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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.

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

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.

The Dungog Common Pump Track is a world-class Velosolutions asphalt pump track designed to be fun, challenging and accessible for riders of all ages and abilities. Located within Dungog Common MTB Park, it's the perfect place to build confidence, refine your skills or simply enjoy endless laps with friends and family. Featuring smooth berms, rollers and multiple riding lines, the track rewards good technique by allowing riders to generate speed by pumping the terrain rather than pedalling. Whether you're on a mountain bike, BMX, balance bike, scooter or skateboard, the track offers a fun and engaging experience that keeps riders coming back for "just one more lap". The pump track sits alongside Dungog's extensive mountain bike trail network, making it an ideal warm-up before hitting the singletrack or the perfect place to finish your ride. It's also a fantastic venue for coaching sessions, skills development and introducing new riders to cycling in a safe, purpose-built environment. With picnic areas, open space and the welcoming township of Dungog just minutes away, it's easy to spend an entire day here. Whether you're learning the basics, chasing smoother laps or simply watching some incredibly talented riders carry speed around the circuit, the Dungog Common Pump Track is a must-visit stop on any Ride The State adventure.

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.

Fernleigh Track Rail Trail – Newcastle to Lake Macquarie The Fernleigh Track is one of the Hunter region’s most popular cycling trails, following a historic railway corridor for around 15km between Adamstown in Newcastle and Belmont at Lake Macquarie. The fully sealed shared path takes riders away from busy roads and through a surprisingly beautiful mix of bushland, wetlands and leafy suburban corridors. With gentle railway gradients and very few road crossings, it’s a fantastic option for families, recreational cyclists, e-bikes and riders looking for an easy traffic-free cycling adventure near Newcastle. One of the highlights is the historic Fernleigh Tunnel, a curved 181-metre former railway tunnel beneath the ridge between Adamstown and Glenrock. The old railway once carried coal from the Lake Macquarie mines towards Newcastle, and remnants of that history can still be spotted along the route, including former station sites, railway cuttings and other heritage features. Heading south, the trail passes through Kahibah, Whitebridge, Redhead and Jewells before reaching Belmont, with access points along the way making it easy to choose a shorter section rather than riding the entire trail. Mountain bikers can also use the Burwood Road connection to Glenrock State Conservation Area, opening up access to Glenrock’s MTB trails and making it possible to combine an easy rail trail ride with some singletrack. For riders wanting to keep exploring, the cycling network now continues south from Belmont via the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track, extending the adventure towards Belmont South, Marks Point and Blacksmiths. Whether you're searching for Fernleigh Track cycling, Newcastle bike trails, Lake Macquarie cycling, family-friendly bike rides near Newcastle or rail trails in NSW, this is easily one of the region’s must-ride cycling paths. RTS Tip: Ride the Fernleigh Track as a roughly 30km return trip, choose one of the shorter sections, or use it as the backbone of a much bigger Newcastle and Lake Macquarie cycling adventure. Adamstown Station is close to the northern trailhead, making it particularly handy for riders arriving by train. The path is shared and extremely popular, so keep speeds appropriate around walkers, families and other riders.

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.

Pioneer MTB Park is a purpose-built mountain bike network at Pioneer Road, Hunterview near Singleton in the NSW Hunter Valley, offering a fun mix of cross-country singletrack, flow trails and jump-focused riding. The park received a major $500,000 upgrade completed in 2025, transforming the existing local trail network into a more formalised MTB destination. The project upgraded around 9.4km of existing trails and added another 1.7km of new trail, along with improved signage and rehabilitation of older unsustainable sections. The main riding is aimed primarily at intermediate to advanced riders, with flowing cross-country singletrack weaving through dry Hunter Valley bushland. Expect plenty of corners, short climbs and descents, berms and technical features, with the network designed so riders can easily link sections into longer laps. The recent redevelopment has added even more variety, including flow lines, jump lines and dual-slalom-style riding. Current trail mapping highlights features including berms, bridges, drops, jumps and gap jumps, giving riders plenty to session alongside the main XC trails. One of the established ways to explore Pioneer is via the roughly 10km main loop, with shorter options available for riders who don't want to tackle the whole network. The trails are predominantly ridden anticlockwise, while the dedicated flow lines have their own signed directions. Pioneer is also closely connected with the Singleton Mountain Bike Club, which has worked alongside Singleton Council in developing the facility and uses the upgraded network for local riding and racing. For riders searching for Singleton mountain bike trails, Pioneer MTB Park, Hunter Valley MTB, mountain biking near Singleton or MTB trails in the Hunter, Pioneer is well worth adding to the ride list. RTS Tip: Pioneer has changed significantly following its 2025 redevelopment, so older maps and ride descriptions may no longer reflect the current network. Use up-to-date trail mapping and follow the new directional signage on the ground. With XC trails plus dedicated flow and jump lines, allow some extra time to explore and session the different areas rather than simply knocking out one lap.

The Wallsend Tramway Rail Trail is a predominantly sealed shared path through Newcastle’s western suburbs, following sections of the city’s historic tramway corridors between Glendale, Wallsend, Jesmond and Lambton. Rail Trails Australia describes the broader route as around 9km, with connections into Newcastle and Lake Macquarie’s extensive cycleway networks. The best-known section is the Tramway Track between Glendale and Wallsend, following the former steam tramway that once connected Wallsend with West Wallsend and Speers Point. The historic service operated through this corridor until 1930, and the gentle gradients required by the old steam trams now make it particularly well suited to cycling. Expect a mixture of smooth asphalt and concrete shared path, suburban sections, open grassland and surprisingly peaceful stretches of bushland. From Glendale the trail gradually climbs towards Wallsend, passing beneath the Newcastle Link Road before continuing towards the old Wallsend station precinct. The route is generally easy and family-friendly, with gentle climbs rather than anything particularly demanding. There are, however, several road crossings and short sections where riders need to navigate local streets, particularly around Wallsend and towards Jesmond. One of the biggest advantages is how well it connects with other riding. From Glendale, shared paths continue towards Speers Point and Lake Macquarie, while heading east through Lambton allows riders to connect with cycleways towards Newcastle CBD. That makes the Tramway Track useful both as a standalone ride and as part of a much bigger Newcastle cycling adventure. For riders searching for Wallsend cycling, Newcastle rail trails, Glendale to Wallsend cycleway, family bike rides in Newcastle or Lake Macquarie cycling, this is a handy traffic-free connection with plenty of local history thrown in. RTS Tip: Current mapping is worth checking before you ride. Rail Trails Australia’s January 2026 update notes that the middle section around Wallsend and Jesmond is affected by construction associated with the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and other road upgrades, with diversions possible. For an uncomplicated ride, the Glendale–Wallsend Tramway Track is the most clearly defined section.

Muswellbrook Velodrome – Ron King Velodrome Ron King Velodrome is a historic outdoor cycling track within Olympic Park in Muswellbrook, NSW, and an interesting piece of cycling history in the Upper Hunter. Constructed in 1950, the track was later named in honour of local Olympic cyclist Ron King. At just 166 metres per lap, it is an unusually short velodrome with a notably steep profile; Muswellbrook Shire Council has previously described it as one of the smallest velodromes in the Southern Hemisphere. Historically, the velodrome was managed and used by the Muswellbrook Cycle Club, supporting track cycling, training and racing within the local community. Its compact dimensions and steep banking give it a very different character from the longer outdoor tracks found elsewhere around NSW. The velodrome forms part of the wider Muswellbrook Olympic Park sporting precinct, alongside playing fields, tennis facilities and the nearby aquatic centre. Council’s current precinct information continues to identify the velodrome as part of Olympic Park. For riders searching for Muswellbrook Velodrome, Ron King Velodrome, track cycling in Muswellbrook, cycling in the Upper Hunter or historic velodromes in NSW, it’s a fascinating local cycling facility to know about. RTS Tip: This one should be treated primarily as a historic cycling facility rather than an active track-racing destination. Council’s 2023 Olympic Park Plan of Management states that the velodrome is currently not used for organised sport. Check current local access and track condition before making a special trip rather than assuming organised track sessions are available.

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

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.

The Wisemans Ferry to Wollombi Gravel Ride is a brilliant point-to-point cycling adventure linking the Hawkesbury with the Hunter Valley through historic St Albans, remote gravel roads and spectacular sandstone country. Starting at Wisemans Ferry, the adventure begins with a crossing of the Hawkesbury River before heading north along Settlers Road towards St Albans. This opening section delivers some beautiful gravel riding, following the Macdonald River beneath sandstone cliffs and through quiet bushland. Historic St Albans makes a perfect first stop before the route continues north along Wollombi Road. From here, things become increasingly remote as the road winds through the valley, with creek crossings, forest, sandstone formations and long stretches of gravel creating a genuine backcountry feel. Eventually the route climbs away from the valley towards the Great North Road, part of the historic convict-built route originally constructed to connect Sydney with the Hunter Valley. From here, riders continue towards Laguna and Wollombi, eventually rolling into one of the Hunter Valley's best-known historic villages. At around 80km point-to-point, this makes a fantastic big day on the gravel bike, but it can just as easily become part of a longer bikepacking adventure. Stay overnight around Wollombi, continue further into the Hunter Valley or build the route into a multi-day journey linking Sydney, the Hawkesbury and Hunter by bike. Expect a mixture of smooth gravel, unsealed country roads and sealed sections, along with sustained climbing as you travel north. Conditions can vary considerably after rain, so the ride can feel very different depending on when you tackle it. For riders searching for gravel riding near Sydney, this is a cracker — historic roads, remote valleys and some seriously good gravel, all connecting two destinations that are worth visiting in their own right. RTS Tip: This is a point-to-point ride, so organise your return transport or accommodation before setting out. Services become limited once you leave St Albans, and mobile reception can be patchy through the valleys. Carry sufficient food and water, repair gear and offline navigation, and check current road, ferry, weather and fire conditions before leaving.

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.