limestone Coast or places to ride around Mount Gambier, the Blue Lake Sports Park Velodrome is an important part of the region's cycling scene. RTS Tip: This is an active sporting and cycling facility, so access may vary around organised training, racing and events. Check current local or clu

0.25 km40 mTrack

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

Boolboonda Tunnel Heritage Trail – Mount Perry The Boolboonda Tunnel Heritage Trail offers a unique cycling adventure through a fascinating piece of Queensland railway history near Mount Perry in the Bundaberg Region. The star of the ride is the spectacular Boolboonda Railway Tunnel, a 192-metre-long heritage-listed tunnel hand-cut through solid rock as part of the former railway connecting Bundaberg with the Mount Perry mining district. Built in the 1880s, the tunnel remains the longest unsupported man-made tunnel in Queensland, with no brick or concrete lining supporting its interior. Today, riders can travel through the old railway tunnel and experience a small piece of the route once used by trains carrying passengers, agricultural produce and minerals between Mount Perry and the coast. The tunnel sits along the former railway corridor and can be incorporated into a short cycling adventure exploring the surrounding Boolboonda and Mount Perry countryside. Expect a relaxed, heritage-focused ride rather than a long-distance rail trail, making it a great option for recreational riders, families and anyone who enjoys combining cycling with a little local history. Keep an eye out inside the tunnel too — bent-wing bats use Boolboonda Tunnel as a roost, adding another interesting element to this unusual cycling destination. For riders searching for rail trails around Bundaberg, cycling in Mount Perry or historic bike trails in Queensland, Boolboonda Tunnel is a small but memorable place to add to a regional cycling road trip. RTS Tip: Bring a light for travelling through the tunnel and be respectful of the bats and other wildlife using it. The Boolboonda section is relatively short rather than a continuous long-distance rail trail, so check current mapping and access information before setting out. Combine it with other riding and attractions around Mount Perry and the wider Bundaberg region to make a bigger day of the trip.

3 kmGravel

The Bundian Way is an extraordinary journey connecting the high country around Targangal (Kosciuszko) with Bilgalera (Fisheries Beach) on the NSW Far South Coast, following an ancient Aboriginal pathway that has connected people, Country and culture for thousands of years. The 265km Heritage Route travels from the highest part of the Australian continent towards the sea, crossing dramatically different landscapes along the way. From alpine country and the rugged Snowy River wilderness, it passes across the Monaro, through forests and tablelands before eventually descending towards Twofold Bay and the coast. Long before today's roads and trails, the Bundian Way formed part of a much larger network of Aboriginal pathways connecting Yuin, Ngarigo, Jaitmathang and Bidawal Country. These routes enabled travel between communities and important places, including journeys associated with springtime whaling ceremonies around Twofold Bay and summer Bogong moth gatherings in the high country. For modern adventurers, the scale and remoteness of the route are impressive. Sections pass through national parks, state forests, rural landscapes and extremely rugged wilderness, with the Snowy River and Byadbo country among the most challenging parts of the journey. The Bundian Way shouldn't be approached simply as another trail to tick off a list. It is a culturally and historically significant pathway through Country, and anyone exploring the region should take the time to understand and respect the story and significance of the landscapes they are travelling through. RTS Tip: The Bundian Way includes remote and difficult country and the full Heritage Route should not be assumed to be open or suitable for cycling throughout. Ride The State recommends using the official Bundian Way information below to understand the route, access and cultural significance before planning an adventure. RTS will work on identifying suitable cycling sections and touring options that can be added as individual Ride Cards over time.

274 kmGravel, Road

The Camperdown–Timboon Rail Trail is a scenic 34km journey through south-west Victoria, linking the volcanic landscapes around Camperdown with the lush forests and dairy country surrounding Timboon. Following the former railway corridor, the route travels through farmland, native vegetation and tall wet forest, passing Cobden and Glenfyne along the way. Historic railway remnants and old trestle bridges add plenty of character, with the heritage-listed Curdies River Trestle Bridge one of the highlights. While much of the trail is relatively gentle, this isn’t a completely cruisy rail trail. The section between Glenfyne and the Curdies River Bridge is rougher and more technical, with narrow sections, old sleepers, steep bridge bypasses and uneven surfaces making wider tyres a good choice. The first section out of Camperdown also includes some on-road riding and a challenging climb and descent near Lakes Bullen Merri and Gnotuk. RTS Tip: Finish in Timboon and reward yourself with some of the town’s famous local food and produce. If 34km isn’t enough, the trail now connects with the 19.5km Timboon–Port Campbell Trail, allowing you to continue all the way to the Great Ocean Road and coast. After heavy rain, expect muddy and slippery sections and take extra care around bridge approaches.

41 kmGravel

Swap the highway for fire trails and turn the classic Canberra-to-the-coast trip into a proper bikepacking adventure. This approximately 150km point-to-point route connects Canberra with Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast, using mostly fire trails with shorter sections of sealed road at the beginning, middle and end. Rather than taking the busy highway over Clyde Mountain, the route heads through the backcountry, delivering a much quieter and far more adventurous way to reach the coast. There are a few ways to tackle it. Riders looking for a more comfortable introduction to bikepacking can split the journey over two days, staying overnight around Araluen and covering roughly 70–80km each day. Those wanting the full bikepacking experience can carry camping gear and spend the night in the bush around Deua National Park, while strong riders looking for a serious challenge can attempt the entire route in a single day. Expect remote fire trails, long stretches through the bush, plenty of climbing and some rougher terrain along the way. Once past Araluen, conditions become more adventurous, so this isn't simply a smooth gravel-road cruise to the beach. There are stretches of around 50km without reliable food or water resupply, along with areas of limited mobile reception, so riders need to be self-sufficient and prepared for changing conditions. And after around 150km of riding, there's a pretty good reward waiting at the other end — rolling into Batemans Bay and reaching the coast by bike. RTS Tip: This is a remote point-to-point adventure, so plan your food, water, overnight gear and return transport before setting off. Carry offline navigation and consider a PLB or satellite communication device. Trail conditions can change considerably after rain, so check current forest, park, road, weather and fire information before leaving. Follow the mapping and route information links for more detail when planning your adventure.

150 kmGravel, Road

The Canungra Tramway Tunnel Heritage Trail is a short cycling and walking experience near Canungra in Queensland's Scenic Rim, following part of the formation of the historic Lahey family's timber tramway. The highlight is the impressive Lahey's Canungra Tramway Tunnel, a roughly 90-metre tunnel cut by hand through solid sandstone in the Darlington Range. Constructed around the turn of the 20th century, the tramway was built to transport timber from the Coomera Valley to the Lahey family's large sawmill at Canungra. From the signed parking area beside Beaudesert–Nerang Road, a compacted-earth trail leads towards the tunnel and picnic area. Riders can then follow approximately 500 metres of the former tramway formation north towards Duncan Street and Canungra, making this more of a short heritage exploration than a traditional long-distance rail trail. The old tramway has a fascinating story. Despite using a tunnel to cross the range, trains still faced exceptionally steep gradients, with specialised Climax and Shay geared locomotives used to haul timber through the rugged country surrounding Canungra. Today, the tunnel is one of the most significant surviving reminders of Canungra's timber and railway history and is recognised as a local heritage attraction by the Scenic Rim Regional Council. For riders searching for cycling in Canungra, Scenic Rim bike trails, historic rail trails near Brisbane or cycling attractions around the Gold Coast hinterland, the Canungra Tramway Tunnel makes an interesting little stop to combine with a bigger day exploring the region. RTS Tip: The tunnel is currently fenced and cannot be ridden through. You can approach the entrance and explore the accessible former tramway trail, but don't plan this as a continuous tunnel ride. The most recent visitor report from February 2026 confirms the tunnel remains blocked, with a newer protective barrier allowing visitors to walk right up to the entrance.

1 kmGravel

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

The Copper Rail Trail is a rugged 39km rail trail from Port Wakefield to Halbury across South Australia’s Wakefield Plains. Following the former railway corridor, the trail passes through open grain country, pockets of revegetated native bush and historic railway sites on its way through Bowmans, Balaklava and Halbury. Unlike the sealed Copper Coast Rail Trail, this is very much an adventure-style route, with surfaces ranging from compacted earth and coarse gravel to loose rubble and sandy sections. The first 25km runs from Port Wakefield through Bowmans to Balaklava, before continuing for around 11km along the Shamus Liptrot Rail Trail to Halbury. From there, adventurous riders can follow a signed back-road route towards Leasingham and connect with the Riesling and Rattler Trails, creating the potential for a much bigger multi-day gravel journey. RTS Tip: This isn’t your typical smooth rail trail — a mountain bike or gravel bike with wider tyres is the best choice, and expect loose gravel, sand and rough sections along the way. There are no facilities between Port Wakefield and Balaklava, so carry plenty of water, food, tools and spares. For a shorter ride, tackle one section at a time, or link it with the Shamus Liptrot Trail for a bigger adventure through the Wakefield Plains.

39 kmGravel

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

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

The Devonport Oval Velodrome brings track cycling right into the heart of Devonport, with a dedicated outdoor cycling track circling the perimeter of the historic Devonport Oval. Home to Mersey Valley Devonport Cycling Club, the track has a long association with Tasmania’s cycling scene and regularly features in the famous Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals, where cycling, athletics and woodchopping come together in a uniquely Tasmanian sporting tradition. The venue is shared with football, cricket and athletics, and the cycling track has recently been resurfaced as part of the major Devonport Sports Precinct redevelopment, giving this classic North-West Coast cycling venue a new lease on life. RTS Tip: This is an active sporting venue rather than a dedicated public ride-anytime velodrome, so check for club training, racing and other oval activities before planning a session. If you want to see the track at its best, keep an eye out for Mersey Valley Devonport Cycling Club events and the annual Christmas Carnival program — track racing under the lights is a Devonport tradition.

0.5 km9 mTrack

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

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

Edwardstown Velodrome, at the Edwardstown Soldiers’ Memorial Recreation Ground in South Plympton, is a classic 400m outdoor cycling track and an important part of Adelaide’s track cycling scene. The wide concrete track circles Edwardstown Oval and is home to South Coast Cycling, which runs junior and senior training, track racing and carnivals at the venue. Friday-night racing during the summer season caters for a range of ages and abilities, with everything from scratch races and handicaps to junior participation events, making Edwardstown a much more community-focused alternative to Adelaide’s indoor Super-Drome. RTS Tip: If you want to experience proper track riding here, check South Coast Cycling’s schedule before heading down. Organised training and racing require riders to follow the club’s track rules, and racing requires an appropriate AusCycling licence. Newer riders can work their way into the discipline through coached sessions, with club loan track bikes also available for some training sessions.

0.48 km22 mTrack

Fassifern to Toronto Greenway Rail Trail – Lake Macquarie The Fassifern to Toronto Greenway Rail Trail is an easy, family-friendly cycling route in Lake Macquarie, NSW, following the former railway branch line between Fassifern and the lakeside town of Toronto. Running for approximately 4km one way, the trail begins beside Fassifern Railway Station and follows the old rail corridor through bushland and residential areas via Blackalls Park before reaching Toronto and the shores of beautiful Lake Macquarie. The trail is predominantly sealed asphalt and concrete, with the gentle gradients you'd expect from a former railway line. That makes it a great option for families, recreational cyclists, e-bikes, touring and hybrid bikes, as well as riders simply looking for a relaxed traffic-free spin. Along the way, riders get glimpses across Fennell Bay, cross several small bridges and pass remnants of the former railway, including the old Blackalls Park station platform. At Toronto, the route reaches the former railway station precinct with views across Lake Macquarie. The railway originally opened in 1891, connecting Toronto with the main railway at Fassifern. Passenger services eventually ceased in 1990, and after years of community effort the former corridor was transformed into the Greenway, officially opening in 1996. One of the biggest advantages is the easy public transport access. Fassifern Station sits directly at the trailhead on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line, making this a handy option for riders wanting a cycling adventure without needing to drive. Ride the trail one way for around 4km, make it an easy 8km return ride, or spend some extra time exploring the Toronto foreshore and wider Lake Macquarie area. For riders searching for Lake Macquarie bike trails, cycling in Toronto NSW, Fassifern cycling, family bike rides near Newcastle or rail trails in NSW, the Fassifern to Toronto Greenway is a great little ride to have on the list. RTS Tip: This is a short and relatively easy rail trail, making it perfect for families and newer riders. Some sections become narrower and the surface gets a little bumpier approaching Toronto, so take care around other path users and on the narrow bridges. For the latest route information, check the mapping link before setting out.

4 kmGravel

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

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

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

Hulberts Road BMX Track – Coffs Coast BMX Club Hulberts Road in Toormina is home to Coffs Coast BMX Club, the local BMX racing club for the Coffs Harbour and wider Coffs Coast region. The track forms part of the Toormina Sports Complex, which also includes a velodrome and criterium circuit, creating an established cycling precinct just south of Coffs Harbour. The purpose-built BMX race track delivers the classic mix of fast straights, jumps, rollers and banked turns, giving riders a dedicated facility to develop speed, bike handling, jumping and race skills. Coffs Coast BMX caters for riders across a broad range of ages and abilities, from young Mini Wheelers and riders discovering BMX through to experienced racers. The venue is also capable of hosting major competition, including Round 2 of the 2026 AusCycling NSW/ACT BMX Racing State Series. With the track located in Toormina near Sawtell and Coffs Harbour, it’s a great facility for anyone searching for Coffs Harbour BMX, BMX tracks on the Coffs Coast, BMX riding in Toormina, Coffs Coast BMX Club or BMX racing on the NSW Mid North Coast. RTS Tip: This is an active BMX racing and club facility, so organised practice, coaching and race sessions may affect general access. Check current club information before making a special trip, and if you're new to BMX racing, getting in touch with the club is a great way to find out how to get started.

BMX

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

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

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

Latrobe Recreation Ground in Latrobe, North West Tasmania, is a historic sporting venue featuring an outdoor cycling track that circles the main oval. The ground has a long connection with Tasmanian track cycling and was traditionally home to the Latrobe Bicycle Race Club and the famous Latrobe Boxing Day Carnival, part of Tasmania’s Christmas Carnival series. For more than a century, the carnival brought cycling, athletics and woodchopping together at the venue, making Latrobe an important part of Tasmania’s cycling history. The cycling track surrounds the entire recreation oval, giving the venue a distinctive old-school Australian track-racing character rather than the steep banking of a modern purpose-built velodrome. While it remains an interesting stop for riders exploring Latrobe, Devonport and Tasmania’s North West Coast, its greatest significance is its heritage and connection with generations of Tasmanian competitive cyclists. Latrobe is also close to the Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails, making it easy to combine a visit with some of the region’s extensive MTB riding. RTS Tip: This is one for the cycling-history fans. The track was the setting for generations of racing and the legendary Latrobe Carnival, but it should not be treated like an unrestricted public cycle path. Check current access and scheduled sporting use before planning to ride on the track, particularly when football, cricket or other activities are taking place at the recreation ground.

-41.23583 mTrack

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

The Mary Valley Rail Trail is an easy and scenic 4.7 km rail trail between Imbil and Brooloo in Queensland’s Mary Valley, inland from the Sunshine Coast and south of Gympie. Following the former Mary Valley branch railway line, the unsealed shared-use trail provides a relaxed ride through open grassy woodland, hoop pine plantations, pockets of rainforest and farmland. The compacted gravel surface and gentle former railway gradient make it suitable for mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, families and recreational cyclists, with an out-and-back ride creating an achievable 9.4 km cycling route. Despite the surrounding hills, the railway alignment keeps the ride relatively flat, with an overall downhill trend travelling from Brooloo towards Imbil. Along the way riders pass old railway cuttings, water crossings and remnants of the line that once carried agricultural produce, timber, livestock and passengers through the Mary Valley. One of the highlights is a resident bellbird colony around the middle of the trail, adding a distinctive soundtrack to the ride through the forest. Both Imbil and Brooloo have trailheads and parking, although Imbil is the better-equipped starting point, with toilets, drinking water, cafés, a bakery, pub, fuel and other services available in the village. There are currently no public toilets or drinking water at Brooloo. The trail is shared with walkers, horse riders and wheelchair users, and dogs are permitted on leash. There are also plans to make the Mary Valley Rail Trail considerably longer. A proposed 10 km Stage 2 would extend from Imbil to Kandanga, followed by a 6 km Stage 3 from Kandanga to Amamoor, potentially creating a roughly 20 km trail linking four Mary Valley communities. The proposed extensions would add significant railway heritage features including the Yabba Creek steel bridge, a 50 m railway tunnel and the curved timber bridge at Melawondi. Detailed design work for the extensions is progressing in 2026, with construction dependent on future funding. RTS Tip: For the easiest option, start at Brooloo and ride towards Imbil, taking advantage of the trail’s overall downhill trend, before turning around for the return climb. If starting at Imbil, grab supplies before you leave as there’s no drinking water or toilets at Brooloo. Keep an eye out for gates and low-level water crossings, particularly after wet weather, and remember this is a shared trail — slow down around walkers and horses and leave gates as you find them.

5 kmGravel

The Melba Flats to Zeehan Rail Trail is a remote 9 km adventure trail on Tasmania’s rugged West Coast, following historic railway formations between Melba Flats and the mining town of Zeehan. Unlike a manicured recreational rail trail, this is a genuine exploratory mountain bike ride across open button-grass plains, with compacted earth, grass, gravel, old railway sleepers, creek crossings, washouts and sections that can become wet or overgrown. The trail is relatively isolated and poorly signposted, making it best suited to mountain bikes and self-sufficient riders comfortable with navigation and rougher terrain. The route has an interesting railway history, with two separate railway lines once running roughly parallel between Zeehan and Melba Flats. One was the two-foot-gauge North East Dundas Tramway, built to transport ore from the mines around Williamsford to Zeehan, while the other was the wider-gauge Emu Bay Railway, which connected Zeehan with Tasmania’s north-west coast. Remnants of both corridors can still be encountered, including old sleepers, railway formations, bridge sites and other infrastructure slowly being reclaimed by the West Coast landscape. One of the biggest attractions for adventurous riders is the opportunity to extend the ride beyond Melba Flats. The trail connects with the 19 km Montezuma Falls Rail Trail, following more of the old North East Dundas Tramway towards Montezuma Falls and Williamsford. Linking the trails can create an adventurous ride of around 55–56 km return from Zeehan, taking riders from exposed button-grass plains into lush rainforest and past historic mining and railway remains on the way to one of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls. RTS Tip: Don’t approach Melba Flats to Zeehan expecting a smooth family rail trail — this is West Coast adventure riding. Navigation can be tricky, creek crossings and washouts may require some hike-a-bike, and sections can be boggy or overgrown. Download your route before leaving, carry food, water, repair gear and suitable wet-weather clothing, and allow considerably more time than you normally would for a 9 km ride. For experienced riders wanting a bigger mission, link it with Montezuma Falls and Williamsford for a memorable full-day MTB adventure.

9 kmGravel

The Montezuma Falls Rail Trail is a spectacular and adventurous mountain bike ride on Tasmania’s West Coast, following the historic North East Dundas Tramway between Williamsford, Montezuma Falls and Melba Flats near Zeehan and Rosebery. The main rail-trail route is approximately 19 km one way, travelling through dense temperate rainforest filled with myrtle, sassafras and leatherwood before reaching Montezuma Falls, one of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls. The old tramway’s gentle gradients disguise a surprisingly adventurous ride, with compacted earth, fine gravel, mud, creek crossings, washouts and sections shared with 4WD vehicles. The most accessible section runs approximately 5.5 km from Williamsford to Montezuma Falls, creating an 11 km return ride. Following the old railway formation through lush rainforest, this section is generally easier than the rest of the route and provides a brilliant introduction to West Coast Tasmania cycling. At the falls, riders reach the impressive suspension bridge spanning the gorge, with remnants of the original curved timber railway trestle still visible nearby. Beyond Montezuma Falls, the approximately 14 km section to Melba Flats becomes considerably more adventurous. The former railway formation is also used by 4WD vehicles and can contain deep puddles, muddy sections, rocky washouts and creek crossings where the original timber bridges have disappeared. At Melba Flats, adventurous riders can connect with the Melba Flats to Zeehan Rail Trail, creating the possibility of a much bigger West Coast MTB journey through historic mining country. The trail follows a railway constructed in the late 1890s to carry ore from mines around Dundas and Mount Read towards Zeehan. Today, old railway formations, mining remnants and the abandoned settlement of Williamsford provide reminders of the region’s mining boom, while the surrounding rainforest has reclaimed much of the landscape. RTS Tip: Choose your ride carefully. Williamsford to Montezuma Falls and return is the shorter option, while continuing towards Melba Flats turns this into a much more remote MTB adventure requiring proper preparation, wider tyres, food, water, repair gear and offline navigation. Important: as of August 2026, the Williamsford-side Montezuma Falls walking track is temporarily closed due to windfall and a landslip. Access to the southern end of the suspension bridge via the 4WD track remains available. Check the latest Tasmania Parks alerts before travelling, as conditions and access can change.

19 kmGravel

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

The Mount Gambier BMX and pump track facilities provide a great option for BMX, mountain bike and skills riding on South Australia’s Limestone Coast. The main riding hub is Hastings Cunningham Reserve on Shepherdson Road, home to the Mount Gambier Pump Track alongside the existing Blue Lake BMX Track. The asphalt Velosolutions pump track features a mix of berms, rollers, jumps, doglegs and transfer lines, designed so beginners can develop their skills while experienced BMX and MTB riders can find faster and more challenging combinations. The facility was completed in 2019 and became Australia’s first Velosolutions Red Bull Pump Track, subsequently hosting international-level qualifying events. For younger and developing riders, Melaleuca Reserve on the corner of Douglas Street and Pressey Street provides another option. Its 91-metre asphalt pump track replaced an older dirt BMX track and was specifically designed as an entry-level, family-friendly facility. Featuring smaller jumps and berms, it complements the larger Hastings Cunningham track and gives newer riders somewhere to practise pumping, cornering and bike control before progressing to bigger features. Together, the facilities add another dimension to cycling in Mount Gambier, particularly when combined with the Crater Lakes MTB trails, local cycling paths and the wider Limestone Coast riding network. RTS Tip: If you’re new to pump tracks, start at Melaleuca Reserve or take a few slower laps at Hastings Cunningham before chasing speed. Try riding without pedalling — use your arms and legs to “pump” through the rollers and berms to generate momentum. More experienced riders can experiment with the different transfer lines at Hastings Cunningham, but always check that a line is clear before dropping in.

BMX

The Mount Gambier Rail Trail is a high-quality sealed cycling and shared-use trail running through the heart of Mount Gambier on South Australia’s Limestone Coast. The network covers approximately 10.5 km, following sections of the city’s former railway corridors from the eastern side of Mount Gambier through the CBD and historic Railway Lands before branching north towards Wandilo Road at Suttontown and west along the former Millicent railway towards Compton. Its smooth asphalt surface, gentle railway gradients and central location make it suitable for road bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, e-bikes, families and recreational cyclists. One of the highlights is riding directly through the Mount Gambier Railway Lands, where the former railway station and yards have been transformed into landscaped parklands while retaining pieces of the city’s railway history. Riders can see the restored station buildings, old signal box, railway turntable and remains of the former locomotive depot, with toilets, picnic facilities, shops and cafés all close to the trail. The central location makes the rail trail a particularly easy way to explore Mount Gambier by bike. The trail also provides convenient cycling connections to some of Mount Gambier’s best-known attractions. From the eastern end, riders can follow a sealed path for approximately 1.2 km to Umpherston Sinkhole, while other connections lead towards Blue Lake / Warwar, Cave Garden, Engelbrecht Cave, the Crater Lakes precinct and local BMX and pump tracks. This makes the Mount Gambier Rail Trail a great backbone for a longer sightseeing ride around the city rather than simply an out-and-back cycle. The railway corridor has an extensive history. The railway reached Mount Gambier in 1887, eventually connecting the city with Wolseley, Millicent and Beachport, while a separate connection to Heywood in Victoria opened in 1917. Passenger services to Adelaide ended in 1990 and the line officially closed in 1995, with sections of the former corridor subsequently transformed into the cycling and recreation trail used today. RTS Tip: Use the Rail Trail as your cycling highway through Mount Gambier rather than treating it as a standalone ride. Add the short connection to Umpherston Sinkhole, explore the Railway Lands and then link towards the Crater Lakes and Blue Lake / Warwar for a much bigger Mount Gambier cycling adventure. The trail itself is flat and approachable, but there are numerous road crossings — particularly around the CBD and Princes Highway — so slow down and take extra care at intersections.

10.5 kmGravel

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

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

Munda Biddi Trail – Mundaring to Albany The Munda Biddi Trail is one of Australia's great long-distance cycling adventures, stretching more than 1,000km from Mundaring in the Perth Hills to Albany on Western Australia's south coast. Its name means “path through the forest” in the Noongar language, and that's exactly what riders can expect as the trail winds through Noongar Boodja (Country), travelling through towering jarrah and karri forests, rolling farmland, river valleys, granite country and eventually the spectacular landscapes of WA's south coast. Designed specifically for off-road cycling and bikepacking, the Munda Biddi combines forest roads, rail trails, gravel tracks and sections of singletrack. Surfaces change considerably along the journey, from the distinctive red pea-gravel of the northern forests to loamy soils and sandy sections further south. Along the way, riders pass through or close to towns including Jarrahdale, Dwellingup, Collie, Donnybrook, Nannup, Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole and Denmark before eventually reaching Albany. These towns provide opportunities to resupply, find accommodation, grab a proper meal and experience more of regional Western Australia. For riders tackling an End-to-End Munda Biddi bikepacking adventure, a network of purpose-built trail shelters helps make multi-day travel possible. There are 12 shelters along the trail, generally positioned between country towns, with sleeping platforms, water tanks, tent sites, toilets, picnic tables and bike storage. You don't have to ride the entire trail to experience the Munda Biddi. With numerous access points along its length, riders can choose everything from short family-friendly sections and day rides to multi-day bikepacking trips linking several trail towns. That versatility is a huge part of what makes the Munda Biddi special. Whether you're looking for a few hours exploring the forests near Perth, a weekend bikepacking adventure around Dwellingup or Collie, or the challenge of riding more than 1,000km all the way to Albany, the trail offers an incredible way to explore Western Australia by bike. RTS Tip: Planning an End-to-End ride is a serious undertaking. Water availability, resupply distances, weather, fire risk, trail diversions and surface conditions all need to be considered. Check the official Munda Biddi Trail information and current route updates before setting out, and don't rely solely on an old GPX file. Ride The State will also work on adding popular Munda Biddi sections and shorter rides as individual Ride Cards, making it easier to discover the trail whether you're planning the complete End-to-End or just looking for a brilliant day or weekend on the bike.

1000 kmGravel, Trail

Pomona to Noosa is a relaxed point-to-point gravel ride that showcases the best of the Noosa Hinterland before finishing on the Sunshine Coast. Starting in the charming country town of Pomona, the route follows quiet backroads, smooth gravel and sections of the Noosa Trail Network as it gradually descends towards the coast. Along the way you'll ride through peaceful forests, rolling farmland and rural landscapes before reaching the waterways of Lake Doonella and the vibrant atmosphere of Noosa. With gentle gradients, minimal technical riding and a great mix of sealed and unsealed roads, this is an excellent introduction to gravel riding in the region. Ride Highlights Scenic ride from the hinterland to the coast Pomona village atmosphere Quiet forest and farmland roads Lake Doonella wetlands Smooth, beginner-friendly gravel Suitability Ideal for beginner and intermediate gravel riders, touring cyclists and anyone looking for a relaxed day exploring the Noosa Hinterland. Some gravel sections may become soft or muddy following heavy rain.

32.9 km257 mGravel, Road

Treetops to Tewantin is a scenic gravel journey that begins high in the Noosa Hinterland before descending through forests, rolling farmland and quiet country roads to the coast. Starting near Cooran, the route combines flowing gravel roads with peaceful backroads, offering constantly changing scenery and long, rewarding descents. The ride passes through native bushland, rainforest-lined tracks and open rural landscapes before finishing in Tewantin, making it one of the most enjoyable point-to-point gravel rides for riders wanting plenty of variety without tackling extreme terrain. Ride Highlights: Long flowing descents Hinterland ridgeline views Quiet country roads Forest and rainforest riding Scenic finish at Tewantin Suitability Suitable for riders with a moderate level of fitness who are comfortable riding gravel roads. Surfaces are generally smooth, although forest sections can become softer and more technical after wet weather.

44.7 km390 mGravel, Road

The North Mount Lyell Rail Trail, south of Queenstown on Tasmania’s West Coast, follows part of the historic North Mount Lyell Railway through remote rainforest towards Kelly Basin and the abandoned port settlement of East Pillinger on Macquarie Harbour. The historic route is around 12 km, travelling through the extraordinary wilderness of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area on an old railway formation surrounded by dense temperate rainforest. For cyclists, it’s important to understand that only the first section is currently rideable. From the Bird River turnoff, approximately 5 km of the old railway formation to Bird River is accessible to bicycles and 4WD vehicles. From Bird River onwards to Kelly Basin and East Pillinger, the route is walking-only, so riders cannot cycle the full historic 12 km trail. The rideable section uses compacted earth and follows relatively gentle railway gradients, but its remote West Coast location gives it much more of an adventure feel than a typical recreational rail trail. The original North Mount Lyell Railway was built to connect the North Mount Lyell mine with the company’s industrial operations and port at Pillinger in Kelly Basin. Passenger services began in 1900, with stops including Gormanston Junction, King River and Ten Mile, but the railway had a relatively short life and finally closed in 1929. Parts of the original alignment between Linda and Darwin were later submerged beneath Lake Burbury. East Pillinger itself is one of the fascinating remnants of Tasmania’s mining era. Established by the North Mount Lyell Copper Company in the late 1800s, the settlement once contained wharves, a sawmill, brickworks, ore-processing facilities, railway infrastructure and workers' accommodation. Today, walkers reaching the site can explore surviving brick kilns, boilers, railway relics, a jetty and building ruins slowly being reclaimed by the rainforest. RTS Tip: Don’t plan this as a 12 km bike ride to Pillinger — bikes are only permitted for approximately 5 km from the Bird River turnoff to Bird River, with the remainder designated for walking. This is remote West Coast Tasmania, so carry food, water, repair gear, warm and waterproof clothing and offline navigation. If you want to continue to Kelly Basin and East Pillinger, secure your bike appropriately at Bird River and allow around 3–4 hours for the return walk, plus extra time to explore the historic ruins.

12 kmGravel

The Pioneer Valley Rail Trail, west of Mackay in Central Queensland, is a new community-built cycling and walking trail through the lush sugar-cane country of the Pioneer Valley. The first dedicated rail-trail section runs for approximately 7 km between Gargett and Benholme, following a disused railway formation through tropical rural scenery with views towards the surrounding mountains. The surface is predominantly gravel and crusher dust, making it best suited to mountain bikes and gravel or adventure bikes with wider tyres. The trail officially opened in July 2025 after years of work by the volunteer Pioneer Valley Rail Trail group. Along the route, riders pass cane fields, creeks, established trees and remnants of the valley’s railway history. This is still very much a working agricultural landscape, and sections run close to active cane railway lines and farm access routes, so riders may see cane trains, trucks and agricultural machinery operating nearby. The railway history stretches back to the late 1800s, when lines were developed west from Mackay to support the region’s growing sugar industry. The railway reached areas including Mirani, Pinnacle and eventually Finch Hatton, while a branch from Benholme towards Kirkup opened in the early 1900s. A later deviation between Gargett and Benholme left the former formation that has now been repurposed for the rail trail. For riders wanting more distance, the current rail trail can be incorporated into a much bigger Pioneer Valley ride. A mapped 20 km back-road route connects Gargett with Finch Hatton, using mostly quiet sealed roads with some gravel, although the final section into Finch Hatton uses the Mackay–Eungella Road and is better suited to experienced cyclists. From Benholme, riders can also continue towards Mirani via back roads, again with a short highway section requiring extra care. The long-term vision is particularly exciting: a roughly 80 km coast-to-mountains cycling route linking Mackay’s Bluewater Trail with Mirani, Gargett, Finch Hatton and ultimately the wider Pioneer Valley, using a combination of former railway corridors, shared paths and quieter roads. That would also create a fantastic connection with Finch Hatton MTB, giving visiting riders access to both rail-trail touring and purpose-built mountain biking within the same region. RTS Tip: For an easy introduction, ride the Gargett–Benholme section as a roughly 14 km return trip. Park at the Pioneer Valley Sporting Association in Gargett rather than beside the trail entrance, which is also used by farm vehicles. The surface can become rough or soft in places, particularly following the tropical wet season, so wider tyres are a good choice. Check current trail conditions before travelling, watch carefully around working cane railways and farm crossings, and experienced riders can extend the adventure towards Finch Hatton MTB for a brilliant Pioneer Valley cycling day

7 kmGravel

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

South-east Brisbane BMX refers to the BMX racing facility used by Bayside BMX Club at Wynnum West on Brisbane’s bayside. The club provides a dedicated BMX racing environment for riders of all ages and abilities, from children getting their first taste of BMX through to experienced racers competing at regional, state and national level. Bayside BMX emphasises skills development, confidence and family participation, making it a strong entry point into BMX racing in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs. The purpose-built race track delivers the classic BMX experience, with a start hill and gate, rollers, jumps, rhythm sections and large bermed corners designed to reward pumping, jumping, cornering and race technique. Rather than being a casual pump track, this is a club-focused BMX racing venue where riders can develop their skills through structured practice, coaching and racing. Bayside is part of the wider BMX South Queensland network, which represents BMX clubs throughout Greater Brisbane, the Gold Coast and surrounding regions. The South Queensland scene is particularly strong, with clubs including Bayside, Beenleigh, Centenary Plains, Logan City and Redlands, as well as the international-standard Brisbane SX facility at Chandler. For riders looking to progress further, the nearby Brisbane SX International BMX C at Chandler provides access to a UCI-certified international BMX Supercross track, including 5 m and 8 m start ramps. This gives South-east Brisbane riders a pathway from local club racing through to elite-level BMX facilities. RTS Tip: If you’re new to BMX racing, contact Bayside BMX Club before heading down and ask about beginner or introductory sessions. BMX race tracks operate differently from public pump tracks, so check the club calendar before assuming the track is available for casual riding. If you simply want somewhere to practise pumping and bike handling without joining an organised club session, Brisbane City Council also maintains numerous public BMX and skills facilities across the city.

BMX

The Spray Tunnel and Comstock Tramways, just outside Zeehan on Tasmania’s West Coast, offer a fascinating 6 km mountain bike and walking route through one of the region’s historic mining landscapes. The ride follows sections of four interconnected former mining tramways, travelling over compacted-earth tracks through forest and old mine workings before reaching the remarkable Spray Tunnel. The highlight is undoubtedly the Spray Tunnel, a narrow, keyhole-shaped former railway tunnel cut through the hillside to transport ore from the Spray Silver Mine. Official tourism information describes it as approximately 100 m long, 3 m high and 2.2 m wide. Inside, it becomes extremely dark and glow-worms can sometimes be seen on the tunnel ceiling, making riding or walking through it one of the more unusual rail-trail experiences in Tasmania. Beyond the tunnel, riders can continue along the old tramway towards Comstock, passing through a landscape filled with remnants of Zeehan’s mining boom. Old mine sites, abandoned boilers, tramway cuttings and other industrial relics remain scattered throughout the area. The tramway surfaces are generally compacted but conditions can become muddy, puddled and rough, particularly given the West Coast’s high rainfall. The trail can also be incorporated into a much bigger MTB ride. A popular Spray Tunnel–Oonah Hill loop of around 15 km combines the historic tramways with purpose-built mountain bike trail, climbing into the open buttongrass country before descending back towards Zeehan. The surrounding Silver City MTB Trails now provide even more options for extending a visit into a full day of riding. RTS Tip: Take a bike light or good torch — the Spray Tunnel gets deceptively dark in the middle, and having a light also gives you a chance to spot the glow-worms overhead. Stay on the established route around the old mining areas, as historic mine shafts and workings remain in the landscape. For a bigger adventure, combine the tramways with Oonah Hill and the Silver City MTB network, but download your maps first and be prepared for rapidly changing West Coast weather.

6 kmGravel

The St. Helens Velodrome is an outdoor cycling track located within the St Helens Sports Complex on Tully Street, on Tasmania’s spectacular East Coast. The velodrome forms part of a large community sporting precinct that also includes an athletics ground, football and soccer fields, cricket facilities, netball courts and indoor sporting facilities. Break O’Day Council continues to identify the cycling velodrome as one of the facilities within the St Helens Sports Complex. The track is a traditional outdoor velodrome, providing a venue for track cycling and fast training laps rather than the purpose-built MTB riding for which St Helens is now best known. It is also listed amongst Australia’s established outdoor cycling tracks and velodromes. St Helens has a long association with Tasmania’s distinctive cycling carnival culture. The town continues to host a St Helens Carnival, bringing together cycling, running and woodchopping in a traditional Tasmanian sporting carnival atmosphere. For travelling cyclists, the velodrome is an easy addition to a much bigger St Helens riding trip. The town is now surrounded by some of Tasmania’s premier mountain biking, including the 66 km Flagstaff stacked-loop network and the 42 km Bay of Fires Trail, so riders can combine track riding with everything from easy MTB loops to full-day wilderness adventures. RTS Tip: St. Helens Velodrome is worth a look if you enjoy discovering Tasmania’s old-school outdoor cycling tracks, particularly alongside a visit to the St Helens MTB network. As access arrangements can change when the surrounding sports complex is being used for events or competitions, check locally before planning a dedicated track session. If you’re visiting during the St Helens Carnival, it’s an especially good opportunity to experience Tasmania’s long tradition of cycling carnival racing.

-41.317982 mTrack

The Strahan to Regatta Point Rail Trail is a short but beautifully scenic 3 km sealed cycling and walking trail on Tasmania’s wild West Coast. Following the shoreline of Macquarie Harbour, the route links central Strahan with historic Regatta Point, combining harbour views, railway heritage and an easy, virtually flat ride. The smooth concrete surface makes it suitable for families, beginner riders, hybrids, mountain bikes, touring bikes, e-bikes, scooters and wheelchairs. Starting near Strahan’s waterfront, the trail follows the curve of the harbour past historic buildings and interpretive displays before continuing towards Regatta Point. It’s an easy ride with virtually no climbing, making the approximately 6 km return journey a relaxed way to explore Strahan by bike. The route follows part of an important former railway corridor. The Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company built its railway from Queenstown to transport copper from the mines to the coast, with the line reaching Regatta Point and Strahan in 1899. At Regatta Point it connected with the government railway towards Zeehan, creating a vital transport link across Tasmania’s otherwise extremely difficult West Coast terrain. Today, Regatta Point remains an active railway destination as the Strahan terminus of the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Heritage rail journeys still depart from the station and travel alongside Macquarie Harbour and into the rainforest towards the King River, adding a great piece of living railway history to the ride. RTS Tip: This is more of a relaxed waterfront cruise than a challenging rail-trail ride, so take your time and enjoy the harbour. Ride the roughly 6 km return trip between Strahan and Regatta Point, stop to explore the historic railway station, and combine it with Strahan’s other waterfront paths for some extra kilometres. Current trail information can be inconsistent about access status, so check conditions locally before setting out, particularly after West Coast storms or maintenance works.

3 kmGravel

The Strahan to Zeehan Road is an unusual piece of Tasmania’s rail-trail history. Rather than being a dedicated off-road trail, much of the modern B27 between Strahan and Zeehan follows or closely parallels the formation of the former Strahan–Zeehan railway. Rail Trails Australia lists the historic route at approximately 41.8 km, with a sealed surface and gentle railway-style gradients through the wild landscapes of Tasmania’s West Coast. It is suitable for touring, gravel and mountain bikes, although riders need to be comfortable sharing a rural road with vehicles. The route travels north from Strahan, leaving Macquarie Harbour behind and crossing a landscape of button grass plains, rainforest, rivers and rugged West Coast ranges before reaching Zeehan. Although the road undulates, its railway heritage means much of the route has relatively manageable gradients compared with many other West Coast roads. The B27 remains a sealed single-carriageway road through largely undeveloped country. Around 15 km south of Zeehan, adventurous riders can find one of the few places where the original railway formation separates significantly from the modern road. An unsignposted 4WD track follows the old railway easement for approximately 5 km near the Badger River. However, this is not a continuous alternative route: the track eventually ends abruptly at a steep ravine where a railway bridge once stood, so riders must turn around rather than attempting to continue through. The railway between Zeehan and Strahan was once a vital West Coast transport connection, at a time when roads through this rugged landscape were extremely limited. Following the decline of the railway system and gradual construction of better roads, portions of the former formation were incorporated into the modern road corridor. Zeehan makes a rewarding destination, particularly for riders interested in mining and railway history. It can also be used as a base for several excellent off-road rides, including the Spray Tunnel and Comstock Tramways, Silver City MTB Trails, Melba Flats to Zeehan Rail Trail and Montezuma Falls Rail Trail. RTS Tip: Don’t mistake this listing for a conventional traffic-free rail trail — most of the Strahan–Zeehan journey is on the sealed B27 road. It’s best suited to confident road, touring or gravel riders comfortable with remote-road riding. Carry plenty of food, water, tools and wet-weather gear, as services between the towns are extremely limited and West Coast conditions can change quickly. If exploring the old railway formation near Badger River, remember that it dead-ends at the missing bridge site and is not a through-route.

41.8 kmGravel

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

The Tasmanian Trail is Australia's premier cross-state bikepacking adventure, stretching approximately 480 kilometres from Devonport on Tasmania's north coast to Dover in the far south. Traversing forests, farmland, alpine plateaus, historic towns and remote wilderness, it offers one of the country's most rewarding multi-day cycling experiences. Designed for mountain bikes, gravel bikes and experienced bikepackers, the trail follows a combination of forestry roads, gravel roads, quiet country lanes, 4WD tracks and purpose-built trail sections. Along the journey you'll climb through the spectacular Great Western Tiers, cross the Central Highlands, ride beside Arthurs Lake, pass through Bronte Park, follow the Derwent and Huon Valleys, and experience the ever-changing landscapes that make Tasmania such a unique cycling destination. While incredibly scenic, the Tasmanian Trail is a genuine adventure rather than a casual touring route. Expect long climbs, remote sections, changing weather, rough trail surfaces and limited resupply opportunities between towns. Riders should be self-sufficient, carry appropriate navigation, food, water and repair equipment, and allow plenty of time to enjoy the journey rather than simply race from end to end. The trail is typically completed over 6 to 10 days, depending on pace and route choices, although many riders choose to tackle individual sections as weekend adventures. Accommodation options include campgrounds, huts, country towns and local accommodation providers, allowing riders to tailor the experience to suit their preferred style of adventure. Whether you're chasing your first big bikepacking expedition or looking to tick off one of Australia's true bucket-list cycling adventures, the Tasmanian Trail delivers an unforgettable journey through the heart of Tasmania—where every day brings new landscapes, new challenges and a deep sense of wilderness that few rides can match.

480 kmGravel, Road

Toormina Velodrome – Coffs Coast Velodrome in Toormina, just south of Coffs Harbour, is a purpose-built outdoor cycling track and the home base for much of the Coffs Coast’s track cycling activity. Located on Minorie Drive, it forms part of the wider Toormina cycling and sporting precinct. The velodrome is a 330m banked tarmac track, offering a dedicated traffic-free environment for track training and racing. Alongside it is a short, technical criterium circuit of just under 1km, although City of Coffs Harbour currently lists the criterium track as closed. The velodrome remains an active cycling facility and is used by Coffs Harbour Cycle Club, which runs track cycling throughout the year. Activities include race practice, junior development, motor-paced sessions and women’s training, with the main track racing season traditionally running from October through March. The club also offers opportunities for newcomers to try track cycling. Importantly, you don't necessarily need to be racing to enjoy the facility. City of Coffs Harbour states that the cycling venue is open free to the public as well as being available for organised sporting bookings. The velodrome is floodlit, with parking available at the facility. For riders searching for Toormina Velodrome, Coffs Harbour track cycling, Coffs Coast cycling, outdoor velodromes in NSW or Coffs Harbour Cycle Club, this is the region's key dedicated track cycling venue. RTS Tip: The velodrome itself is currently open, but the adjacent criterium track is closed, so don't confuse the two when planning a visit. If you're new to track cycling, check the Coffs Harbour Cycle Club schedule for upcoming introductory or organised sessions.

0.33 km-30.356476 mTrack

Unanderra Velodrome – Illawarra Unanderra Velodrome, officially known as the Illawarra Velodrome, is a traditional outdoor cycling track at Lindsay Maynes Park in Unanderra, just south of Wollongong. The venue is owned by Wollongong City Council and licensed and operated by the Illawarra Cycle Club, which uses it for track training, racing and rider development. The velodrome features a 270-metre concrete oval track with banked corners, providing a dedicated environment for track cycling while being less intimidating than some of the much steeper indoor velodromes. The Illawarra Cycle Club particularly uses the facility to introduce junior riders to track cycling and develop their skills and confidence. Right next door is the Illawarra Criterium Track, a purpose-built closed cycling circuit opened in September 2022. Together, the two facilities create a fantastic little cycling precinct where riders can experience both track and criterium-style riding away from normal road traffic. The velodrome has a long association with the Illawarra cycling community, with organised track racing traditionally held through the warmer months. The Illawarra Cycle Club supports everyone from juniors learning the basics through to experienced competitive cyclists. Located at 146 Princes Highway, Unanderra, the track is conveniently positioned for riders from Wollongong and the wider Illawarra, with the adjacent criterium circuit adding another reason to visit. For riders searching for Unanderra Velodrome, Illawarra Velodrome, track cycling in Wollongong, Illawarra Cycle Club or cycling tracks on the NSW South Coast, this is the region’s key dedicated track cycling facility. RTS Tip: The adjacent criterium circuit is open to everyone, while the velodrome itself is licensed and operated by Illawarra Cycle Club, so check current club sessions and access arrangements before heading onto the track. If you're interested in trying track cycling for the first time, the club also runs junior and introductory activities and has a selection of track bikes available for its junior program.

0.27 km-34.458238 mTrack

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

West Park Oval and cycling track in Burnie on Tasmania’s North West Coast is a historic outdoor cycling venue wrapped around the West Park sporting oval on the edge of Bass Strait. The precinct is home to the City of Burnie Cycling Club and continues to be used for track racing, training and Burnie’s famous cycling carnivals, alongside football, cricket and athletics. Cycling has been part of West Park for more than a century. The Burnie Athletic Club added cycling to its carnival program in 1917, with the first Burnie Wheel raced on grass. By 1919 an asphalt cycling track had been constructed, establishing a track-racing tradition that continues today. The best-known event is the Burnie Wheel, traditionally held as part of Burnie’s summer carnival. One of the venue’s legendary moments came in 1977, when Tasmanian cycling great Danny Clark came from around 100 metres behind on the final lap to win the Burnie Wheel in front of a huge West Park crowd. The track remains an active cycling facility rather than simply a historic landmark. The City of Burnie Cycling Club is based at West Park and promotes track, road and mountain biking, with track racing traditionally held during the summer months. The oval also has toilets, showers, parking, disabled amenities and a canteen. The cycling surface received a significant upgrade in late 2024, when the old asphalt was removed and replaced with new hot-mix surfacing followed by a Flexipave acrylic surface, improving durability and preparing the track for continued racing and carnival use. RTS Tip: West Park is worth visiting for its cycling history as much as the track itself. If you want to ride rather than simply have a look, check with the City of Burnie Cycling Club or Burnie City Council first, as the oval is a multi-sport competition venue and access can vary around training, cricket, football and events. If you can time your visit with the Burnie Wheel, you’ll get to see one of Tasmania’s longest-running track-cycling traditions at the venue where it has been raced for generations.

-41.045886 mTrack

The Westside Bikeway Rail Trail is a 9km sealed shared trail through Adelaide’s inner western and south-western suburbs, following much of the former railway corridor between Mile End and Morphettville. The flat, easy-going route passes through landscaped linear reserves, residential areas and pockets of shade, with remnants of the old railway still visible along the way, including the former Plympton railway station platform. The trail connects with the Sturt River Linear Park Trail and Mike Turtur Bikeway, allowing riders to continue through to Glenelg and the coast. Its sealed surface and gentle gradients make it well suited to recreational riders, families, commuters and anyone looking for an easy urban ride close to Adelaide. RTS Tip: Extend your ride onto the Mike Turtur Bikeway for an easy run through to Glenelg and the beach. There are several major road crossings along the Westside Bikeway, so take care through intersections and use the designated pedestrian and cycling crossings.

9 kmGravel

Wielangta Tramway Trail The Wielangta Tramway Trail, around 65 km north-east of Hobart in south-east Tasmania, is a remote 6.5 km forest trail following the route of a former timber tramway near Rheban and the Sandspit River. The compacted-earth route passes through beautiful blue gum forest, fern-filled gullies and pockets of cool temperate rainforest, giving it a wonderfully wild feel. It is open to mountain bikes and walkers, with access from Wielangta Road. The original tramway followed the Sandspit River through Wielangta Forest, carrying timber from logging areas to sawmills at the former Wielangta settlement and eventually towards the coast opposite Maria Island, where sawn timber could be loaded onto ships. At its peak, Wielangta supported several sawmills as well as a general store, bakery, blacksmith and school before bushfires devastated the settlement in the 1920s and it was abandoned in 1928. Although the original railway formation was built with gentle gradients, today's trail is considerably more adventurous. Former timber trestle bridges have disappeared, leaving steep dips and climbs around old bridge sites, while sections can be washed out, muddy or underwater. Creek crossings and steep sections may require riders to get off and carry or push their bikes, particularly following heavy rain. The surrounding Wielangta Forest is particularly significant. It contains remnant glacial refugia forest, blue gums and cool temperate rainforest and provides habitat for threatened wildlife including the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle, swift parrot, spotted-tail quoll and Wielangta stag beetle. The name Wielangta is a local Aboriginal name meaning “tall trees.” RTS Tip: Don't let the 6.5 km distance or “rail trail” label fool you — Wielangta can feel much more like a backcountry MTB adventure than a conventional rail trail. A mountain bike with good tyres is the best choice, and expect to walk sections where bridges have disappeared or the formation has washed out. Conditions can become very wet and muddy after rain, so a summer or drier-weather visit is likely to provide the best riding. The area is remote with no public transport, so download your route beforehand and carry everything you need.

6.5 kmGravel

Editor's picks

More rides worth saving

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