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The North-East Tasmania Rail Trail is a beautiful 26 km gravel cycling and walking trail from Scottsdale to Tulendeena at Billycock Hill, around 60 km north-east of Launceston. Following the former Launceston–Scottsdale railway corridor, the trail travels through rolling farmland, open bushland and increasingly dense forest, with spectacular fern-lined railway cuttings, old station sites and huge embankments providing reminders of the railway that once crossed this part of north-east Tasmania. The predominantly compacted gravel surface and gentle railway gradients make it suitable for mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, touring bikes, e-bikes and families. Starting at the old Scottsdale Railway Station, the first 10 km descends through farmland and bushland towards Tonganah, passing Lings Siding, crossing the Tasman Highway twice and eventually crossing the Great Forester River. Riders looking for a shorter trip can turn around at Tonganah for approximately 20 km return, while an even easier family option is the roughly 3 km ride from Scottsdale to Northeast Park. Beyond Tonganah, the character of the ride changes dramatically. The remaining 16 km climbs steadily towards Tulendeena and Billycock Hill, winding through tall forest, enormous tree ferns, deep railway cuttings and impressive embankments. Historic station sites at Trewalla, Kamona and Tulendeena have shelters where riders can stop along the way. At the trail's highest point there are views towards Bass Strait, and on a clear day it is even possible to see the peaks of Flinders Island. For riders wanting the scenery without the full climb, a great option is to arrange a drop-off at Tulendeena/Billycock Hill and ride approximately 16 km predominantly downhill to Tonganah. From Tulendeena, adventurous riders can also continue roughly 3.4 km down the steep gravel Snake Track to Legerwood, home to the town's famous carved memorial trees. The trail is also planned to become considerably longer. Stage 3 proposes another 40 km between Scottsdale and Lilydale Falls, which would create a continuous trail of around 66 km and include the remarkable approximately 700 m-long railway tunnel at Tunnel. As of 2026, that extension remains in planning and forms part of Dorset Council's broader proposed regional trail network. RTS Tip: If you're riding the full trail from Scottsdale, remember that the easy descent towards Tonganah is followed by a long, gradual 16 km climb to Billycock Hill — but you get a brilliant run back down on the return. There are no food services along the trail or at Tulendeena, so stock up in Scottsdale and carry enough water and food for your ride. For a shorter adventure, shuttle to Billycock Hill and enjoy the predominantly downhill ride through the fern-filled forest to Tonganah.

Anstey Hill Recreation Park brings a surprisingly varied MTB network to Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs, with around 25km of shared-use trails and eight designated mountain bike routes ranging from easy through to advanced. Beginners can start on the short Little Quarry Loop, while intermediate riders can explore loops including Yellow-tail, Silver Mine, Wednesday, Bursaria and Pink Gum. For experienced riders, Grand Canyon Downhill and Wildside Downhill are dedicated one-way advanced descents, throwing in jumps, drop-offs, rock gardens, berms and technical singletrack. Add in old quarries, historic mine workings, native bushland and views across the Adelaide Plains and there’s plenty to explore without travelling far from the city. RTS Tip: Anstey Hill mixes shared-use trails, MTB-only descents and walking-only tracks, so check the park map and signage as you ride. If you’re chasing the technical stuff, work your way towards Grand Canyon and Wildside, while newer riders will find the Little Quarry Loop a much friendlier starting point. Avoid riding when trails are wet or muddy, and check park and fire closures before heading out.

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

The Ben Lomond Gravel Climb is one of Tasmania’s most iconic cycling challenges, climbing deep into Ben Lomond National Park before tackling the spectacular switchbacks of Jacobs Ladder. From the turn onto Ben Lomond Road, riders face roughly 18km of predominantly gravel climbing, gaining more than 1,000m on the journey towards the alpine plateau. The finale is the unforgettable Jacobs Ladder — a steep, narrow series of switchbacks cut dramatically into the mountainside, with gradients pushing into double figures and huge views opening across north-east Tasmania. It’s a serious climb, but for experienced gravel riders it delivers one of the most memorable ascents in Australia. RTS Tip: Save something for Jacobs Ladder — the final switchbacks are the steepest and roughest part of the climb, and the descent demands just as much respect. Conditions can change rapidly at this elevation, so pack layers, check the weather and current park alerts before setting out. During snowy or icy conditions the access road can close without notice, making this one best planned around suitable conditions.

Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails has transformed the former tin-mining town of Derby in north-east Tasmania into one of Australia’s premier mountain biking destinations. The wider network features more than 125km of purpose-built trails, weaving through spectacular temperate rainforest, giant ferns, granite boulders, rivers and old mining landscapes. The main Derby network alone has 35 purpose-built trails, ranging from family-friendly green runs such as Rapids and Lake Derby through flowing intermediate singletrack and iconic technical trails including Trouty, Detonate, Black Dragon and Kumma-Gutza. Add shuttle-accessed descents, huge rock slabs, jumps, berms and longer wilderness adventures like the Blue Tier and you’ve got a destination worthy of several days on the bike. Blue Derby has also hosted rounds of the Enduro World Cup, cementing its reputation on the international MTB stage. RTS Tip: Don’t try to squeeze Derby into a single day — stay a few nights and explore the network properly. The main Derby trails are free to ride year-round, with climbing trails providing access throughout the network or paid uplift shuttles available if you’d rather save your legs for the descents. If you’re planning to ride Blue Tier or Big Chook, check their status before travelling as these trails have an annual winter closure, generally from July until late September depending on conditions.

The Blue Tier is one of Tasmania’s iconic wilderness mountain bike rides and a must-do part of the wider Blue Derby experience. Starting high at Poimena, the 22km blue-rated one-way trail takes riders through a spectacular mix of sub-alpine terrain, giant granite boulders, crystal-clear streams and dark myrtle rainforest before descending towards Weldborough. While there’s plenty of descending, this isn’t simply a gravity run — expect pedalling and short climbs along the way as the trail follows a landscape shaped by Tasmania’s historic tin-mining era. Remote, beautiful and completely different to the trails closer to Derby, Blue Tier delivers a genuine backcountry adventure. RTS Tip: Organise your logistics before you ride. Blue Tier is one-way and remote, with very limited mobile reception, so pre-booking a shuttle to the Poimena trailhead is the easiest option. Carry food, water, spares and extra layers, and check the trail status before heading out. Blue Tier has an annual winter closure from July until around late September, with reopening dependent on conditions.

Bowden Spur Mountain Bike Area in Kinglake National Park is home to Shepherds Track, a purpose-built 2km downhill trail designed for experienced gravity riders. Dropping around 233m down the spur, Shepherds is rated Double Black Diamond and packs in steep gradients, dirt jumps, rock gardens, flowing berms, off-camber sections and technical rocky terrain. Built in 2012, it remains one of the more challenging downhill MTB experiences within easy reach of Melbourne. This is a dedicated downhill/enduro ride rather than a broader trail network, with vehicle access to the car park at the top of Bowden Spur allowing riders to organise shuttle runs. Parks Victoria recommends downhill or enduro bikes, along with a full-face helmet and body armour. RTS Tip: Shepherds is genuinely advanced terrain — this isn’t the place to progress onto your first black trail. Experienced riders should arrive with appropriate protective gear, plenty of water and a plan for getting back to the top. There’s no drinking water at the trail, and conditions can change quickly with weather, fire danger or maintenance, so check Parks Victoria updates before heading out.

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.

Mount Lofty, rising above Adelaide in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, offers a fantastic mix of mountain biking, shared-use trails and challenging road cycling within and around Cleland National Park. Rather than being a single MTB park, Mount Lofty forms part of a much larger network of fire tracks and designated cycling trails connecting Crafers, Cleland Wildlife Park, Chambers Gully and Mount Lofty Summit. Riders can expect sustained climbing, fast fire-road descents, natural surfaces, creek crossings, stringybark and blue gum forest and spectacular views across Adelaide and the surrounding Mount Lofty Ranges. Popular MTB options include the Crafers to Mount Lofty Link Trail, Wine Shanty Trail, Chambers Gully to Crafers Link, Measdays Loop and Adventure Loop. The Steub Trail provides a gentler 7 km return route between Cleland Wildlife Park and Mount Lofty Summit, while the 12 km one-way Chambers Gully to Crafers Link can be extended with a 2.6 km spur to the summit. Riders looking for a longer adventure can combine several of these shared-use trails into a substantial loop through Cleland National Park. Mount Lofty is also one of Adelaide’s iconic road cycling climbs. The Old Freeway/Crafers Bikeway provides roughly 9 km of climbing from near the Glen Osmond Tollgate towards Crafers, with riders able to continue to Mount Lofty Summit. The surrounding Adelaide Hills roads then open up numerous longer cycling routes through Stirling, Uraidla, Basket Range and Mount George. RTS Tip: Mount Lofty is a shared-trail riding area, not an unrestricted MTB network. Bikes are permitted on public roads and specifically designated cycling and shared-use tracks within Cleland National Park, while many of the famous walking trails are not open to bikes. Download the current Cleland bike trail map before riding and pay attention to signage. If you’re heading for the summit, be prepared for plenty of climbing — but the views across Adelaide make a pretty good reward.

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.

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.

Smiths Gully MTB Park, around 40 km north-east of Melbourne in Victoria’s Nillumbik region, is an expansive network of natural mountain bike trails spread through the steep bushland and reserves surrounding Smiths Gully. Current mapping shows around 26 MTB trails and more than 40 km of riding, with the network focused primarily on cross-country and trail riding, plus several faster enduro-style descents. Unlike a manicured trail centre, Smiths Gully has a distinctly old-school, natural character with hardpack dirt, loose rock, roots, tight trees, steep hills and plenty of punchy climbing. Popular trails include Midden, Orchid, Marsben, Buldwij Trail, Ridge Road, Goat Track Descent and Boomers Drop In. Midden delivers tight switchbacks and fast XC sections broken up by short climbs, while Ridge Road feels more like an enduro stage with tight trees and fast descending. Boomers Drop In is another favourite, combining flowing high-speed sections, sweeping corners and steeper chutes. There’s plenty here for riders wanting a substantial workout. A popular Smiths Gully Short Loop is around 10 km with roughly 190 m of climbing, while the much bigger Tough Smiths Loop stretches to approximately 43 km with more than 800 m of climbing, linking many of the network’s best-known trails into a serious day out. A traditional starting point is the Smiths Gully General Store, with another common access point at Smiths Gully MTB Car Park on Clintons Road. The General Store makes a particularly handy base for a ride, with food and coffee available before or afterwards. The network is best suited to intermediate riders, particularly those who enjoy exploratory XC rather than clearly defined bike-park loops. Many trails are shared with walkers and horse riders, so speeds need to be controlled around blind corners and other trail users given plenty of room. RTS Tip: Smiths Gully is a maze of interconnected natural trails, so download a current map before setting out — it’s very easy to turn a planned quick lap into a much bigger ride. Start with the Short Loop from the General Store to get a feel for the terrain, then add trails such as Midden, Ridge Road and Boomers Drop In if you want more. Expect steep climbs and loose hardpack, particularly in dry weather, and be careful not to stray into nearby conservation areas where bicycles are prohibited.

The St Andrews–Kinglake–Toolangi Gravel Loop is a challenging 90km gravel adventure north-east of Melbourne, combining big climbs, forest roads, rocky tracks and spectacular riding through the Kinglake and Toolangi ranges. Starting in St Andrews, the route wastes little time heading for the hills. Riders climb towards Kinglake through the surrounding ranges, with steep gradients and loose gravel making some sections a serious test of both fitness and traction. Once up high, the route travels through Kinglake before dropping towards Captains Creek Road and crossing into the Toolangi area. Here the landscape changes again as riders disappear beneath dense forest and tackle a mixture of smooth gravel, loose rock and punchy climbs. Marginal Road provides another sustained gravel climb before the route works its way through the beautiful Toolangi forest. Expect some rougher and rockier sections along the way, followed by rewarding descents as the ride eventually turns back towards St Andrews. With approximately 2,000m of climbing and almost 80% of the route unpaved, this is a substantial day on the bike. Most of the gravel is very rideable, but there are enough steep, loose and rocky sections to make wider tyres and confident off-road bike handling worthwhile. One of the best things about this ride is just how close it is to Melbourne. In around an hour from the city, riders can swap suburbia for dense forest, mountain views and some genuinely challenging gravel riding. For anyone searching for gravel rides near Melbourne, the St Andrews, Kinglake and Toolangi area is well worth exploring — and this loop brings some of its best terrain together into one seriously rewarding adventure. RTS Tip: Don't underestimate the climbing or remoteness of this ride. Carry plenty of food and water, as resupply opportunities are limited, and download your navigation before leaving. Wider gravel tyres are recommended for the loose and rocky sections. Check current forest access, weather, fire and road conditions before setting out, particularly following heavy rain.

The St Helens Mountain Bike Trails on Tasmania’s spectacular East Coast are one of Australia’s premier mountain biking destinations, combining more than 66 km of stacked-loop riding near St Helens with the epic 42 km Bay of Fires Trail. The network has everything from easy family-friendly green trails to flowing blue singletrack, technical black descents and genuine wilderness adventure riding, all set amongst granite boulders, eucalyptus forest, fern-filled gullies and coastal landscapes. The main Flagstaff Trail Network, around five minutes south of St Helens, is the best place to start. Eight stacked loops radiate from a purpose-built trailhead, allowing riders to progressively increase both distance and difficulty. Green trails including Trailhead, Over There, Swell Done, Humpback, Eagle Eye and Pearla provide approachable riding, while Rock Lobster, Wedged In, Seeya Later and Old Salty Dog step things up with longer, faster and more technical terrain. Experienced riders can head higher onto Loila Tier, where trails such as Send Helens, Icarus, Shucka and Mack 10 deliver the network’s very difficult black-rated riding. These gravity-focused trails make use of the elevation above St Helens for faster descending, technical features and more demanding terrain. For riders wanting a longer challenge, Dreaming Pools provides a substantial 23 km intermediate adventure deeper into the landscape. The headline experience is the Bay of Fires Trail, a roughly 42 km point-to-point adventure beginning high on the Blue Tier and finishing at Swimcart Beach. Riders travel from sub-alpine terrain through huge granite formations, rainforest and eucalyptus forest before a long ridgeline descent towards the coast, eventually emerging onto the famous white sands and turquoise water of the Bay of Fires. It’s one of those rare MTB rides where the destination is every bit as impressive as the trail itself. St Helens is also designed as a genuine MTB destination rather than simply a collection of trails. The Flagstaff trailhead has parking, toilets, a bike-wash/hygiene station and shuttle drop-off facilities, while the 3.8 km Townlink allows riders to pedal between St Helens township and the trailhead. Blue Derby is around an hour away, making it easy to combine the two networks into an incredible North East Tasmania riding trip. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, give yourself more than one day. Start at Flagstaff and use the stacked loops to find your level before progressing onto the Loila Tier descents. Save Bay of Fires or Dreaming Pools for a dedicated adventure day — both take you farther from the trailhead and require more preparation than a normal bike-park lap. Carry food, water, tools and extra clothing, download your maps offline and check current trail conditions before setting out; mobile reception can be limited on parts of the network.

The Il Monte Loop is a spectacular High Country gravel adventure that showcases the rugged beauty of the King Valley and the foothills of Mount Buffalo. Starting in Whitfield, at the heart of Victoria's famous Prosecco Road, the route winds through vineyards, pine plantations and remote alpine foothills before tackling two long, demanding climbs and rewarding riders with exhilarating descents and unforgettable mountain scenery. As the ride unfolds, sweeping views of Lake Buffalo, the Rose River Valley and the imposing western face of Mount Buffalo provide constant reminders of why this region is considered one of Australia's premier gravel riding destinations. The highlight for many riders is the stunning outlook towards The Horn, one of Mount Buffalo's most recognisable peaks. With changing road surfaces, remote terrain and sustained climbing, Il Monte is a true endurance ride that rewards strong legs, confident handling and a sense of adventure. Finish the day back in Whitfield with a well-earned meal or craft beer at the renowned King River Brewing. Ride Highlights: Ride through Victoria's famous Prosecco Road wine region Spectacular views of Lake Buffalo and Mount Buffalo Two long High Country climbs Fast, sustained gravel descents Scenic Rose River Road Remote alpine landscapes and pine forests Finish in Whitfield with local food, wine and craft beer Suitability: Recommended for experienced gravel riders with excellent fitness and confidence riding in remote areas. The combination of sustained climbing, long distances and varying road surfaces makes this a challenging all-day adventure. Riders should carry sufficient food, water, repair equipment and navigation, as services are limited once on the route.

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

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

Birallee Sports Park BMX Track – Wodonga Birallee Sports Park in Wodonga is home to Border BMX Club, providing a dedicated BMX racing facility for riders in the Albury–Wodonga region and north-east Victoria. The BMX facility forms part of Birallee Park, one of Wodonga’s major multi-sport precincts. The purpose-built BMX track delivers the fast-paced riding BMX racing is known for, with straights, jumps and banked turns giving riders the opportunity to develop speed, bike handling and racing skills. As the home of Border BMX, the facility supports local BMX training, racing and competition and provides a pathway for riders wanting to get involved in the sport. The BMX facilities have also received significant upgrades, including improved club amenities supporting the local BMX community. Right next door is the Birallee Park Pump Track, giving riders even more reason to bring the bikes. The public pump track has two side-by-side tracks designed to cater for different abilities and provide progression towards BMX and mountain biking. Whether you're searching for BMX riding in Wodonga, BMX tracks in Albury–Wodonga, Border BMX Club or cycling facilities in north-east Victoria, Birallee Sports Park is well worth knowing about. RTS Tip: As an active BMX racing and club facility, access to the BMX track may vary around organised training and events. Check current Border BMX information before making a special trip. The neighbouring Birallee Park Pump Track provides another riding option while you're there.

Buxton MTB Park is a purpose-built mountain bike network in the Black Range State Forest, around 100km north-east of Melbourne. The park offers around 23km of singletrack across nine trails, with gentle climbs, fast flowing descents, berms, rollers, jumps and sections winding through lush tree ferns. Most of the network is intermediate, with options ranging from the easy 600m Platypus Circuit through to more challenging black trails. The 13.3km Acheron Ridge is the park’s signature loop, combining jumps, berms, log drops and fast singletrack, including the flowing descent through Spider Gully. Other highlights include Off Camber for a shorter dose of flow and airtime, and Cathedral for riders looking for a more technical challenge. All trails are pedal-accessed, one-way and well signed from the main trailhead. RTS Tip: Buxton MTB Park has a seasonal winter closure, generally from the Tuesday after the King’s Birthday weekend in June until the beginning of the September/October school holidays to protect the trails. There’s no drinking water at the trailhead, so bring plenty with you. Toilets, parking, picnic tables and a shelter are available.

Candlebark Park in Templestowe offers a compact network of legal mountain bike trails beside the Yarra River, providing an easily accessible taste of bush riding within Melbourne’s north-east. The natural-style singletrack winds through open woodland and riverside parkland, with a mix of flowing sections, short climbs, descents and technical features suited mainly to beginner and intermediate riders. Parks Victoria formally permits bikes on the designated Candlebark mountain bike trail network. The park connects directly with the Main Yarra Trail, making it easy to incorporate the MTB trails into a longer ride from Melbourne or link into the surrounding Yarra Valley cycling network. Nearby Westerfolds Park provides additional shared trails, toilets and drinking water. RTS Tip: Candlebark is best suited to riders looking for natural cross-country-style singletrack rather than a highly developed bike park. Stick to the designated bike-legal trails and consider using the Main Yarra Trail to ride in rather than drive. Plans are also underway to connect and upgrade the existing Candlebark trails with new MTB flow trails at neighbouring Fitzsimons Reserve.

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.

Culcairn–Corowa Rail Trail – Riverina NSW, is an exciting developing cycling project in southern NSW, with a long-term vision to create a 76km cycling and walking trail between Culcairn and Corowa on the Murray River. Following the route of the former Culcairn–Corowa railway line, the proposed trail would travel through classic Riverina farming country and connect the communities of Culcairn, Walla Walla, Burrumbuttock, Brocklesby, Balldale, Hopefield and Corowa. The railway originally opened in 1892 and played an important role transporting wheat and other freight through the region. For now, the rail trail is only partially open. Approximately 2km of sealed trail is available at the Corowa end, running from the former Corowa Station precinct to Bullecourt Road. The rest of the 76km railway corridor has not yet been developed as a public cycling trail, and much of it passes through private property. Despite its short current length, the Corowa section can be incorporated into a much bigger cycling day. Corowa sits directly across the Murray River from Wahgunyah, where riders can connect with the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail towards Rutherglen, opening up some fantastic cycling through the wineries and countryside of north-east Victoria. The future vision is particularly exciting. If the full Culcairn–Corowa corridor is developed, there is also potential for another 26km extension from Culcairn to Holbrook, creating more than 100km of connected rail trail and a significant new cycling destination in southern NSW. A local committee is actively progressing the Culcairn–Corowa proposal, with support identified in Greater Hume Council's strategic planning. For riders searching for Corowa cycling, Culcairn bike trails, Riverina rail trails, cycling around the Murray River or rail trails in southern NSW, the existing Corowa section provides a small taste of what could eventually become a brilliant regional cycling route. RTS Tip: The full Culcairn to Corowa Rail Trail is NOT currently open. Only around 2km at the Corowa end is developed for public use, and trespassing on the undeveloped railway corridor is prohibited. For a longer ride today, combine the open Corowa section with local cycling connections across the Murray towards Wahgunyah and Rutherglen. RTS will keep an eye on this one and update the Ride Card as additional sections are officially developed and opened.

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.

Just outside Launceston, Hollybank Reserve offers mountain biking through beautiful Tasmanian forest, with purpose-built trails winding beneath towering trees and through lush bushland. The network includes flowing singletrack, climbs, descents and technical features, with options that allow riders to put together anything from a quick spin to a longer trail session. Hollybank’s forest setting gives it a distinctly Tasmanian feel and makes it an easy MTB escape for riders staying in Launceston or exploring the wider north-east trail scene. RTS Tip: Hollybank can be a great addition to a north-east Tasmania MTB road trip, particularly if you’re travelling between Launceston and the bigger trail destinations further east. Check current trail conditions and closures before heading out, especially after wet weather, and choose trails that match your ability.

The Kersbrook MTB Trails, around 40 km north-east of Adelaide in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, offer a rugged network of mountain bike trails within Mount Gawler Forest Reserve near Kersbrook. Managed on ForestrySA land and supported by the local Kersbrook Trail Krew, the area is known for its more natural, gravity-focused style of riding, with singletrack, steep descents, technical rock sections, berms, drops and jump features alongside forest roads used for climbing and linking trails. Popular trails include Kersy Koasta, Senduro, Jumps Revamp, North of the Wall and Dead Man’s Climb, with options ranging from intermediate trail riding through to considerably more technical downhill terrain. Surrounded by pine plantation and native bushland, Kersbrook provides a distinctly different experience from the larger Fox Creek Bike Park nearby and is a great option for experienced riders wanting to explore more of the Adelaide Hills MTB scene. The wider Kersbrook area also contains shared-use forest trails and the Old Kersbrook Loop, a 7.5 km route through Mount Crawford Forest Reserve that is open to mountain bikers, providing additional options for riders looking for a less gravity-focused adventure. RTS Tip: Kersbrook has a rawer, more technical feel than a manicured bike park, so check the grading and features of each trail before committing — some lines include sizeable jumps, drops, gaps and rock gardens. Download a current trail map, check ForestrySA access conditions before travelling and remember that forest operations or fire restrictions can affect access.

You don't have to leave Melbourne behind to find a great gravel ride. Main Yarra Trail to Petty’s Orchard combines riverside paths, smooth gravel and quiet trails for an accessible cycling adventure along the Yarra River. Following the Main Yarra Trail through Melbourne's north-eastern suburbs, riders gradually leave the inner city behind as the landscape changes to river flats, parkland, bush and pockets of farmland around Templestowe. The gravel sections are generally smooth and non-technical, making this a great option for riders newer to gravel or anyone looking for a relaxed day on the bike rather than a technical off-road adventure. There are also plenty of opportunities to extend the ride or explore connecting trails along the way. A highlight is reaching Petty’s Orchard in Templestowe, approximately halfway around the popular 65km gravel loop. The historic orchard makes a perfect destination for a mid-ride break before turning back towards Melbourne. Depending on where you start and which connecting trails you choose, the ride can easily be shortened, extended or incorporated into a bigger loop. That flexibility makes the Main Yarra Trail one of Melbourne's easiest gateways into gravel riding. For riders searching for gravel cycling in Melbourne, this is a brilliant introduction — accessible from the city, relatively easy terrain and enough unsealed riding to get off the pavement without needing to head deep into regional Victoria. RTS Tip: There are plenty of variations and little gravel trails to discover along the Yarra, so don't feel you have to stick to one exact route. Ride The State will continue adding individual Melbourne gravel rides over time. Until then, use the mapping link to plan your preferred route to Petty’s Orchard and remember the Main Yarra Trail is shared with walkers, runners and other riders.

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

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

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 offers more than 120 km of cross-country trails, alongside dedicated gravity riding, beginner trails, skills areas and a pump track. Trails range from approachable green riding through to demanding black backcountry adventures, with everything from smooth alpine flow and berms to rocky technical singletrack, sustained climbing and fast gravity descents. The riding spans elevations from around 600 metres to 1,700 metres, delivering spectacular High Country scenery along the way. Cross-country riders have plenty to explore, including the renowned 10 km Stonefly, while gravity riders can tackle trails including Copperhead, ABOM, Outlaw and International. Mt Buller’s gravity network offers more than 11 km of descending trails, with shuttle services operating during the green season to help riders maximise their laps. Copperhead also holds a special place in Australian MTB history as the country’s first purpose-built flow trail. The headline adventure is the 46 km Australian Alpine Epic, a black-rated point-to-point ride crossing Mt Buller and Mt Stirling before descending towards the Delatite River. It’s a genuine backcountry ride rather than an all-downhill cruise, with around 1,000 metres of climbing, substantial descending and an expected ride time of roughly 6–8 hours for experienced, self-sufficient riders. Mt Buller is primarily a summer mountain biking destination, with trails progressively opening from around November and the full network usually operating from December through April, depending on conditions. With accommodation and services in Mt Buller Village, bike hire, shuttles and an enormous variety of trails, it’s an easy place to turn a single ride into a full Victorian High Country MTB weekend. RTS Tip: Alpine riding deserves alpine preparation. Even in summer, conditions at Mt Buller can change rapidly and cold temperatures or even snow are possible. Carry water, food, repair gear and an extra layer, particularly if heading onto Stonefly or the Australian Alpine Epic. Before setting out, check the current Mt Buller trail report — the MTB network closes over winter and individual trails can also be affected by weather or maintenance.

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.

Parklands Mountain Biking Trails Parklands Conservation Park, just north-east of Nambour on the Sunshine Coast, is a favourite for riders who enjoy natural, old-school mountain biking. The park has 13 dedicated MTB trails plus around 15km of shared trails, winding through tall eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies, rocky platforms and creek lines. Expect roots, rocks, tight turns, switchbacks, steep pinches and technical natural features rather than smooth machine-built flow. The dedicated network includes 2 easy, 8 intermediate and 3 difficult trails, giving riders plenty of options to link together different loops. Lush provides a good introduction for newer riders, while trails such as Tazer, Blue Tongue and Road Rage step things up with increasingly technical terrain. There’s also a mountain bike skills area near the Radar Hill Road trailhead. RTS Tip: Parklands is known for being rocky, rooty and technical, and the network can be surprisingly tricky to navigate on your first visit, so download the official Queensland Parks map or Trailforks before heading out. Trails can become slippery and muddy after heavy rain and may be temporarily closed to protect them, so always check current park alerts before riding.

The SpeedDome, located on Eddie Barron Drive in Middle Swan, around 20 km north-east of the Perth CBD, is Western Australia’s premier indoor track cycling venue and the state’s only combined indoor cycling velodrome and roller sports complex. At its heart is a 250 metre Siberian pine velodrome, built to UCI Category 2 standards and equipped with international-standard timing and competition facilities. The venue is used for everything from junior development and recreational track cycling through to elite training, state championships and national and international competition. Opened in 1989, the SpeedDome has played an important role in Australian track cycling history. It hosted the 1997 UCI Track Cycling World Championships and has been a training base for leading Western Australian cyclists including Cameron Meyer and Sam Welsford, as well as generations of developing riders. A major $2.52 million redevelopment delivered a new 250 m timber track in 2017, with further upgrades including competition-standard LED lighting. The SpeedDome remains a hub for Perth’s track cycling community, with regular sessions run by groups including Track Cycling WA, Midland Cycle Club and X-Speed Australia. Riders can experience traditional track disciplines including sprint, keirin, individual and team pursuit, scratch racing, points racing, Madison and time trials. Midland Cycle Club also has a fleet of more than 30 track bikes available for hire, helping make the venue accessible to riders who don’t yet own dedicated track equipment. It’s not only for elite cyclists. Beginner Come & Try track cycling sessions are periodically offered with accredited coaches, and recent sessions have included track bike and helmet hire. This makes the SpeedDome one of the best places in Perth for riders interested in experiencing fixed-gear track cycling and learning how to ride a banked velodrome in a controlled environment. RTS Tip: The SpeedDome isn’t a public cycle track where you can simply turn up and ride — bookings are essential, and track access operates around scheduled training, racing and other venue activities. If you’re new to velodrome riding, look for a Come & Try or beginner club session where you can learn track etiquette, fixed-gear bike control and how to safely ride the banking before joining faster sessions. Check the SpeedDome visitor information and current schedule before heading out.

Plenty Gorge MTB Trails, in Plenty Gorge Park in Melbourne’s north-east, offer a huge network of old-school cross-country mountain biking along the steep-sided Plenty River gorge. The local Plenty Gorge MTB Club describes more than 130 km of trails spread across the 1,350-hectare park, with the riding characterised by tight natural singletrack, roots, rocks, logs, creek crossings, short punchy climbs and technical descents. The gorge provides far more elevation than you might expect this close to suburban Melbourne, making Plenty Gorge a favourite for XC and trail riders who enjoy natural, technical terrain. The network stretches for roughly 11 km along the Plenty River, with trails weaving through grassy woodland, river flats, gullies and rocky ridgelines. Popular riding areas are concentrated around Yellow Gum Recreation Area and Goldsworthy Lane, with longer routes taking riders towards Blue Lake and through the wider Plenty Gorge Park. Rather than neatly defined bike-park loops, there are countless interconnected lines, making it possible to build anything from a quick after-work ride to a challenging 20 km-plus MTB loop. Plenty Gorge is best suited to intermediate and advanced riders. The local club specifically notes that there are no green trails in the Gorge, with typical riding involving roots, rocks, logs and steep sections. Even relatively short rides can accumulate plenty of climbing because the trails repeatedly drop into and climb out of the gorge — as the locals put it, there aren't many flat trails here. An important change is underway at Plenty Gorge. Much of the network has historically consisted of informal trails, but Plenty Gorge MTB Club and Parks Victoria are working together to formalise a sustainable MTB network. The current project is focused around the area known as “The Tank” on Goldsworthy Lane, with funding secured for approximately 21 km of formal mountain bike trails that will ultimately be assessed, signposted and maintained. RTS Tip: Plenty Gorge is famous for being a maze, so downloading a current trail map before you ride is highly recommended. Better still, the Plenty Gorge MTB Club runs regular social rides with experienced local ride leaders — a great way to learn the network. Start around Yellow Gum/Goldsworthy Lane, expect plenty of short climbing and technical natural singletrack, and carry water and basic repair gear. With the formalisation project continuing, stick to recognised trails and check current access information rather than relying on an old GPS route.

The Renmark – Paringa Rail Trail is an easy 4 km sealed cycling and walking trail in South Australia’s Riverland, connecting the Murray River towns of Renmark and Paringa. Around 260 km north-east of Adelaide, the trail follows the former railway reserve and provides a largely off-road alternative to riding along the busy Sturt Highway. With a smooth hot-mix surface, gentle gradients and plenty to see along the way, it’s particularly well suited to families, beginner cyclists, e-bikes, hybrids, touring bikes and recreational riders. Starting near Darnley Taylor Park and Renmark Plaza, the trail follows the former railway corridor east towards the Murray River. Riders pass the site of the old Renmark railway station and freight yards, where an original railway crane remains, before crossing several historic railway bridges over the wetlands and waterways between Renmark and Paringa. There are also direct connections from the rail trail into the Renmark Riverfront Trail and Paringa Paddock MTB Trails, making it easy to turn the short rail trail into a longer Riverland cycling adventure. The highlight is crossing the historic Paringa Bridge over the Murray River. Built in 1927, the bridge originally carried both road vehicles and trains, with the railway running through its central corridor. That former railway section is now used as the cycle path, while road traffic travels on separate decks alongside it. The bridge still has its original lifting span, which operates daily to allow larger river vessels to pass. After crossing into Paringa, riders can detour to Bert Dix Memorial Park and Lock 5. The 6.7 km Lock 5 Loop Trail incorporates part of the former railway route before following the Murray River towards Lock 5, providing an excellent extension for riders wanting more distance. Alternatively, head into Paringa Paddock, where two main loops and several alternative trails provide easy, flat mountain biking through the Murray River floodplain. The railway itself was part of the historic Barmera line. Rail reached Paringa in 1913, but construction of the Murray River bridge was delayed by World War I, meaning trains did not reach Renmark until 1927. The line was extended to Barmera the following year before eventually closing west of Paringa in 1984, with the tracks removed by 1986. RTS Tip: At only 4 km one way, this is a great trail to combine with Renmark’s other cycling routes. Ride from Renmark across the Paringa Bridge, add the Lock 5 Loop or Paringa Paddock MTB trails, then return via the riverfront for a much bigger ride. Take particular care at the Sturt Highway crossings at either end of Paringa Bridge. The bridge lifting span currently operates daily at 9:30 am and 2:30 pm, so time your ride carefully — or stop at Bert Dix Memorial Park and watch the bridge lift.

The Rocherlea Rail Trail, in Launceston, northern Tasmania, is an easy sealed cycling and walking trail connecting Rocherlea with Mowbray, with onward cycling connections towards Inveresk and central Launceston. The dedicated old-railway section is around 3–4 km one way, following part of the former Launceston–Scottsdale railway corridor behind the Mowbray Golf Course. Its sealed surface and relatively gentle gradient make it a good option for families, beginner cyclists, e-bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes and commuters looking for an easy bike ride in Launceston. Starting near Hume Street in Rocherlea, the trail heads south towards Mowbray through a mixture of suburban open space, sporting areas and former railway land. The Rocherlea end features several attractive railway cuttings and embankments, with the disused railway corridor running beside the trail and views opening towards Launceston. Riders can exit around Dover Street in Mowbray, which is a convenient turnaround point for a short approximately 6–8 km return ride. Riders wanting more distance can continue towards Inveresk and the Launceston CBD, although the connection isn't completely continuous. A missing link around the Mowbray racecourse means cyclists currently need to use local streets between sections of the trail. From the Vermont Road area, another sealed section continues towards Remount Road, with the route eventually joining a gravel path along the flood levee towards Inveresk. At Inveresk, riders arrive at one of Launceston's major cultural precincts, home to the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery and Launceston Tramway Museum. From here, the trail connects into Launceston's wider riverside and urban cycling network, making the Rocherlea Rail Trail useful not only as a standalone recreational ride but also as a north–south cycling connection into central Launceston. The trail also preserves part of Tasmania's railway history. The Launceston–Scottsdale railway opened in 1889, passing through Rocherlea as it travelled into north-east Tasmania. The line was later extended beyond Scottsdale, and after passenger services disappeared, it continued carrying freight including logs and woodchips. Freight operations ultimately ceased in 2005, leaving sections of the former corridor available for recreational trails. RTS Tip: For a simple family ride, stick to the sealed Rocherlea–Mowbray section and return the same way. If you're looking for more kilometres, continue towards Inveresk and Launceston, but download the route first — the racecourse creates a break in the old railway corridor and requires some local-street navigation. The trail is also a useful starting point for riders interested in exploring more of northern Tasmania's railway history, with the separate North-East Tasmania Rail Trail at Scottsdale following another section of the former Launceston–Scottsdale railway.

Westerfolds Park, in Templestowe around 20 km north-east of Melbourne, is a large riverside park with plenty of easy recreational cycling and access to some informal off-road riding. Covering more than 120 hectares along the Yarra River, it combines sealed shared paths, gravel tracks and bushland trails through open grasslands, River Red Gums and native woodland. The park is particularly good for families, beginner riders, gravel bikes and relaxed XC exploring. Around 6 km of sealed trails wind through Westerfolds, including a section of the Main Yarra Trail, which provides a continuous cycling connection towards Melbourne’s CBD and links with other major paths throughout the north-eastern suburbs. Away from the main paths, riders also use a network of dirt and gravel tracks and narrow singletrack through the bushland. Trailforks currently maps around nine MTB trails covering roughly 10 km, including popular short sections such as Root Problem and Inspection Pit. These are mostly flatter, natural trails rather than purpose-built gravity riding, making the area better suited to XC-style exploring and skills development than riders chasing big descents. It’s important to note that Westerfolds is not currently a formal purpose-built MTB park. Parks Victoria officially promotes cycling on the Main Yarra Trail and other formed shared-use paths, while historical management planning acknowledges informal MTB trails within the wider Yarra Valley Parklands. Riders should therefore stick to permitted tracks and avoid creating or extending informal trails. The surrounding area is set to become more interesting for MTB riders, with neighbouring Fitzsimons Reserve earmarked for a professionally designed regional flow-trail facility. Current planning proposes dirt trails with features using timber, rock and other materials, connecting directly with existing singletrack around Candlebark Park and providing access from the Main Yarra and Diamond Creek trails. Westerfolds itself is extremely well equipped for a riding day, with parking, toilets, drinking water, picnic shelters, barbecues and a playground. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife too — Eastern Grey Kangaroos are common, with wombats, echidnas, possums and plenty of birdlife also found throughout the park. RTS Tip: Westerfolds is best thought of as a family, gravel and easy XC riding area rather than a dedicated MTB trail centre. Use the park paths for an easy spin, explore the permitted dirt trails for a little more adventure, or incorporate Westerfolds into a much bigger ride along the Main Yarra Trail. Shared paths can be busy with walkers, runners and families, so keep your speed under control and give way appropriately.