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The Broken Hill to Silverton Rail Trail offers a rugged taste of Outback NSW cycling, following part of the historic railway corridor between Broken Hill and the famous outback village of Silverton. Currently, approximately 10km of the old railway formation is open at the Silverton end, providing an adventurous off-road ride through the incredible red-earth landscapes of Far West NSW. This isn't your typical smooth rail trail. Expect coarse gravel, loose sand and rough sections, with a mountain bike the best choice for tackling the changing outback surfaces. A couple of the old railway bridges have also been restored for walkers and riders, adding to the heritage experience. The corridor has a fascinating history. It once formed part of the Silverton Tramway, a private narrow-gauge railway constructed in 1888 to transport ore from the Silverton mines towards South Australia. When mineral discoveries shifted activity towards Broken Hill, the railway became an important link in the development of the region. Today, riding the open section combines that railway history with some seriously distinctive scenery — vast horizons, rocky ranges and the classic desert landscapes surrounding Silverton. And Silverton itself is worth the journey. The tiny historic mining settlement has become one of Australia's best-known outback destinations, famous for its heritage buildings, pub, galleries and connection with movies including Mad Max 2. For riders searching for cycling in Broken Hill, bike rides around Silverton, Outback NSW cycling or rail trails in western NSW, the open section provides a unique little adventure while exploring the region. RTS Tip: The full Broken Hill to Silverton Rail Trail is NOT currently open. Only around 10km at the Silverton end is available as rail trail, and much of the remaining former railway corridor passes through private land. Do not follow the old railway formation beyond the officially accessible section. Conditions are remote, exposed and can become extremely hot. Carry plenty of water, sun protection, repair equipment and navigation, and check current access and weather conditions before setting out.

he Red Centre is an unforgettable 1,027 km bikepacking expedition through the heart of Australia's Outback, featuring 76% unsealed roads and tracks across two spectacular loops starting and finishing in Alice Springs (Mparntwe). Designed as a 14-day adventure, the route traverses the ancient West and East MacDonnell Ranges, taking riders through rugged mountain ranges, remote desert plains, rocky gorges, dry riverbeds and culturally significant Aboriginal sites including Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Trephina Gorge and N'Dhala Gorge. Expect quiet gravel roads, 4WD tracks, sandy sections and a small amount of singletrack, with over 4,800 metres of climbing and a strong focus on self-sufficiency. Best ridden between May and August, this is a true wilderness bikepacking journey requiring careful planning, the ability to carry several days of food and water, and an appreciation for one of Australia's most iconic and remote landscapes.

West MacDonnell Backroads – Red Centre Gravel Cycling The West MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs offer an incredible backdrop for gravel and adventure cycling, with desert roads, remote backcountry tracks and huge Central Australian landscapes creating a riding experience unlike almost anywhere else in Australia. Known as Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, the ranges stretch west from Alice Springs through ancient rocky country dotted with spectacular gorges, waterholes and towering red escarpments. For cyclists, the adventure isn't about one defined gravel route. Instead, the wider West MacDonnell and Red Centre backroads provide opportunities to link quiet roads, dirt tracks and remote outback routes into anything from a day ride to a serious multi-day bikepacking journey. Close to Alice Springs, riders can start with the dedicated Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path, a sealed off-road cycling route running approximately 17km from near Flynn's Grave to Simpsons Gap. From there, experienced adventure riders can look further afield towards the network of roads and permitted tracks surrounding the ranges. For those chasing something much bigger, the wider Red Centre also forms part of established long-distance bikepacking routes combining gravel roads, 4WD tracks, sandy riverbeds and remote outback riding. The landscape is the real highlight. Expect red quartzite ranges rising sharply from the desert, river red gums lining normally dry creek beds, huge skies and some spectacular Central Australian sunsets. This is also Arrernte Country, and riders should respect the cultural significance of the landscape, follow access requirements and stay on roads and tracks where cycling is permitted. RTS Tip: Don't assume every track shown on a map through the West MacDonnell Ranges is open to bikes. Some routes are walking-only, culturally sensitive, restricted or require permits. Remote Central Australian riding also requires serious preparation. Water can be extremely limited, mobile reception is unreliable and temperatures can be extreme. Check current NT Parks, road, weather and access information, carry offline navigation and appropriate emergency communication, and plan water and resupply carefully. Ride The State will work on adding suitable West MacDonnell and Red Centre cycling routes as individual Ride Cards over time. Until then, use official access information and verified mapping when planning your adventure.

Broken Hill MTB Trails Broken Hill offers a completely different kind of mountain biking experience, with local trails and tracks surrounded by the rugged, rocky landscapes of Outback NSW. The Broken Hill MTB trail network gives riders the chance to get off-road and explore terrain shaped by the Barrier Ranges, with hard-packed dirt, loose rock, natural features and classic red-earth riding creating a distinctly outback feel. Rather than the manicured flow trails of a major bike park, riding around Broken Hill is about natural terrain and local trails, with the dry landscape, rocky hills and huge open skies providing a spectacular backdrop. The surrounding country also makes Broken Hill an interesting stop for riders travelling through Far West NSW. The nearby Barrier Ranges, Silverton and desert landscapes provide plenty of opportunities to combine a ride with a bigger outback road trip. Broken Hill itself is one of Australia's most distinctive regional cities, so there's plenty to explore once the bikes are packed away — from its mining history and art scene to the incredible desert landscapes and sunsets surrounding town. Whether you're searching for mountain biking in Broken Hill, Broken Hill bike trails, MTB riding in Outback NSW or cycling in Far West NSW, the local trail network offers another way to experience the Silver City. RTS Tip: Broken Hill's MTB riding is a local trail network rather than a major formally managed mountain bike park, and detailed trail information can be limited. Check current local mapping and access before riding, respect private property and any signed restrictions, and come prepared for the conditions. Heat can be extreme and water and shade limited, so plan accordingly and avoid remote riding in unsuitable weather.

Following the Finke River is an extraordinary 524km cycling expedition through the heart of Central Australia, following one of the world's great ancient river systems through remote desert, sandy riverbeds and spectacular outback landscapes. In 2018, Australian explorer Dr Kate Leeming OAM set out to follow the Finke River — known as Larapinta to the local Arrernte people — by bicycle. Beginning in the West MacDonnell Ranges, the journey followed the river south through places including Glen Helen Gorge, Hermannsburg, Palm Valley, Finke Gorge and Boggy Hole before continuing deeper into the desert towards Finke. This was far from a conventional mountain bike or gravel route. Much of the riding involved negotiating deep sand, loose riverbeds, station tracks and extremely remote terrain. Kate used a specially developed all-wheel-drive fatbike, designed to improve traction across soft and unstable surfaces. Completed over 12 days and approximately 524km, the expedition combined bikepacking with vehicle support for safety, supplies and documentation. Riding through deep sand required enormous concentration and physical effort, with techniques very different from those used on conventional gravel roads or mountain bike trails. The landscapes make this adventure particularly special. The Finke River cuts through spectacular gorges before winding across the desert, while sections of its course are thought to pre-date the surrounding West MacDonnell Ranges themselves. Beyond the physical challenge, the journey also explores the significance of the river and surrounding landscape. The Finke/Larapinta riverbed has long formed an important pathway through Country for Arrernte people, adding a much deeper history to this extraordinary journey through Central Australia. RTS Tip: Following the Finke River is an expedition rather than an established recreational cycling route. Much of the original journey crossed extremely remote and difficult terrain and was undertaken with specialist equipment and support. Ride The State does not recommend treating the expedition track as a conventional downloadable bikepacking route. Instead, follow the link below to explore Kate Leeming's original journey and use RTS to discover established mountain biking, gravel and adventure cycling opportunities throughout Central Australia.

The Mawson Trail is one of Australia's most iconic bikepacking adventures, stretching almost 900 kilometres from the Adelaide Hills to the historic outback town of Blinman in the Flinders Ranges. Designed primarily for mountain bikes and sturdy adventure bikes, it weaves through forests, vineyards, farming country and rugged outback landscapes, delivering an unforgettable journey across the very best of South Australia. The route passes through many of South Australia's most recognised cycling destinations, including the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Bundaleer Forest, Melrose, Quorn and the spectacular Flinders Ranges. Along the way you'll encounter quiet back roads, forest fire trails, rocky four-wheel-drive tracks and remote station tracks, with scenery changing dramatically as you head north into the ancient red ranges. While many riders tackle the trail over 10–14 days, the Mawson Trail is also commonly ridden in sections, making it accessible for long weekends or shorter bikepacking adventures. Towns along the route provide plenty of accommodation, food and resupply options, while a number of local operators offer shuttle services and rider logistics. Melrose is a particularly popular base, with options including cycling-specific accommodation at Under the Mount and shuttle services from Beyond the Mount. The trail is well signposted with green and white Mawson Trail markers, but riders should still carry official maps or offline navigation. A good level of fitness, mechanical knowledge and self-sufficiency is recommended, particularly through the Flinders Ranges where water, phone reception and services become limited. Whether you're chasing the challenge of completing Australia's premier long-distance off-road trail or simply exploring one of its many incredible sections, the Mawson Trail is a true bucket-list ride that showcases the diversity and beauty of South Australia. Ride Highlights: Nearly 900 km of epic bikepacking from the Adelaide Hills to Blinman. Ride through the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Bundaleer Forest, Melrose and the Flinders Ranges. Mix of forest trails, gravel roads, station tracks and remote outback riding. Plenty of accommodation, food and resupply options along the route, with local shuttle operators available to assist with transport and section riding. Suitable for full end-to-end adventures or shorter sectional rides. One of Australia's premier long-distance mountain bike and adventure cycling experiences.

The Mt Garnet to Lappa Junction Trail is a remote 55 km rail-trail adventure in Far North Queensland, running from Mount Garnet to Lappa Junction, around 190 km south-west of Cairns. Following the route of a former mining railway through tropical savannah country, this is far removed from a manicured recreational rail trail. Expect coarse gravel, rough station roads, sandy sections, washouts and creek crossings, with sweeping views towards the Featherbed Ranges and very little traffic or development along the way. It’s best suited to mountain bikes and experienced, self-sufficient adventure riders. The railway was originally constructed in 1902 by the Chillagoe mining interests, taken over by Queensland Railways in 1914 and closed in 1960. Riders can still see plenty of evidence of its railway and mining past, including narrow rock cuttings, old sleepers, stone bridges, culverts and cut-and-fill earthworks. Frangipani and mango trees along the route also mark the sites of former mines and homesteads, adding to the feeling of travelling through an almost forgotten part of Queensland’s mining history. The route can be ridden in either direction, although Mount Garnet to Lappa Junction generally provides the more favourable south-to-north ride. Lappa Junction sits on the historic Cairns-to-Forsayth railway used by the Savannahlander, and the old Lappa pub and small museum make an interesting finish to the journey. There is no accommodation at Lappa Junction itself, with the nearest accommodation around 23 km further away at Almaden, so transport and overnight logistics need to be planned before setting out. For riders chasing a much bigger Far North Queensland cycling adventure, Mt Garnet to Lappa can form part of a multi-day Savannah and Atherton Tablelands journey, with other remote rides including the nearby Irvinebank to Boonmoo Rail Trail. RTS Tip: Treat this as a remote outback MTB adventure, not a typical rail trail. There are no services between Mount Garnet and Lappa Junction and mobile reception is limited or non-existent, so carry plenty of water, food, first aid, repair gear, offline navigation and a reliable emergency communication device. California Creek can become impassable during the wet season, while parts of Nymbool Road can be very sandy. A vehicle shuttle or support vehicle is worth organising, as a 110 km out-and-back makes this a seriously big day.