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The Lapstone Zig Zag is a short but fascinating heritage rail trail at Glenbrook and Lapstone in the Lower Blue Mountains, following sections of the original railway built to carry trains up the steep eastern escarpment of the Blue Mountains. At around 1.5km, the rail trail is more about history and exploration than big kilometres. The original Knapsack Zig Zag opened to railway traffic in 1867 and was an extraordinary piece of engineering for its time — the first complete zig zag constructed on a main railway line anywhere in the world. It was bypassed after only 27 years when the original Glenbrook Tunnel opened. One of the highlights is the spectacular Knapsack Viaduct, a huge sandstone railway bridge constructed across Knapsack Gully. When construction began in 1863, it was the largest stone viaduct in Australia. The lower section follows a gentle concrete path towards and across the viaduct, while other sections retain more of the original railway character with gravel, ballast and historic cuttings. At the upper end, a newer smooth asphalt shared trail from Knapsack Street follows the old railway formation through impressive rock cuttings, past the remains of Lucasville Station and down towards the upgraded Top Points Lookout. This section is particularly accessible and gives riders a great opportunity to experience the historic railway corridor by bike. The trail sits within Knapsack Reserve, so riders can also connect with the wider network of MTB trails, fire roads and lookouts around Glenbrook and Lapstone for a much bigger ride. For riders searching for Lapstone Zig Zag cycling, Blue Mountains rail trails, Glenbrook bike trails, Knapsack Reserve cycling or historic railway rides near Sydney, this is a brilliant little piece of Lower Blue Mountains cycling history. RTS Tip: Not every trail branching from the historic railway formation is rideable. In particular, the dirt paths descending beneath Knapsack Viaduct towards Elizabeth Lookout are walking-only. Stick to cycling-permitted sections and use current mapping to explore the wider Knapsack network.

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

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

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

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

Stringline is one of the gravity-focused trails within Knapsack Reserve at Glenbrook in the lower Blue Mountains, offering a short but action-packed descent for riders looking for something more technical. Expect steep sections, rocky and loose terrain, technical lines and features that reward confident bike handling. It’s a trail designed to be sessioned, with plenty packed into the descent and easy access to the wider Knapsack trail network for riders wanting to build it into a bigger day. RTS Tip: Take your first run slowly and inspect unfamiliar features before committing — Stringline can be loose, rocky and unforgiving when ridden at speed. It’s best suited to confident riders with appropriate equipment, and conditions can change quickly after rain or trail maintenance. Water is available at Knapsack Football oval.

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

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

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.

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.