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Scribbly Gums MTB Trails Scribbly Gums, within the Redlands Regional Track Park at Alexandra Hills, is one of Brisbane’s most accessible mountain biking areas and a particularly good destination for beginners, families and developing riders. Around 25 km south-east of the Brisbane CBD, the network covers approximately 152 hectares of bushland, with more than 30 trails and around 32 km of riding. Most trails are graded green or blue, and the relatively flat terrain means you can clock up plenty of kilometres without the sustained climbing found at many other South East Queensland MTB parks. The riding is predominantly flowing cross-country singletrack, winding through open eucalypt forest and the scribbly gums that give the area its name. Surfaces are generally smooth and hard-packed but can become sandy in places, with plenty of twists, small rises, roots and natural features to keep things interesting. Rather than big gravity descents, Scribbly Gums is about maintaining momentum, linking trails together and enjoying fast, fun XC riding. A great feature of Scribbly Gums is how easily riders can build different-sized loops. A popular mapped option is the 20 km Scribbly Gums Loop from Kinross, which links around 25 individual trails and has roughly 236 m of climbing. It’s rated as an easy MTB route overall, making it a good option for riders wanting a longer XC ride without highly technical terrain. The trail network also connects into the wider Redlands Track Park and Hilliards Creek riding areas, allowing locals to piece together much longer rides. Scribbly Gums is especially useful for riders building fitness or confidence before progressing to more demanding South East Queensland destinations such as Daisy Hill, Bayview or Mt Cotton. RTS Tip: Scribbly Gums is a brilliant choice if you're new to MTB or riding with kids — start with a few of the shorter green trails, then link the blue trails together as confidence grows. Don’t let the lack of big hills fool you: the maze of interconnected singletrack makes it easy to turn a quick ride into 20 km or more. Download the current trail map before heading out, as there are plenty of intersections. Also check current trail reports before riding; some sections can be temporarily closed or affected by fallen trees and works.

Bayview Conservation Park, officially Bayview Conservation Area, is a huge bushland riding playground between Redland Bay and Mount Cotton, around 45 minutes south-east of Brisbane. Covering almost 1,000 hectares, the reserve has around 60km of mountain bike and shared-use trails, with everything from easy, flowing beginner singletrack to more technical blue-rated trails featuring roots, rocks, berms, creek crossings and punchy climbs. Popular trails include Birdcage, Chicken Run, The Maze, You’re Kidding, Sock Puppet, Doom Hippy, Shark Tail, Sorceress and Vegie-mite, with plenty of options to link trails together into anything from a family-friendly loop to a solid few hours in the saddle. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, start from the German Church Road main day-use area, where you’ll find parking, toilets, picnic facilities, a bike wash-down area and easy access into the network. Bayview’s sandy and loamy trails can be affected by heavy rain, so check conditions and closures before riding and stay off wet trails. With so many intersecting trails, having the official map or Trailforks handy is also well worth it.

Mount Cotton, on Queensland’s Redlands Coast south-east of Brisbane, is home to the Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area, a 186-hectare reserve offering an impressive network of purpose-built mountain bike and shared-use trails. The riding climbs through open eucalypt forest and pockets of dry rainforest on the slopes of Mount Cotton, with everything from easier flowing contour trails through to technical blue and dedicated black-diamond MTB trails featuring more challenging obstacles and features. The broader network includes around 25 km of shared and multi-use trails plus dedicated downhill riding, making Mount Cotton a great destination for trail, enduro and cross-country riders looking for mountain biking close to Brisbane and the Redlands. A major highlight is the variety of terrain. Riders can tackle flowing singletrack, sustained climbing, rocky and technical sections and gravity-focused descents, while the summit area provides expansive views across South East Queensland. The main trailhead on West Mount Cotton Road has parking, toilets, drinking water, shelter and a bike repair station, making it easy to base a few hours of riding from one location. Some trails also provide adaptive mountain bike access. Mount Cotton also sits close to Bayview Conservation Park, which has around 60 km of additional bushwalking and mountain bike trails, making the Redlands Coast an excellent area for riders wanting to explore several MTB networks over a weekend. RTS Tip: Check the latest Eastern Escarpment trail map before riding. The Summit Track and Metamorphic Trail were realigned in 2026 after public access through an adjoining section of private property ended, so older maps and GPS routes may no longer be accurate. Stick to the signed entrances and trails, start within your ability and work up to the black-diamond gravity lines once you know the terrain.

The Bellarine Rail Trail is a 35km shared trail connecting South Geelong with Queenscliff, following the alignment of the former Geelong–Queenscliff railway. The route leaves Geelong and travels through Moolap, Leopold and Drysdale before crossing rolling farmland and wetlands on its way to the coast at Queenscliff. From Drysdale, the trail runs alongside sections of the heritage Bellarine Railway, adding a little railway history to the ride. The trail is sealed from South Geelong to Drysdale before changing to predominantly compacted crushed rock through to Queenscliff. Mostly flat with a few gradual climbs, it’s suitable for a wide range of riders and bikes, with plenty of opportunities to shorten the ride by starting at Leopold or Drysdale. RTS Tip: For a great shorter option, start at Drysdale and ride the 17km to Queenscliff, where you can grab lunch or explore the waterfront before heading back. If tackling the full trail, remember it’s around 70km return, and watch for the major road crossings along the route.

Cape Pallarenda and Townsville Town Common deliver some of Townsville’s most scenic mountain biking, combining coastal views, rocky hillsides, wetlands and open tropical landscape just a short ride from the city. The standout MTB trail is Under the Radar, a long, technical singletrack that winds around the slopes of Mount Marlow with rocky sections, tight corners, creek crossings and plenty of natural features to keep intermediate riders busy. The wider network links into trails and shared tracks including Smedley’s, Lagoon Trail, Shelly Cove Trail and Freshwater Trail, giving riders plenty of options to create longer loops through both Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park and Townsville Town Common Conservation Park. RTS Tip: Under the Radar is the one to ride if you’re here for the MTB, but allow time to explore the wider network too. Townsville’s heat can make this ride much tougher than the distance suggests, so an early start, plenty of water and sun protection are worthwhile. Check Queensland Parks alerts before heading out, particularly during the wet season when trail conditions and access can change.

The Denmark–Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail is a scenic gravel adventure through Western Australia’s Great Southern, following sections of the historic railway between Denmark and Nornalup. Trails WA lists the route at around 68km one way, passing through tall forest, wetlands, farmland and coastal bushland, with historic railway remnants and four original timber rail bridges adding plenty of character along the way. The trail is rated moderate for mountain biking, with surfaces varying from good-quality compacted sections near Denmark to rougher, sandy and sometimes boggy terrain further west. It’s a beautiful ride for those who enjoy exploration, history and quieter back-country gravel rather than a perfectly groomed rail trail. RTS Tip: Don’t assume the full Denmark-to-Nornalup route is currently continuous. Trails WA notes a 14km section between Parker Road and Bow Bridge is not yet open, so plan your route carefully rather than relying on the rail corridor all the way through. For an easier introduction, the approximately 12km Denmark River mouth to Hay River section has some of the best-quality riding and lovely views around Wilson Inlet.

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 Gawler Greenway is a developing railside cycling route following Adelaide’s operational Gawler railway line north from the CBD. The main completed section currently runs around 14km from the Adelaide Parklands to Dry Creek, combining sealed shared paths with a handful of quiet-road and on-road connections. It passes through inner-city neighbourhoods, former railway areas, industrial precincts and wetlands, while connecting riders with other major routes including the Dry Creek Trail, Port River Bikeway and Tapa Martinthi Yala. The long-term vision is a continuous 45km greenway from Adelaide to Gawler, with several additional sections further north already completed but not yet fully connected. RTS Tip: Don’t expect a continuous Adelaide-to-Gawler rail trail just yet. The main Greenway currently finishes at Salisbury Highway near Dry Creek, although you can use connecting paths to continue north via Tapa Martinthi Yala and the Stuart O’Grady Bikeway, or pick up separate railside sections around Mawson Lakes and Parafield. Having a map handy is worthwhile, as a few sections around the Islington railyards use less-obvious on-road connections.

Glenview – Ferny Forest, on the eastern side of Ewen Maddock Dam near Landsborough on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is one of the region’s best introductions to mountain biking. The purpose-built Ferny Forest MTB Loop is approximately 12–13 km, winding through blackbutt forest, lush fern gullies and melaleuca wetlands with scenic viewpoints across Ewen Maddock Dam. The trail is designed primarily for beginner riders and families, with mostly flat terrain, gentle undulations and very few intimidating technical features. Rather than big climbs or steep descents, Ferny Forest is all about twisty, flowing singletrack, giving newer riders the chance to practise cornering, pumping and carrying momentum through the forest. That doesn't mean experienced riders won't have fun. The relatively smooth terrain makes Ferny Forest a great place for a fast XC lap, and the later sections include some particularly enjoyable flow where riders can work on pumping the trail for speed. The original trail was developed in 2015 by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Trailworx and volunteers from the Bushrangers MTB Club, which continues to assist with maintenance. The scenery is a big part of the ride. The trail passes through dense ferns and forest before opening to views across Ewen Maddock Dam towards the Glass House Mountains, making it feel more like a forest adventure than a suburban beginner loop. Access is available from the Steve Irwin Way rest area, with parking close to the trail. The dedicated MTB loop is primarily for mountain biking, while walkers and runners are directed towards the main multi-use tracks around the dam. Riders should also follow the marked riding direction around the circuit. RTS Tip: Ferny Forest is an excellent choice for a first proper MTB ride with kids or someone new to singletrack. There are no lung-busting climbs or major technical features, but there's enough twisting and flowing trail to make it genuinely fun as skills improve. Stronger riders can use it for a quick fast lap or combine it with other trails around Ewen Maddock Dam for more distance.

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

The Hamilton–Coleraine Rail Trail is a 37km walking and cycling trail through the beautiful red-gum country and rolling farmland of western Victoria. Following the former railway line that operated between 1888 and 1977, the trail passes through Wannon, Parkwood and open farming country before finishing at the beautifully restored Coleraine Railway Station. Expect coarse gravel, compacted earth, historic cuttings, 15 railway bridges, wetlands, mature red gums and plenty of opportunities to spot kangaroos, wallabies and birdlife. The entire 37km corridor is now accessible, although a temporary roughly 2km route bypasses the unusable Wannon River railway bridge. RTS Tip: Allow extra time around Wannon and take the short detour to spectacular Wannon Falls, where you’ll find toilets, picnic facilities and even free camping. A mountain bike or capable gravel bike is the best choice, particularly for the rougher central sections. There are also several crossings of the Glenelg Highway, so take extra care with traffic and follow the trail signage through the temporary Wannon River connection.

The Lake Dulverton Rail Trail is an easy 7 km cycling and walking trail between the historic town of Oatlands and Parattah in Tasmania’s Southern Midlands, around 83 km north of Hobart. Starting near the shores of Lake Dulverton, the trail follows the former Oatlands–Parattah railway corridor through an important wetland environment before continuing across open agricultural country towards the old railway settlement of Parattah. The predominantly fine-gravel surface and gentle railway gradients make it a great option for touring bikes, hybrids, gravel bikes and recreational riders, with a return trip creating an achievable ride of around 14 km. The original railway opened in 1885, connecting Oatlands with the main Hobart–Launceston railway at Parattah, and operated until 1949. Today the rail trail combines this railway heritage with classic Tasmanian countryside, lake views and excellent opportunities for spotting waterbirds around Lake Dulverton. Riders can finish at historic Parattah Railway Station, or use the trail as part of a much bigger cycling adventure — including the Oatlands–Andover–Parattah loop, which extends the ride to around 66 km using quiet country roads and gravel through the surrounding sheep country. RTS Tip: For an easy ride, pedal the 7 km from Oatlands to Parattah and return for around 14 km, leaving some time to explore historic Oatlands before or after your ride. There is no drinking water along the rail trail, so fill your bottles before setting off. If you’re chasing more kilometres, use the trail as the starting point for one of the longer gravel loops through Andover and the surrounding Southern Midlands countryside.

The Mary to Bay Rail Trail is a developing cycling and shared-use trail on Queensland’s Fraser Coast, following the former railway corridor between Maryborough and Hervey Bay. When fully completed, the trail is planned to extend for approximately 48 km, ultimately creating an off-road connection between historic Maryborough and Urangan Pier on the Hervey Bay waterfront. Around 30 km is currently developed, although the trail is not yet continuous and riders need to plan around gaps between completed sections. The ride offers two very different experiences. Around Hervey Bay, the Urangan to Nikenbah section provides a wide, predominantly sealed and relatively flat pathway through Urangan, Pialba, Urraween and Nikenbah, with easy access to beaches, cafés, parks and the impressive 868 m Urangan Pier. Beyond the urban section, the trail becomes a more adventurous gravel ride through the Wallum bushland between Nikenbah, Takura and towards Colton, passing native vegetation, wetlands, bird habitat and remnants of the former railway. A separate approximately 3 km unsealed section has also been developed from Walker Street in Maryborough towards Quarry Road. The railway originally reached Pialba in 1896 and Urangan in 1913, carrying agricultural produce, freight from Urangan Pier and generations of holidaymakers travelling to the coast. The line eventually closed in 1993, and today its corridor is progressively being transformed into a recreational trail linking two of the Fraser Coast’s major centres. For an easy family or recreational ride, the sealed Urangan Pier to Nikenbah section is the standout, while riders wanting more adventure can continue on the rural gravel sections. The trail also connects beautifully with the Hervey Bay foreshore shared path, allowing riders to combine the historic railway corridor with a scenic coastal ride beside the Great Sandy Strait. RTS Tip: The Mary to Bay Rail Trail is not yet a continuous Maryborough-to-Hervey Bay ride. There is currently no formal trail crossing of the busy Maryborough–Hervey Bay Road between the urban and rural sections, and the Maryborough end does not yet connect through to the main trail. Check the latest trail map before setting out and choose your trailhead accordingly. For a brilliant introduction, start at Urangan Pier, follow the sealed rail trail through Hervey Bay and add the waterfront path for a longer Fraser Coast cycling adventure.

The Mount Barker District MTB Trails, in the Adelaide Hills around 35 km south-east of Adelaide, South Australia, provide a growing collection of mountain bike and cycling options around Mount Barker, Hahndorf and the surrounding district. One of the key purpose-built riding areas is Aston Hills Mountain Bike Park, featuring trails designed for a range of ages and abilities, including an easy climbing trail, flowing descents, a pump track and dedicated skills zone. Trails such as Aston Flow, Easy Climb and Lower Path make it particularly well suited to families, beginners and riders looking to practise their MTB skills. The wider Mount Barker district provides plenty of opportunities to extend the ride beyond the bike park. Riders can explore cycling connections around Laratinga Wetlands, the Mount Barker Linear Trail, Newenham Linear Park and the Mount Barker Rail Trail, creating longer recreational and mixed-surface rides through wetlands, farmland and the growing Adelaide Hills township. The Mount Barker Rail Trail also connects towards Laratinga Wetlands and the Summit Sport and Recreation Park, making it possible to combine several local cycling routes into one bigger outing. Nearby Hahndorf adds another MTB option at Tara-Illa Bike Park, which contains mountain bike and walking trails of varying difficulty. Combined with Mount Barker’s growing trail network, this makes the district a handy cycling base for riders wanting to explore more of the Adelaide Hills rather than visiting a single standalone bike park. RTS Tip: If you’re new to the Mount Barker MTB scene, start at Aston Hills Mountain Bike Park and use the Easy Climb, pump track and skills zone to warm up before exploring the flow trails. For more kilometres, link your ride into the Mount Barker Linear Trail and Laratinga Wetlands network. Download your route before setting out and pay attention to signage, as the wider district includes a mixture of MTB trails, shared paths and walking trails rather than one continuous mountain bike network.

The Mount Barker Rail Trail is an easy 5 km cycling and shared-use trail through Mount Barker and Littlehampton in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, around 33 km south-east of Adelaide. Running alongside the historic railway corridor used by the SteamRanger Heritage Railway, the trail provides a mostly off-road connection from Childs Road in Littlehampton through Mount Barker to Bluestone Linear Park. The predominantly smooth, sealed surface and gentle gradients make it particularly suitable for families, beginner cyclists, e-bikes, hybrids and recreational riders, although there are a couple of short gravel sections along the way. Starting in Littlehampton, riders pass beneath the South Eastern Freeway before following the railway towards Mount Barker. The route travels beside Purtinga Wetlands, follows creek-side paths into the town centre and passes close to Mount Barker Railway Station and the SteamRanger depot. Continuing south, the trail crosses Alexandrina Road and Wellington Road before finishing at Bluestone Linear Park, where additional paths, playgrounds and picnic facilities provide an easy extension to the ride. One of the best features of the Mount Barker Rail Trail is the number of connecting cycling routes. A 2 km link leads to Laratinga Wetlands, while riders can continue another 3.5 km towards Summit Sport and Recreation Park. The Newenham Linear Park Trail adds another 3.6 km of riding along Western Flat Creek, making it easy to turn the relatively short rail trail into a much longer exploration of Mount Barker. More adventurous riders can also investigate connections north towards the Amy Gillett Bikeway at Oakbank. The railway itself dates back to 1884, when the line connected Adelaide with the railway towards Strathalbyn, Goolwa and Victor Harbor. Regular passenger services ended in 1984, but the corridor remains active today through the volunteer-run SteamRanger Heritage Railway, so riders may even have the bonus of seeing a historic steam or diesel train while exploring the trail. RTS Tip: The Mount Barker Rail Trail is only around 5 km on its own, so make the most of the excellent connecting paths. Add Laratinga Wetlands for an easy scenic detour or link into Newenham Linear Park and the Summit Sport and Recreation Park for more kilometres. There are several road crossings along the route, including busy Alexandrina and Wellington Roads, so use the designated crossings and take extra care with younger riders.

Murray Valley Regional Park MTB Trails – Moama & Deniliquin Murray Valley Regional Park stretches along the Murray and Edward rivers in southern NSW, with huge river red gum forests, wetlands and riverside landscapes providing the backdrop for some excellent purpose-built mountain biking. The park is spread across numerous areas rather than being one single riding destination, with dedicated MTB networks near Moama and Deniliquin. One of the highlights is the Five Mile mountain bike trail near Moama. This purpose-built network offers around 7km of trails suitable for a range of abilities, with fast rolling terrain complemented by berms, jumps, rollers, drops, wall rides and flowing bridges. There’s also a pump track and dedicated skills area, making Five Mile a particularly good option for families and riders looking to build confidence. Further north, the Deniliquin mountain bike trails provide another 12km of purpose-built singletrack close to town. Three loop trails wind through beautiful river red gum forest near the Edward River, with the network officially graded medium and aimed primarily at intermediate riders. The wider Murray Valley Regional Park - Deniliquin is also fantastic country to explore by bike, with forest roads, riverside areas and connections around the park providing opportunities to extend the adventure beyond the dedicated singletrack. The Regional Park itself extends through multiple precincts along the Murray and Edward river systems, so it’s worth planning which section you want to explore before setting out. For riders searching for Murray Valley mountain bike trails, Moama MTB, Deniliquin MTB, mountain biking near Echuca or MTB trails along the Murray River, this is a great region to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: Don’t think of Murray Valley Regional Park as one continuous MTB network. For dedicated singletrack, target Five Mile at Moama or the Deniliquin MTB Trails and use the individual trail maps to plan your ride. Five Mile is the more family/progression-focused option, while Deniliquin is better suited to intermediate riders. Also check current NSW National Parks alerts before travelling, as flooding, fire conditions and other events can affect access in these river environments.

The Narooma to Dalmeny Cycleway is one of the South Coast's most scenic shared paths, offering around 21km of coastal riding between two beautiful seaside towns. Following the shoreline of Wagonga Inlet, the Pacific Ocean and Mummaga Lake, this ride combines spectacular ocean views, abundant wildlife and plenty of great places to stop along the way. Starting in Narooma, riders can fuel up at one of the many cafés, bakeries or seafood restaurants before setting off. Be sure to visit the iconic Australia Rock on the southern breakwater and cruise across the stunning Mill Bay Boardwalk, where it's common to spot stingrays, fish and even Australian fur seals in the crystal-clear water below. The mostly sealed shared pathway continues north through Kianga, passing scenic beaches and headlands with breathtaking coastal lookouts. During the annual whale migration, keep an eye on the ocean—you may be lucky enough to spot humpback whales cruising offshore. The ride finishes at Dalmeny, where you'll find cafés, beaches and the Dalmeny Sports Club, making it the perfect place to relax before returning to Narooma or continuing your South Coast adventure. Suitable for riders of all ages and abilities, the Narooma to Dalmeny Cycleway is an ideal family ride or a leisurely way to experience one of New South Wales' most spectacular stretches of coastline. It's a must-do stop for anyone exploring the South Coast with their bike.

Narrandera MTB & Bike Trails – Riverina NSW Narrandera offers a mix of off-road cycling, bush tracks and riverside riding through the landscapes surrounding the Murrumbidgee River, Lake Talbot and the Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve. Rather than a traditional purpose-built MTB park, the riding here is best thought of as cross-country and recreational off-road exploration through the Riverina bush. The main option is the Narrandera Bike and Hike Trail System, which can be ridden as a roughly 23km route or broken into shorter individual tracks. It starts from town and links bushland, wetlands and sections along the Murrumbidgee River, with directional and interpretive signage helping riders explore the area. A highlight is riding through Narrandera Wetlands and the surrounding Flora and Fauna Reserve, an area well known for its koala population. The cycling route also provides opportunities to explore around Lake Talbot and the Murrumbidgee River, giving the ride plenty of variety beyond simply chasing singletrack. Mountain bikers can also ride the Koala walking track within Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve, although NSW National Parks notes that e-bikes and motorbikes aren't permitted within the reserve. Access can also be closed during and after wet weather when roads and trails become slippery or boggy. There have previously been plans for a more substantial Lake Talbot Mountain Bike Park, including cross-country circuits, downhill riding, a skills area and beginner through advanced zones. However, I couldn't verify that this proposed purpose-built MTB park has actually been constructed, so I wouldn't describe Narrandera as having a formal MTB park on the RTS card yet. For riders searching for Narrandera mountain bike trails, cycling in Narrandera, Riverina MTB, Lake Talbot cycling or Murrumbidgee River bike trails, the existing Bike and Hike network provides a great way to explore the area on two wheels. RTS Tip: Think adventure/XC rather than bike park for this one. Pick up the current Bike and Hike map from Narrandera Destination and Discovery Hub and combine the individual tracks into a ride that suits your time and ability. Check conditions after rain, particularly around the river and nature reserve, as access can be temporarily closed.

Pomona to Noosa is a relaxed point-to-point gravel ride that showcases the best of the Noosa Hinterland before finishing on the Sunshine Coast. Starting in the charming country town of Pomona, the route follows quiet backroads, smooth gravel and sections of the Noosa Trail Network as it gradually descends towards the coast. Along the way you'll ride through peaceful forests, rolling farmland and rural landscapes before reaching the waterways of Lake Doonella and the vibrant atmosphere of Noosa. With gentle gradients, minimal technical riding and a great mix of sealed and unsealed roads, this is an excellent introduction to gravel riding in the region. Ride Highlights Scenic ride from the hinterland to the coast Pomona village atmosphere Quiet forest and farmland roads Lake Doonella wetlands Smooth, beginner-friendly gravel Suitability Ideal for beginner and intermediate gravel riders, touring cyclists and anyone looking for a relaxed day exploring the Noosa Hinterland. Some gravel sections may become soft or muddy following heavy rain.

Old Wells Road BMX Track is a dedicated BMX racing facility at 101R Old Wells Road in Seaford, and home to Frankston Sharks BMX Track. The purpose-built dirt race track has been part of the local BMX scene for decades and provides a proper competition-style course for riders wanting to develop their BMX skills or get involved in racing. The track features large undulations, jumps, rollers and bermed corners, providing plenty of opportunities to practise pumping, jumping, cornering and carrying speed. It caters to BMX riders across a range of ages and abilities, from juniors learning the fundamentals through to experienced racers training for competition. The facility has received investment and upgrades over the years to support the continued growth of BMX in the area, and remains an important home for organised training, club activities and racing in Melbourne’s south-east. Its location near the Seaford Wetlands and surrounding shared-path network also puts the track within a broader cycling area, with connections towards Seaford, Carrum and Carrum Downs. RTS Tip: This is a proper BMX race track rather than a recreational pump track, so expect jumps, rollers and race-focused features designed to be ridden with speed. Check club activities and scheduled racing or training before visiting, particularly if you're planning to ride outside an organised session.

The Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail is a scenic 37.5 km shared cycling and walking trail on Victoria’s spectacular South West Coast, linking the historic seaside town of Port Fairy with Koroit and Warrnambool. The route combines former railway corridor with coastal and riverside paths, passing through open farmland, native vegetation, wetlands, volcanic landscapes and coastal dunes before reaching the Southern Ocean at Warrnambool. With mostly gentle gradients and a mixture of compacted gravel and sealed surfaces, it’s well suited to gravel bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, e-bikes, families and recreational cyclists. The Port Fairy to Koroit section is around 18 km, gradually climbing through farmland and native vegetation towards the beautifully restored Koroit Railway Station and goods shed. Along the way riders pass remnants of the original railway, including old station sites and sidings, while the trail skirts the northern side of Tower Hill, the enormous extinct volcano that now forms Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. This section is a great standalone ride, with plenty of food and facilities available in both Port Fairy and Koroit. From Koroit to Warrnambool, the trail covers around 20 km, descending towards Illowa before crossing the wetlands of Kellys Swamp on boardwalks and continuing towards the coast. The final kilometres follow the Merri River towards Warrnambool’s foreshore and Breakwater, creating a completely different riding experience from the rural section around Koroit. Warrnambool’s Lake Pertobe, foreshore and Breakwater precinct make an excellent finish to the journey. The trail also has a strong railway history. The railway linking Warrnambool, Koroit and Port Fairy — then known as Belfast — was completed in 1890, helping farmers transport produce including wheat, barley, potatoes and other agricultural goods. Remnants of several former stations remain along the corridor, with Koroit Station one of the most impressive surviving pieces of railway infrastructure. RTS Tip: You don’t need to ride the full trail to enjoy it. Port Fairy to Koroit makes an excellent roughly 36 km return ride, while shorter rides around Warrnambool combine wetlands, the Merri River and the coast. If tackling the entire trail, allow time to stop at Koroit and Tower Hill rather than treating it as a race between towns. The trail is generally straightforward, but signage between Warrnambool and Illowa can be limited, and current access from Warrnambool Railway Station requires a detour via Pertobe Road or Harris Street, so download the latest route before setting out

The Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail is a scenic 37km cycling and walking trail connecting the historic seaside town of Port Fairy with Warrnambool via Koroit. Following much of the former railway corridor, the trail takes riders through rich farmland, wetlands, volcanic landscapes and coastal country, making it one of south-west Victoria’s great regional rides. The riding is generally easy to moderate, with gentle railway gradients and predominantly off-road riding. It’s well suited to gravel bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids and touring bikes, and riders can tackle the full point-to-point journey or break it into shorter sections between Port Fairy, Koroit and Warrnambool. A major highlight is Koroit, roughly midway along the trail and a great place to stop for food or a break. The route passes the restored Koroit Railway Station and travels close to the dramatic volcanic landscape of Tower Hill, before continuing through open farmland towards the coast. At the Warrnambool end, riders can continue towards the waterfront and Warrnambool Breakwater, while Port Fairy provides an equally rewarding finish with its historic streets, Moyne River and coastal atmosphere. The trail can easily become the centrepiece of a cycling weekend rather than simply a ride from A to B. RTS Tip: At around 37km one way, this is perfect for a bigger day ride, but the Port Fairy–Koroit section also makes a great shorter option. If you’re riding point-to-point, organise your return transport beforehand; otherwise, turning around at Koroit gives you a substantial out-and-back with the bonus of a food stop in the middle.

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 Smithfield Magazine Rail Trail, around 33 km north of Adelaide, is a short 3.5 km cycling and walking trail connecting Smithfield Interchange with the former Smithfield explosives magazine near Andrews Road. The route follows the alignment of the historic railway branch that once served the magazine, combining sealed shared path, quiet streets, a short on-road section and some unsealed trail near Smithfield Station. Its mostly flat terrain makes it suitable for families, recreational cyclists, hybrids, gravel bikes and mountain bikes. Starting at Smithfield Interchange, riders head south beside the Gawler railway corridor before reaching the wetlands of Playford Waters Park. From here the route heads west via Arcadia Drive and Davoren Road towards Stebonheath Park, which has toilets, picnic facilities, barbecues and a playground. The final section continues towards Magazine Place and Andrews Road, where two surviving magazine buildings can still be seen from outside the former site. The history behind this little trail is fascinating. The Smithfield Magazine was established during World War II in 1941 as a storage facility for munitions produced at the nearby Salisbury Explosives and Filling Factory. Around 95 widely separated buildings were constructed across the enormous site, many surrounded by earth mounds and blast-protection structures. A broad-gauge branch connected the complex with the main Gawler railway line, while an extensive narrow-gauge tramway moved explosives and materials between buildings within the magazine. The main railway connection was removed around 1967. Although short on its own, the trail is particularly useful because of its connections to Adelaide’s northern cycling network. From Andrews Road, riders can reach the Stuart O’Grady Bikeway in around 1.5 km, opening up riding towards Gawler or Adelaide. The Smith Creek Trail branches off near Stebonheath Park, while a roughly 4.3 km connecting route provides access towards the Penfield Railside Trail. RTS Tip: At only 3.5 km one way, Smithfield Magazine works best as part of a bigger ride. Combine it with the Smith Creek Trail, Penfield Railside Trail or Stuart O’Grady Bikeway to add plenty more kilometres. Near Smithfield Station the original rail alignment becomes gravel and then unformed, but you can avoid this section using Graeber Road and Iberia Drive for a fully formed alternative. Take extra care around Davoren Road and Peachey Road, particularly around school times when traffic can be considerably busier.

South-east Brisbane BMX refers to the BMX racing facility used by Bayside BMX Club at Wynnum West on Brisbane’s bayside. The club provides a dedicated BMX racing environment for riders of all ages and abilities, from children getting their first taste of BMX through to experienced racers competing at regional, state and national level. Bayside BMX emphasises skills development, confidence and family participation, making it a strong entry point into BMX racing in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs. The purpose-built race track delivers the classic BMX experience, with a start hill and gate, rollers, jumps, rhythm sections and large bermed corners designed to reward pumping, jumping, cornering and race technique. Rather than being a casual pump track, this is a club-focused BMX racing venue where riders can develop their skills through structured practice, coaching and racing. Bayside is part of the wider BMX South Queensland network, which represents BMX clubs throughout Greater Brisbane, the Gold Coast and surrounding regions. The South Queensland scene is particularly strong, with clubs including Bayside, Beenleigh, Centenary Plains, Logan City and Redlands, as well as the international-standard Brisbane SX facility at Chandler. For riders looking to progress further, the nearby Brisbane SX International BMX C at Chandler provides access to a UCI-certified international BMX Supercross track, including 5 m and 8 m start ramps. This gives South-east Brisbane riders a pathway from local club racing through to elite-level BMX facilities. RTS Tip: If you’re new to BMX racing, contact Bayside BMX Club before heading down and ask about beginner or introductory sessions. BMX race tracks operate differently from public pump tracks, so check the club calendar before assuming the track is available for casual riding. If you simply want somewhere to practise pumping and bike handling without joining an organised club session, Brisbane City Council also maintains numerous public BMX and skills facilities across the city.

The Stockade Rail Trail, around 11 km north of Adelaide’s CBD, is a short 2.6 km cycling and walking trail between Pooraka and Walkley Heights/Northfield. Following part of the former Stockade railway reserve, the route passes through Unity Park, wetlands, mature eucalypts and the Dry Creek corridor before reaching the historic Stockade area near Yatala. The trail is mostly wide gravel with gentle gradients, making it suitable for mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, families and beginner riders. Starting on the eastern side of Main North Road at Pooraka, the trail follows the clearly visible former railway corridor beneath rows of tall gums. It passes the Winds of Change sculptures before entering Unity Park, where riders can explore additional paths around the wetlands. The former Northfield Station site is particularly easy to spot today — it’s now occupied by the Cross Keys BMX track and Pooraka Skate Park. Beyond Northfield, the route becomes a little more adventurous. The original railway reserve is interrupted near Briens Road, requiring riders to briefly use the adjoining Dry Creek Trail before returning to the old railway formation. This section has looser gravel and a steep descent and climb, so it requires more care than the otherwise easy rail trail. The trail has an interesting history dating back to 1857, making its railway one of the oldest in South Australia. The Stockade branch originally carried stone from quarries associated with Yatala Labour Prison, before later carrying passengers. Stockade Station was eventually relocated and renamed Northfield, with passenger trains continuing until 1987 and freight movements serving the Gepps Cross livestock facilities until 1995. Despite its short length, Stockade is useful as part of a much bigger Adelaide ride. It connects directly with the Dry Creek Trail, which runs more than 20 km between the Tapa Martinthi Trail and Wynn Vale Dam, while the nearby Levels–City Bikeway provides an approximately 18 km connection towards central Adelaide. RTS Tip: At only 2.6 km, Stockade is best combined with the Dry Creek Trail and Levels–City Bikeway rather than ridden on its own. For families, the Pooraka–Unity Park section is the easiest option, with wetlands, toilets and picnic facilities nearby. Take extra care around the Briens Road detour, where the surface becomes loose and considerably steeper, and don’t expect extensive rail-trail signage — downloading the route before you ride will make navigation much easier.

This is one of Western Sydney’s best all-round recreational cycling destinations, with more than 35km of cycleways and shared paths connecting Olympic venues, parklands, wetlands and the Parramatta River. The extensive network makes it easy to create anything from a short family ride to a much longer cycling adventure. There are several signed circuits to help riders explore. The Olympic Circuit is around 7.6km and passes landmarks from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, including the Olympic Cauldron and major sporting venues. The 11km River Heritage Circuit heads towards the Parramatta River and historic Newington Armory, while the easier 5.5km Parklands Circuit explores Bicentennial Park, Lake Belvedere, mangroves and wetlands. For families and newer riders, Bicentennial Park is particularly good, with wide shared paths, playgrounds, picnic areas and a dedicated children’s cycling loop. Bikes can also be hired within the park, including kids’ bikes, geared bikes, tandems and bikes with child-carrying options. There’s more than just easy cycleways too. Riders can check out Monster BMX and Mountain X, while Sydney BMX Club adds dedicated BMX riding to the precinct. One of the biggest advantages of Olympic Park is its connectivity. The cycleways link into the wider Parramatta River cycling network, making it possible to continue towards Parramatta, Rhodes and other parts of Sydney rather than simply riding loops within the park. For riders searching for Sydney Olympic Park cycling, Western Sydney bike trails, family bike rides in Sydney, Parramatta River cycling or traffic-free cycling in Sydney, this is easily one of the most versatile places to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, the 7.6km Olympic Circuit is a great introduction. For a longer ride, combine it with the River Heritage Circuit and surrounding Parramatta River paths. With more than 35km to explore, this is one Ride Card where the individual signed loops are worth checking before you head out.

The Torbay to Elleker Rail Trail, around 15 km west of Albany in Western Australia’s Great Southern, is an 8 km one-way cycling and walking trail following the former railway corridor between Torbay Community Hall and Elleker. The compacted-earth trail is mostly flat and easy-going, travelling through a surprisingly varied landscape of farmland, wetlands, karri forest and she-oak woodland. It’s particularly well suited to mountain bikes, gravel bikes and hybrids, and makes an approachable 16 km return ride. Starting at the historic Torbay Community Hall, built in 1912, the trail initially passes through low forest before opening into rolling agricultural country. One of the more unusual sights along the way is Wilsons Wrecking Yard, where hundreds of old cars, trucks, buses and pieces of farm machinery are scattered across the property beside the railway corridor. From here, the scenery changes again as the trail enters wetlands and increasingly lush forest on the approach to Elleker. The final section crosses Marbellup Brook before reaching parkland at Hassell Road in Elleker. The route is especially attractive during spring wildflower season, when the surrounding bush and wetlands put on plenty of colour. Elleker provides a convenient turnaround point, with toilets and refreshments available nearby. The trail is also significant for bikepackers because it forms part of the Munda Biddi Trail, Western Australia’s epic long-distance off-road cycling route. This makes the Torbay–Elleker section useful both as an easy standalone ride and as part of a much larger cycling adventure through the Great Southern. The railway corridor continues the story of the line that eventually connected Elleker, Torbay, Denmark and Nornalup. The first Elleker–Torbay section was constructed in the 1880s to support the region’s timber industry, with the railway later extended west. Today, another section of the same former corridor forms the Denmark–Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail. RTS Tip: For an easy ride, start at Torbay Hall and ride the full 8 km to Elleker, grab a drink or snack, then retrace your route for around 16 km total. The compacted-earth surface is generally straightforward, but sections are more like narrow natural singletrack than a wide manicured rail trail, so a gravel bike or MTB is ideal. If you’re visiting in September or spring, keep an eye out for the wildflowers — recent riders report this as one of the highlights of the trail.

The Waranga Rail Trail is a 19km shared-use trail connecting the historic towns of Rushworth and Murchison in northern Victoria. Following the route of the former railway line, the mostly flat trail travels through bushland, farmland and former gold-mining country, skirting the impressive Waranga Basin and passing the wetlands of Doctors Swamp Wildlife Reserve. The route combines fine gravel with a short asphalt section near Rushworth and crosses several restored railway bridges, including the historic bridge over the Stuart Murray Canal. With relatively gentle terrain and plenty to see along the way, it’s a great option for gravel bikes, hybrids and mountain bikes, with Rushworth or Murchison making an easy turnaround point for a 38km return ride. RTS Tip: Make time to explore the towns at either end — both Rushworth and Murchison have cafés, bakeries, picnic areas and facilities, making this an easy ride to turn into a relaxed day out. There are two crossings of the busy Murchison–Rushworth Road along the trail, so take care when crossing.

The Waranga Rail Trail is a 19 km shared cycling and walking trail connecting Murchison and Rushworth in northern Victoria. Fully completed in 2025, it follows the former railway corridor through Box-Ironbark country, farmland, wetlands and the Waranga Basin landscape. With an almost level gradient and a combination of fine gravel and asphalt, it’s an excellent option for families, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids and recreational riders. The trail begins at Impey Street in Murchison and heads west towards Rushworth. Along the way it passes Doctors Swamp Wildlife Reserve, an important wetland habitat, and crosses numerous irrigation channels associated with the enormous Waranga Basin. One of the highlights is the restored historic bridge across the Stuart Murray Canal, along with several other former railway bridges incorporated into the route. Most of the trail has a fine-gravel surface, while the final kilometre approaching Rushworth is smooth asphalt through the former railway yard. The route is generally easy, although riders need to take care at two crossings of the Murchison–Rushworth Road. Both Murchison and Rushworth have toilets, picnic facilities and plenty of options for a post-ride bakery or café stop. The railway originally opened between Murchison East and Rushworth in 1890, later extending to Colbinabbin, with Rushworth becoming a junction when the branch towards Girgarre opened in 1917. Part of the railway had to be diverted when Waranga Basin was constructed in 1905, and the various lines eventually closed by 1987. The first 8 km between Murchison and Channel Inlet Road opened in 2015, before the remaining 11 km to Rushworth was completed a decade later. The finished Waranga Rail Trail opened to riders on 1 April 2025 and was officially opened on 17 May 2025, finally creating the continuous 19 km route. There are also exciting possibilities for future connections. Plans have been discussed to extend the Stanhope–Girgarre Rail Trail south towards Rushworth, while a future Murchison–Heathcote connection could eventually link Waranga with the O’Keefe Rail Trail. RTS Tip: The full Murchison–Rushworth return ride is around 38 km, but the flat railway gradient makes it a very achievable longer recreational ride. For something shorter, ride from either town towards Waranga Basin and return. Gravel or wider hybrid tyres are ideal for the mostly fine-gravel surface. If you're arriving by train at Murchison East, be aware that the connection into Murchison isn't entirely traffic-free and includes a busy road crossing and the Goulburn River bridge, where riders need to dismount.

The Wiradjuri Trail is a 42km loop around Wagga Wagga, linking riverbanks, wetlands, bushland reserves, hilltops and urban sections into one big ride around the city. With multiple entry points and a mixture of surfaces, it’s a great option for riders wanting to explore Wagga beyond the dedicated MTB trails. The route mixes sealed paths, unsealed tracks, rougher trail sections and shared roads, with generally flat to moderate gradients. Visit Wagga grades the complete route intermediate to advanced for cycling, largely because of the changing surfaces and some more challenging sections rather than major technical MTB features. One of the highlights is the variety of landscapes packed into the loop. The trail follows sections of the Murrumbidgee River and passes Wagga Beach, Wiradjuri Reserve, Marrambidya Wetland, Flowerdale Lagoon, Birramal Conservation Area and Lake Albert, giving riders a great cross-section of the city and its surrounding natural areas. The trail also passes through Silvalite Reserve and Pomingalarna Reserve, where riders can enjoy some of the best elevated views across Wagga. Pomingalarna is particularly worth knowing about for cyclists, as it's home to Wagga’s dedicated MTB trails and the Multisport Cycling Complex. You don’t necessarily need to tackle the entire 42km in one go. With multiple access points around Wagga, the Wiradjuri Trail can easily be broken into shorter sections or incorporated into other local rides. The official Visit Wagga page also provides a downloadable GPX file, which is useful given the changing environments and surfaces along the route. The route also has an important connection to Country, travelling through a number of significant Wiradjuri places around Wagga Wagga. For riders searching for Wagga Wagga cycling, Wiradjuri Trail, Riverina bike rides, gravel riding in Wagga or cycling around Wagga Wagga, this is an excellent way to explore the city on two wheels. RTS Tip: At 42km, this is much more than a casual urban cycleway. The changing mix of sealed, gravel, rough trail and shared-road sections means a gravel bike, MTB or capable hybrid is a sensible choice for completing the full loop. You can also combine it with a visit to Pomingalarna Park if you want to add some dedicated MTB riding — although that will turn an already decent ride into a much bigger day.

Wyndham Warriors BMX is a dedicated BMX racing track located within the Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands in Hoppers Crossing, around 25km west of Melbourne. Known locally as “The Battleground”, the track features a starting hill and gate, jumps, rollers and fast asphalt berms, offering a proper race-style BMX experience suitable for developing riders through to experienced racers. It is home to the Wyndham Warriors BMX Club and has hosted major competitions including the Victorian BMX State Championships. The track is open to the public when official club racing or training isn’t taking place, making it a great option for riders wanting to experience a full BMX race track outside organised sessions. The club also runs coaching, racing and Come & Try opportunities for riders interested in getting involved in BMX. RTS Tip: Check the Wyndham Warriors BMX Club calendar before visiting, as club training and racing take priority. Entry to the track is via the gate beside the fire station on Derrimut Road, then follow the access path around to the parking area behind the start hill.