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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The Dargo High Plains is one of Australia's premier bikepacking adventures, taking riders deep into the spectacular Victorian High Country across 304km of alpine roads, rugged gravel tracks and remote wilderness. This is a ride for experienced cyclists looking to immerse themselves in breathtaking mountain scenery, challenging terrain and unforgettable backcountry riding. Beginning in Wangaratta, the route follows the popular Murray to Mountains Rail Trail through the gourmet towns of Milawa, Beechworth, Bright and Porepunkah, where cafés, breweries, wineries and local produce provide plenty of reasons to slow down before the real adventure begins. Beyond Porepunkah, the route heads into the remote Buckland Valley before climbing onto the spectacular alpine tracks of the High Country. Expect steep climbs, rough gravel roads, rocky sections and incredible mountain vistas as you traverse one of Victoria's most iconic alpine landscapes. Riders are rewarded with an unforgettable journey across the Dargo High Plains, followed by a thrilling descent into the historic township of Dargo. From Dargo, the ride continues through forests and rolling farmland to Bairnsdale, completing an epic point-to-point adventure that showcases everything from alpine wilderness and quiet gravel roads to charming country towns and world-class scenery. Depending on your bike choice and riding style, a gravel bike with wide tyres is suitable, although many riders will appreciate the comfort and capability of a cross-country mountain bike on the rougher sections. This is a true backcountry ride, with long stretches between services, limited water sources and rapidly changing alpine weather. Careful planning, sufficient supplies and experience in remote riding are essential. For riders seeking one of Australia's great multi-day cycling adventures, the Dargo High Plains is an unforgettable journey through the heart of Victoria's High Country.

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

The Great Victorian Rail Trail is one of Australia’s great long-distance rail-trail adventures, stretching 134km through Victoria’s High Country from Tallarook to Mansfield, with a 13km branch from Cathkin to Alexandra. The compacted gravel and granitic-sand trail follows the former railway through the beautiful Goulburn River and Trawool valleys, linking towns including Yea, Yarck, Bonnie Doon and Mansfield. Highlights include the historic 201m Cheviot Tunnel, Yea Wetlands, sweeping farmland and the spectacular crossing of Lake Eildon at Bonnie Doon, with Mount Buller and the High Country forming the backdrop as you approach Mansfield. Mostly gentle railway gradients make it accessible for recreational riders, while the distance and trail towns make it perfect for a multi-day gravel or touring adventure. RTS Tip: Check the current trail status before planning your ride. The January 2026 bushfires caused significant damage and, as of the latest official update, the trail is not currently continuous. Open riding includes Tallarook through Yea to the Cheviot Tunnel, Merton to Mansfield, and a short section from Alexandra to Maintongoon Road, while several central sections remain closed with no through-detour available. If you’re looking for an easy ride while recovery continues, the 18km return Yea–Cheviot Tunnel trip is a great option.

Stretching through Victoria’s spectacular north-east, the High Country Rail Trail follows the former railway corridor from Wodonga toward the Upper Murray, taking riders through open farmland, historic towns and some seriously impressive High Country scenery. One of the highlights is the long waterside section beside Lake Hume, with views across the water to the surrounding hills, while restored railway infrastructure and old station sites add plenty of character along the way. With a predominantly gravel and compacted surface and multiple access points, it works equally well for a relaxed day ride, family adventure or longer point-to-point journey. Riders can choose a section that suits them or link together a much bigger High Country adventure. RTS Tip: Don’t feel like you need to tackle the whole trail at once. Pick a section around Lake Hume for a scenic shorter ride, or use the trail as the backbone of a multi-day High Country trip. Conditions can be exposed, particularly in summer, so carry plenty of water and check your chosen section and access points before setting off.

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

The Hunt 1000 is one of Australia's great bikepacking adventures — an epic journey of approximately 1,000km from Canberra to Melbourne through the Australian Alps and Victorian High Country. With more than 23,000 metres of climbing, this is far more than a long gravel ride. The route links remote backcountry roads, gravel tracks, alpine trails and rugged mountain terrain as riders make their way south through some of Australia's most spectacular high-country landscapes. Expect huge climbs, fast gravel, river crossings, rough tracks and sections of hike-a-bike, balanced by incredible riding through snow gum woodlands, open alpine plains and towering native forests. Historic mountain huts and remote high-country communities add another dimension to the journey as the route works its way towards Melbourne. The Hunt 1000 is designed as a self-supported bikepacking route, meaning riders need to carry what they require, manage their own navigation and carefully plan food, water, accommodation or camping and resupply opportunities along the way. While approximately 1,000km is a challenge in itself, it's the 23,000m+ of climbing, remote terrain and unpredictable alpine conditions that make this a serious undertaking. Riders should have strong fitness, solid bikepacking experience and the ability to manage mechanical, navigation and weather challenges far from immediate assistance. The route is traditionally associated with the annual Hunt 1000 gathering, but you don't need to think of it purely as an event. At its heart, this is an incredible Canberra-to-Melbourne bikepacking adventure through the Australian Alps and one of the standout long-distance cycling challenges in Australia. RTS Tip: The exact Hunt 1000 route can change between editions, so don't assume an older GPX represents the current route or access conditions. Use the mapping and official information links when planning your adventure, check current land and trail access, and be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather and long stretches through remote country.

Connecting the historic towns of Beechworth and Yackandandah in Victoria’s High Country, the Indigo Epic Trail is a purpose-built mountain bike adventure designed to be ridden as one big journey or explored in smaller sections. Around 56 km in length, the trail winds through native forest and rugged High Country terrain, combining flowing singletrack, sustained climbs, fast descents and plenty of natural features along the way. With trail networks and rider-friendly towns at either end, it’s much more than a point-to-point ride — stay overnight, organise a shuttle or make it part of a bigger Beechworth and Yackandandah MTB trip. RTS Tip: Make a weekend of it. Ride the Indigo Epic in one direction, organise a shuttle or overnight stay, and leave some time to explore the local Beechworth and Yackandandah trails too. It’s a substantial ride, so carry enough water, food, tools and spares for a few hours on the bike and check current trail conditions before setting out.

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

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

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

Reef Hills State Park, just 5 km south-west of Benalla in North East Victoria, offers a large network of natural cross-country mountain bike trails through more than 2,000 hectares of Box-Ironbark forest. The riding combines flowing singletrack, rocky sections, short climbs and descents, fire roads and historic mining tracks, making Reef Hills a great option for riders exploring the Benalla and Victorian High Country cycling region. Current mapping identifies around 45 MTB trails, with green, blue and black-rated options spread throughout the park. The terrain is predominantly XC and trail focused, with relatively modest elevation but plenty of undulating riding and interconnected tracks. Popular mapped trails include Tower Flow, which delivers flowing corners, berms and jumps before transitioning into flatter natural singletrack. The wider network provides plenty of scope to build longer loops, with easier green trails alongside intermediate blue and more technical black-rated options. Reef Hills also has a fascinating gold-mining history. Gold was discovered in the area during the 1860s, and riders exploring the park will encounter old workings, tracks and mine sites scattered through the forest. The Lion and Golden Crown mines are among the park’s significant mining heritage locations, while the surrounding Box-Ironbark woodland is particularly attractive during the spring wildflower season. Mountain biking has long been a popular activity at Reef Hills, although riders should understand that this is State Park riding rather than a formally managed bike park. Parks Victoria officially permits cycling on roads and vehicle tracks open to the public, subject to seasonal and safety closures. The park also contains informal singletrack, so riders should respect current signage and avoid creating or extending unauthorised trails. Its location makes Reef Hills an easy addition to a Benalla cycling weekend, with other North East Victorian MTB destinations including Yackandandah, Beechworth, Warby-Ovens and the High Country trail networks within reach. Benalla itself promotes Reef Hills as one of the region’s mountain biking locations alongside Mount Samaria State Park. RTS Tip: Reef Hills is a large, interconnected bush network, so download a current map before heading out and don’t rely on trail signage alone. Be particularly careful around the park’s shooting-range areas — cyclists must stay clear whenever warning signs or flags indicate the ranges are operating. Historic mining also means old shafts and workings can be present, so stick to recognised routes. Check current Parks Victoria conditions before travelling, especially during planned burns, fire restrictions or seasonal closures.

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

Riverina Highlands (Tumbarumba–Rosewood) Rail Trail – Snowy Valleys NSW The Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail is a spectacular 21km sealed cycling trail through the Snowy Valleys of southern NSW, connecting the mountain town of Tumbarumba with the small village of Rosewood. It holds an important place in Australian cycling history as the first rail trail developed on a former government railway corridor in NSW, officially opening in April 2020. Following the former Tumbarumba railway line, the trail winds through rolling farmland, sub-alpine countryside and beautiful mountain scenery. Gentle railway gradients make much of the route approachable for families, recreational cyclists, e-bikes, hybrids, touring bikes and mountain bikes, although there is a more noticeable climb approaching Tumbarumba. Railway heritage is a big part of the experience. Riders pass four former station sites, historic railway infrastructure and several restored timber bridges, with interpretive displays telling the story of the old railway and surrounding communities. One of the highlights is Mannus Creek Bridge, an impressive seven-span curved timber trestle bridge preserved as part of the trail. The fully sealed surface makes this a particularly accessible rail trail, and kilometre markers show the distance remaining in both directions. Ride the full 21km point-to-point, make it a roughly 42km return ride, or simply choose a shorter section and turn around when you're ready. There’s plenty to explore at either end too. Tumbarumba has cafés, accommodation and other cycling opportunities, while Rosewood provides a quieter country village finish with places to stop for refreshments. The wider Snowy Valleys region makes this an easy trail to build into a cycling weekend. The long-term vision is even bigger. The Riverina Highlands Rail Trails project proposes eventually extending the route through Tarcutta and Ladysmith towards Wagga Wagga, creating a potential 129km regional rail trail network. Those additional sections are not currently open, so the established ride remains the 21km Tumbarumba–Rosewood section. For riders searching for Tumbarumba cycling, Riverina Highlands Rail Trail, Snowy Valleys bike trails, family-friendly cycling in NSW or rail trails near the Snowy Mountains, this is absolutely one to put on the ride list. RTS Tip: The railway gradient means the two directions aren't quite equal — Rosewood to Tumbarumba finishes with the harder climbing, so keep a little in reserve if you're riding that way. There are also cattle grids, bridge transitions and road crossings along the route, and mobile reception can be patchy. Carry water, basic repair gear and supplies, and allow some extra time to stop and explore the railway history along the way.

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