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

The Walhalla Goldfields Rail Trail, now commonly referred to as the Erica to Thomson Rail Trail, is a rugged 7.3 km one-way ride through the Baw Baw Ranges in Gippsland, Victoria. Following the formation of the former narrow-gauge railway between Erica and Thomson Station, the trail winds through tall mountain forest, deep railway cuttings and ferny gullies with impressive views across the Thomson River valley. The surface is predominantly compacted earth and gravel, with rougher sections making it best suited to mountain bikes and capable hybrids rather than road bikes. Starting near Erica Recreation Reserve, riders follow the old railway formation through mountain ash forest before reaching Knotts Cutting, where a steep diversion crosses Tyers–Walhalla Road. Beyond here, the trail twists alongside Nelson Creek and around the remarkable Horseshoe Bend, where the railway curve was once so tight that passengers at the rear of the train could see the locomotive travelling in almost the opposite direction. Further along, riders pass the replica station shelter at Platina and travel beneath the original road bridge at Coopers Creek Road before gaining beautiful views over the Thomson River valley. The final approach to Thomson is considerably rougher, with narrow detours around the remains of two former railway bridges where cyclists may need to dismount. The railway itself opened between Moe and Walhalla in 1910, built to serve the once-booming Walhalla goldfields. Unfortunately, by the time the railway arrived, much of the gold rush had already passed. The line eventually closed in stages, with the final Moe–Erica section closing in 1954. Today, the section between Thomson and Walhalla has been rebuilt as the heritage Walhalla Goldfields Railway, preserving an extraordinary piece of Victorian railway history. One important point for riders is that the rail trail does not continue as a bike trail from Thomson into Walhalla. The railway operates on that section, while Walhalla Road is narrow and not recommended for cycling. When services are operating, bikes can be carried aboard the heritage train, making a train trip from Thomson into Walhalla an excellent addition to the ride. RTS Tip: Despite its relatively short distance, don't treat this like a smooth family rail trail. The rough surface, steep diversions, debris and missing bridge crossings give it a genuine MTB-adventure feel. An out-and-back from Erica is around 14.6 km, or organise your ride around a heritage train service from Thomson. Also note that the railway reserve is leased by the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, which does not maintain or endorse the Erica–Thomson section as a rail trail, so check current conditions before setting out.

The Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail is a 57km gravel trail through Victoria’s historic Goldfields region, following the former railway from Ballarat to Skipton. The predominantly crushed-granite surface and gentle railway gradients make for approachable riding through open farmland, native grasslands, bushland and historic gold-mining country. Along the way the trail passes through Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Linton, giving riders plenty of options to break the journey into shorter sections. One of the highlights is the impressive Nimons Bridge, a restored timber trestle bridge near Newtown and one of the tallest surviving timber bridges in Victoria. Historic station sites, railway cuttings and interpretive signs add plenty of interest along the route, while facilities and food stops can be found in several of the towns along the way. RTS Tip: You don’t need to tackle the full trail to enjoy this one. Ballarat to Smythesdale is around 20km, while Smythesdale to Linton and Linton to Skipton make great standalone sections. For a highlight-focused ride, include the stretch through Scarsdale to Nimons Bridge. Carry plenty of water if riding the longer sections, as refill points can be limited.

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

The Castlemaine–Maldon Trail is an 18km railside trail connecting two of Victoria’s most historic Goldfields towns. Rather than following the old railway formation itself, the trail runs alongside the heritage Victorian Goldfields Railway, winding through box-ironbark forest, open farmland and gold-mining country between Castlemaine, Muckleford and Maldon. If your timing is right, you may even have a steam train travelling alongside you. Don’t let the railway setting fool you into expecting a flat rail trail. The route includes loose gravel, rocky sections and some surprisingly steep climbs and descents as it dips around railway cuttings and embankments. It’s best suited to confident riders on gravel bikes with wider tyres or mountain bikes, with Muckleford Station providing a handy halfway rest point. RTS Tip: One of the best ways to ride this trail is one-way and return aboard the Victorian Goldfields Railway, which carries bikes on its heritage trains. Check the train timetable before setting out, as services don’t operate every day. There’s no drinking water along the trail, so carry enough for the ride, and be prepared for rougher conditions after wet weather.

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

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

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

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

Muckleford Nature Conservation Reserve, near Castlemaine and Maldon in Central Victoria’s Goldfields, offers natural cross-country and gravel-style riding through classic Box-Ironbark forest and historic gold-mining country. Rather than a modern purpose-built MTB park, the reserve and surrounding Muckleford bushland contain a mixture of natural singletrack, bush tracks and fire roads, making it a good choice for XC mountain bikes and gravel riders who enjoy exploring quieter, less-developed trail networks. Mapped MTB routes within the reserve include easier green-rated singletrack links, while the wider area provides plenty of scope for building longer loops. A major attraction for riders is the reserve’s proximity to the Castlemaine–Maldon Trail, which passes through Muckleford and follows the historic Victorian Goldfields Railway for much of its route. The Castlemaine-to-Muckleford section is around 8 km, followed by approximately 9.7 km from Muckleford to Maldon, travelling through woodland, open farmland and increasingly forested country. Despite sometimes being called a rail trail, it does not simply follow the old railway formation and includes rough surfaces, loose gravel and short, steep climbs through gullies, making it better suited to confident riders and wider tyres. For a longer adventure, riders can combine Muckleford with the surrounding Maldon Historic Reserve and Muckleford State Forest. A mapped 20 km Maldon bush ride uses the Castlemaine–Maldon Trail to reach Muckleford Railway Station before continuing through native bushland towards Smiths Reef Dam and returning past historic gold-mining remains. In spring, the Box-Ironbark forest and surrounding reserves can also put on an impressive display of native wildflowers. RTS Tip: Muckleford is best approached as an exploration ride rather than a signed bike-park experience, so download your route before setting out and be prepared for loose gravel, rough bush tracks and some surprisingly steep sections. For a brilliant Goldfields adventure, link the reserve with the Castlemaine–Maldon Trail and Muckleford Railway Station. With a little planning, you can even ride one way between Castlemaine and Maldon and take your bike back aboard the Victorian Goldfields Railway. There are no reliable drinking-water facilities along the Castlemaine–Maldon trail, so carry what you need.

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

The O’Keefe Rail Trail is a fantastic 49km journey between Bendigo and Heathcote, following the route of the former Wandong, Heathcote and Sandhurst Railway through Central Victoria’s goldfields country. The mostly level trail travels through box-ironbark forest, farmland, waterways and historic country towns, making it a great option for recreational riders, gravel riders and anyone looking for a longer regional cycling adventure. The surface is predominantly fine gravel, with sealed sections around Axedale and Heathcote, and is well suited to gravel bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids and touring bikes. Riders can tackle the full 49km point-to-point or use the numerous access points to create shorter out-and-back rides. Axedale sits roughly halfway along the route and makes a natural stopping point, with the trail crossing the Campaspe River and passing through the Campaspe River Reserve. Other highlights include the impressive bridge over Axe Creek, native forests, historic railway remnants and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the small communities along the way. The railway originally connected Bendigo and Heathcote in 1888, with trains operating until 1956. The first section of the recreational trail opened in 1993, before the complete Bendigo-to-Heathcote connection was finished in 2015. Today, water stations, bike repair stations, shelters, tables and directional signage help support riders along the route. RTS Tip: At 49km one way, O’Keefe works brilliantly as either a big day ride or a more relaxed cycling adventure with a stop in Axedale. For riders wanting to go even bigger, the Bendigo end connects with the Bendigo Bushland Trail and sits close to the Goldfields Track, opening up some serious possibilities for a multi-day Victorian cycling trip

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

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

The Woodend to Daylesford Rail Trail follows the corridor of the former railway through Victoria’s beautiful Central Highlands, although currently only the 6km Domino Rail Trail between Trentham and Lyonville has been developed as a continuous rail trail. Starting beside the historic Trentham Railway Station, the trail heads through peaceful bushland of manna gums, peppermint and mountain gums, with coarse gravel and compacted earth underwheel. Along the way you’ll find remnants of the old railway, historic infrastructure and interpretive signs telling the story of the line, with the chance of spotting wallabies and kangaroos in the surrounding forest. The gentle railway gradient makes it a relaxed ride suited to mountain bikes, gravel bikes and hybrids, with Trentham providing plenty of options for food and a wander before or after the ride. RTS Tip: Despite the name, you can’t currently ride a continuous rail trail from Woodend to Daylesford. The developed Domino section runs 6km from Trentham to Lyonville, making for an easy 12km return ride. There is currently a signed detour around a temporarily closed bridge near Stony Creek, so follow local signage when riding through this section.

Woowookarung Regional Park, on the south-eastern edge of Ballarat, Victoria, offers a large network of shared-use forest roads and trails through more than 640 hectares of native bushland. Rather than a purpose-built MTB park, Woowookarung is best suited to cross-country mountain bikes and gravel bikes, with plenty of opportunities to create your own loops through rolling terrain, open forest and former gold-mining country. The park’s network of gravel roads, management tracks and narrower bush trails provides everything from relaxed family rides to longer, hillier adventures. Expect generally non-technical riding with some loose, rocky and uneven sections, short climbs and fast gravel descents. Routes can be linked in numerous combinations, making Woowookarung particularly good for riders who enjoy exploring rather than following a single marked MTB circuit. One of the park’s highlights is its setting. The trails pass through Messmate, Manna Gum and peppermint forest, with wildflowers particularly impressive during spring. The park also protects significant wildlife habitat and contains reminders of Ballarat’s gold-mining history scattered throughout the landscape. A popular destination within the park is the Woowookarung Lookout, which provides expansive views towards Ballarat and the surrounding countryside. The park also contains the Sensory Trail, a short accessible trail designed around experiencing the sights, sounds, smells and textures of the bush. While primarily designed for walkers, it adds to the range of recreational experiences available within the reserve. Woowookarung can also form part of a much bigger Ballarat riding day, with connections through surrounding roads and trails towards other cycling areas around the city. Its location only a few kilometres from central Ballarat makes it an easy option for a quick forest ride without travelling to a dedicated trail centre. RTS Tip: Think of Woowookarung as a gravel and XC exploration area rather than a signed MTB trail network. Download a map before you ride and use the network of forest roads and shared trails to build a loop that suits your distance and ability. Watch for walkers, runners and horse riders, and stick to tracks where cycling is permitted. Spring is a particularly good time to visit, when the wildflowers are out and the forest is at its best.

Castlemaine to Maldon Trail – Victorian Goldfields The Castlemaine to Maldon Trail is an adventurous 18km railside cycling trail connecting two of Victoria’s most historic goldfields towns, with bushland, farmland, railway heritage and plenty of character along the way. Unlike a traditional rail trail, this route runs beside the operating Victorian Goldfields Railway rather than directly along the old railway formation. That means there are more ups and downs than you might expect, with some steep sections where the trail diverts around railway cuttings and embankments. Starting in Castlemaine, the trail heads through box-ironbark woodland and open grazing country towards Muckleford, where the historic railway station provides a great spot for a break. From there, the landscape becomes increasingly forested as the trail continues towards Maldon. The surface is a mixture of compacted earth, crushed granite and loose gravel, with rougher sections, gullies and changing conditions adding a little more adventure. A mountain bike is the safest choice, while confident riders on suitably equipped gravel bikes may also enjoy the challenge. One of the best parts of this ride is having the Victorian Goldfields Railway running alongside you. Time it right and you may see a heritage steam train making its way between Castlemaine and Maldon — or even organise your day so you ride one way and catch the heritage train back with your bike. At the Maldon end, the trail passes the remains of the historic Beehive Mine before arriving in one of Victoria’s best-preserved gold-rush towns, where cafés, pubs and historic streets make a pretty good reward for the ride. Ride it one way for an 18km adventure, return by bike for around 36km, or combine cycling with the heritage railway for a brilliant day exploring the Victorian Goldfields. Whether you're searching for cycling in Castlemaine, bike rides around Maldon, Victorian rail trails or gravel and mountain bike rides in the Goldfields, this is a unique ride that combines cycling, history and some beautiful central Victorian countryside. RTS Tip: Don't expect the smooth gradients and surfaces of a typical rail trail. The Castlemaine–Maldon Trail can be rough, loose and steep in places and is particularly affected by wet weather. There is also no drinking water along the trail between the towns, so carry what you need and check current trail and heritage train information before setting out.

Doug Powell Velodrome is an outdoor cycling track at Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve in Castlemaine, providing a dedicated venue for track cycling in Victoria’s Goldfields region. The velodrome surrounds Doug Powell Oval and is used by the Castlemaine Cycling Club for local cycling activities. Mount Alexander Shire Council identifies the oval and velodrome as one of the key sporting facilities within the wider Wesley Hill precinct. The velodrome features a 500m asphalt track, making it considerably longer than the 250m tracks used at modern indoor velodromes. Its outdoor layout offers plenty of room for riders to build speed, train and experience track-style cycling in a relaxed regional setting. For riders exploring Castlemaine, the velodrome adds another cycling option to a region already well known for its mountain biking, gravel riding and Goldfields cycling routes. Whether you're interested in track cycling or simply ticking off different cycling facilities around Victoria, Doug Powell is worth adding to the ride list. RTS Tip: At 500m per lap, two laps equals one kilometre, making this an easy one for setting yourself a distance challenge. The track is part of an active sporting reserve and is used by Castlemaine Cycling Club, so check for club training, racing or other events before planning your ride.

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

The Kep Track is a 75 km long-distance cycling and multi-use trail connecting Mundaring Weir in the Perth Hills with Northam in Western Australia’s Avon Valley. Following much of the historic Eastern Railway alignment and sections of C.Y. O’Connor’s Goldfields Water Supply pipeline, the route combines railway heritage, bushland and rural scenery with an achievable off-road cycling adventure close to Perth. Riders travel through or near Mundaring, Sawyers Valley, Mount Helena, Chidlow, Wooroloo, Wundowie, Bakers Hill and Clackline before reaching Northam. The riding is predominantly coarse gravel and compacted earth, with sections of gravel road, track and some on-road riding closer to Northam. Much of the route follows gentle former railway gradients, although there are some steeper sections, particularly climbing away from Mundaring Weir and around the eastern end of the trail. The Kep Track also overlaps with sections of the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail and Mundaring Weir Rail Trail, while its western end connects into the wider Perth Hills trail network. With numerous access points along the way, riders can tackle a shorter out-and-back section or take on the complete Mundaring-to-Northam journey. RTS Tip: You don’t need to ride all 75 km to enjoy the Kep Track. Towns along the route provide convenient access points for creating shorter rides, while experienced riders can plan an end-to-end gravel or MTB adventure. If tackling the full route, carry plenty of water, food, spares and offline navigation, and avoid particularly hot days — the exposed sections heading towards Northam can make this a much tougher ride in the Western Australian heat.

Maryborough Velodrome is an outdoor cycling track on Elgin Road in Maryborough, on the edge of the Bristol Hill Historic Area in Victoria’s Central Goldfields. The fully fenced facility features a 333-metre concrete track with steeply banked ends and is open for public cycling, making it an accessible option for riders wanting to experience outdoor velodrome riding. The velodrome provides a safe, traffic-free environment for training, fitness, track-style riding or simply turning a few laps, and its longer layout offers a different experience from the 250m tracks commonly found at modern competition velodromes. Its location also makes it easy to incorporate into a wider Maryborough cycling adventure. The surrounding Central Goldfields region has a mix of road routes, shared trails and bush tracks, while trails from the velodrome connect towards Bristol Hill and its historic attractions. RTS Tip: At approximately 333m per lap, three laps will give you roughly one kilometre. The track is open to the public and is a great option for riders wanting to try a velodrome without the controlled access of an indoor competition facility. Remember that it is a cycling facility first, even though the surrounding area is also used by walkers and dog owners.

Mundaring Weir Rail Trail The Mundaring Weir Rail Trail is a scenic 7 km cycling and walking trail in the Perth Hills, Western Australia, connecting the town of Mundaring with historic Mundaring Weir through the jarrah and marri forests of Beelu National Park. Around 40 km east of Perth, the trail follows much of the former Mundaring Weir Branch Railway, with a mixture of fine and coarse gravel, compacted earth and a few steeper sections where the modern trail leaves the original railway formation. The route is particularly well suited to mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids and recreational riders. The railway was constructed in 1898 to assist with construction and maintenance of Mundaring Weir, an essential part of C.Y. O’Connor’s extraordinary Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. It later became a popular excursion railway, carrying visitors from Perth into the hills during the 1930s and 1940s before closing in 1952. Today riders can still discover remnants of this railway history along the route, while the nearby Golden Pipeline continues more than 500 km towards Kalgoorlie. Riding from Mundaring towards Mundaring Weir is predominantly downhill, although there are several short steeper sections. Along the way the trail passes rocky outcrops, forest, seasonal waterfalls and lookouts before finishing near the weir and historic No. 1 Pump Station. At Mundaring, the route connects with the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, while at the weir it overlaps with the beginning of both the 75 km Kep Track and the Munda Biddi Trail, opening up some huge options for riders wanting to continue exploring the Perth Hills. RTS Tip: Riding Mundaring to the Weir and back gives you roughly 14 km, but remember that the fun downhill trip to the dam means more climbing on the return. For a bigger adventure, continue onto the Kep Track towards Sawyers Valley, Mount Helena and beyond, or connect with the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail at Mundaring. The surface can become rough, sandy or washed out after significant weather, so check current trail conditions and carry plenty of water, particularly during the warmer months