Mountain bike trails in Northern Territory

The Alice Springs Trail Network is a huge collection of hand-built desert singletrack spreading out from town into the spectacular landscapes of the Red Centre. With trails accessible directly from Alice Springs, riders can explore everything from smooth beginner-friendly loops to flowing cross-country singletrack and seriously technical rocky terrain. The network is split broadly between the Eastside and Westside trails, with key access points including the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Lovegrove, Gosse and Kurrajong trailheads. Expect classic Central Australian riding — rocky ridgelines, technical climbs and descents, fast hard-packed singletrack and incredible views across the surrounding ranges. Trails cover a wide range of difficulties, with highlights including Arrwe, Eastside Trail, Apwelantye, Aherre, Road Train, Skyline, Hell Line and Bob Gnarly. Rust-coloured trail markers and signed trailheads help with navigation, while the network’s proximity to town makes it easy to put together anything from a quick morning loop to a much bigger desert adventure. RTS Tip: Alice Springs might be close to town, but once you’re out on the trails it can feel surprisingly remote. Carry plenty of water, food, tools and spares, particularly if you’re heading onto the longer Westside trails. For newer riders, the Eastside Trail from the Telegraph Station is a great introduction; experienced riders have a huge range of blue, black and extremely difficult trails to explore. Grab the official NT Government trail map before heading out and consider downloading Trailforks for navigation.

The Araluen MTB Trails sit on the western side of Alice Springs, offering more than 15km of dedicated mountain bike singletrack alongside an extensive network of fire trails stretching towards the West MacDonnell Ranges. Expect classic Red Centre riding with rocky desert terrain, technical features, rock gardens, punchy climbs and flowing sections, all surrounded by spectacular views across the ranges. The network offers options for newer riders while still providing plenty of technical challenges for experienced mountain bikers. Araluen forms part of the wider Alice Springs mountain bike network, making it easy to link into a much bigger day of riding. The westside trails are particularly known for their more technical character and panoramic desert scenery, with signed routes helping riders navigate the network. RTS Tip: Central Australian riding can be rocky, exposed and tougher than the distance suggests, so carry plenty of water, food, tools and spares even on shorter rides. The cooler months are the most comfortable time to explore, and downloading the official Alice Springs MTB map or Trailforks before setting out will make navigating the wider network much easier.

Casuarina Coastal Reserve / Lee Point offers a diverse mountain bike network stretching between Royal Darwin Hospital and Lee Point, with trails catering for everyone from beginners through to experienced gravity riders. The southern end is known for fast, flowing trails such as Playground and Roller Coaster, while the central network gets more technical on trails like Blair Witch. Head further north and you’ll find short downhill runs for riders looking for steeper, gravity-focused terrain. The network mixes singletrack, 4WD tracks, hills and shared trails, with most trails able to be ridden in both directions. Some of the main singletracks are designed with a preferred downhill direction, so keep an eye on signage and be aware of walkers and oncoming riders on shared sections. With everything from cruisy coastal riding to technical singletrack and mini downhill runs, there’s plenty here to explore over multiple visits. RTS Tip: Check the tides before you ride — mangrove sections of the network can become impassable at high tide. Mosquitoes and biting insects can also be particularly active depending on standing water and tide cycles, so insect repellent is well worth packing. Use the DORC/Trailforks map for your first visit and watch for walkers on shared trails.

Charles Darwin National Park offers some of Darwin’s more technical mountain biking, with a network combining rugged 4WD tracks and purpose-built singletrack just minutes from the city. Rated moderate to hard, the trails feature switchbacks, rocky sections, logs, steps, short punchy climbs and technical features, with surfaces ranging from smooth hardpack through to very rocky terrain. The network includes a mix of hand-built trails and professionally constructed sections by Dirt Art and TrailScapes, plus a pump track near the main access road. Trails can be accessed near the park entrance or from the main picnic area, which also offers great views across Darwin. Some trails are one-way while others are bi-directional, so follow the directional signage as you explore the network. Wet-season conditions can create muddy sections and add another level of challenge to the riding. RTS Tip: Bring the insect repellent! Charles Darwin National Park is prone to mosquitoes and biting insects, with numbers influenced by Darwin Harbour’s tide cycles. The park’s main gate is open 8am–7pm, so factor closing time into your ride. For your first visit, use the official trail map or Trailforks to navigate the network and keep an eye on directional signage.

Howard Springs Pine Forest is one of Darwin’s most accessible mountain bike areas, offering a network of easy, flowing trails through the pine forest on both sides of Howard Springs Road. The mostly flat terrain and lack of major technical obstacles make it particularly well suited to beginners, families and riders building confidence, while faster riders can still have plenty of fun carrying speed through the flowing singletrack and testing their cornering skills. The trails have a hard-packed surface topped with loose pea gravel, creating fast riding but adding an extra challenge through the flat corners. The Pine Forest is a popular riding and racing location for Darwin Off Road Cyclists (DORC), with plenty of interconnected trails allowing riders to put together anything from a relaxed family spin to a longer cardio-focused session. Parking is available from several access points, including around the Stow Road intersection and Old Pine Forest entrance. RTS Tip: Howard Springs is a great choice if you’re new to mountain biking or riding with the family. Don’t underestimate the loose pea gravel though — the trails may be relatively flat and easy, but the surface can make faster corners surprisingly challenging. For your first visit, use the DORC/Trailforks map to navigate the network and bring plenty of water for Darwin’s tropical conditions.

Nitmiluk National Park, around 30km from Katherine, offers a purpose-built mountain bike network across the spectacular sandstone escarpment above Nitmiluk Gorge. Located on the traditional lands of the Jawoyn people, the trails combine rocky technical riding, steep climbs, flowing singletrack and incredible views across the Katherine River and surrounding gorge country. The network caters for different abilities, with trails ranging from the easier 2.6km Gateway to the River and 5.7km Jalkwarak through to more challenging options including Jatete, Bamjon, Gurumal, Yambi and Waleka. Starting from the Nitmiluk Centre, riders can link trails together to create anything from a shorter introduction to a bigger technical adventure across the escarpment. Some trails are shared with walkers while others are one-way, with trail markers and intersection signage helping riders navigate the network. Trail shelters at the Nitmiluk Centre and near Pat’s Lookout also provide maps and bike repair stations. RTS Tip: The rocky terrain, steep sections and Top End heat can make these trails tougher than the distances suggest. Carry plenty of water, ride with a buddy where possible and download the trail map before setting out as mobile coverage is very limited. Trail availability can change seasonally due to weather, flooding and maintenance, so check current park conditions before your ride. Visitors to the NT also require an NT Parks Visitor Pass.

The Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path is a scenic 17km sealed cycling trail running from opposite Flynn’s Grave to Simpsons Gap in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. The gently undulating path winds through classic Central Australian desert country, with views across the MacDonnell Ranges and surrounding rocky hills, mulga, witchetty bush and river red gum country. Four rest areas along the route provide places to stop and take in the landscape, with interpretive signs highlighting the area’s plants, wildlife and geology. The path connects with Alice Springs’ town cycling network, with Flynn’s Grave around 7km by bike from central Alice Springs, making it possible to ride all the way from town. Ride the path one-way for 17km, return for a 34km outing from Flynn’s Grave, or extend from Alice Springs for a bigger Red Centre adventure. RTS Tip: The cooler months from April to September are the best time to ride, and early mornings are a good option as temperatures rise. Carry plenty of water, snacks and puncture-repair gear, and stay on the sealed path — the surrounding desert vegetation can quickly cause punctures. Mobile coverage is also limited along the route, so download your map before setting off. Visitors to the NT require an NT Parks Visitor Pass.

Spokes Track is a short but technical mountain bike trail near Palmerston, running for around 3km alongside the Howard Springs Bike Path. Designed to be ridden west to east, the singletrack packs plenty into its short distance, with punchy climbs, technical descents, tight switchbacks, rocky sections and a couple of drops providing a fun challenge for more confident riders. The surface varies from hard-packed dirt to very rocky terrain, with sections becoming muddy during Darwin’s wet season. While it may only be a few kilometres long, Spokes is considerably more technical than the nearby Howard Springs Pine Forest and is best suited to riders comfortable with variable terrain, rocks, steep pinches and technical trail features. It can also be linked with surrounding bike paths and trails to create a longer ride around the Palmerston and Howard Springs area. RTS Tip: Don’t judge this one by the distance — 3km can pack a punch. Spokes is best for confident intermediate and advanced riders, particularly if you’re comfortable with rocky terrain, switchbacks and short, steep climbs and descents. Conditions can become muddy during the wet season, so check the trail before riding and use the linked DORC Spokes Track page for local trail information.

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park stretches west from Alice Springs through some of Central Australia’s most spectacular landscapes, with ancient red ranges, rocky escarpments, river red gums and desert country creating an incredible backdrop for riding. For cyclists, the standout experience is the Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path, a sealed 17km one-way trail running from opposite Flynn’s Grave to Simpsons Gap beneath the West MacDonnell Ranges. The gently undulating route passes through mulga, witchetty bush and river red gum country, with rest areas and interpretive signs along the way. The path connects with Alice Springs’ cycling network, making it possible to ride from the centre of town for a roughly 50km return adventure. Tjoritja itself extends for around 161km and includes iconic destinations such as Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, the Ochre Pits and Redbank Gorge, making it well worth exploring beyond the bike ride. The landscape is culturally significant to the Arrernte people, and riders should stay on designated cycling routes and respect all cultural and environmental restrictions. RTS Tip: The Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path is the designated cycling experience within the national park and is a brilliant option if you want to experience the West Macs by bike without technical terrain. Carry plenty of water, food and basic repair gear, as mobile coverage is limited and conditions can be hot and exposed. The cooler months from April to September are the best time to ride, and visitors to the NT require an NT Parks Visitor Pass.