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Southern Highlands
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Southern Highlands

Showing rides matching “Southern Highlands” across Australia.

GreenValleys Mountain Bike Park is a privately owned gravity MTB park at Tongarra, at the foot of Macquarie Pass on the NSW South Coast. Around 20 minutes inland from Shellharbour and roughly 90 minutes from Sydney, it specialises in downhill, freeride, slopestyle and technical gravity riding. GreenValleys is very much a progression-focused gravity playground. The park features purpose-built downhill and freeride trails alongside a skills park, jumps, drops and an impressive collection of more than 50 timber ramps and drop features. There’s also a large airbag for riders developing their jumping and aerial skills. The terrain is aimed predominantly at intermediate and advanced riders rather than complete beginners. Trails make use of the steep foothills of the Illawarra Escarpment, with technical descents, jumps, drops and freeride features providing plenty for experienced riders to session. The park itself specifically notes that it is not currently designed for beginners. One of the big attractions is shuttle-assisted riding. On scheduled Social Gravity Days, riders are transported back to the trailhead via the park’s sealed uplift road, meaning more time descending and considerably less time pushing or pedalling back uphill. GreenValleys also has a strong racing pedigree and regularly hosts gravity competition. In June 2026 it hosted Round 1 of the AusCycling NSW/ACT Gravity Series Downhill, continuing its role as an important venue for competitive gravity riding in NSW. There are facilities including parking, toilets, picnic areas and camping options, making it possible to build a visit into a bigger Illawarra riding weekend. For riders searching for GreenValleys MTB, Illawarra mountain biking, downhill MTB near Sydney, shuttle mountain biking in NSW or freeride MTB parks, this is one of the state’s standout privately operated gravity destinations. RTS Tip: GreenValleys currently operates differently from a normal public bike park. During 2026, while it works through a planning proposal with Shellharbour Council, the park is focusing on scheduled shuttle days and selected events, with coaching offered only on limited pre-scheduled dates. Don’t simply turn up expecting to ride — check the calendar and book your ride day in advance.

MTB

Welby MTB Trails sit within Mount Alexandra Reserve at Welby, near Mittagong in the NSW Southern Highlands, offering a compact but surprisingly varied network of cross-country mountain biking through native bushland. The trails are on Wingecarribee Shire Council land and are officially designated for mountain biking and walking. The network offers green, blue and black-rated riding, making Welby suitable for everyone from newer riders learning the ropes through to experienced mountain bikers looking for more technical terrain. The riding mixes fire trail and natural singletrack, with plenty of rocks, tight corners, short climbs and technical descents giving the network a distinctly old-school XC feel. The green loop is around 4.5km and mostly follows easier fire trails, making it the best introduction to the area. The blue route extends to around 8km, adding much more singletrack, rocky sections, a technical descent into a gully and some punchy climbing. More experienced riders can add the black sections, which contribute roughly another 3.3km of harder riding. Welby is also used for organised cycling events and has a long association with the Southern Highlands trails riding community. Its location just outside Mittagong and Bowral makes it particularly handy for a quick ride or as part of a bigger Southern Highlands MTB trip. For riders searching for Welby MTB, Mittagong mountain bike trails, Southern Highlands trails MTB, mountain biking near Bowral or XC trails south of Sydney, this is a great local network to add to the ride list. RTS Tip: Welby is relatively compact, so it’s easy to combine the different loops or knock out a couple of laps for a longer session. Stick to the marked MTB trails rather than creating or following unofficial lines. Also check conditions before travelling: Council may close the reserve during Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger, while a High rating means caution applies

Verified by 1 riderRecommended by 1 rider
MTB

Wingello Forest Trails are an established mountain bike network in Wingello State Forest in the NSW Southern Highlands, around halfway between Moss Vale and Goulburn. The forest combines pine plantation and native bushland with purpose-built singletrack, fire roads and forest tracks, making it a great destination for cross-country and trail riding. The traditional Wingello network is built around three marked routes. The Blue Trail is around 7km, following formed roads and fire trails through the pine plantation. The Yellow Trail is around 18km, extending through both pine plantation and native forest. The Red Trail was around 22km, mixing fire roads with more challenging sections of singletrack. There’s also a substantial collection of dedicated singletrack, with trails including Princesses Revenge, Genesis, Everglades, Flinging Scotsman, Cover Shot and Tangles. The riding ranges from approachable flowing trail through to more technical XC terrain, with plenty of opportunities to link individual sections into longer loops. The network has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years. Highlands Trails works closely with Forestry Corporation NSW to manage and care for the Wingello trails, with the first stage of the renewed Wingello Forest Trails officially opening in 2023 and further development planned over time. The Wingello State Forest campground makes this an especially good option for a riding weekend. Camping and trail access are free, with toilets, picnic facilities, parking and a children's nature playground available within the forest. For riders searching for Wingello MTB, Southern Highlands mountain bike trails, Wingello State Forest cycling or cross-country MTB south of Sydney, this is a long-established riding destination with plenty of scope to build anything from a short family ride to a much bigger XC adventure. RTS Tip: Use current trail mapping rather than relying solely on the traditional Blue, Yellow and Red loops. Current Trailforks information indicates that the original Red Loop has changed, with part of the former route permanently closed, while newer singletrack provides alternative riding. As this is a working State Forest, trails can also be affected by forestry operations, so check current access before heading out.

20 kmRoad

Attack of the Buns is a cracking multi-day bikepacking adventure through the Southern Tablelands and Southern Highlands of NSW, travelling approximately 323km from Bungendore to Bundanoon over three to four days. With around 63% of the route unpaved and approximately 4,692m of climbing, it combines quiet gravel backroads, remote fire trails and short sealed sections into a seriously rewarding long-weekend adventure. Despite the slightly intimidating name, this isn't an overly technical route. Much of the riding is along wide gravel roads and car-free fire trails, with some rougher 4WD sections and one particularly steep climb where a little hike-a-bike may be required. The real challenge comes from the distance, climbing and stretches of remote riding rather than technical trail difficulty. The scenery changes constantly along the way, taking riders through dry eucalypt forest, sandy woodland and lush rainforest while crossing several national parks and conservation areas. Highlights include the wild landscapes around Budawang National Park, Red Ground Track, Tianjara Falls, quiet gravel roads towards Kangaroo Valley, Griffins Firetrail and the spectacular waterfalls and escarpment views around Fitzroy Falls. Wildlife spotting is part of the experience too, with wombats, kangaroos, wallabies and lyrebirds all possible along the journey. There are plenty of opportunities for camping along the route, ranging from established campgrounds to remote clearings, making it possible to tackle the ride at different speeds. Riders should plan supplies carefully, however, as there is an extended stretch of around 160km between Braidwood and Nowra without resupply points. Natural water can be found along the route, but filtration or treatment is recommended. The route starts near Canberra at Bungendore and finishes at Bundanoon, roughly halfway between Canberra and Sydney. Public transport options at either end make this a particularly interesting point-to-point bikepacking option, or riders can keep the adventure going towards Sydney and the Blue Mountains. RTS Tip: This is a remote multi-day adventure, so good preparation and navigation are essential. River crossings and trail conditions can change considerably following rain, and riders should check current weather, park alerts, closures and fire conditions before setting off. Use the mapping and detailed route information linked below when planning your trip.

323.3 km4692 mGravel

Eridge Park Velodrome is an outdoor cycling track within Eridge Park in Burradoo near Bowral, providing a dedicated home for track cycling in the NSW Southern Highlands. Wingecarribee Shire Council lists the velodrome as one of the key sporting facilities within the Eridge Park complex. The outdoor 333-metre asphalt track provides riders with a traffic-free environment for track training, racing and developing speed and bunch-riding skills. It has a long association with the Southern Highlands Cycling Club, which uses Eridge Park for track cycling activities. Eridge Park has also played an important role in local racing history, including hosting the Bowral Cup and annual track carnival. The carnival dates back to 1996, and racing returned to Eridge Park in 2013 after the velodrome was resurfaced. Sitting just outside central Bowral, the velodrome is a great addition to the variety of cycling available throughout the Southern Highlands, with road riding, mountain biking and recreational routes all within easy reach. Whether you're searching for Eridge Park Velodrome, Bowral Velodrome, track cycling in Bowral, cycling in the Southern Highlands or velodromes in NSW, this is an important local cycling facility to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: Eridge Park is a multi-sport complex and the velodrome is used for organised cycling activities, so check current access and club information before making a special trip. Council also notes that Eridge Park can be affected by closures during elevated bushfire danger, so check current conditions when required.

0.333 km662 mTrack

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Dungog MTB Park, set within the 650-acre Dungog Common on the western edge of Dungog, has become one of the Hunter region’s standout mountain biking destinations. The Common offers over 30km of singletrack, with trails ranging from easy beginner riding through to difficult technical terrain, plus two purpose-built flow tracks and a fun track. The network rolls through open countryside and forested hills, combining cross-country singletrack, climbs, fast descents and plenty of opportunities to build skills. The trails are managed and maintained by the volunteer-run Ride Dungog, making this a genuine community-built riding destination within easy reach of Newcastle and the Central Coast. RTS Tip: Give yourself plenty of time here — between the XC network, flow tracks and pump/fun track, it’s easy to spend a full day riding. Check the current trail status with Ride Dungog before heading out, particularly after rain. Shuttle services also operate on many weekends and selected holiday periods if you’d rather save your legs and maximise your descending laps.

30 km420 mMTB

Tathra MTB Park’s Bundadung Trail Network is the heart of mountain biking in Tathra on the NSW Sapphire Coast, delivering classic hand-built cross-country singletrack through coastal eucalypt forest just minutes from the beach. Tathra has established itself as one of NSW’s premier MTB towns, with the wider network offering around 50–55km of singletrack and more than 40 trails. Bundadung is the main northern trail network and the birthplace of Tathra’s XC riding scene. Expect plenty of climbing followed by rewarding descents, with tight hand-built singletrack, rocks, log rollovers, gully crossings and natural technical features rather than heavily manicured bike-park terrain. The elevated sections also deliver glimpses out towards the coast and Tathra Beach. The broader Tathra network caters for children and beginners through to experienced riders, so there’s plenty of opportunity to build confidence before tackling the more demanding sections. Bundadung can also be linked with Tathra’s other riding areas, including the Fire Shed trails, creating much longer XC adventures. One of Tathra’s biggest strengths is just how easy it is to ride from town. The main trailhead is near Tathra Beach Country Club, roughly 1km north of the township, while the Mogareeka Cycle and Walkway provides another connection into the MTB network via Katung Road. The trails are very much a community-built network, and that hand-built character is part of the appeal. Rather than huge jumps and gravity lines, Tathra is about linking kilometres of natural singletrack together, exploring the forest and enjoying a proper old-school XC ride in a spectacular coastal setting. There’s also a Mountain Bike Skills Park at Tathra Country Club, giving kids and developing riders somewhere to practise skills in a controlled environment before heading deeper into Bundadung. For riders searching for Tathra MTB, Bundadung MTB Trails, Sapphire Coast mountain biking, South Coast NSW MTB or cross-country mountain biking near Bega, this is one of the region’s must-ride networks. RTS Tip: Tathra is a great contrast to the newer gravity-focused destinations farther down the Sapphire Coast. Think hand-built XC, natural features and lots of linking singletrack rather than a modern shuttle park. With Gravity Eden to the south and Narooma to the north, Tathra also fits brilliantly into a multi-day South Coast MTB road trip.

50 km780 mMTB

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Dungog MTB Park, set within the 650-acre Dungog Common on the western edge of Dungog, has become one of the Hunter region’s standout mountain biking destinations. The Common offers over 30km of singletrack, with trails ranging from easy beginner riding through to difficult technical terrain, plus two purpose-built flow tracks and a fun track. The network rolls through open countryside and forested hills, combining cross-country singletrack, climbs, fast descents and plenty of opportunities to build skills. The trails are managed and maintained by the volunteer-run Ride Dungog, making this a genuine community-built riding destination within easy reach of Newcastle and the Central Coast. RTS Tip: Give yourself plenty of time here — between the XC network, flow tracks and pump/fun track, it’s easy to spend a full day riding. Check the current trail status with Ride Dungog before heading out, particularly after rain. Shuttle services also operate on many weekends and selected holiday periods if you’d rather save your legs and maximise your descending laps.

30 km420 mMTB

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

Verified by 4 ridersRecommended by 2 riders
12 km260 mMTB, XC

Tathra MTB Park’s Bundadung Trail Network is the heart of mountain biking in Tathra on the NSW Sapphire Coast, delivering classic hand-built cross-country singletrack through coastal eucalypt forest just minutes from the beach. Tathra has established itself as one of NSW’s premier MTB towns, with the wider network offering around 50–55km of singletrack and more than 40 trails. Bundadung is the main northern trail network and the birthplace of Tathra’s XC riding scene. Expect plenty of climbing followed by rewarding descents, with tight hand-built singletrack, rocks, log rollovers, gully crossings and natural technical features rather than heavily manicured bike-park terrain. The elevated sections also deliver glimpses out towards the coast and Tathra Beach. The broader Tathra network caters for children and beginners through to experienced riders, so there’s plenty of opportunity to build confidence before tackling the more demanding sections. Bundadung can also be linked with Tathra’s other riding areas, including the Fire Shed trails, creating much longer XC adventures. One of Tathra’s biggest strengths is just how easy it is to ride from town. The main trailhead is near Tathra Beach Country Club, roughly 1km north of the township, while the Mogareeka Cycle and Walkway provides another connection into the MTB network via Katung Road. The trails are very much a community-built network, and that hand-built character is part of the appeal. Rather than huge jumps and gravity lines, Tathra is about linking kilometres of natural singletrack together, exploring the forest and enjoying a proper old-school XC ride in a spectacular coastal setting. There’s also a Mountain Bike Skills Park at Tathra Country Club, giving kids and developing riders somewhere to practise skills in a controlled environment before heading deeper into Bundadung. For riders searching for Tathra MTB, Bundadung MTB Trails, Sapphire Coast mountain biking, South Coast NSW MTB or cross-country mountain biking near Bega, this is one of the region’s must-ride networks. RTS Tip: Tathra is a great contrast to the newer gravity-focused destinations farther down the Sapphire Coast. Think hand-built XC, natural features and lots of linking singletrack rather than a modern shuttle park. With Gravity Eden to the south and Narooma to the north, Tathra also fits brilliantly into a multi-day South Coast MTB road trip.

50 km780 mMTB