Derby mountain bike trails

Recognised as one of only a handful of IMBA Epic rides in Australia, the Bay of Fires Epic is a true bucket-list mountain bike adventure. This spectacular 42km point-to-point trail begins high in the Blue Tier Forest Reserve and winds its way through ancient rainforest, towering tree ferns, granite boulder fields and open eucalypt forest before finishing on the brilliant white sands of Swimcart Beach at the world-famous Bay of Fires. The ride delivers an unforgettable mix of flowing singletrack, fast berms, technical features and rewarding climbs as the landscape continually transforms from cool mountain forest to coastal wilderness. Riders descend more than 600 metres in the opening section before tackling rolling backcountry terrain, with panoramic ocean views appearing as you approach the coast. Every kilometre offers something different, making it one of Australia's most scenic and rewarding mountain bike experiences. This is a remote backcountry trail with no services along the route, so riders should come well prepared with food, water and repair equipment. Most riders access the trail via a shuttle from St Helens or Derby, with transport available to the Blue Tier trailhead and collection at the finish. Ride Highlights 42km IMBA Epic point-to-point adventure. Ride from the mountains to the sea. Flowing singletrack, berms and technical features. Ancient rainforest, granite outcrops and coastal scenery. Finishes on the white sands of Swimcart Beach. Shuttle access available from St Helens and Derby. Suitability Mountain Bike Cross Country Trail Advanced Intermediate to Advanced Riders Good to Know Distance: 42km Difficulty: More Difficult Ride Time: Allow 4.5–6 hours. Facilities: No water or services on the trail. Carry supplies and let someone know your plans, as mobile reception is limited in places.

The Ben Lomond Gravel Climb is one of Tasmania’s most iconic cycling challenges, climbing deep into Ben Lomond National Park before tackling the spectacular switchbacks of Jacobs Ladder. From the turn onto Ben Lomond Road, riders face roughly 18km of predominantly gravel climbing, gaining more than 1,000m on the journey towards the alpine plateau. The finale is the unforgettable Jacobs Ladder — a steep, narrow series of switchbacks cut dramatically into the mountainside, with gradients pushing into double figures and huge views opening across north-east Tasmania. It’s a serious climb, but for experienced gravel riders it delivers one of the most memorable ascents in Australia. RTS Tip: Save something for Jacobs Ladder — the final switchbacks are the steepest and roughest part of the climb, and the descent demands just as much respect. Conditions can change rapidly at this elevation, so pack layers, check the weather and current park alerts before setting out. During snowy or icy conditions the access road can close without notice, making this one best planned around suitable conditions.

Big Hill Mountain Bike Park is one of Australia’s original and most iconic mountain bike networks, located just 500m from the centre of Mount Beauty in Victoria’s High Country. Unlike many newer bike parks, Big Hill’s trails have largely been built by hand rather than machine, giving the network a raw, natural and distinctly old-school character that sets it apart from other destinations across North East Victoria. The park offers a huge network of cross-country, trail and downhill riding, with everything from beginner-friendly trails through to world-class XC and gravity terrain. Expect tight hand-cut singletrack, roots, rocks, steep climbs, fast natural descents and technical features, with trails that reward riders who enjoy natural terrain rather than manicured bike-park flow. A great way to explore Big Hill for the first time is through its colour-coded loops. The Green Loop is around 5km with 182m of climbing and provides a good introduction to the park. The Yellow Loop steps things up to around 10km and 315m of climbing, while the Orange Loop packs 11 trails and roughly 356m of climbing into its 10km route, including favourites The Claw and Rachel’s Way. For experienced riders, Big Hill has a serious pedigree. Its steep, fast hand-cut singletrack has been used for downhill, cross-country and enduro racing for decades, with Team Mount Beauty describing the trails as having produced numerous cycling champions. The club continues to host major events including rounds of the Victorian Downhill Series. The network is maintained by Team Mount Beauty, a volunteer cycling club founded in 1995. The club is closely connected with the park and continues to maintain trails, organise events and work with the different landowners across Big Hill. Big Hill is also perfectly positioned for a Victoria High Country MTB road trip. Bright, Yackandandah, Beechworth and Falls Creek are all within the wider region, making Mount Beauty an excellent base for several days of riding. For riders searching for Mount Beauty MTB, Big Hill MTB Park, Victoria High Country mountain biking, natural singletrack or downhill riding in North East Victoria, Big Hill is absolutely one to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: Big Hill is famous for being raw, natural and a little complicated to navigate — and that’s part of its charm. Team Mount Beauty openly acknowledges that navigation can be challenging and is working to improve signage, so download the current map before heading out. First-time riders can start with the Green Loop before progressing deeper into the network

Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails has transformed the former tin-mining town of Derby in north-east Tasmania into one of Australia’s premier mountain biking destinations. The wider network features more than 125km of purpose-built trails, weaving through spectacular temperate rainforest, giant ferns, granite boulders, rivers and old mining landscapes. The main Derby network alone has 35 purpose-built trails, ranging from family-friendly green runs such as Rapids and Lake Derby through flowing intermediate singletrack and iconic technical trails including Trouty, Detonate, Black Dragon and Kumma-Gutza. Add shuttle-accessed descents, huge rock slabs, jumps, berms and longer wilderness adventures like the Blue Tier and you’ve got a destination worthy of several days on the bike. Blue Derby has also hosted rounds of the Enduro World Cup, cementing its reputation on the international MTB stage. RTS Tip: Don’t try to squeeze Derby into a single day — stay a few nights and explore the network properly. The main Derby trails are free to ride year-round, with climbing trails providing access throughout the network or paid uplift shuttles available if you’d rather save your legs for the descents. If you’re planning to ride Blue Tier or Big Chook, check their status before travelling as these trails have an annual winter closure, generally from July until late September depending on conditions.

The Blue Tier is one of Tasmania’s iconic wilderness mountain bike rides and a must-do part of the wider Blue Derby experience. Starting high at Poimena, the 22km blue-rated one-way trail takes riders through a spectacular mix of sub-alpine terrain, giant granite boulders, crystal-clear streams and dark myrtle rainforest before descending towards Weldborough. While there’s plenty of descending, this isn’t simply a gravity run — expect pedalling and short climbs along the way as the trail follows a landscape shaped by Tasmania’s historic tin-mining era. Remote, beautiful and completely different to the trails closer to Derby, Blue Tier delivers a genuine backcountry adventure. RTS Tip: Organise your logistics before you ride. Blue Tier is one-way and remote, with very limited mobile reception, so pre-booking a shuttle to the Poimena trailhead is the easiest option. Carry food, water, spares and extra layers, and check the trail status before heading out. Blue Tier has an annual winter closure from July until around late September, with reopening dependent on conditions.

Bowden Spur Mountain Bike Area in Kinglake National Park is home to Shepherds Track, a purpose-built 2km downhill trail designed for experienced gravity riders. Dropping around 233m down the spur, Shepherds is rated Double Black Diamond and packs in steep gradients, dirt jumps, rock gardens, flowing berms, off-camber sections and technical rocky terrain. Built in 2012, it remains one of the more challenging downhill MTB experiences within easy reach of Melbourne. This is a dedicated downhill/enduro ride rather than a broader trail network, with vehicle access to the car park at the top of Bowden Spur allowing riders to organise shuttle runs. Parks Victoria recommends downhill or enduro bikes, along with a full-face helmet and body armour. RTS Tip: Shepherds is genuinely advanced terrain — this isn’t the place to progress onto your first black trail. Experienced riders should arrive with appropriate protective gear, plenty of water and a plan for getting back to the top. There’s no drinking water at the trail, and conditions can change quickly with weather, fire danger or maintenance, so check Parks Victoria updates before heading out.

Tasmania is an incredible destination for gravel riding, with quiet backroads, forest tracks, remote fire trails and rugged cycling routes stretching across the island. From shorter gravel bike rides around Hobart and southern Tasmania to remote adventures through the Central Highlands, North East, West Coast and rural backcountry, Tasmania offers an enormous variety of terrain for gravel cyclists. Expect everything from fast-rolling country gravel and farmland to steep forest roads, rocky 4WD tracks and big climbs through some seriously wild landscapes. For riders looking to make a bigger adventure of it, Tasmania is also brilliant for bikepacking and multi-day gravel cycling. Routes can link small towns, national parks, forests and remote communities, while longer adventures such as the Tasmanian Trail show just how much of the state can be explored away from the main roads. The changing landscape is a huge part of the experience. One ride might take you through farmland and rolling hills, while another heads deep into temperate forest, alpine country or towards Tasmania's dramatic coastline. Add historic towns, local food and plenty of places worth stopping along the way and it's easy to turn a gravel ride into an entire Tasmanian road trip. Whether you're searching for an easy gravel day ride, a challenging loop or a multi-day Tasmanian bikepacking adventure, there's a huge amount of riding waiting to be discovered. RTS Tip: Tasmania has loads of individual gravel routes to explore, and Ride The State will be working on getting these added as individual Ride Cards over time. Until then, check out the mapping link to browse the Ride with GPS Tasmania gravel collection, find a route that suits your distance and ability, and start planning your next Tassie gravel adventure. Tasmania's weather and remote conditions can change quickly, so always check current access, weather, road and trail conditions before setting out and come prepared for the route you're tackling.

Located near Wodonga in Victoria’s north-east, Hunchback Hill MTB Park is a popular local mountain bike network with purpose-built singletrack spread across the slopes of Hunchback Hill. Expect a mix of flowing trail, rocky sections, punchy climbs and more technical features, with the terrain and elevation providing plenty of variety for riders looking to build skills or put together a solid trail session. Its location close to Wodonga makes Hunchback Hill an easy ride destination for locals and a worthwhile stop for riders travelling through Victoria’s High Country. RTS Tip: Don’t underestimate Hunchback Hill—the climbs and rocky terrain can make a relatively short ride feel like a proper workout. Explore a few different trail combinations rather than sticking to one loop, and check current trail conditions before riding, particularly following wet weather.

The Melba Flats to Zeehan Rail Trail is a remote 9 km adventure trail on Tasmania’s rugged West Coast, following historic railway formations between Melba Flats and the mining town of Zeehan. Unlike a manicured recreational rail trail, this is a genuine exploratory mountain bike ride across open button-grass plains, with compacted earth, grass, gravel, old railway sleepers, creek crossings, washouts and sections that can become wet or overgrown. The trail is relatively isolated and poorly signposted, making it best suited to mountain bikes and self-sufficient riders comfortable with navigation and rougher terrain. The route has an interesting railway history, with two separate railway lines once running roughly parallel between Zeehan and Melba Flats. One was the two-foot-gauge North East Dundas Tramway, built to transport ore from the mines around Williamsford to Zeehan, while the other was the wider-gauge Emu Bay Railway, which connected Zeehan with Tasmania’s north-west coast. Remnants of both corridors can still be encountered, including old sleepers, railway formations, bridge sites and other infrastructure slowly being reclaimed by the West Coast landscape. One of the biggest attractions for adventurous riders is the opportunity to extend the ride beyond Melba Flats. The trail connects with the 19 km Montezuma Falls Rail Trail, following more of the old North East Dundas Tramway towards Montezuma Falls and Williamsford. Linking the trails can create an adventurous ride of around 55–56 km return from Zeehan, taking riders from exposed button-grass plains into lush rainforest and past historic mining and railway remains on the way to one of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls. RTS Tip: Don’t approach Melba Flats to Zeehan expecting a smooth family rail trail — this is West Coast adventure riding. Navigation can be tricky, creek crossings and washouts may require some hike-a-bike, and sections can be boggy or overgrown. Download your route before leaving, carry food, water, repair gear and suitable wet-weather clothing, and allow considerably more time than you normally would for a 9 km ride. For experienced riders wanting a bigger mission, link it with Montezuma Falls and Williamsford for a memorable full-day MTB adventure.

The Montezuma Falls Rail Trail is a spectacular and adventurous mountain bike ride on Tasmania’s West Coast, following the historic North East Dundas Tramway between Williamsford, Montezuma Falls and Melba Flats near Zeehan and Rosebery. The main rail-trail route is approximately 19 km one way, travelling through dense temperate rainforest filled with myrtle, sassafras and leatherwood before reaching Montezuma Falls, one of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls. The old tramway’s gentle gradients disguise a surprisingly adventurous ride, with compacted earth, fine gravel, mud, creek crossings, washouts and sections shared with 4WD vehicles. The most accessible section runs approximately 5.5 km from Williamsford to Montezuma Falls, creating an 11 km return ride. Following the old railway formation through lush rainforest, this section is generally easier than the rest of the route and provides a brilliant introduction to West Coast Tasmania cycling. At the falls, riders reach the impressive suspension bridge spanning the gorge, with remnants of the original curved timber railway trestle still visible nearby. Beyond Montezuma Falls, the approximately 14 km section to Melba Flats becomes considerably more adventurous. The former railway formation is also used by 4WD vehicles and can contain deep puddles, muddy sections, rocky washouts and creek crossings where the original timber bridges have disappeared. At Melba Flats, adventurous riders can connect with the Melba Flats to Zeehan Rail Trail, creating the possibility of a much bigger West Coast MTB journey through historic mining country. The trail follows a railway constructed in the late 1890s to carry ore from mines around Dundas and Mount Read towards Zeehan. Today, old railway formations, mining remnants and the abandoned settlement of Williamsford provide reminders of the region’s mining boom, while the surrounding rainforest has reclaimed much of the landscape. RTS Tip: Choose your ride carefully. Williamsford to Montezuma Falls and return is the shorter option, while continuing towards Melba Flats turns this into a much more remote MTB adventure requiring proper preparation, wider tyres, food, water, repair gear and offline navigation. Important: as of August 2026, the Williamsford-side Montezuma Falls walking track is temporarily closed due to windfall and a landslip. Access to the southern end of the suspension bridge via the 4WD track remains available. Check the latest Tasmania Parks alerts before travelling, as conditions and access can change.

Mount Lofty, rising above Adelaide in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, offers a fantastic mix of mountain biking, shared-use trails and challenging road cycling within and around Cleland National Park. Rather than being a single MTB park, Mount Lofty forms part of a much larger network of fire tracks and designated cycling trails connecting Crafers, Cleland Wildlife Park, Chambers Gully and Mount Lofty Summit. Riders can expect sustained climbing, fast fire-road descents, natural surfaces, creek crossings, stringybark and blue gum forest and spectacular views across Adelaide and the surrounding Mount Lofty Ranges. Popular MTB options include the Crafers to Mount Lofty Link Trail, Wine Shanty Trail, Chambers Gully to Crafers Link, Measdays Loop and Adventure Loop. The Steub Trail provides a gentler 7 km return route between Cleland Wildlife Park and Mount Lofty Summit, while the 12 km one-way Chambers Gully to Crafers Link can be extended with a 2.6 km spur to the summit. Riders looking for a longer adventure can combine several of these shared-use trails into a substantial loop through Cleland National Park. Mount Lofty is also one of Adelaide’s iconic road cycling climbs. The Old Freeway/Crafers Bikeway provides roughly 9 km of climbing from near the Glen Osmond Tollgate towards Crafers, with riders able to continue to Mount Lofty Summit. The surrounding Adelaide Hills roads then open up numerous longer cycling routes through Stirling, Uraidla, Basket Range and Mount George. RTS Tip: Mount Lofty is a shared-trail riding area, not an unrestricted MTB network. Bikes are permitted on public roads and specifically designated cycling and shared-use tracks within Cleland National Park, while many of the famous walking trails are not open to bikes. Download the current Cleland bike trail map before riding and pay attention to signage. If you’re heading for the summit, be prepared for plenty of climbing — but the views across Adelaide make a pretty good reward.

The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is one of Australia’s premier cycling trails, with around 137 km of sealed trail through North East Victoria and the Victorian High Country. The network connects some of the region’s best-known cycling destinations, including Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Bright, Beechworth, Yackandandah, Oxley, Rutherglen and Wahgunyah, taking riders through the Ovens Valley, farmland, vineyards, historic railway country and the foothills of the Victorian Alps. With a sealed surface and predominantly gentle gradients, it’s suitable for road bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, e-bikes, families and cycle tourers, although the climb towards Beechworth and the route onwards to Yackandandah are noticeably more demanding. The main Wangaratta to Bright section is around 82–83 km, following the former railway through Bowser, Everton, Gapsted, Myrtleford, Ovens, Eurobin and Porepunkah before reaching Bright. This is classic High Country riding, with farmland and vineyards gradually giving way to increasingly impressive mountain scenery as you approach Bright. With cafés, accommodation, wineries, breweries and food stops scattered throughout the corridor, the route works brilliantly as either a long one-day ride or a relaxed multi-day cycling trip. At Everton, riders can branch towards historic Beechworth and Yackandandah. This section includes the trail’s most significant climbing on the way to Beechworth before continuing through bushland, historic railway cuttings and rolling farmland towards Yackandandah. The Beechworth–Yackandandah extension opened in 2024, adding another major cycling connection between two of North East Victoria’s historic gold-rush towns. There are also separate sections further north. Wangaratta to Oxley is around 9 km, providing an easy connection towards the Milawa Gourmet Region, while the Rutherglen to Wahgunyah section is around 8.5 km, taking riders through renowned wine country towards the Murray River. These shorter sections are excellent choices for families or riders wanting a relaxed half-day experience rather than tackling the longer High Country routes. RTS Tip: You definitely don’t need to ride all 137 km to enjoy the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Choose a section that suits your day — Wangaratta to Oxley for an easy food-focused ride, Myrtleford to Bright for spectacular mountain scenery, or Beechworth towards Yackandandah for history and a little more climbing. If you’re planning a multi-day trip, the towns along the route make it easy to build a ride around accommodation, cafés and local produce. Just remember that the network has gaps between some branches, so check the current map carefully before assuming every section connects entirely off-road.

Reef Hills State Park, just 5 km south-west of Benalla in North East Victoria, offers a large network of natural cross-country mountain bike trails through more than 2,000 hectares of Box-Ironbark forest. The riding combines flowing singletrack, rocky sections, short climbs and descents, fire roads and historic mining tracks, making Reef Hills a great option for riders exploring the Benalla and Victorian High Country cycling region. Current mapping identifies around 45 MTB trails, with green, blue and black-rated options spread throughout the park. The terrain is predominantly XC and trail focused, with relatively modest elevation but plenty of undulating riding and interconnected tracks. Popular mapped trails include Tower Flow, which delivers flowing corners, berms and jumps before transitioning into flatter natural singletrack. The wider network provides plenty of scope to build longer loops, with easier green trails alongside intermediate blue and more technical black-rated options. Reef Hills also has a fascinating gold-mining history. Gold was discovered in the area during the 1860s, and riders exploring the park will encounter old workings, tracks and mine sites scattered through the forest. The Lion and Golden Crown mines are among the park’s significant mining heritage locations, while the surrounding Box-Ironbark woodland is particularly attractive during the spring wildflower season. Mountain biking has long been a popular activity at Reef Hills, although riders should understand that this is State Park riding rather than a formally managed bike park. Parks Victoria officially permits cycling on roads and vehicle tracks open to the public, subject to seasonal and safety closures. The park also contains informal singletrack, so riders should respect current signage and avoid creating or extending unauthorised trails. Its location makes Reef Hills an easy addition to a Benalla cycling weekend, with other North East Victorian MTB destinations including Yackandandah, Beechworth, Warby-Ovens and the High Country trail networks within reach. Benalla itself promotes Reef Hills as one of the region’s mountain biking locations alongside Mount Samaria State Park. RTS Tip: Reef Hills is a large, interconnected bush network, so download a current map before heading out and don’t rely on trail signage alone. Be particularly careful around the park’s shooting-range areas — cyclists must stay clear whenever warning signs or flags indicate the ranges are operating. Historic mining also means old shafts and workings can be present, so stick to recognised routes. Check current Parks Victoria conditions before travelling, especially during planned burns, fire restrictions or seasonal closures.

Smiths Gully MTB Park, around 40 km north-east of Melbourne in Victoria’s Nillumbik region, is an expansive network of natural mountain bike trails spread through the steep bushland and reserves surrounding Smiths Gully. Current mapping shows around 26 MTB trails and more than 40 km of riding, with the network focused primarily on cross-country and trail riding, plus several faster enduro-style descents. Unlike a manicured trail centre, Smiths Gully has a distinctly old-school, natural character with hardpack dirt, loose rock, roots, tight trees, steep hills and plenty of punchy climbing. Popular trails include Midden, Orchid, Marsben, Buldwij Trail, Ridge Road, Goat Track Descent and Boomers Drop In. Midden delivers tight switchbacks and fast XC sections broken up by short climbs, while Ridge Road feels more like an enduro stage with tight trees and fast descending. Boomers Drop In is another favourite, combining flowing high-speed sections, sweeping corners and steeper chutes. There’s plenty here for riders wanting a substantial workout. A popular Smiths Gully Short Loop is around 10 km with roughly 190 m of climbing, while the much bigger Tough Smiths Loop stretches to approximately 43 km with more than 800 m of climbing, linking many of the network’s best-known trails into a serious day out. A traditional starting point is the Smiths Gully General Store, with another common access point at Smiths Gully MTB Car Park on Clintons Road. The General Store makes a particularly handy base for a ride, with food and coffee available before or afterwards. The network is best suited to intermediate riders, particularly those who enjoy exploratory XC rather than clearly defined bike-park loops. Many trails are shared with walkers and horse riders, so speeds need to be controlled around blind corners and other trail users given plenty of room. RTS Tip: Smiths Gully is a maze of interconnected natural trails, so download a current map before setting out — it’s very easy to turn a planned quick lap into a much bigger ride. Start with the Short Loop from the General Store to get a feel for the terrain, then add trails such as Midden, Ridge Road and Boomers Drop In if you want more. Expect steep climbs and loose hardpack, particularly in dry weather, and be careful not to stray into nearby conservation areas where bicycles are prohibited.

The St Andrews–Kinglake–Toolangi Gravel Loop is a challenging 90km gravel adventure north-east of Melbourne, combining big climbs, forest roads, rocky tracks and spectacular riding through the Kinglake and Toolangi ranges. Starting in St Andrews, the route wastes little time heading for the hills. Riders climb towards Kinglake through the surrounding ranges, with steep gradients and loose gravel making some sections a serious test of both fitness and traction. Once up high, the route travels through Kinglake before dropping towards Captains Creek Road and crossing into the Toolangi area. Here the landscape changes again as riders disappear beneath dense forest and tackle a mixture of smooth gravel, loose rock and punchy climbs. Marginal Road provides another sustained gravel climb before the route works its way through the beautiful Toolangi forest. Expect some rougher and rockier sections along the way, followed by rewarding descents as the ride eventually turns back towards St Andrews. With approximately 2,000m of climbing and almost 80% of the route unpaved, this is a substantial day on the bike. Most of the gravel is very rideable, but there are enough steep, loose and rocky sections to make wider tyres and confident off-road bike handling worthwhile. One of the best things about this ride is just how close it is to Melbourne. In around an hour from the city, riders can swap suburbia for dense forest, mountain views and some genuinely challenging gravel riding. For anyone searching for gravel rides near Melbourne, the St Andrews, Kinglake and Toolangi area is well worth exploring — and this loop brings some of its best terrain together into one seriously rewarding adventure. RTS Tip: Don't underestimate the climbing or remoteness of this ride. Carry plenty of food and water, as resupply opportunities are limited, and download your navigation before leaving. Wider gravel tyres are recommended for the loose and rocky sections. Check current forest access, weather, fire and road conditions before setting out, particularly following heavy rain.

The St Helens Mountain Bike Trails on Tasmania’s spectacular East Coast are one of Australia’s premier mountain biking destinations, combining more than 66 km of stacked-loop riding near St Helens with the epic 42 km Bay of Fires Trail. The network has everything from easy family-friendly green trails to flowing blue singletrack, technical black descents and genuine wilderness adventure riding, all set amongst granite boulders, eucalyptus forest, fern-filled gullies and coastal landscapes. The main Flagstaff Trail Network, around five minutes south of St Helens, is the best place to start. Eight stacked loops radiate from a purpose-built trailhead, allowing riders to progressively increase both distance and difficulty. Green trails including Trailhead, Over There, Swell Done, Humpback, Eagle Eye and Pearla provide approachable riding, while Rock Lobster, Wedged In, Seeya Later and Old Salty Dog step things up with longer, faster and more technical terrain. Experienced riders can head higher onto Loila Tier, where trails such as Send Helens, Icarus, Shucka and Mack 10 deliver the network’s very difficult black-rated riding. These gravity-focused trails make use of the elevation above St Helens for faster descending, technical features and more demanding terrain. For riders wanting a longer challenge, Dreaming Pools provides a substantial 23 km intermediate adventure deeper into the landscape. The headline experience is the Bay of Fires Trail, a roughly 42 km point-to-point adventure beginning high on the Blue Tier and finishing at Swimcart Beach. Riders travel from sub-alpine terrain through huge granite formations, rainforest and eucalyptus forest before a long ridgeline descent towards the coast, eventually emerging onto the famous white sands and turquoise water of the Bay of Fires. It’s one of those rare MTB rides where the destination is every bit as impressive as the trail itself. St Helens is also designed as a genuine MTB destination rather than simply a collection of trails. The Flagstaff trailhead has parking, toilets, a bike-wash/hygiene station and shuttle drop-off facilities, while the 3.8 km Townlink allows riders to pedal between St Helens township and the trailhead. Blue Derby is around an hour away, making it easy to combine the two networks into an incredible North East Tasmania riding trip. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, give yourself more than one day. Start at Flagstaff and use the stacked loops to find your level before progressing onto the Loila Tier descents. Save Bay of Fires or Dreaming Pools for a dedicated adventure day — both take you farther from the trailhead and require more preparation than a normal bike-park lap. Carry food, water, tools and extra clothing, download your maps offline and check current trail conditions before setting out; mobile reception can be limited on parts of the network.

The St. Helens Velodrome is an outdoor cycling track located within the St Helens Sports Complex on Tully Street, on Tasmania’s spectacular East Coast. The velodrome forms part of a large community sporting precinct that also includes an athletics ground, football and soccer fields, cricket facilities, netball courts and indoor sporting facilities. Break O’Day Council continues to identify the cycling velodrome as one of the facilities within the St Helens Sports Complex. The track is a traditional outdoor velodrome, providing a venue for track cycling and fast training laps rather than the purpose-built MTB riding for which St Helens is now best known. It is also listed amongst Australia’s established outdoor cycling tracks and velodromes. St Helens has a long association with Tasmania’s distinctive cycling carnival culture. The town continues to host a St Helens Carnival, bringing together cycling, running and woodchopping in a traditional Tasmanian sporting carnival atmosphere. For travelling cyclists, the velodrome is an easy addition to a much bigger St Helens riding trip. The town is now surrounded by some of Tasmania’s premier mountain biking, including the 66 km Flagstaff stacked-loop network and the 42 km Bay of Fires Trail, so riders can combine track riding with everything from easy MTB loops to full-day wilderness adventures. RTS Tip: St. Helens Velodrome is worth a look if you enjoy discovering Tasmania’s old-school outdoor cycling tracks, particularly alongside a visit to the St Helens MTB network. As access arrangements can change when the surrounding sports complex is being used for events or competitions, check locally before planning a dedicated track session. If you’re visiting during the St Helens Carnival, it’s an especially good opportunity to experience Tasmania’s long tradition of cycling carnival racing.

The Tippogoree Hills MTB Trails, near George Town in northern Tasmania, are the larger and more adventurous half of the George Town mountain bike destination. The completed network features more than 30 named trails, ranging from approachable green singletrack through flowing blues to technical black and double-black riding. Built across the rocky Tippogoree Hills landscape, expect granite slabs and boulders, natural rock features, fast flow, technical descents and substantial climbing, with a strong emphasis on progression and adventure riding. The network is arranged across several elevations, allowing riders to progressively work their way higher into the hills. Trails such as Switchplate, kuwara and BBA Way provide easier options around the lower network, while intermediate riders have a huge selection including Claysnake, Hotdog, Roulette, Aluminati, Flow Head, Cracker Jack, Liquidus, Hashtag and Yeah Buoy. The official network includes green, blue, black and double-black gradings, so there is plenty of scope to build skills over multiple visits. One of the standout climbing routes is Skyhook, which takes riders high into Tippogoree Hills. Lower Skyhook weaves through boulders and across rock slabs, while the 2.5 km upper section tackles switchbacks and around 140 m of climbing to reach the upper reaches of the network. From higher points, riders can link together lengthy descents through trails including Rickerty Split, Slab Hunter, Humbugs & Haystacks and other gravity-focused lines. Tippogoree Hills was developed as the second stage of the broader George Town MTB project, complementing the nearby Mount George MTB Trails. The original masterplan proposed approximately 56 km across 36 trails, incorporating adventure, airflow and gravity-style riding. The finished destination has become one of northern Tasmania’s significant MTB networks and provides a very different experience from the better-known riding at Derby. There’s also a commercial uplift service, which makes Tippogoree particularly attractive to gravity riders. With multiple shuttle drop-off points, riders can access the upper trails without repeatedly climbing, while those wanting a pedal-powered day can still earn their descents using the climbing network. RTS Tip: Give yourself plenty of time at Tippogoree Hills — this is much more than a quick trail-centre lap. Newer riders should explore the lower green and easier blue trails first, while confident riders can climb Skyhook or use the uplift to access the higher gravity trails. The terrain becomes increasingly rocky and technical as you progress, so pay close attention to trail gradings rather than choosing purely by distance. Download the trail map before riding and check the current trail status, particularly if you're planning to tackle the more remote upper network.

The Il Monte Loop is a spectacular High Country gravel adventure that showcases the rugged beauty of the King Valley and the foothills of Mount Buffalo. Starting in Whitfield, at the heart of Victoria's famous Prosecco Road, the route winds through vineyards, pine plantations and remote alpine foothills before tackling two long, demanding climbs and rewarding riders with exhilarating descents and unforgettable mountain scenery. As the ride unfolds, sweeping views of Lake Buffalo, the Rose River Valley and the imposing western face of Mount Buffalo provide constant reminders of why this region is considered one of Australia's premier gravel riding destinations. The highlight for many riders is the stunning outlook towards The Horn, one of Mount Buffalo's most recognisable peaks. With changing road surfaces, remote terrain and sustained climbing, Il Monte is a true endurance ride that rewards strong legs, confident handling and a sense of adventure. Finish the day back in Whitfield with a well-earned meal or craft beer at the renowned King River Brewing. Ride Highlights: Ride through Victoria's famous Prosecco Road wine region Spectacular views of Lake Buffalo and Mount Buffalo Two long High Country climbs Fast, sustained gravel descents Scenic Rose River Road Remote alpine landscapes and pine forests Finish in Whitfield with local food, wine and craft beer Suitability: Recommended for experienced gravel riders with excellent fitness and confidence riding in remote areas. The combination of sustained climbing, long distances and varying road surfaces makes this a challenging all-day adventure. Riders should carry sufficient food, water, repair equipment and navigation, as services are limited once on the route.

Wielangta Tramway Trail The Wielangta Tramway Trail, around 65 km north-east of Hobart in south-east Tasmania, is a remote 6.5 km forest trail following the route of a former timber tramway near Rheban and the Sandspit River. The compacted-earth route passes through beautiful blue gum forest, fern-filled gullies and pockets of cool temperate rainforest, giving it a wonderfully wild feel. It is open to mountain bikes and walkers, with access from Wielangta Road. The original tramway followed the Sandspit River through Wielangta Forest, carrying timber from logging areas to sawmills at the former Wielangta settlement and eventually towards the coast opposite Maria Island, where sawn timber could be loaded onto ships. At its peak, Wielangta supported several sawmills as well as a general store, bakery, blacksmith and school before bushfires devastated the settlement in the 1920s and it was abandoned in 1928. Although the original railway formation was built with gentle gradients, today's trail is considerably more adventurous. Former timber trestle bridges have disappeared, leaving steep dips and climbs around old bridge sites, while sections can be washed out, muddy or underwater. Creek crossings and steep sections may require riders to get off and carry or push their bikes, particularly following heavy rain. The surrounding Wielangta Forest is particularly significant. It contains remnant glacial refugia forest, blue gums and cool temperate rainforest and provides habitat for threatened wildlife including the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle, swift parrot, spotted-tail quoll and Wielangta stag beetle. The name Wielangta is a local Aboriginal name meaning “tall trees.” RTS Tip: Don't let the 6.5 km distance or “rail trail” label fool you — Wielangta can feel much more like a backcountry MTB adventure than a conventional rail trail. A mountain bike with good tyres is the best choice, and expect to walk sections where bridges have disappeared or the formation has washed out. Conditions can become very wet and muddy after rain, so a summer or drier-weather visit is likely to provide the best riding. The area is remote with no public transport, so download your route beforehand and carry everything you need.