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

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.

Sydney to Summit – Sydney to Mount Kosciuszko Bikepacking Sydney to Summit is an epic 679km bikepacking journey from Sydney to Mount Kosciuszko, taking riders from Australia's largest city all the way to the highest point in the country. Starting at the iconic Sydney Opera House, the route gradually leaves the city behind and heads through national parks, forests, quiet backroads and remote country on its way towards the Australian Alps. With approximately 13,000 metres of climbing, this is a serious multi-day adventure. The route weaves together bike paths, sealed backroads, gravel roads and doubletrack, creating a constantly changing journey as riders travel from sea level towards the mountains. One of the best parts of Sydney to Summit is watching the landscape transform along the way. The urban start quickly gives way to lush coastal and hinterland forests before the route ventures deeper into regional NSW, eventually reaching open high plains and alpine country. There's some brilliant gravel riding along the journey, but riders should expect much more than smooth gravel roads. Remote sections, changing surfaces, substantial climbing and unpredictable alpine weather all add to the challenge. The ultimate goal is hard to beat — riding from Sydney to Mount Kosciuszko, climbing from sea level to Australia's highest mountain and finishing an enormous journey across NSW under your own power. Sydney to Summit was created as a self-sufficient bikepacking challenge, so riders taking inspiration from the route should be experienced in multi-day riding, navigation, equipment management and travelling through remote areas. RTS Tip: This is a serious long-distance bikepacking adventure through remote and alpine environments. Routes and access conditions can change, so don't rely on an older GPX without checking current information. Plan resupply, water, accommodation or camping and emergency communications carefully, and check current national park, road, fire and alpine weather conditions before setting out.

Como Bridge Rail Trail – Oatley to Como The Como Bridge Rail Trail is a short but memorable cycling and walking route in southern Sydney, following the former railway alignment between Oatley and Como and crossing the Georges River on the historic Old Como Railway Bridge. The sealed shared path runs for approximately 1.5–2km, beginning near Myra Place in Oatley before heading south along the old railway corridor and onto the impressive bridge across the river. The relatively flat alignment and smooth surface make it an easy ride suitable for families, recreational cyclists, touring bikes and riders looking for a relaxed traffic-free spin. The bridge is the real highlight. Opened in 1885, it originally carried a single railway track across the Georges River as part of the main line south from Sydney. When a new double-track railway bridge opened alongside it in 1972, the old bridge was eventually repurposed as a pedestrian and cycling connection. Today, riders can pedal directly across this impressive piece of Sydney railway heritage, with beautiful views along the Georges River and the modern railway bridge running alongside. At the Como end, the path continues through Como Pleasure Grounds, with the waterfront, picnic areas and nearby Como Hotel making it easy to turn this little ride into a relaxed family outing. At the northern end, Oatley railway station is around 1km away, giving the trail useful public transport access. While it's short as a standalone ride, Como Bridge can also be incorporated into a longer exploration of cycling around Oatley, Como and the Georges River, making it a handy connection within Sydney's southern cycling network. Whether you're searching for Como Bridge cycling, Oatley bike trails, Sydney rail trails, family-friendly bike rides in Sydney or cycling around the Georges River, this historic crossing is well worth adding to the list. RTS Tip: This is a popular shared path used by walkers as well as cyclists, so take it easy across the bridge and give other users plenty of room. If the short distance isn't enough, use Como Bridge as part of a longer ride exploring the surrounding Georges River cycling network.

Cooks to Cove GreenWay – Sydney Inner West - is a fantastic family-friendly cycling route through Sydney's Inner West, connecting the Cooks River at Earlwood with Iron Cove and the popular Bay Run. Stretching for approximately 6km, the GreenWay provides a predominantly traffic-free, fully paved cycling and walking corridor through Dulwich Hill, Summer Hill, Lewisham, Haberfield and Lilyfield, following sections of the Inner West Light Rail and historic former goods railway corridor. Officially completed and opened in December 2025, the GreenWay has transformed this inner-city corridor into a brilliant cycling connection filled with greenery, parks, public art, railway heritage and plenty of places to stop along the way. The smooth sealed surface makes it an easy option for families, recreational cyclists, commuters, e-bikes and riders of varying abilities. Along the route you'll pass several short tunnels, landscaped reserves, historic railway infrastructure, playgrounds, cafés and eight dedicated public artworks. One of the best things about the Cooks to Cove GreenWay is what it connects. At the southern end, riders can join the Cooks River Cycleway, opening up longer rides towards Botany Bay or west through Sydney. At the northern end, the trail meets Iron Cove and the Bay Run, making it easy to add another waterfront loop or continue exploring Sydney's wider cycling network. Public transport access is excellent too, with multiple Inner West Light Rail stops located directly alongside the GreenWay and train connections nearby, making this an easy ride to reach without a car. Whether you're searching for Sydney bike trails, cycling in the Inner West, family-friendly bike rides in Sydney, Cooks River cycling or traffic-free cycling around Sydney, the Cooks to Cove GreenWay is a brilliant addition to the city's growing cycling network. RTS Tip: Don't feel like you need to stop after the 6km GreenWay. Link it with the Bay Run or Cooks River Cycleway to create a much longer Sydney cycling adventure. There are a couple of short on-road connections along the route, so follow the GreenWay signage and current mapping, and remember that the main path is shared with walkers, runners and other users.

Dunc Gray Velodrome – Bass Hill, Sydney Dunc Gray Velodrome is one of Australia’s most significant track cycling venues and the only indoor velodrome in NSW. Located at Bass Hill in Western Sydney, it was purpose-built for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and remains an active venue for track racing, training and rider development. The centrepiece is its 250m international-standard Baltic pine track, designed by renowned Australian velodrome designer Ron Webb. The bends reach an impressive 42 degrees of banking, with the straights banked at 12.5 degrees, creating the fast and distinctive riding experience of an Olympic-standard indoor track. Dunc Gray hosted six days of track cycling during the Sydney Olympics, as well as Paralympic competition. It was here that Australians Brett Aitken and Scott McGrory won Olympic gold in the Madison, adding another chapter to the venue’s place in Australian cycling history. Today the track continues to host club racing, training, junior development and major competitions. Bankstown Sports Cycling Club regularly uses the venue, while other NSW clubs and riders travel to Bass Hill to access the state’s only indoor track. The velodrome is named after Australian cycling legend Edgar “Dunc” Gray, who won Australia’s first Olympic cycling gold medal at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The building itself is another reminder of Sydney 2000, with its distinctive roof designed to resemble a giant cycling helmet when viewed from above. Importantly, despite uncertainty surrounding the venue’s future in recent years, Dunc Gray remains operational for track cycling in 2026. AusCycling currently manages cycling access and lists track bookings at the venue, and racing and training have continued through 2026. Riders must hold a valid AusCycling Race or Lifestyle membership to participate. For riders searching for Dunc Gray Velodrome, Sydney track cycling, indoor velodromes in NSW, Olympic cycling venues or track cycling in Western Sydney, this is unquestionably one of the most important cycling facilities in the state. RTS Tip: This isn't a public velodrome where you can simply roll onto the boards for a few laps. The 42-degree banking and timber surface require proper track-riding skills, and access is through organised sessions or bookings. If you’re interested in giving track cycling a go, check current club sessions and AusCycling requirements before visiting.

The Emu Trail – M12 Cycleway is a fantastic new addition to Western Sydney’s cycling network, providing around 16km of fully separated shared path between the M7 Cycleway and The Northern Road at Luddenham, via Western Sydney International Airport. Opened in 2026 alongside the M12 Motorway, the route is relatively flat and suitable for recreational riders, families, commuters and road cyclists, with the eastern end taking a scenic detour through Western Sydney Parklands and past Wylde MTB & BMX. Along the way, riders will also encounter rest areas, Dharug-inspired artwork and the striking Great Emu in the Sky near the airport interchange. Best of all, the trail connects directly into the wider M7 and Western Sydney cycleway network, opening up some seriously big traffic-free riding possibilities. RTS Tip: Wylde MTB & BMX is the best pit stop along the route, with toilets and drinking water available. There’s currently limited water, food and shade once you’re out on the M12 section, so fill your bottles and carry snacks before continuing. For a bigger adventure, link the Emu Trail with the M7 Cycleway, The Northern Road and Bringelly Road shared paths to create a much longer Western Sydney loop.

The Garden MTB Trail is a purpose-built mountain bike network inside the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan in Sydney’s south-west, offering a great mix of beginner-friendly riding and more challenging singletrack in a genuinely unique setting. Camden Council describes it as the Macarthur region’s first designated mountain bike trail and the only MTB trail in the world set within a botanic garden. The network has several loops designed for different abilities. The 1km Kids Loop is a great introduction for younger riders, while the 3.9km Family Loop offers generally smooth riding with a few obstacles and challenges along the way. Riders ready for more can tackle the 2.5km Intermediate Loop. The 3.9km Advanced Loop steps things up with around 70 metres of elevation, jumps, berms, rock gardens and rock drops. While officially rated intermediate with difficult sections, many of the bigger features have alternative B-lines, allowing riders to build confidence and progress their skills. The trails wind through the bushland of the Australian Botanic Garden, giving riders a very different experience from a typical Sydney MTB park. The wider garden covers 416 hectares of rolling hills, native woodland and gardens, so there are plenty of options for families or non-riders to explore while you hit the trails. For anyone searching for Mount Annan mountain bike trails, MTB riding in South West Sydney, beginner mountain bike trails in Sydney or family-friendly MTB trails near Campbelltown, the Garden MTB Trail is an easy one to put on the list. RTS Tip: This is a particularly good network for families and progressing riders, as you can start on the Kids or Family Loop and work your way towards the more technical trails. Trail status can change, particularly following wet weather, so check the current status before travelling and stay off closed trails to help protect the network.

The Goods Line Rail Trail – Sydney The Goods Line is a short urban rail trail and shared cycling path through Ultimo in central Sydney, transforming a former freight railway corridor into a leafy linear park connecting Central Station and Railway Square with Darling Harbour. At around 1km long, this isn’t a destination for riders chasing big kilometres, but it is a fantastic piece of Sydney’s cycling network and an interesting way to travel through the city away from busy streets. The sealed shared path passes UTS, Sydney TAFE, the ABC and the Powerhouse precinct, with multiple access points along the route. The corridor has a fascinating railway history dating back to 1855, when the line carried freight between Sydney Yard and the busy wharves at Darling Harbour. Today, remnants of that past remain throughout the GreenWay-style park, including railway infrastructure and the heritage bridge over Ultimo Road. Rather than simply creating a cycleway, the old railway has been transformed into a public space with gardens, lawns, seating, exercise areas and recreational spaces, making it as much somewhere to explore as somewhere to ride. Its location makes it particularly useful as part of a bigger Sydney CBD cycling route, providing connections towards Darling Harbour, Pyrmont and surrounding inner-city cycling infrastructure. Central Station is right beside the southern end, making it exceptionally easy to reach by public transport. For riders searching for Sydney rail trails, The Goods Line cycling, bike paths near Central Station, cycling in Darling Harbour or family-friendly bike rides in Sydney, this historic corridor is a great little connection to know about. RTS Tip: At only around 1km, The Goods Line is better treated as part of a larger Sydney ride rather than a standalone cycling destination. It’s also a busy shared public space with plenty of pedestrians, so take it slowly and enjoy the railway history along the way. Rail Trails Australia actually notes that while it can be ridden, its short length and many features make it particularly suited to exploring at a relaxed pace.

Hurstville Velodrome, located within Hurstville Oval at 30 Dora Street, Hurstville, is a historic outdoor cycling track in Sydney’s southern suburbs and the home track of St George Cycling Club. The flat 400-metre track provides a traffic-free environment for cycling, training and racing and is regularly used by recreational cyclists as well as organised club riders. Its flatter design makes Hurstville quite different from the steep banking associated with many competition velodromes. Hurstville has a particularly impressive place in Australian track cycling history. St George Cycling Club traces its roots to the Hurstville Bicycle Club before being established under its current name in 1920, and Hurstville Oval has since hosted Australian National Championships on two occasions. Most famously, the track was used by Edgar “Dunc” Gray while preparing for the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games, where he became Australia’s first Olympic cycling gold medallist. The club has since produced an extraordinary list of elite cyclists, including Olympic champions Kevin Nichols, Graham Brown and Stephen Wooldridge. The velodrome remains an active part of Sydney’s cycling scene today, with St George Cycling Club continuing to use Hurstville Oval for training and racing. Georges River Council also includes the velodrome within its recreational cycling network. Whether you're searching for Hurstville Velodrome, track cycling in Sydney, St George Cycling Club, cycling tracks in southern Sydney or historic velodromes in NSW, this is a great piece of Australian cycling history to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: Hurstville’s relatively flat 400m track makes it a little different from a traditional steep-banked velodrome, but organised training and racing still take place. Check current St George Cycling Club activities before heading out and be mindful of faster riders using the track.

Kentlyn MTB Trails – Campbelltown The Kentlyn MTB Trails are a long-established mountain bike network hidden in the bushland around Kentlyn and Peter Meadows Creek near Campbelltown in South West Sydney. Known for their raw, technical character, these trails offer a very different experience from the purpose-built riding at nearby Mount Annan. Current mapping shows around 28 MTB trails and approximately 19km of mapped riding, with a mixture of cross-country, descending and technical singletrack. Kentlyn is classic Sydney sandstone mountain biking. Expect plenty of rocks, rock gardens, ledges, short punchy climbs, technical descents and natural features, with trails weaving through rugged bushland above the Georges River. It’s a network where good line choice and confident bike handling can make a big difference. Popular mapped trails include Rock Trail, Magic Carpet, Spank It, Drop Bears and Boronia Single Track, with numerous connecting trails allowing riders to piece together different loops. Rock Trail alone runs for around 5km and includes berms, drops, rock faces and rock gardens, while some of the descending trails step the difficulty up considerably. Kentlyn has been used by local mountain bikers for many years. Campbelltown City Council has previously recognised the area as containing a wide range of riding, including cross-country, short downhill and flow trails, although the network has historically had a complicated status rather than operating as a formally developed MTB park. For riders searching for Kentlyn mountain bike trails, Campbelltown MTB, mountain biking in South West Sydney or technical MTB trails near Sydney, Kentlyn is one of the region’s better-known old-school riding areas. RTS Tip: Kentlyn is best treated as a local natural trail network rather than a formally managed bike park. Use current mapping to choose your trails and understand their difficulty, and pay attention to land-access signage or closures on the ground. Some trails are genuinely technical, so don’t assume the whole network is suitable for newer riders.

Located in Sydney’s south on the edge of the Royal National Park, the Loftus MTB Network offers over 100km of interconnected singletrack and fire trails, making it one of Sydney’s premier mountain biking destinations. With everything from flowing beginner-friendly cross-country loops to steep, technical black diamond descents, there’s something for every rider. The popular 10km Loftus Loop is ideal for beginners and XC riders, while more experienced riders can tackle iconic trails such as Holy Trail, Bobcats, and Signalhouse, featuring rock gardens, drops, berms, jumps and technical features. The main trailheads are located at Loftus Oval and Farnell Avenue. The trails are not very well sign posted so make sure you check the maps.

The M7 Cycleway is one of Western Sydney’s major off-road cycling routes, running alongside the Westlink M7 motorway for around 40 kilometres between Prestons and Baulkham Hills. Fully sealed and separated from road traffic, it’s popular with road riders, commuters and recreational cyclists looking to clock up some uninterrupted kilometres without dealing with cars. Expect plenty of rolling terrain rather than a completely flat path, with numerous access points along the way and connections into surrounding shared paths and local cycling routes. RTS Tip: Don’t let the cycleway setting fool you — an out-and-back on the M7 can turn into a solid ride with plenty of climbing and very little shade. Carry enough water, especially in summer, and watch your speed around access points, tighter bends and other path users.

Manly Dam MTB Trail is one of Sydney’s most established and iconic mountain bike rides, winding through the sandstone bushland of Manly Warringah War Memorial Park on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The official loop is around 11km, combining purpose-built singletrack, shared trail and fire road into a classic Sydney cross-country ride. The riding is very much old-school Sydney MTB. Expect exposed sandstone, rock slabs, roots, technical climbs, water bars, drops and short punchy descents rather than long stretches of smooth machine-built flow. While Council describes the trail as suitable for riders from beginners through to advanced, there are jumps, drops and technical features along the route, with easier lines provided around some of the more challenging obstacles. The trail is designed to be ridden clockwise, with several access points around the reserve. Gibbs Street at Manly Vale is recommended by Northern Beaches Council as one of the best places to access the MTB trail, with other entry points at North Balgowlah, Seaforth and Allambie Heights. One of Manly Dam’s biggest attractions is the setting. You’re riding through genuine Sydney bushland around one of the city’s largest freshwater lakes, yet you’re only a short distance from Manly and the coast. The wider reserve also has picnic areas, toilets and walking trails, making it easy to turn a ride into a longer day out. Manly Dam is also useful as part of a bigger Northern Beaches MTB adventure. Stronger riders often use the Dam as the foundation of a longer ride before linking into surrounding riding areas, while nearby Bare Creek Bike Park offers a completely different style of purpose-built gravity, jumps and skills riding. For riders searching for Manly Dam MTB, Northern Beaches mountain bike trails, Sydney MTB, Manly mountain biking or technical XC trails in Sydney, this is one of the city's must-know MTB loops. RTS Tip: Manly Dam is relatively short at around 11km, but don’t underestimate it — the sandstone features and repeated technical sections can make it a much bigger ride than the distance suggests. Night riding is not permitted, and the trail can close after heavy rain or for maintenance. Council currently lists the MTB trail as OPEN, but check the live status before every visit because closures can change quickly.

Mill Creek MTB Trails are a well-established mountain bike network within the Lucas Heights Conservation Area in Sydney’s south, offering a brilliant mix of technical sandstone riding, flowing singletrack, jumps and trails for progressing riders. The network is managed by Sutherland Shire Council with ongoing support from the volunteer-run Mill Creek Trail Association. There’s around 10km of predominantly singletrack trails, with most individual trails under 1km, allowing riders to link and repeat different sections to create a much longer session. The network has evolved from old unsanctioned dirt-bike and 4WD tracks into an officially managed MTB area, while retaining plenty of its raw Sydney sandstone character. Mill Creek is particularly known for its rocky and technical terrain, with sandstone slabs, rock features, tight singletrack and natural obstacles providing plenty of challenge for intermediate and experienced riders. At the same time, newer trail development has broadened the network to include more approachable riding and opportunities for riders to progress their skills. Popular trails include Black Hawk Down and Pump Action for more traditional technical sandstone riding, while Hit the Turps and Acacia Missed It bring more contemporary flow and jump-focused riding into the mix. Whipper Snapper provides another option aimed at skill development. The network is the product of a huge amount of volunteer work. Rehabilitation and trail development have been underway since 2011, with volunteers working alongside Sutherland Shire Council Bushcare and the Mill Creek Trail Association to maintain and improve the trails and surrounding conservation area. Located at Lucas Heights near Menai, Mill Creek is an easy MTB destination to reach from much of Sydney and offers a very different experience from the smoother purpose-built riding found at some of the city’s newer bike parks. For riders searching for Mill Creek MTB Trails, Menai mountain bike trails, Lucas Heights MTB, mountain biking in Sydney or technical MTB trails in southern Sydney, this is one of the city’s established riding networks and definitely one to have on the list. RTS Tip: Mill Creek rewards riders who enjoy technical, natural-style mountain biking, but there are now trails catering to a broader range of abilities. Use the current trail map to choose trails that suit your skill level and check the trail status before heading out, particularly following rain. The local association also cautions that user-generated mapping can contain unofficial trails, so stick to sanctioned trails and current signage.

Old Man’s Valley MTB Trails – Hornsby Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail, better known to Sydney riders as Old Man’s Valley (OMV), is a purpose-built mountain bike network tucked into the bushland below Hornsby town centre in Sydney’s north. One of its biggest advantages is accessibility — you can be on genuine MTB singletrack within minutes of Hornsby Station and the surrounding shops. Hornsby Shire Council describes the official network as around 6km of purpose-built MTB trail, while current Trailforks mapping shows a broader collection of approximately 23 MTB trail sections around Old Man’s Valley. There’s a surprising amount packed into the valley, with green, blue and black-rated riding, climbing trails, technical descents, flow sections and a jump area. The terrain has a distinctly Sydney feel, combining sandstone rock, tight singletrack, bridges, drops, rock faces, berms and technical features. Popular trails include Lava Flow, Intermediate Trail, High Line, Stage 1 Black Descent and the Green Loop. Lava Flow is one of the standout flow-style trails, while the black descent adds drops, jumps, rock faces and other features for experienced riders. Newer riders can stick to the easier green options before progressing through the network. OMV’s compact layout makes it particularly good for session-style riding. Rather than heading out for one long loop, riders can climb back through the network and repeat different descents, practise features or combine sections into a longer ride. Its location also makes Old Man’s Valley one of Sydney’s most convenient MTB destinations. Hornsby Council specifically highlights that the trails are only a short walk from Hornsby Train Station, making this a rare Sydney MTB network that can realistically be reached without a car. For riders searching for Old Man’s Valley MTB, Hornsby mountain bike trails, OMV MTB, mountain biking in northern Sydney or MTB trails accessible by train, this is definitely one to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: Old Man’s Valley packs a lot into a relatively small area, so don’t judge it purely by kilometres — the fun comes from linking and repeating the different trails. Current mapping shows everything from the Green Loop through to black descents and technical features. Check individual trail status before riding, as sections can close independently for maintenance or trail conditions.

The Parramatta to Liverpool Rail Trail is a nearly 17km urban cycling route through Western Sydney, running alongside the railway corridor between two of Sydney’s major centres. It provides a predominantly off-road, sealed connection through Parramatta, Harris Park, Merrylands, Guildford, Yennora, Fairfield, Canley Vale, Cabramatta, Warwick Farm and Liverpool. Unlike a traditional rail trail built on an abandoned railway, this is technically a rail-side trail, with the active railway continuing alongside much of the route. The path is mostly flat and straightforward, making it suitable for families, recreational cyclists, commuters, e-bikes, hybrids and riders looking for an easy urban adventure. The scenery changes considerably along the way. Riders pass through residential neighbourhoods, urban bushland, industrial areas, parks and creek corridors, with some attractive old brick railway bridges and creek crossings providing reminders of Western Sydney’s railway history. One of the great things about this ride is the number of places to jump on and off. The route passes numerous railway stations, so it’s easy to create a shorter one-way ride and catch the train back rather than completing the full return journey. Cabramatta also makes a pretty compelling mid-ride food stop, with the trail passing close to its famous restaurant precinct. There are also plenty of opportunities to turn it into a bigger ride. Around Fairfield and Guildford, riders can connect with the Prospect Creek and Pipeline cycleways, while at the northern end Parramatta’s cycling network provides connections towards Parramatta Park, the Parramatta River and Sydney Olympic Park. Ride it one way for around 16–17km, make it a roughly 34km return ride, or use the railway stations and connecting cycleways to build your own Western Sydney adventure. For riders searching for Parramatta cycling, Liverpool bike trails, Western Sydney cycleways, Sydney rail trails or family-friendly cycling in Western Sydney, this is a really useful route to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: While most of the route is on shared path, there are some short on-road sections and busy crossings, and navigation can be unclear around the M4 and Warwick Farm. Take particular care around railway stations and at Pevensey Street between Canley Vale and Cabramatta, where Rail Trails Australia recommends dismounting to cross. Having the route map open makes this one much easier to follow.

The Rosehill to Carlingford Rail Trail is a high-quality 5km shared cycling path through Western Sydney, following the corridor of the former Carlingford railway line between Rosehill and Carlingford. Today, the path runs alongside the Parramatta Light Rail, combining railway heritage with one of the area’s newest cycling connections. The trail is fully paved with a wide concrete surface, making it suitable for road bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, e-bikes, families and recreational riders. From Rosehill, the route gradually climbs towards Carlingford, so riders heading south on the return trip get the easier run back down. Along the way, riders pass through Camellia, Rydalmere, Dundas and Telopea, travelling beside the light rail and crossing two impressive pieces of infrastructure — the bridge over Parramatta River and another over James Ruse Drive. The former Dundas railway station building has also been retained, adding a little railway history to the ride. One of the biggest advantages of this trail is how easily it connects into the wider network. At the Rosehill end, riders can link with paths around the Parramatta River, opening up longer rides towards Parramatta Park, Sydney Olympic Park and surrounding Western Sydney cycleways. The adjacent L4 Parramatta Light Rail also makes the trail particularly accessible. Water fountains are available at light rail stops along the route, and the L4 trams have bicycle racks, giving riders another option for combining cycling and public transport. Ride the full trail one way for around 5km, make it an easy 10km return trip, or use it as part of a much bigger Parramatta and Western Sydney cycling adventure. For riders searching for Carlingford cycling, Rosehill bike trails, Parramatta bike paths, Western Sydney rail trails or family-friendly cycling in Sydney, this is a great little urban route to have on the list. RTS Tip: At only 5km, this one is even better when linked with the Parramatta River cycling network for a longer ride. The trail runs directly alongside the operating light rail, so use designated crossings, watch for trams and cross rails as close to a right angle as possible.

Royal National Park MTB & Cycling Trails – Sydney Royal National Park, on Sydney’s southern doorstep, offers a fantastic mix of mountain biking, fire-trail riding and easy gravel-style cycling through rainforest, sandstone bushland and along the Hacking River. Rather than one purpose-built MTB park, the Royal is a large network where riders can link approved cycling trails into anything from a short family ride to several hours of exploring. One of the best-known MTB options is the Loftus Loop, an official 10km loop starting near the NPWS office at Farnell Avenue. The route combines around 8km of trail with 2km of designated bike track, changing from wide, relatively easy trails to rockier singletrack, creek crossings and steeper sections around Temptation Creek. NPWS notes that linking trails allow rides ranging from around 15 minutes to four hours. For something easier, Lady Carrington Drive is one of Sydney’s classic off-road rides. The historic carriage route follows the Hacking River for 10km one way from near Audley, crossing 15 creeks and travelling beneath blue gums, turpentines and pockets of rainforest. Its wide track and relatively gentle terrain make it a great choice for families, newer riders and gravel bikes, although it can become boggy after rain. There’s also riding around the East Heathcote trails, where approved cycling routes and fire trails provide more opportunities to build longer MTB loops through the western side of the park. Royal National Park specifically operates a “no sign – no ride” policy for singletrack: cycling is permitted on fire trails, but singletracks can only be ridden where they are specifically marked for cycling at the trailhead. With entry points around Loftus, Heathcote, Waterfall and Audley, the park is also unusually accessible for a major bushland riding destination, including options for riders arriving by train. For riders searching for Royal National Park mountain bike trails, Loftus MTB, Heathcote mountain biking, gravel riding near Sydney or MTB trails in southern Sydney, the Royal offers plenty to explore and is one of Sydney’s most established bush riding areas. RTS Tip: Think of Royal National Park as a collection of individual rides rather than one MTB trail network. Loftus Loop is the pick for MTB, while Lady Carrington Drive is brilliant for an easier gravel or family ride. Most importantly, stick to authorised cycling trails — fire trails are permitted, but don't assume every piece of visible singletrack is legal to ride. Check the current NPWS cycling map, park alerts and trail signage before heading out.

Terrey Hills offers a great mix of mountain biking and fire-trail riding through the bushland of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with routes extending into Ku-ring-gai Chase and Garigal National Parks. The area is particularly popular for longer XC-style adventures, combining wide fire trails, rocky sandstone surfaces, rolling terrain and some solid climbs with classic Sydney bushland scenery. Popular routes can be linked together to create anything from a shorter local spin to a much bigger day exploring trails such as Perimeter, Long and Duck Holes. RTS Tip: Terrey Hills is perfect for building your own adventure by linking the surrounding fire trails, but sandstone can become rough, sandy and slippery depending on conditions. Carry plenty of water and spares for longer loops, download your route before heading out and check current National Parks alerts and trail access.

Wagga Wagga to Ladysmith – Riverina Highlands Rail Trail The Wagga Wagga to Ladysmith Rail Trail is an exciting developing section of the proposed Riverina Highlands Rail Trail, following the former Tumbarumba railway corridor east from Wagga Wagga towards the rural village of Ladysmith. When completed, the dedicated rail trail is planned to cover approximately 20km, passing through Forest Hill and near Wagga Wagga Airport before continuing through open Riverina farmland to Ladysmith. Importantly, the full Wagga Wagga–Ladysmith rail trail is not yet open. A completed section of the old railway corridor can already be ridden between Bakers Lane and Elizabeth Avenue, with Rail Trails Australia reporting around 4km of sealed trail here. Existing cycleways around Forest Hill and the airport can also be used to extend the ride. The route forms the western end of a much bigger vision. Eventually, the Riverina Highlands Rail Trail is proposed to connect Wagga Wagga through Ladysmith, Tarcutta and Rosewood, where it would meet the already-open Tumbarumba–Rosewood Rail Trail. If completed in full, the Riverina Highlands network would extend for approximately 129km. There has been significant progress towards making the next section a reality. In February 2026, Wagga Wagga City Council established the Wagga to Ladysmith Rail Trail Steering Committee, which will guide planning and development of the proposed 20km trail. The broader Forest Hill Cycleway is now around 8.5km, incorporating part of the former railway corridor and providing an increasingly useful off-road cycling connection between Wagga Wagga and Forest Hill. Once completed, the rail trail is expected to finish at Ladysmith Railway Station, the only surviving station structure along this section of the former Tumbarumba branch line. The railway originally opened in stages from 1917, with passenger services beyond Ladysmith ending in 1974 and all operations ceasing in 1987. For riders searching for Wagga Wagga cycling, Wagga Rail Trail, Riverina Highlands Rail Trail, cycling in the Riverina or family-friendly bike trails around Wagga, the existing section is already worth knowing about — but the bigger story is what this route could eventually become. RTS Tip: ⚠️ Do not attempt to follow the old railway corridor all the way to Ladysmith yet. Only the completed sections are currently available for public riding, and the undeveloped railway corridor remains off-limits. For now, use the sealed rail-trail and existing Forest Hill cycleway network, and keep this one firmly on the watch list as the Wagga–Ladysmith project progresses.

Warrimoo Downhill MTB Park, better known to many Sydney riders as “Crackers”, is a sanctioned gravity trail at St Ives Chase on Sydney’s North Shore. It’s a small network in terms of distance, but it’s designed specifically for riders looking for serious technical downhill terrain. The main attraction is a roughly 600m double-black-diamond downhill trail, accompanied by a dedicated return climbing route. Ku-ring-gai Council describes it as a world-class downhill experience intended for skilled and experienced riders, so this is definitely a case where trail length doesn’t reflect the challenge. Expect steep, technical and demanding riding, making use of the natural Sydney bushland and sandstone terrain. Unlike larger bike parks with dozens of trails, Warrimoo is essentially about lapping one challenging downhill line, climbing back to the top and going again. There is also a small beginner loop, providing an easier option away from the main double-black trail. The trail has an interesting history. Warrimoo originally existed as an informal MTB network known as Crackers, but was closed in 2017 due to concerns about the environmentally significant Coastal Upland Swamp and surrounding bushland. Council subsequently worked with riders, environmental specialists, trail builders and government agencies to develop a sustainable sanctioned downhill trail while protecting sensitive areas. Today the park is supported by the volunteer Moo Crew through Ku-ring-gai Council’s Trailcare program. Volunteers help with trail maintenance, rock armouring, erosion control and environmental work, helping keep one of Sydney’s relatively rare sanctioned downhill trails open. Access is from Warrimoo Avenue, St Ives Chase, with nearby Warrimoo Oval providing parking, toilets, drinking water, picnic facilities and other amenities. For riders searching for Warrimoo MTB, Crackers MTB, Sydney downhill trails, North Shore mountain biking or double-black MTB trails in Sydney, this is a short but seriously challenging trail worth knowing about. RTS Tip: Don’t underestimate Warrimoo because it’s only around 600m long — the main trail is double black and intended for experienced riders. The trail can also close following rain or for maintenance, so check its status before travelling and never ride when it’s signed closed.

Westleigh H2O MTB Park is a well-known mountain bike network in the bushland at Westleigh in Sydney’s north, long loved by local riders for its natural singletrack and technical riding. However, there’s an important update for the RTS card: the existing H2O trails are currently closed while the site is redeveloped into a formal, sanctioned MTB network. Historically, H2O developed as an unsanctioned community-built trail network on former Sydney Water land. The riding became particularly popular for its relatively compact network of natural trails, with rocky sandstone features, technical sections, tight singletrack and flowing lines giving it a distinctly North Shore Sydney MTB character. The exciting part is what comes next. Hornsby Shire Council has now commenced construction of the approved Westleigh Park MTB Trail Network. Specialist MTB trail builders have been appointed to construct and rehabilitate the trails, replacing or upgrading existing lines and building new connections while closing and rehabilitating trails through environmentally sensitive areas. Construction officially commenced in August 2026, initially with around 900m of access road, followed by construction of the MTB trails themselves. Council currently expects the new trail network to open in early 2027. The MTB network forms part of the much larger Westleigh Park redevelopment, a roughly 36-hectare recreation precinct planned to eventually include sporting fields, parkland, walking facilities, improved cycling and pedestrian access, parking and other community infrastructure. For riders searching for Westleigh H2O MTB, Westleigh mountain bike trails, Hornsby MTB, mountain biking in northern Sydney or Sydney North Shore MTB trails, this is definitely one to keep on the radar — the next version of H2O should be a very different proposition from the informal network riders have known for years. RTS Tip: Westleigh H2O is currently CLOSED. Hornsby Shire Council has closed all public access to Westleigh Park during construction, so the old trails should not be ridden. The new sanctioned MTB network is expected to open in early 2027. For riding nearby in the meantime, Council recommends the existing Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail at Old Man’s Valley.

Wylde has approximately 15 km of MTB trails to explore. Many of them are ‘choose your own adventure’ so you can make them as long or short as you like. The shortest trail is the Junior Loop, a 1.3 km loop that starts and finishes at the trail head. It’s a self-contained loop designed for young riders to hone their skills before taking on the bigger track network. The longest continuous trail is up to you depending on which adventure you choose. A full circuit of the mountain bike trails is approximately 15 km beginning at ‘Start Your Engines’ followed by Upper Link, Exile, Hidden Valley, Smiles Link, Smiles for Miles, Roly Poly Valley, Lower Link and finishing with Home Run. Wylde BMX is a destination for riders young and old. Wylde also hosts race meets and competitions through the Western Sydney BMX Club. BMX racetrack: AUScycle accredited BMX racetrack Pump track: The large pump track at the trail head offers a place for riders to warm-up and practice before they head out into the parkland. Western Sydney BMX Club: Wylde is home to the Western Sydney BMX Club. The club provides a training facility for the next generation of riders, and hosts race meets and competitions.

Yellomundee MTB Park, is one of Western Sydney’s most established mountain biking destinations. Located at Hawkesbury Heights, around 8km north-west of Penrith, the park sits on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Mountains and offers a network of natural cross-country and gravity trails through classic sandstone bushland. The riding has a distinctly old-school, natural character. Expect rocky and rooty singletrack, sandstone features, loose surfaces, creek crossings, short punchy climbs and technical descents rather than smooth machine-built bike-park trails. NPWS specifically highlights the area south of Shaws Farm for its singletrack and trails catering to varying technical abilities. Yellomundee is particularly well known for cross-country riding and racing. The trail network allows riders to combine different sections into anything from a shorter social ride to longer XC laps, with the terrain providing plenty of climbing and descending along the way. Western Sydney Mountain Bike Club’s full XC race course averages around 6km per lap, with shorter modified courses used for junior racing. There’s also plenty here for riders who prefer the bike pointing downhill. Club events use the existing trail network for gravity racing, with timed stages focused on the more technical descending trails, making Yellomundee a great all-round venue rather than purely an XC network. A huge part of Yellomundee’s MTB history is its connection with Western Sydney Mountain Bike Club. The club maintains the MTB trails through regular volunteer trail-work days and uses the park for XC, gravity, social riding and racing, helping keep Yellomundee an important hub for Western Sydney’s mountain biking community. The main MTB access is from the Springwood Road/Hawkesbury Road area at Hawkesbury Heights, with parking at the trailhead. The wider Yellomundee Regional Park also includes lookouts, picnic areas and other recreational trails, with impressive views across the Nepean River and Western Sydney. For riders searching for Yellomundee MTB, Yello MTB, Western Sydney mountain bike trails, Penrith MTB or Blue Mountains cross-country riding, this is one of the region’s essential networks. RTS Tip: Yellomundee rewards riders who enjoy natural, technical MTB rather than manicured bike-park flow. The network has lots of intersections, so current mapping is useful for first-time visitors. Also check NPWS alerts before heading out — there is currently an alert affecting Yellomundee Regional Park, and access or individual areas can change due to hazard reduction, weather or maintenance.

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.

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.

Bare Creek Bike Park is a purpose-built freeride and gravity MTB park in Belrose on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, packing downhill trails, flow lines, dirt jumps, skills features and a pump track into a compact riding area. The park was funded and built by the NSW Government and is now managed by Northern Beaches Council. The park features around 1.6km of dedicated downhill and flow trails, but this is definitely a case where kilometres don’t tell the whole story. Bare Creek is designed for session-style riding and progression, where riders climb back up and repeat individual lines, jumps and features rather than heading out for one long MTB loop. There’s something for a surprisingly broad range of riders. Newer riders can start on the asphalt pump track and skills area, then progress towards the intermediate gravity trails. Trash Panda delivers berm-focused flow with optional drops, while Bin Chicken introduces intermediate freeride jumps. Things get considerably bigger on the advanced side. The Trio of Dips – Mild, Medium and Spicy – leads into higher-speed jump riding, while Livewire and the Pro Line feature serious freeride terrain. The hardest lines contain large mandatory gaps and drops and are intended only for riders with advanced or professional-level jumping skills. The dedicated dirt jump area adds another dimension, with multiple lines designed for MTB and BMX bikes, while the return trail makes it easy to keep lapping your chosen gravity lines. Facilities include toilets, drinking fountains, bike maintenance stations, parking and a dedicated access road. Bare Creek is also an interesting example of what can be achieved with an unusual site. The bike park was developed on a former landfill, allowing freeride-style jumps and features that would be difficult to construct within environmentally sensitive bushland elsewhere on the Northern Beaches. The trails were constructed by specialist trail builders Dirt Art and are supported by volunteer Trail Care crews. For riders searching for Bare Creek Bike Park, Belrose MTB, Northern Beaches mountain biking, Sydney jump trails, gravity MTB or freeride mountain biking in Sydney, this is one of the city’s standout places for riders who want to work on jumps, drops and bike-park-style skills. RTS Tip: Bare Creek is built around progression, but don’t assume that means every trail is beginner-friendly. Start with the pump track and skills area and work upwards — the advanced and Pro lines contain genuinely large features. The clay-based trails are also particularly sensitive to wet weather, and individual trails can close at short notice. The park normally operates 7am–7pm daily, but always check the current trail status before heading out.

Beacon Hill MTB Trails Beacon Hill on Sydney’s Northern Beaches is home to a well-established local mountain bike trail network, offering a mix of singletrack, technical features, rocky terrain and challenging descents tucked into the bushland around Beacon Hill and Oxford Falls. The network has developed into a popular riding spot for local mountain bikers, with trails ranging from easier lines through to more technical riding featuring rock rolls, drops, steep sections and natural trail features. It’s the kind of area where riders can link different trails together to create anything from a quick local lap to a longer session exploring the network. The rocky sandstone terrain gives Beacon Hill a distinctly Sydney mountain biking feel, with technical lines and natural features rewarding confident bike handling. Trailforks lists a substantial collection of individual trails in the Beacon Hill riding area, with options spanning different difficulty levels and riding styles. Its location on the Northern Beaches of Sydney also puts Beacon Hill within reach of other well-known MTB areas, making it easy to include as part of a bigger day exploring mountain bike trails around the Northern Beaches. Whether you’re searching for mountain biking in Beacon Hill, Northern Beaches MTB trails or mountain bike riding near Sydney, there’s plenty here for riders who enjoy natural, technical local trails. RTS Tip: Beacon Hill is a local trail network rather than a formal bike park, and individual trail access and conditions can change. Check current trail status and mapping before riding, respect closures and surrounding bushland, and ride within your ability — particularly on unfamiliar technical features.

Canterbury (Tempe) Velodrome – Sydney Canterbury Velodrome, commonly known as Tempe Velodrome, is a historic outdoor cycling track on Bayview Avenue in Earlwood, Sydney, and an important home for track cycling in the city's Inner West. The 333-metre concrete track features banked corners reaching approximately 32 degrees, providing a proper outdoor velodrome experience for riders developing their speed, fitness, bunch-riding skills and track cycling technique. The velodrome has a particularly strong connection with Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club, one of Sydney's oldest cycling clubs. The club was involved in the construction of the velodrome and continues to use the track for regular training, junior development and track cycling activities. Regular coached sessions give riders opportunities to experience track cycling, from juniors and newcomers through to experienced racers. Track bikes can also be borrowed during club sessions, making this a great place for Sydney riders interested in trying the discipline for the first time. Located close to Tempe, Marrickville and Sydney's Inner West cycling network, the velodrome is also well positioned to combine with a bigger day on the bike. Whether you're searching for Canterbury Velodrome, Tempe Velodrome, track cycling in Sydney, velodromes in Sydney or cycling in the Inner West, this historic outdoor track is an important part of the city's cycling scene. RTS Tip: Canterbury Velodrome is an active training and club facility, so check current session and access information before making a special trip. If you're new to track cycling, joining one of the organised sessions is a great way to learn track etiquette and experience riding a fixed-gear track bike in a coached environment.

Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park is a purpose-built MTB destination just south of Wollongong, packing almost 12km of dedicated trails into the hills above Cringila. With sweeping views across Wollongong’s industrial coastline, Lake Illawarra and the ocean, it’s a great example of an urban bike park that offers something for everyone from first-time riders through to experienced mountain bikers. The network is predominantly green and blue-rated, with a couple of black jump lines for more experienced riders. Expect a mix of flowing descents, berms, rollers, jumps, drops and technical features, with trails designed so riders can gradually progress as their confidence and skills improve. One of Cringila’s biggest strengths is its progression-focused setup. Alongside the main trails is a 225m asphalt pump track, a dedicated bike skills playground and a jumps park aimed at beginner to intermediate riders. The skills area lets newer riders practise balance, cornering, jumping and small drops before heading onto the main network. The park was created on a former landfill site, transforming previously underused land into a major recreation precinct. Beyond the MTB trails, Cringila Hills Recreation Park includes more than 3.4km of shared-use and walking trails, an inclusive playground and other recreation facilities. It’s also incredibly accessible for a mountain bike park. Cringila is around 10–15 minutes south of central Wollongong, with the main entrance and parking off Lackawanna Street, and entry to the park is free. For riders searching for Wollongong MTB, Cringila Bike Park, Illawarra mountain bike trails, family-friendly MTB near Sydney or beginner mountain bike trails in NSW, Cringila is an excellent network to add to the ride list. RTS Tip: Cringila is particularly good for families and progression — start in the skills playground or pump track, move onto the green trails and work your way through the blues before considering the black jump lines. The dirt trails are sensitive to rain and can close at short notice, so always check the current trail status before heading out. The park is officially open sunrise to sunset, with the Lackawanna Street gates locked outside those hours.

Fred Caterson Reserve BMX Track – Castle Hill Fred Caterson Reserve in Castle Hill is home to Castle Hill BMX Club, one of Sydney’s established BMX racing facilities and a major hub for BMX in the Hills District. The purpose-built 312-metre BMX track features a 3.5-metre start hill and four straights, with jumps, rollers and banked turns providing plenty of opportunity to develop speed, jumping, bike handling and race skills. The facility also includes lighting for night riding, a sheltered start gate and a nearby asphalt warm-up area. The track is used by Castle Hill BMX Club for regular BMX racing, coaching and gate practice, catering for riders from beginners and juniors through to experienced racers. It has also hosted competition up to NSW State BMX Championship level, making it one of the more significant community BMX facilities in Sydney. Importantly, the BMX track is also open for public riding outside closures and organised club activities, so riders don’t necessarily need to be racing to enjoy the facility. Recent club updates continue to reference public riding around scheduled closures. The wider 58-hectare Fred Caterson Reserve also includes an extensive cycleway, walking tracks, playground, toilets, picnic facilities and numerous sporting fields, making it easy to combine some BMX laps with a bigger family visit. Whether you're searching for Castle Hill BMX, BMX tracks in Sydney, BMX riding in Western Sydney, Castle Hill BMX Club or cycling facilities in the Hills District, Fred Caterson Reserve is a great facility to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: Club racing, coaching, maintenance and events may temporarily close the track to general riding, so check current club information before making a special trip. A full-face helmet and appropriate protective clothing are required for organised racing and gate sessions.

Gravity Eden is a major mountain bike destination in Nullica State Forest just outside Eden on the NSW Sapphire Coast, delivering more than 58km of purpose-built, gravity-fed singletrack from a peak elevation of around 300m. The network has been designed to take advantage of Eden’s dramatic terrain, dropping from rocky forested ridgelines through lush valleys towards the coast and Twofold Bay. Built by specialist trail builders Contour Works, the network features more than 20 trails spanning green, blue and black grades. There’s a strong gravity focus, but this isn’t simply a downhill park — riders will find XC adventures, climbing trails, long traverses, flow descents and technical gravity trails, allowing you to build anything from a short session to a substantial day on the bike. The network is divided into three main riding zones. The Adventure Zone is the gateway to the park and provides easier riding and progression opportunities. The Flow Zone introduces longer descents, berms and faster riding, while the Gravity Zone heads deeper into the forest with the park’s longest and most challenging descents. Some of the standout trails include Garden of Eden, a 2.3km shared-use adventure trail through a fern-filled valley; Gutter Ball, with sweeping berms and rollers; Round the Outside, an 8.4km adventure through varied terrain; and the huge Breath of Fire, a nearly 7km flow descent. More experienced riders can tackle trails such as Prana and Old Tom, where rock gardens, drops, chutes, jumps and steeper terrain turn things up considerably. There’s also a dedicated Skills Park with an asphalt pump track and dirt jump park, giving riders somewhere to warm up, practise features or simply session without heading deep into the network. Gravity Eden is managed by the Eden Mountain Bike Club, which partnered with Forestry Corporation NSW to establish the network on State Forest land. Riding is free, with ongoing trail maintenance funded through the club, sponsors, rider contributions and volunteer trail work. The location makes this one particularly good for a multi-day riding trip. Eden sits roughly halfway between Sydney and Melbourne and around 3.5 hours from Canberra, with beaches, accommodation, cafés and the wider Sapphire Coast right on the doorstep. For riders searching for Gravity Eden MTB, Eden mountain bike trails, Sapphire Coast MTB, South Coast NSW mountain biking or gravity trails in NSW, this is absolutely a destination worth putting on the ride list. RTS Tip: Don’t let the name fool you — you don’t need to be an advanced gravity rider to enjoy Eden. Start in the Adventure Zone and progressively work through Flow before heading deeper into the Gravity Zone. With 58km+ to explore, this is also one worth allowing a full day or, even better, building into a riding weekend. Check live trail status before setting out, particularly after significant rain, high winds or bushfire conditions

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.

Hazelbrook MTB Trails offer a growing network of mountain bike singletrack and forest riding in the mid Blue Mountains of NSW, giving riders another great place to explore beyond the region’s better-known Woodford, Glenbrook and Lower Mountains rides. The network mixes flowing singletrack, natural bush trails and dirt/gravel access roads, with riding suitable for different abilities. Current trail mapping includes both green and blue-rated options, making Hazelbrook a good choice for riders looking to progress from easier trails into more technical mountain biking. One of the standout trails is Red Belly, a roughly 6.8km blue-rated singletrack descent featuring a mix of flowing and more technical terrain. It’s complemented by trails such as Vert de Leon, which provides a climbing connection back through the network, allowing riders to link trails into repeatable MTB loops. There are also connections into the surrounding fire roads and bushland, giving riders plenty of scope to extend their ride and explore more of the Hazelbrook and mid Blue Mountains cycling network. With Hazelbrook sitting directly on the Blue Mountains train line, the area is also particularly handy for Sydney riders looking for mountain bike trails accessible by train. Whether you're searching for Hazelbrook mountain bike trails, MTB riding in the Blue Mountains, mountain biking near Katoomba or Blue Mountains singletrack, Hazelbrook is a local network worth putting on the ride list. RTS Tip: Hazelbrook is a local trail network rather than a formal managed bike park, so use current mapping to plan your ride and check trail conditions before heading out. RTS will work on getting the individual Hazelbrook routes added as separate rides over time; until then, check the mapping link to see the individual trails, grades and connections across the network.

Helensburgh MTB Park is a long-established mountain bike riding area in Helensburgh, NSW, sitting between Sydney and Wollongong and offering a huge variety of natural singletrack, technical trails and cross-country riding. The wider Helensburgh trail network is extensive, with current mapping showing more than 80 individual trails and around 75km of mapped riding. The mix ranges from easier green singletrack through to intermediate and advanced trails, giving riders plenty of options for anything from a quick session to a much bigger day exploring the surrounding bushland. At the heart of the local riding scene is Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club -HORCC Track, with the Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club (HORCC) supporting riding and trail activity in the area. Expect a distinctly old-school Sydney MTB feel, with natural surfaces, roots, rocks, tight singletrack, short punchy climbs and technical descents rather than a manicured modern trail-centre experience. Mapped trails include everything from approachable lines such as Grass Track through to more challenging riding spread across the wider network. Helensburgh also connects riders with Cawleys Road trail and the surrounding Garawarra State Conservation Area. NSW National Parks specifically permits mountain biking on Cawleys Road Trail, a generally flat mix of bitumen and gravel through scribbly gum forest, with other trails connecting from the route. Its location makes Helensburgh a great option for riders searching for mountain biking near Sydney, Helensburgh MTB trails, mountain biking near Wollongong, Illawarra MTB trails or technical mountain bike trails in NSW. RTS Tip: There is a lot more riding around Helensburgh than can sensibly fit into one Ride Card. RTS will work on getting the individual routes added as separate rides over time, but until then check the mapping link to explore the individual trails, grades and connections across the network. Trail access and conditions can change, so follow current signage and closures and make sure the trails you choose are open to bikes.

Illawarra Escarpment MTB Network – Wollongong The Illawarra Escarpment MTB Network is an emerging mountain bike destination above Wollongong on the NSW South Coast, bringing purpose-built and officially sanctioned mountain biking to the dramatic forested slopes of the Illawarra Escarpment. The first major part of the network, the Kembla Mountain Bike Trails, opened in 2025 with around 20km of purpose-built trails. This is the beginning of a much bigger planned 70km Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network, with a further approximately 50km proposed for delivery in 2027. The Kembla network makes the most of the escarpment’s elevation and natural terrain, with dedicated mountain bike trails winding through the bushland around Mount Kembla and Kembla Heights. The official trails provide a much more sustainable way to experience mountain biking in the area while protecting the escarpment’s significant environmental and cultural values. The wider Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area rises dramatically behind Wollongong, creating a spectacular backdrop for riding with dense forest, steep terrain and glimpses back towards the coast. With Wollongong less than 10km away, it also has the ingredients to become a major MTB destination within easy reach of Sydney. Importantly, the area is currently going through a significant transition. From June 2026, NSW National Parks began progressively closing and rehabilitating unauthorised MTB trails around Mount Keira as the sanctioned network is developed. Riders should only use trails that are officially approved and open; closed trails may be signposted or physically blocked and penalties can apply for entering restricted areas. For riders searching for Illawarra mountain bike trails, Wollongong MTB, Mount Kembla mountain biking, mountain biking near Sydney or MTB trails on the NSW South Coast, the Illawarra Escarpment is one to watch as the official network continues to grow. RTS Tip: This is one where current mapping really matters. Don’t rely on older Strava routes, videos or historic trail maps, as some previously ridden trails are now being closed and rehabilitated. Stick to the approved network and check NSW National Parks trail status before heading out. The existing Kembla trails are just Stage 1, with the official network planned to eventually reach around 70km

Kirkham Oval BMX Track – Macarthur BMX Club Kirkham Oval in Elderslie is home to Macarthur BMX Club, also known as the Macarthur Pirates, providing a dedicated BMX racing facility in Sydney’s Macarthur region. Located on the corner of Hilder Street and Camden Valley Way, the club was formed in 1998 by local families keen to establish BMX racing in the area. After several years of fundraising and development, the purpose-built Kirkham Park track officially opened in October 2001. The track was designed to offer something for riders at different stages of BMX, encouraging juniors and newer riders while still providing plenty of challenge for experienced racers. Today the club caters for everyone from Mini Wheelers on balance bikes through to junior, senior and masters BMX racers. Kirkham Oval has developed into a significant BMX racing venue, hosting club racing as well as major events. In 2026 the track hosted Rounds 3 and 4 of the AusCycling BMX Racing National Series, bringing riders from across Australia to Elderslie. The wider Kirkham Park sporting precinct also includes a skate park, playground, sporting fields and other recreation facilities, making it a handy destination for families. For riders searching for Macarthur BMX, BMX tracks in Sydney, BMX riding in Camden, BMX racing in Elderslie or BMX tracks in South West Sydney, Kirkham Oval is one of the region’s key BMX facilities. RTS Tip: This is an active BMX racing venue, with regular club racing, practice and track hire. Check current club activities before making a special trip, particularly if you’re hoping for casual track access. If you’re new to BMX, the club caters for novice riders as well as experienced racers

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

Lidcombe Oval Velodrome is a historic outdoor cycling track at Lidcombe Oval in Western Sydney, forming part of the Wyatt Park sporting precinct on Church Street. Opened in 1933, Lidcombe Oval has a long history of both cycling and rugby league and remains an active cycling venue today. The outdoor velodrome is approximately 426 metres long with relatively gentle banking, making it considerably less intimidating than the steep banks of an indoor competition velodrome. Its generous width and shallow banking make it particularly well suited to riders learning the fundamentals of track cycling. The track was resurfaced in 2014 and is used for training and racing by local cycling clubs, including Lidcombe Auburn Cycle Club and Neo Cycling Club. During the summer track season, riders can find regular racing and opportunities ranging from beginner development through to experienced track competition. One of Lidcombe's strengths is its accessibility for riders new to the discipline. Neo Cycling Club specifically describes it as a great place to learn track cycling, with the shallow banking allowing riders to build confidence before progressing to steeper tracks such as the indoor Dunc Gray Velodrome. The venue itself is also an interesting piece of Western Sydney sporting history. Lidcombe Oval became famous as the home ground of the Western Suburbs Magpies from 1967 to 1989, while the cycling track around the perimeter has continued to host training and racing. For riders searching for Lidcombe Velodrome, track cycling in Western Sydney, outdoor velodromes in Sydney or cycling tracks near Sydney Olympic Park, Lidcombe Oval is a great historic cycling facility to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: Lidcombe Oval is an active multi-sport venue, and the cycling track is regularly used for organised training and racing. Check current club activities before making a special trip. If you're interested in trying track cycling for the first time, Lidcombe's relatively gentle banking makes it one of Sydney's more approachable places to start.

McGraths Hill BMX Track at Colbee Park is home to the Hawkesbury Hornets BMX Club, providing a dedicated BMX racing facility in the Hawkesbury region of Western Sydney. The track is located on Bismarck Street in McGraths Hill and has been a long-standing part of the local BMX scene. Hawkesbury Hornets BMX Club 4.9 • BMX venue Website • Directions The purpose-built race track features the classic BMX combination of starting gates, fast straights, jumps, rollers and banked turns, giving riders plenty of opportunity to develop speed, jumping, bike handling and race skills. The Hawkesbury Hornets BMX Club caters for riders across different ages and abilities, from younger riders discovering BMX through to experienced racers. The venue is also capable of hosting major competition, including rounds of the NSW/ACT BMX Racing State Series. The club has developed a strong reputation within the BMX community, with local riders progressing to high-level competition, including world championship success. Located within Colbee Park, the track is conveniently positioned near Windsor and Richmond and makes a great addition to the growing range of cycling opportunities throughout the Hawkesbury. For riders searching for McGraths Hill BMX, Hawkesbury BMX, BMX tracks in Western Sydney, Hawkesbury Hornets BMX Club or BMX racing near Windsor, this is an important local facility to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: This is an active BMX racing and club facility, so organised racing, coaching and practice may affect general access. Check current Hawkesbury Hornets information before making a special trip, particularly if you're interested in trying BMX racing for the first time.

Mount Hay is one of the Blue Mountains most spectacular ridge top rides, combining sweeping valley views, unique heathland and dramatic cliff lines. The ride follows Mount Hay Road, a long gravel route that gradually traverses the plateau through the world heritage National Park. The ride is easily accessible from Leura Railway Station, with a short connection via local roads to the start of Mount Hay Road. From the roundabout, it is approximately 15 km to the Mount Hay car park, making for a 30 km return ride. The first few kilometres are sealed before transitioning to a gravel surface. From the Mount Hay car park, a walking track leads to the summit of Mount Hay. While bikes are not permitted on this section, the short walk is well worth the effort. From the summit, views extend across the vast Grose Valley, surrounding sandstone escarpments and the western plains beyond Sydney. Mount Hay Road is shared with vehicle traffic, so riders should take care, particularly on corners and during busy periods. The road may also be closed from time to time for maintenance, so it is worth checking with National Parks before setting out. For those looking to explore beyond the ride itself, several outstanding walking tracks branch from the Mount Hay area. The walk to Lockleys Pylon is highly recommended and rewards visitors with one of the finest panoramic lookouts in the Blue Mountains, overlooking the Grose Valley and surrounding wilderness. Butterbox Point is another worthwhile side trip, offering dramatic cliff top views and a different perspective across the valley. Both walks are pedestrian only, so bikes should be left and secured before continuing on foot.

Penrith BMX Track is a dedicated BMX racing facility at Blair Oval, South Creek Park on Creek Road, St Marys, serving riders from Penrith, Western Sydney and beyond. Penrith City Council lists the precinct as including the BMX track, clubhouse, canteen, toilets and floodlighting. The purpose-built dirt race track offers the classic BMX mix of jumps, rollers, fast straights and banked corners, with a layout designed to be approachable for beginners while still providing plenty of challenge as riders develop their speed and skills. The club describes itself as a family-focused venue catering for riders across different ages and abilities. There’s a strong focus on introducing new riders to the sport, with Mini Wheelers, Sprocket riders, junior and senior racing, along with gate practice and regular club racing. Riders are graded according to ability rather than simply age for much of the club’s racing, helping create competitive racing across different experience levels. The track is also equipped for night racing under lights, and regular Friday night club racing and Wednesday gate sessions make it an active part of Western Sydney’s BMX scene. For riders searching for Penrith BMX, BMX tracks in Western Sydney, St Marys BMX, Penrith BMX Club or BMX racing near Penrith, this is one of the region’s established dedicated BMX facilities. Closest Bike Shops would be Giant Penrith and Trek Penrith. RTS Tip: This is an active BMX race track, so organised racing, coaching and gate sessions can affect general riding access. Check current club information before making a special trip. If you’re new to BMX, the club also runs Come & Try opportunities, making it a great place to find out what BMX racing is all about.

Rydal MTB Trails are a classic cross-country mountain bike network in Lidsdale State Forest, beside the tiny village of Rydal near Lithgow in the NSW Central Tablelands. The trails start from Rydal Showground and spread north into the surrounding forest, delivering a distinctly old-school mix of natural singletrack, rocky terrain and repurposed 4WD and moto tracks. The network currently has around 22 mapped MTB trails, predominantly green, blue and black-rated cross-country riding. Rather than smooth bike-park flow, expect tight singletrack, rocks, roots, short punchy climbs, natural descents and technical features, with plenty of different trail combinations available. Trails such as Hazzard County add some extra spice, with drops and gap-jump features mixed into the XC terrain. The broader network makes good use of the existing forest tracks, so riders can easily link sections together for anything from a quick lap to a longer session exploring Lidsdale State Forest. Rydal has a particularly strong connection with the Central Tablelands Mountain Bike Club (CTMBC), one of Australia’s long-established MTB clubs, formed in 1984. The club is based around the Lithgow region and regularly hosts racing at Rydal, including its Tuesday night race series. It’s also an established endurance racing venue. Rydal hosted Round 3 of the 2026 NSW Central West XC Mountain Bike Interclub Series, with racing based from Rydal Showground, and has previously hosted major endurance events including the Jetblack 24 Hour. The main trailhead is at Rydal Showground at the top of Market Street. From here, trails head into the forest on either side to the north of the showground, making it a relatively straightforward place to start exploring. For riders searching for Rydal MTB, Lithgow mountain bike trails, Central Tablelands MTB, Lidsdale State Forest cycling or XC mountain biking west of Sydney, Rydal is a great regional network to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: Rydal is best suited to riders who enjoy natural XC rather than manicured bike-park trails. Current mapping is worth having with you because there are plenty of old forest, 4WD and moto tracks intersecting the MTB network. It also pairs brilliantly with the wider Lithgow riding scene if you’re planning a full weekend in the region.

The St Albans–Mogo Creek Loop is a fantastic gravel and adventure ride through the Macdonald Valley and the rugged bushland north of St Albans, delivering that remote, middle-of-nowhere feeling surprisingly close to Sydney. Starting from the historic village of St Albans, the ride heads north through the valley before following Mogo Creek Road / Wollombi Road towards Mogo Creek and the edge of Yengo National Park. The landscape shifts between open farmland, river flats, sandstone country and heavily forested sections, with long stretches where traffic and development are minimal. Expect a mixture of quiet country roads, gravel, dirt and rougher backroad surfaces, with conditions varying considerably depending on recent weather. Around Mogo Creek the road can include loose gravel, sand and muddy patches after rain, so this is better suited to a gravel bike with wider tyres or a mountain bike than a lightweight road setup. The wider St Albans area has a serious cycling pedigree too. It is home to the long-running Convict 100 MTB race, whose courses use the surrounding fire trails, farm roads, singletrack and country roads. The current 100km race route packs in approximately 1,800m of climbing, giving a good indication of just how hilly the surrounding country can become once you leave the valley floor. Mogo Creek is also a great place to turn the ride into an overnight adventure. Mogo Campground sits within Yengo National Park around 28.5km north of St Albans by road, making it a natural bikepacking stop for riders wanting to explore further towards Bucketty, Laguna and the Watagans. Back in St Albans, the tiny historic village makes a brilliant start or finish point, with the Macdonald River, old buildings and surrounding valley giving the whole ride a distinctly remote country feel. For riders searching for St Albans gravel rides, Mogo Creek cycling, gravel riding near Sydney, Hawkesbury bikepacking or adventure cycling in Yengo National Park, this is a great route to have on the list. RTS Tip: Come prepared for a genuinely remote gravel adventure. Mobile coverage can be limited, traffic is sparse and there are very few opportunities for food, water or mechanical help once you leave St Albans. Conditions on the unsealed roads can also change significantly after storms or flooding, so check current park and road conditions before heading out and carry plenty of water, spares and offline mapping. NPWS also publishes cycling mapping for the wider Dharug/Yengo area, which is worth checking if you want to extend the adventure.

Terrey Hills BMX Track – Sydney Northern Beaches Terrey Hills BMX Track is a purpose-built BMX racing facility at JJ Melbourne Hills Memorial Reserve in Terrey Hills, surrounded by native bushland on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The track is home to Manly Warringah BMX Club, a family-focused club welcoming riders from young balance-bike riders through to experienced BMX racers. The main competition-standard BMX track features the jumps, rollers, rhythm sections and banked corners expected from a dedicated race facility, providing plenty of opportunity to develop speed, jumping and bike-handling skills. Northern Beaches Council describes the precinct as one of Sydney’s highly regarded BMX facilities. Alongside the race track is a dedicated BMX pump track, opened in 2018. Its banked turns and rolling features are designed to be ridden by generating momentum through pumping rather than pedalling, adding another fun option for riders of different ages and abilities. The wider cycling facility also includes a criterium circuit. One of the great things about Terrey Hills is that the BMX facilities are open to the public during daylight hours outside Manly Warringah BMX Club competitions, training and maintenance activities. This makes it a useful option for riders who want to practise their BMX skills without necessarily entering a race. The club itself encourages newcomers, with opportunities for riders to try BMX and, where possible, borrow a bike or helmet during organised gate sessions. For riders searching for Terrey Hills BMX, BMX tracks on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Manly Warringah BMX Club, Sydney BMX tracks or BMX riding near Mona Vale, this is a fantastic facility to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: The track should only be ridden when dry — Northern Beaches Council specifically warns that riding when the surface is damp or wet can cause significant damage. Public access also pauses during allocated club activities, competitions and maintenance, so check current club information before making a special trip.

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

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

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.

The Wisemans Ferry to Wollombi Gravel Ride is a brilliant point-to-point cycling adventure linking the Hawkesbury with the Hunter Valley through historic St Albans, remote gravel roads and spectacular sandstone country. Starting at Wisemans Ferry, the adventure begins with a crossing of the Hawkesbury River before heading north along Settlers Road towards St Albans. This opening section delivers some beautiful gravel riding, following the Macdonald River beneath sandstone cliffs and through quiet bushland. Historic St Albans makes a perfect first stop before the route continues north along Wollombi Road. From here, things become increasingly remote as the road winds through the valley, with creek crossings, forest, sandstone formations and long stretches of gravel creating a genuine backcountry feel. Eventually the route climbs away from the valley towards the Great North Road, part of the historic convict-built route originally constructed to connect Sydney with the Hunter Valley. From here, riders continue towards Laguna and Wollombi, eventually rolling into one of the Hunter Valley's best-known historic villages. At around 80km point-to-point, this makes a fantastic big day on the gravel bike, but it can just as easily become part of a longer bikepacking adventure. Stay overnight around Wollombi, continue further into the Hunter Valley or build the route into a multi-day journey linking Sydney, the Hawkesbury and Hunter by bike. Expect a mixture of smooth gravel, unsealed country roads and sealed sections, along with sustained climbing as you travel north. Conditions can vary considerably after rain, so the ride can feel very different depending on when you tackle it. For riders searching for gravel riding near Sydney, this is a cracker — historic roads, remote valleys and some seriously good gravel, all connecting two destinations that are worth visiting in their own right. RTS Tip: This is a point-to-point ride, so organise your return transport or accommodation before setting out. Services become limited once you leave St Albans, and mobile reception can be patchy through the valleys. Carry sufficient food and water, repair gear and offline navigation, and check current road, ferry, weather and fire conditions before leaving.

Wyong & Laguna Gravel Loop – Central Coast NSW The Wyong & Laguna Gravel Loop is an epic full-day gravel adventure linking the NSW Central Coast with the forests and valleys of the Watagans and Hunter Valley. Starting from Wyong, the route leaves the traffic behind and heads towards Watagan Forest Road, where the gravel begins almost immediately with a steady climb into the forest. From here, riders follow beautiful undulating gravel roads through the Watagans, with forested ridgelines, valleys and long stretches beneath the canopy creating some brilliant riding. The route passes Olney Headquarters campground before turning onto Wollombi Forest Road and beginning the descent towards Watagan Creek. The landscape changes dramatically as you drop from the forest into the valley, where flowing gravel follows Watagan Creek through farmland towards Laguna. Laguna provides the perfect halfway destination and an important opportunity to refill water and grab some food before tackling the return journey. From Laguna, the route heads south before turning back onto gravel around Murrays Run Road, following Wollombi Brook through more farmland and quiet country before another substantial climb. One of the rewards comes later with the long Brush Creek Road descent, dropping through beautiful forest on well-graded gravel before the route eventually works its way towards Yarramalong and back to Wyong. It's a big day on the bike, combining long gravel sectors, sustained climbing, forest roads, rural valleys and some fantastic descents. For experienced riders searching for gravel riding near Sydney, Newcastle or the Central Coast, this is one worth putting on the list. Another huge bonus? Wyong Station makes the ride accessible by train, opening up the possibility of a serious gravel adventure without needing to drive to the trailhead. RTS Tip: Water and resupply opportunities are limited through much of the route, so carry plenty with you and make the most of the stop at Laguna. Download your navigation before leaving, carry repair equipment and check current forestry, road, weather and fire conditions before setting out. Conditions in the Watagans can change considerably following rain.