Canberra mountain bike trails

Adcock Park Velodrome in West Gosford is a classic outdoor cycling track on the NSW Central Coast. The approximately 460m asphalt velodrome loops around the athletics field at Garnet Adcock Memorial Park and is used for both recreational riding and organised track cycling. It’s home turf for Central Coast Cycling Club, which uses the venue for track training and racing, catering for riders from beginners and juniors through to experienced competitors. Outside organised club activities, the velodrome is generally available for public use, making it a handy spot for training laps, building fitness or experiencing track-style riding without needing an indoor facility. RTS Tip: Check for club training, racing or athletics act ities before heading down, as access can be restricted or shared when organised sessions are underway. If you're new to riding a velodrome, keep your line predictable, be aware of faster riders and use the quieter outer sections while you get comfortable.

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.

The Boboyan Divide is a scenic 45km gravel and bikepacking adventure through Namadgi National Park, around 45 minutes south of Canberra. Following remote management trails and historic roads, the route passes alpine landscapes, forests and heritage huts, making it an ideal overnight adventure or rewarding day ride. This is a remote, self-supported ride with limited services and mobile reception, so riders should plan carefully and carry appropriate equipment. For detailed route information, GPX files, gear recommendations, camping information and preparation tips, we highly recommend reading the excellent guide in the links from We Are Explorers before heading out.

Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve is a 94-hectare bushland reserve just 5km from Canberra's CBD, offering around 14km of shared cross-country mountain bike trails through native woodland. The network provides fun, flowing riding while showcasing the reserve's rich biodiversity and natural beauty. The trails are the result of a collaboration between the ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Friends of Bruce Ridge, IMBA and the local riding community to create a sustainable trail network that protects sensitive flora, fauna and cultural heritage while providing a safe riding experience. As a protected nature reserve, riders are encouraged to stay on designated trails, respect wildlife and help preserve this unique urban riding destination.

The Canberra Centenary Trail is an epic shared-use loop showcasing the best of the Bush Capital, linking Canberra’s iconic landmarks with nature reserves, forests, rural landscapes and some brilliant off-road riding. The current Parks ACT route is 138km and is divided into seven sections, taking riders past places including Parliament House, Mount Ainslie, Mulligans Flat, Hall Village, Black Mountain, the National Arboretum, Stromlo Forest Park, Kambah Pool and Pine Island. Most of the cycling route is graded green and combines sealed cycle paths, gravel management trails and shared-use singletrack, while the Northern and Southern sections step up to blue intermediate terrain with steeper, rockier sections. Tackle a single section, link a few together or take on the entire loop over around three days for a proper Canberra bikepacking adventure. RTS Tip: Don’t feel like you need to smash out the whole loop — the seven sections make it easy to build a ride around your time and ability. A mountain bike or gravel bike is recommended, and downloading the official ride GPX and offline maps is worthwhile as signage is limited in some areas and mobile reception can be patchy. Carry plenty of water on the more remote sections and check Parks ACT alerts and fire conditions before setting out, particularly on the Northern Link.

Swap the highway for fire trails and turn the classic Canberra-to-the-coast trip into a proper bikepacking adventure. This approximately 150km point-to-point route connects Canberra with Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast, using mostly fire trails with shorter sections of sealed road at the beginning, middle and end. Rather than taking the busy highway over Clyde Mountain, the route heads through the backcountry, delivering a much quieter and far more adventurous way to reach the coast. There are a few ways to tackle it. Riders looking for a more comfortable introduction to bikepacking can split the journey over two days, staying overnight around Araluen and covering roughly 70–80km each day. Those wanting the full bikepacking experience can carry camping gear and spend the night in the bush around Deua National Park, while strong riders looking for a serious challenge can attempt the entire route in a single day. Expect remote fire trails, long stretches through the bush, plenty of climbing and some rougher terrain along the way. Once past Araluen, conditions become more adventurous, so this isn't simply a smooth gravel-road cruise to the beach. There are stretches of around 50km without reliable food or water resupply, along with areas of limited mobile reception, so riders need to be self-sufficient and prepared for changing conditions. And after around 150km of riding, there's a pretty good reward waiting at the other end — rolling into Batemans Bay and reaching the coast by bike. RTS Tip: This is a remote point-to-point adventure, so plan your food, water, overnight gear and return transport before setting off. Carry offline navigation and consider a PLB or satellite communication device. Trail conditions can change considerably after rain, so check current forest, park, road, weather and fire information before leaving. Follow the mapping and route information links for more detail when planning your adventure.

Cotter Pines is the latest addition to riding in Canberra and is the result of a collaborative effort between the volunteer-based Kowalski Brothers Trailworks, Iconic Trails, and ACT Government Sport and Recreation. About half an hour from the centre of Canberra, Cotter Pines traverses a 360ha pine plantation, with nearly 19 trails and about 16km of singletrack. The network has a mix of old-school hand-built trails, with a smattering of tight twisty corners, and of course, some machine-built singletrack designed to be railed at speed. Be sure to stop at the Eagle Rock Lounge and take in the view of Stony Creek Reserve. There is a detailed trail map at the start of The Spine trail near the main carpark, and each trail is clearly signposted.

The AUA Bike Precinct is an inclusive cycling destination in Canberra, designed to provide a safe and accessible place for riders of all ages and abilities to develop confidence and skills. Developed through a partnership between Abilities Unlimited Australia, the ACT Government and local cycling organisations, the precinct promotes participation, recreation and community connection through cycling. The facility features a purpose-built criterium-style circuit, skills areas and open spaces suitable for recreational riding, coaching, adaptive cycling and community events. Whether you're learning to ride, training or simply enjoying a spin, the precinct offers a welcoming environment for everyone.

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.

Hulberts Road BMX Track – Coffs Coast BMX Club Hulberts Road in Toormina is home to Coffs Coast BMX Club, the local BMX racing club for the Coffs Harbour and wider Coffs Coast region. The track forms part of the Toormina Sports Complex, which also includes a velodrome and criterium circuit, creating an established cycling precinct just south of Coffs Harbour. The purpose-built BMX race track delivers the classic mix of fast straights, jumps, rollers and banked turns, giving riders a dedicated facility to develop speed, bike handling, jumping and race skills. Coffs Coast BMX caters for riders across a broad range of ages and abilities, from young Mini Wheelers and riders discovering BMX through to experienced racers. The venue is also capable of hosting major competition, including Round 2 of the 2026 AusCycling NSW/ACT BMX Racing State Series. With the track located in Toormina near Sawtell and Coffs Harbour, it’s a great facility for anyone searching for Coffs Harbour BMX, BMX tracks on the Coffs Coast, BMX riding in Toormina, Coffs Coast BMX Club or BMX racing on the NSW Mid North Coast. RTS Tip: This is an active BMX racing and club facility, so organised practice, coaching and race sessions may affect general access. Check current club information before making a special trip, and if you're new to BMX racing, getting in touch with the club is a great way to find out how to get started.

The Hunt 1000 is one of Australia's great bikepacking adventures — an epic journey of approximately 1,000km from Canberra to Melbourne through the Australian Alps and Victorian High Country. With more than 23,000 metres of climbing, this is far more than a long gravel ride. The route links remote backcountry roads, gravel tracks, alpine trails and rugged mountain terrain as riders make their way south through some of Australia's most spectacular high-country landscapes. Expect huge climbs, fast gravel, river crossings, rough tracks and sections of hike-a-bike, balanced by incredible riding through snow gum woodlands, open alpine plains and towering native forests. Historic mountain huts and remote high-country communities add another dimension to the journey as the route works its way towards Melbourne. The Hunt 1000 is designed as a self-supported bikepacking route, meaning riders need to carry what they require, manage their own navigation and carefully plan food, water, accommodation or camping and resupply opportunities along the way. While approximately 1,000km is a challenge in itself, it's the 23,000m+ of climbing, remote terrain and unpredictable alpine conditions that make this a serious undertaking. Riders should have strong fitness, solid bikepacking experience and the ability to manage mechanical, navigation and weather challenges far from immediate assistance. The route is traditionally associated with the annual Hunt 1000 gathering, but you don't need to think of it purely as an event. At its heart, this is an incredible Canberra-to-Melbourne bikepacking adventure through the Australian Alps and one of the standout long-distance cycling challenges in Australia. RTS Tip: The exact Hunt 1000 route can change between editions, so don't assume an older GPX represents the current route or access conditions. Use the mapping and official information links when planning your adventure, check current land and trail access, and be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather and long stretches through remote country.

Jerrabomberra MTB Trails – Queanbeyan (Jerra Trails) The MTB trails around Jerrabomberra Mountain Reserve offer a surprisingly extensive pocket of natural mountain biking just outside Canberra and Queanbeyan, with singletrack spread across the slopes of Mount Jerrabomberra in southern NSW. Often simply called “Jerra” by local riders, the area is characterised by hand-built and natural-style singletrack rather than the manicured feel of a major trail centre. Expect rocky sections, tight turns, short punchy climbs, flowing descents and plenty of technical features, with the terrain making good use of the hill’s elevation. Popular mapped trails and loops include Pipeline, Swoop, Lazy Dog, Playschool and Neanderthal, with various connections allowing riders to piece together anything from a quick lap to a longer exploration of the reserve. Some routes are also shared with walkers, so riders need to keep an eye out for other trail users. Climbing towards the top of Mount Jerrabomberra is rewarded with impressive views across Queanbeyan, Canberra and the surrounding ranges. The official lookout and management-road network provides another way to explore the reserve and makes a handy reference point when navigating the area. Its location makes Jerra a great addition to a Canberra MTB trip, particularly for riders already exploring the region’s bigger riding destinations. For riders searching for Jerrabomberra mountain bike trails, Jerra MTB, mountain biking in Queanbeyan, MTB trails near Canberra or mountain biking in southern NSW, this local network is definitely worth having on the ride list. RTS Tip: Jerrabomberra is best treated as a local natural trail network rather than a formal purpose-built bike park. Use current trail mapping to work out individual trails, grades and connections before heading out, be considerate of walkers on shared trails and respect any current signage, closures or access restrictions.

Majura Pines is one of Canberra’s classic mountain bike destinations, packing a great variety of riding into a compact trail network just minutes from the city. Purpose-built singletrack winds through the pine forest with everything from smooth, flowing trails and berms to jumps, technical features and more challenging descending. With trails catering for a range of abilities and plenty of options for linking together laps, Majura is equally suited to newer riders building confidence and experienced riders looking for a fast, fun session. RTS Tip: Majura is perfect for repeat laps, so use your first run to learn the trail and features before adding speed. The network is within a working pine plantation, meaning forestry operations can occasionally affect access — always check current trail closures and conditions before heading out.

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.

Melba BMX Track is a local riding spot in Canberra’s north, offering a classic BMX-style track with a series of rollers, jumps and berms to ride and session. Its compact layout makes it ideal for younger riders, families and anyone wanting to practise pumping, cornering and general bike-handling skills without heading to a larger trail network. Whether you’re on a BMX, mountain bike or kids’ bike, it’s an easy place to squeeze in a quick ride and build confidence on two wheels. RTS Tip: Rather than pedalling hard everywhere, practise generating speed by pumping through the rollers and carrying your momentum into the berms. Take an easy lap first to check the condition of the track and features, particularly after wet weather.

Molonglo Pines and Zoo Pines form part of Canberra’s extensive collection of informal and established mountain bike riding areas, offering a mix of singletrack, fire trails and technical bush riding close to the city. The terrain delivers plenty of variety, with short climbs, flowing sections, rocky features and tighter trails that make the area fun to explore on an XC or trail bike. With multiple tracks and connections through the surrounding landscape, riders can piece together anything from a quick session to a longer exploratory ride. RTS Tip: Trail layouts and access around Molonglo and Zoo Pines can change, so don’t rely on an old route alone. Check the latest local trail information before riding, keep an eye out for closures or changed access, and download a current map if you’re planning to explore beyond the main trails.

The Narrabundah Velodrome, affectionately known to Canberra cyclists as “The Bundahdome”, is an outdoor track cycling venue in Narrabundah, Canberra ACT and an important part of the city’s cycling history. Opened in 1972, the concrete velodrome has hosted more than 50 years of track racing, training, junior development and ACT championship events. Its distinctive steep banking and outdoor setting have helped give the track plenty of character, with generations of Canberra riders learning their craft here. The Bundahdome has produced and developed an impressive list of Australian cyclists, with riders associated with the track including Mathew Hayman, Michael Rogers, Rebecca Wiasak, Nathan Hart, Oenone Wood, Sue Powell and Michael Milton. Hayman went on to famously win Paris–Roubaix in 2016, while the velodrome has continued to provide a pathway from junior cycling through to elite competition. After being closed in 2013 because of concerns about the ageing track surface, the velodrome underwent a major $1.5 million safety upgrade, including resurfacing and improvements to the transitions between the steeply banked bends and straights. It reopened in 2014 and continues to be used for organised track cycling. Today, the Narrabundah Velodrome remains home to track training, junior development and racing, with Vikings Cycling Club ACT running track programs at the venue and the Capital Region Masters Cycling Club holding seasonal racing. Vikings also provides junior track bikes for its development program, making the Bundahdome an excellent place for Canberra riders interested in getting started in track cycling. RTS Tip: The Bundahdome is a proper banked velodrome rather than a casual recreational cycle loop, so don’t simply roll onto the track without understanding track-riding etiquette. Organised sessions are the best way for newcomers to experience it, and track bikes are available through some club programs. The steep banking can be intimidating at first, so learn the correct entry, exit and passing procedures and build your speed and confidence gradually.

The National Arboretum Canberra, just 6 km from Canberra’s city centre, offers more than 20 km of multi-use cycling and walking tracks across its spectacular 250-hectare landscape. Rather than a traditional purpose-built MTB park, the Arboretum provides a mixture of unsealed tracks, management trails, shared-use paths and connecting singletrack, weaving between forests containing more than 40,000 rare, endangered and culturally significant trees. Rolling hills and some surprisingly steep gradients add a decent workout, while elevated sections provide brilliant views across Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Black Mountain and the surrounding ranges. One of the biggest attractions for mountain bikers is the Canberra Centenary Trail, which passes directly through the Arboretum as part of the section linking Black Mountain with Stromlo Forest Park. For cyclists, this section combines formed cycle paths, wide management trails and shared-use singletrack, with roots, rocks, logs and some short steep sections adding interest. The Centenary Trail is primarily maintained as a green/easy MTB route, making it suitable for riders with basic off-road skills, mountain bikes, e-MTBs and capable gravel bikes. Within the Arboretum itself, riders can explore the designated unsealed tracks and roads or use the area as part of a much larger Canberra MTB ride. The Bicentennial National Trail also passes through the site, while connections towards Stromlo Forest Park, Black Mountain and Stromlo Pines make the Arboretum an excellent link between some of Canberra’s major riding areas. The Arboretum is particularly good for riders looking for scenic, less-technical mountain biking close to central Canberra. You can combine forest tracks with climbs towards Dairy Farmers Hill, explore the southern forests or simply build your own loop through the designated cycling network before stopping at the Village Centre. RTS Tip: This is a shared-use trail network rather than a dedicated MTB park, so ride accordingly. Cyclists must give way to horses, walkers and runners, and there is a 10 km/h speed limit on shared tracks and trails. Download the Arboretum trail map before setting out and stick to designated cycling routes. For a bigger adventure, use the Canberra Centenary Trail to link the National Arboretum with Stromlo Forest Park and turn a relaxed forest ride into a much longer Canberra MTB mission.

Seiffert Oval Cycle Track – Queanbeyan The cycling track at Seiffert Oval is an outdoor 400-metre bitumen cycle track in Queanbeyan East, NSW, providing a dedicated venue for cycling training, competition and casual riding. Located at 36 Thurralilly Street, the track circles the sporting field at Seiffert Oval, a well-known Queanbeyan sporting venue. Unlike a steeply banked competition velodrome, its longer outdoor layout makes it useful for training, fitness riding and local cycling events, as well as general community cycling. The cycle track has historically been used by local cycling clubs for competition and training and has also hosted cycling events attracting riders from across NSW. The precinct has lighting suitable for cycling events, allowing organised riding to continue into the evening. Seiffert Oval itself has an interesting sporting history and was once the home ground of the Canberra Raiders, but its connection with cycling goes even further: the oval was named after John Wesley Seiffert, who was himself a successful amateur cyclist and won a one-mile amateur track cycling championship in 1926. For riders searching for Queanbeyan Velodrome, Seiffert Oval cycling track, track cycling near Canberra or outdoor cycling tracks in southern NSW, Seiffert Oval is a useful local cycling facility to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: Council documentation has previously noted that the bitumen track surface was ageing and in need of substantial renewal, so I wouldn’t make strong claims about its current riding condition. Check the surface and current access when you arrive, particularly before higher-speed training.

Sparrow Hill and East Kowen form one of Canberra’s largest and most rewarding mountain bike networks, with the two areas linked to create plenty of options for anything from a quick spin to a big day on the bike. Expect kilometres of purpose-built singletrack weaving through pine forest and native bush, with flowing sections, punchy climbs, technical features and fast descents. The extensive network means riders can build loops to suit their distance and ability, making it a favourite for XC and trail riders who enjoy covering ground and exploring. RTS Tip: With so many trail junctions and loop options, it’s worth having your route sorted before you roll out — especially if you’re linking Sparrow Hill and East Kowen into one longer ride. Forestry operations and events can also affect access, so check current trail conditions and closures before heading out.

Stromlo Forest Park is Canberra’s flagship mountain biking destination and one of Australia’s best-known purpose-built MTB parks. Located around 15 minutes from Canberra’s city centre, the 1,200-hectare multi-sport precinct offers more than 50km of professionally built and maintained mountain bike trails, catering for everyone from first-time riders through to experienced XC, enduro and downhill riders. The network has a huge variety of riding, with green, blue and black trails spread across Mount Stromlo. Expect flowing singletrack, technical rock features, berms, jumps, drops, natural obstacles and long descents, alongside dedicated climbing trails that allow riders to pedal their way back up for another run. Stromlo has a particularly strong cross-country heritage, having hosted the 2009 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. Today there’s an extensive XC network where riders can link trails together into anything from a short beginner loop to a substantial ride around the mountain. Gravity riders are equally well catered for, with dedicated downhill and jump trails descending from the upper mountain. Popular trails across the wider network include Luge, Pork Barrel, Old Duffy Descent and Trebuchet, with everything from fast flow to serious technical terrain. Current Trailforks mapping shows more than 100 individual MTB trail sections across the broader park. One of Stromlo’s biggest advantages is the shuttle service, allowing riders to maximise their descending rather than climbing for every lap. The official shuttle currently operates Friday to Sunday, on public holidays and during ACT school holidays, generally taking riders to the top of the mountain every 40 minutes. There’s also plenty for riders developing their skills. Stromlo has the Evolution Coaching Trails, The Playground and a pump track, providing dedicated areas to practise cornering, jumping and technical features before taking those skills onto the mountain. Adaptive riders are well catered for too, with current mapping identifying more than 20 adaptive-accessible trail sections, adding to Stromlo’s appeal as a genuinely broad cycling destination. The main precinct includes parking, an event pavilion and nearby café/bar and bike hire, while the park also features a 1.2km criterium circuit and other cycling and recreation facilities. For riders searching for Stromlo MTB, Canberra mountain bike trails, Mount Stromlo MTB, downhill MTB Canberra or ACT mountain biking, this is the region’s must-know destination and easily worth building an entire day of riding around. RTS Tip: Stromlo is big enough that it pays to plan your ride around your ability and preferred style rather than trying to cover everything. Newer riders can stick to the green loops and progression areas, trail riders can build a big pedal-powered adventure, while gravity riders can grab a shuttle pass and concentrate on the descents. All designated MTB trails are one-way, and individual trails can close for maintenance, events or weather, so check the official trail status before riding.

Tamworth Mountain Bike Park is a purpose-built community MTB network at Forest Road in North Tamworth, only around 10 minutes from the CBD. Developed and maintained by Tamworth Mountain Bikers (TAMMTB) with support from Tamworth Regional Council, the park offers 14km of graded MTB trails, plus a pump track, skills park and an impressive 5km of adaptive cycling trails. The network caters for a broad range of riders, from kids and complete beginners through to experienced cross-country riders. The 3 Piggies provides an easy kids’ introduction, while green trails including Yellow Brick Road, Hillside and Southpark offer flowing, approachable singletrack with gentle progression into switchbacks and rocky terrain. Step up to the blue trails and the riding becomes considerably more interesting. Creekline delivers a fast run weaving through and across the creek, while Secret Valley traverses the width of the park, climbs around Central Mountain and finishes through a small gorge with a technical rock garden. Goanna Crawl and Skyline add further intermediate riding, allowing plenty of different trail combinations rather than one prescribed loop. One of Tamworth’s standout features is its commitment to adaptive mountain biking. Around 5km of dedicated adaptive trails complement accessible sections of the wider network, with the club publishing individual guidance on which trails can be navigated by XC, RX and Explorer handcycles. Adaptive riders can also contact the club for gate-code access and parking closer to the central picnic area. The park is also well set up for families and longer sessions, with a central picnic area, shelters, tables, toilets, drinking water and a children’s playground. There are two entrances: riders can pedal into the lower entrance directly from the Tamworth Regional Council cycleway, while the upper entrance provides parking with room for larger vehicles and trailers. TAMMTB continues to use the park for club rides, racing and rider development, and the venue regularly hosts larger competitions. In August 2026, for example, the park is hosting a three-day MTB weekend incorporating school racing, XC competition and a round of the NSW/ACT XCO State Series. For riders searching for Tamworth MTB, New England mountain bike trails, family-friendly MTB in Tamworth, adaptive mountain biking in NSW or cross-country MTB in northern NSW, this is a very well-rounded regional riding destination. RTS Tip: Tamworth is particularly good for progression and mixed-ability groups. Newer riders can start with The 3 Piggies and green network before moving into the blues, while experienced riders can link multiple trails into a longer XC session. Normal recreational riding is free and you don't need a licence or club membership, although all riders must follow the park’s Conditions of Entry.

Thirstypacker Threehundo – Canberra Bikepacking Loop The Thirstypacker Threehundo is a huge 300km weekend bikepacking loop from Canberra, crossing the Brindabella Ranges and linking Tumut and Wee Jasper into two seriously rewarding days on the bike. Starting in Canberra, the route quickly leaves the city behind and heads towards the mountains, travelling through an incredible mix of bushland, pastoral country, subalpine forest, remote backroads and rugged gravel. Day one covers approximately 152km with 2,806m of climbing, crossing the Brindabella Ranges on the brilliant Warks Road climb before descending through the Brindabella Valley and continuing towards Tumut. Along the way, riders pass through constantly changing landscapes, from Canberra's urban trails to dense mountain forest, open valleys and remote country roads. After an overnight stop in Tumut, day two delivers another approximately 150km and 2,800m of climbing. The route heads towards Wee Jasper, combining sealed and hard-packed gravel roads with another substantial climb before continuing through the hills and eventually returning to Canberra via Mountain Creek Road. The terrain varies considerably throughout the adventure. Expect everything from bitumen and smooth gravel through to rougher, overgrown tracks, long sustained climbs and fast mountain descents. A capable gravel bike or hardtail mountain bike with 48mm / 2-inch tyres or wider is recommended. This isn't an introductory bikepacking overnighter. Back-to-back 150km days and around 5,600m of total climbing demand strong fitness, while remote sections, limited mobile reception and changing mountain weather mean riders also need to be comfortable travelling self-sufficiently. For experienced riders looking for a big Canberra gravel and bikepacking adventure without committing to a week-long expedition, the Thirstypacker Threehundo packs an enormous amount of riding into one weekend. RTS Tip: Water can be scarce across sections of the route and some natural water sources require treatment, so plan your water carefully. Carry offline navigation, repair equipment, appropriate layers, first aid and emergency communications such as a PLB. Conditions in the Brindabellas can change quickly, so check current weather, fire, forestry and road conditions before setting out.

Unsanctioned trails - Tuggeranong Pines offers a compact network of mountain bike trails in Canberra’s south, with purpose-built singletrack winding through the pine forest and surrounding terrain. The network packs plenty of variety into a relatively small area, with flowing sections, berms, climbs, technical features and faster descents making it a fun option for XC and trail riders. Its interconnected trails make it easy to string together different loops, session favourite sections or add extra laps for a longer ride. RTS Tip: Tuggeranong Pines is a great place to practise skills and repeat sections, so take an easier lap first and then build up your speed as you learn the trails. As the network sits within an active plantation area, forestry operations can affect trail access — check current closures and conditions before you ride.