Mountain bike trails in South Australia

Anstey Hill Recreation Park brings a surprisingly varied MTB network to Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs, with around 25km of shared-use trails and eight designated mountain bike routes ranging from easy through to advanced. Beginners can start on the short Little Quarry Loop, while intermediate riders can explore loops including Yellow-tail, Silver Mine, Wednesday, Bursaria and Pink Gum. For experienced riders, Grand Canyon Downhill and Wildside Downhill are dedicated one-way advanced descents, throwing in jumps, drop-offs, rock gardens, berms and technical singletrack. Add in old quarries, historic mine workings, native bushland and views across the Adelaide Plains and there’s plenty to explore without travelling far from the city. RTS Tip: Anstey Hill mixes shared-use trails, MTB-only descents and walking-only tracks, so check the park map and signage as you ride. If you’re chasing the technical stuff, work your way towards Grand Canyon and Wildside, while newer riders will find the Little Quarry Loop a much friendlier starting point. Avoid riding when trails are wet or muddy, and check park and fire closures before heading out.

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

Belair National Park brings mountain biking into the beautiful bushland of the Mount Lofty Ranges, just 25 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD. Riders can explore designated cycling and shared-use trails through woodland, valleys and historic sections of South Australia’s oldest national park. For an easier ride, the 4km Microcarpa Loop combines relatively gentle riding with some intermediate sections, while experienced riders can tackle the 13km Adventure Loop, featuring sustained climbing, steep fire roads and tight, technical singletrack descents. With picnic areas, toilets, a café and plenty to explore beyond the bike, Belair is an easy place to turn a ride into a full day out. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, start with Microcarpa Loop before stepping up to the Adventure Loop — the latter packs in considerably more climbing and technical terrain. Many of Belair’s trails are shared with walkers and horse riders, so watch your speed, follow the give-way rules and stick to designated cycling trails. Avoid riding in wet or muddy conditions to help protect the trails.

Bells Gully, also known as Prospect Hill, is a designated mountain bike network tucked among the pine plantations of Kuitpo Forest in the southern Adelaide Hills. The area is particularly popular with intermediate riders, with a collection of fun, flowing singletrack, cross-country trails and faster descending lines woven through the forest. Trails range from easier options through to blue, black and more technical lines, making Prospect Hill a great place to build skills and explore different trail combinations. A popular introduction is the roughly 7km Prospect Hill Loop, which links together intermediate singletrack for a good taste of what the network has to offer. RTS Tip: Navigation is worth having sorted before you start — the network isn't extensively signposted and forestry operations can occasionally affect trail access. Download or save the Trailforks map before your ride and check current trail reports and ForestrySA information for closures. The main MTB access is from the small car park on Brookman Connor Road opposite Gate BG9.

Bennett’s MTB Tracks – Chain of Ponds Bennett’s MTB Tracks is a local mountain bike trail network at Chain of Ponds in South Australia, offering riders another place to explore off-road riding within easy reach of Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills. The trail area has a recognised MTB car park at Chain of Ponds. The network is best suited to riders looking for a more natural, local mountain biking experience, with bush trails and changing terrain rather than the highly developed feel of a major purpose-built bike park. Expect a mix of MTB singletrack, natural surfaces, climbs and descents, with opportunities to link different tracks together and explore the surrounding area. It’s a good option for riders who enjoy discovering smaller local trail networks and adding something different to their Adelaide mountain biking list. Its location around Chain of Ponds also puts riders within reach of the wider Adelaide Hills, where there are plenty more mountain bike, gravel and cycling adventures to combine into a bigger day or weekend on the bike. Whether you're searching for mountain biking in the Adelaide Hills, MTB trails near Adelaide or riding around Chain of Ponds, Bennett’s MTB Tracks is another local network worth discovering. RTS Tip: Bennett’s is a local trail network and detailed official information is limited, so check current mapping, access and trail conditions before heading out. Respect any signage or closures and ride within your ability on unfamiliar trails.

Brownhill Creek Recreation Park offers a scenic shared-use riding experience just 8km from Adelaide, following the narrow creek valley beneath huge river red gums and blue gum woodland. The main Shared Use Trail is around 3km one way and can be ridden by bikes, with a relatively gentle route through the heart of the park past historic sites including old manure pits, quarries and remnants of the area’s early market-gardening history. The park is culturally significant to the Kaurna people, who knew the area as Wirraparinga — meaning scrub and camping place. While the park itself offers a relatively short ride, it makes a useful gateway into Adelaide’s wider trail network. More adventurous riders can continue beyond Brownhill Creek towards Pony Ridge and Belair National Park, opening up longer rides with steeper climbs and more challenging terrain. RTS Tip: Stick to the designated Shared Use Trail, public roads and trails specifically open to bikes — the park’s dedicated walking trails aren’t open to mountain bikes. Brownhill Creek Recreation Park closes on Catastrophic Fire Danger days and may also close during Extreme Fire Danger, so check current park conditions before heading out during warmer weather.

Cleland National Park, just 22km south-east of Adelaide, offers a scenic network of mountain biking and shared-use trails through the Adelaide Hills, with native woodland, cool gullies and some brilliant views across the city and surrounding ranges. Rather than a purpose-built MTB park, Cleland is about linking established trails and fire tracks into longer adventures. Popular riding options include the 4km Measdays Loop, 7km return Steub Trail, 12km one-way Chambers Gully to Crafers Link and the more challenging 10km Wine Shanty Trail. With everything from gentler fire-road riding to steeper intermediate climbs and descents, it’s a great place to build a bigger exploratory ride around Mount Lofty and Crafers. RTS Tip: For a bigger ride, use the Chambers Gully to Crafers Link and add the Steub Trail spur up to Mount Lofty Summit for another 2.6km. Many trails are shared with walkers, so keep your speed under control and give way appropriately. Download the park bike map before setting off as mobile reception can be patchy, and check current park alerts — Cleland can close during high fire danger and has some scheduled closures during 2026–27.

Cobbler Creek Recreation Park, around 20km north of Adelaide between Golden Grove and Salisbury, is a fantastic urban MTB playground with more than 20km of shared-use and purpose-built riding trails. The network is particularly good for beginner and intermediate riders, with progression options including the Beginners’ Circuit, Easy Does It and KAFNARFA Circuit, before stepping up to longer rides such as the 3km Ruins Loop, 3km Babbler Loop and 4km Valley Circuit. More experienced riders can seek out Short and Sweet, a 1.7km trail packed with technical features, while Pedler’s Paddock adds a pump track and jump lines for riders wanting to practise their skills. RTS Tip: Cobbler Creek is made for mixing and matching trails, so don’t feel tied to one designated loop — use the connector tracks to build a ride that suits your ability and time. Families and newer riders should start around Pedler’s Paddock and the Smith Road picnic area, while more confident riders can head deeper into the park. Many trails are shared with walkers, so give way appropriately, avoid riding when trails are wet or muddy and check fire conditions before visiting.

Eagle Mountain Bike Park, just 12km south-east of Adelaide’s CBD at Leawood Gardens, is one of South Australia’s best-known purpose-built MTB destinations. The park offers approximately 21km of cross-country trails catering for a range of abilities, alongside a dedicated downhill trail, skills development area, jumps park and trials zone. The network ranges from intermediate trails such as Fledgling, Hawkeye, North Face, Southside, Top Deck, Valley Trail and Blue Gums, through to more demanding technical options including Get Pitted, Hills Hoist, Jammin and Sunset Boulevard. Advanced riders can also tackle extreme-rated lines including The Mixer, Eagle 4X and On the Verge, making Eagle a compact but seriously varied place to ride within easy reach of the city. RTS Tip: Eagle’s rocky terrain can be tougher than the distances suggest, so use the easier trails and Pump and Skills Zone to warm up before progressing onto the harder lines. The park is open sunrise to sunset and closes during Total Fire Bans and catastrophic fire danger, so check conditions before heading out. Parking and toilets are available, but take your own drinking water and plenty of spares — Eagle’s rocks can be pretty unforgiving on tyres.

Stretching for around 80 km from Laura to Wilmington, the Southern Flinders Rail Trail is a fantastic way to experience the landscapes, country towns and railway history of the Southern Flinders Ranges by bike. Following sections of the former railway corridor, the trail travels through Laura, Stone Hut, Wirrabara, Booleroo Centre and Melrose before finishing at Wilmington, with Mount Remarkable and the Flinders Ranges providing an increasingly impressive backdrop as you head north. The route is divided into several sections, each with its own character. Riders will encounter everything from open farmland and peaceful rural riding to sections following the Rocky River, views across the Appila Plains and the spectacular final approach towards Mount Remarkable. The trail surface varies between fine and coarse gravel, with stock grids, rougher patches and several creek crossings adding a little adventure to what is otherwise a relatively gentle rail-trail experience. While sections can be enjoyed by riders of most abilities, a mountain bike or capable gravel bike is a good choice if you're planning to explore the full route. The trail can easily be broken into shorter out-and-back rides or individual town-to-town sections, making it just as suitable for a relaxed morning pedal as it is for a bigger point-to-point adventure. Melrose makes an ideal base for exploring the northern end of the trail and combining it with the area's mountain biking. The Melrose to Wilmington section runs for around 20 km beneath Mount Remarkable and through open plains and creek crossings, while the rail trail also provides a cycling connection into the Willowie Forest trail network. If you're turning the ride into a few days away, bike-friendly Under the Mount provides a convenient base in Melrose, while Beyond the Mount can help take some of the hassle out of rider and bike transport. That makes it much easier to plan point-to-point rides or combine the rail trail with Melrose, Willowie Forest and a wider Southern Flinders riding adventure. With historic railway remnants, small country towns, rugged Flinders scenery and some of South Australia's best mountain biking sitting right on its doorstep, the Southern Flinders Rail Trail is a great ride in its own right—and an even better backbone for a multi-day cycling trip through the region. Distance: Approx. 80 km Surface: Fine & coarse gravel Difficulty: Easy–Intermediate Best for: MTB, gravel, recreational riding & bike touring Route: Laura – Stone Hut – Wirrabara – Booleroo Centre – Melrose – Wilmington Location: Southern Flinders Ranges, SA RTS Tip: This is remote-country riding, so plan your route and resupply points carefully. Carry more water than you think you’ll need, food, first aid, repair gear and offline navigation, as mobile reception and reliable water supplies can be limited. April to November generally offers the best riding conditions, while the extreme summer heat is best avoided. Check weather and road conditions before setting out — heavy rain can quickly make unsealed tracks difficult or completely impassable.

Fox Creek Bike Park, at Cudlee Creek in the Adelaide Hills, is one of South Australia’s premier mountain biking destinations, with more than 50km of singletrack spread across over 800 hectares. The huge network caters for everyone from beginners through to experienced gravity riders, combining cross-country, flow, downhill and technical trails with 180m of vertical elevation, plus a dedicated jumps park and skills area. Trails range from the beginner-friendly Green Goblin Guts and flowing Blue Groove through to black and double-black gravity runs including Fox Long, Patterson’s Curse, F.A.M.E. and Fox Fast. There’s even adaptive riding, with Allen’s Orange Whip recognised as South Australia’s first adaptive MTB flow trail. Entry to the park is free. RTS Tip: Start from the main Trail Hub and use the easier flow trails and skills area to get a feel for Fox Creek before progressing onto the harder gravity lines. Download Trailforks and check the live trail status before heading out, as individual trails can close for maintenance or forestry operations. The park also closes on Total Fire Ban days, and riders should avoid the trails when they're wet or muddy.

The Kangarilla MTB Tracks, south of Adelaide in South Australia’s southern Mount Lofty Ranges, offer a collection of informal-style mountain bike, gravel and multi-use trails around Kangarilla. Riders can explore a mixture of dirt and gravel roads, fire tracks and bush trails through rolling countryside, with connections towards the wider Kuitpo Forest, Mount Bold and Tom Roberts Trail areas. The terrain varies from relatively easy gravel riding to steeper and rougher off-road sections, making Kangarilla a useful starting point for riders wanting to piece together a longer MTB or gravel adventure through the Adelaide Hills. The broader Kangarilla trail network includes routes suitable for mountain bikes, e-bikes and gravel bikes, while the nearby Tom Roberts Trail network also permits cycling on sections depending on terrain. RTS Tip: Kangarilla is more of an explore-and-link riding area than a formal signed MTB park, so having a current trail map or downloaded route makes a big difference. Check exactly where cycling is permitted before linking trails towards Mount Bold, Kuitpo or surrounding reserves, and be prepared for changing surfaces and some surprisingly steep sections. For a shorter skills session, Kangarilla Recreation Ground also has a small set of beginner-friendly rolling bike jumps.

The Kersbrook MTB Trails, around 40 km north-east of Adelaide in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, offer a rugged network of mountain bike trails within Mount Gawler Forest Reserve near Kersbrook. Managed on ForestrySA land and supported by the local Kersbrook Trail Krew, the area is known for its more natural, gravity-focused style of riding, with singletrack, steep descents, technical rock sections, berms, drops and jump features alongside forest roads used for climbing and linking trails. Popular trails include Kersy Koasta, Senduro, Jumps Revamp, North of the Wall and Dead Man’s Climb, with options ranging from intermediate trail riding through to considerably more technical downhill terrain. Surrounded by pine plantation and native bushland, Kersbrook provides a distinctly different experience from the larger Fox Creek Bike Park nearby and is a great option for experienced riders wanting to explore more of the Adelaide Hills MTB scene. The wider Kersbrook area also contains shared-use forest trails and the Old Kersbrook Loop, a 7.5 km route through Mount Crawford Forest Reserve that is open to mountain bikers, providing additional options for riders looking for a less gravity-focused adventure. RTS Tip: Kersbrook has a rawer, more technical feel than a manicured bike park, so check the grading and features of each trail before committing — some lines include sizeable jumps, drops, gaps and rock gardens. Download a current trail map, check ForestrySA access conditions before travelling and remember that forest operations or fire restrictions can affect access.

Kinchina Conservation Park, just west of Murray Bridge in South Australia’s Murraylands, offers an extensive network of mountain bike and shared-use trails through 414 hectares of native woodland, rocky gullies and distinctive granite outcrops. Around 70 km from Adelaide, the park is a great option for riders looking for accessible Murray Bridge mountain biking, with designated tracks that can be combined into a variety of loops. Key MTB routes include the 4.2 km Jailbreak Trail, 1.9 km Getaway Car Loop, 1.8 km Jailhouse Rocks Loop, 1.7 km Cemetery Trail and the more challenging 600 m Rocky Gully Link Trail. The wider network also connects with the Lavender Federation Trail, giving riders plenty of scope to extend their adventure. Another highlight is the 6.3 km Cypress Hill Trail, a multi-use green-grade mountain bike trail that winds through Callitris woodland on the northern side of Rocky Gully. Kinchina’s mixture of flowing tracks, rocky terrain, creek lines and natural bushland makes it suitable for everything from a shorter recreational ride to a longer cross-country MTB loop. Spring is an especially rewarding time to visit, when orchids, lilies and native wildflowers add even more colour to the landscape. RTS Tip: Kinchina is ideal for creating your own loop by linking several of the designated trails together. Most of the MTB routes are rated intermediate, while Rocky Gully Link is advanced, so check the park map and trail grading before setting out. Bikes must remain on formed designated tracks, and riders are asked to avoid the trails when they’re wet or muddy. The park can also close during Catastrophic Fire Danger and potentially on Extreme Fire Danger days, so check current park conditions during warmer weather.

Lynton Reserve, in Adelaide’s southern foothills near Belair and Windy Point, South Australia, offers a surprisingly varied mountain bike network only a short distance from the Adelaide CBD. Developed across former quarry land and Grey Box grassy woodland, the reserve features a mixture of MTB-only trails, shared-use trails, vehicle tracks and connecting singletrack, with steep terrain and excellent views across the Adelaide Plains. The riding ranges from easier links through to technical descending, rocky and loose sections and the Mitcham 4X Track, giving more experienced riders plenty to explore. One of Lynton’s strengths is its connection with the wider Mitcham foothills trail network. Riders can link Lynton Reserve with Sleeps Hill, Randell Park, Saddle Hill, O’Deas Reserve and Shepherds Hill, creating much longer MTB rides through Adelaide’s southern suburbs. The area is also accessible by train, making it an unusually convenient option for riders looking for mountain biking close to Adelaide without needing to travel deep into the Adelaide Hills. RTS Tip: Lynton packs a lot of elevation and technical riding into a relatively small area, so check the trail grading rather than judging a trail by its length. Some tracks are designated for walkers only while others are MTB-only or shared, so follow the trail signage and current City of Mitcham map. The terrain can also become loose and rocky when dry and muddy after rain, so check conditions before riding.

Nestled at the base of Mount Remarkable, Melrose is one of Australia's premier mountain biking destinations, boasting around 80 kilometres of purpose-built singletrack through spectacular South Australian landscapes. With flowing cross-country trails, technical descents, rocky challenges and breathtaking scenery, it's the kind of destination that keeps riders coming back. The trail network caters to a wide range of abilities, from beginners discovering mountain biking through to experienced riders looking for technical challenges. Popular trails including Greener Pastures, Hellrose, Throwing Copper, The Big Rhua and Dodging Bullets showcase the variety on offer, combining flowing singletrack, rocky terrain, rewarding climbs and exhilarating descents. Many of Melrose's trails traverse private property, generously made accessible by local landowners. Riders are asked to respect this access by staying on marked trails, following signage, helping prevent the spread of weeds and leaving dogs at home where required. One of Melrose's greatest strengths is the community built around its trails. Visitors can connect with the friendly locals from Bike Melrose through regular social rides, while Over The Edge Melrose offers bike hire, guided rides, skills coaching and maintenance support, making it easy for first-time visitors to get out and experience the network. Melrose is also incredibly easy to turn into a full riding getaway. Much of the town's accommodation is within riding distance of the trails, including Ride The State Foundation Partner Under the Mount, offering bike-friendly accommodation right at the foot of Mount Remarkable and an ideal base for exploring the area. Want to explore beyond what you can reach straight from town? Fellow RTS Partner Beyond the Mount can help with bike transport and shuttle options, including connections between Adelaide, Melrose and further north towards Blinman—particularly handy for riders incorporating Melrose into a bigger Flinders Ranges or Mawson Trail adventure. With trails on the doorstep, a passionate local riding community and plenty of bike-friendly places to stay, eat and explore, Melrose is much more than somewhere to squeeze in a ride. Whether you're planning a weekend escape, tackling the 18/6/3 Hours of Melrose or making it part of a longer South Australian riding road trip, it's a destination well worth putting on the list.

Morialta Conservation Park, at Woodforde in the Adelaide Hills foothills just 10 km east of Adelaide CBD, offers scenic mountain biking through rugged gorge country, native bushland and the steep hills surrounding Morialta Falls. Unlike a purpose-built MTB park, cycling at Morialta is restricted to designated vehicle tracks, which are shared with walkers and other park users. These tracks provide opportunities for cross-country and adventure-style riding, with sustained climbing, fast fire-road descents and impressive views across the park and towards Adelaide. Morialta is best known for its dramatic quartzite cliffs, waterfalls and deep wooded gorges, providing a spectacular backdrop for a ride close to the city. The wider park contains an extensive walking network around First, Second and Third Falls, although these walking trails should not be confused with the cycling routes — bikes are permitted only on the vehicle tracks specifically designated for riding. There are no MTB-only trails within Morialta Conservation Park. With toilets, picnic facilities and parking available within the park, Morialta can work well for riders looking to combine a shorter off-road ride with exploring one of Adelaide’s best-known conservation parks. It also sits within the broader Adelaide Hills cycling and mountain biking region, making it another option for riders searching for MTB and gravel-style riding close to Adelaide. RTS Tip: Download the Morialta Shared Use Trail Map before riding and pay close attention to signage. Many of Morialta’s best-known trails are walking-only, and mountain bikes are permitted only on designated vehicle tracks. These are shared trails, so control your speed, give way appropriately and avoid riding in wet or muddy conditions.

The Mount Barker District MTB Trails, in the Adelaide Hills around 35 km south-east of Adelaide, South Australia, provide a growing collection of mountain bike and cycling options around Mount Barker, Hahndorf and the surrounding district. One of the key purpose-built riding areas is Aston Hills Mountain Bike Park, featuring trails designed for a range of ages and abilities, including an easy climbing trail, flowing descents, a pump track and dedicated skills zone. Trails such as Aston Flow, Easy Climb and Lower Path make it particularly well suited to families, beginners and riders looking to practise their MTB skills. The wider Mount Barker district provides plenty of opportunities to extend the ride beyond the bike park. Riders can explore cycling connections around Laratinga Wetlands, the Mount Barker Linear Trail, Newenham Linear Park and the Mount Barker Rail Trail, creating longer recreational and mixed-surface rides through wetlands, farmland and the growing Adelaide Hills township. The Mount Barker Rail Trail also connects towards Laratinga Wetlands and the Summit Sport and Recreation Park, making it possible to combine several local cycling routes into one bigger outing. Nearby Hahndorf adds another MTB option at Tara-Illa Bike Park, which contains mountain bike and walking trails of varying difficulty. Combined with Mount Barker’s growing trail network, this makes the district a handy cycling base for riders wanting to explore more of the Adelaide Hills rather than visiting a single standalone bike park. RTS Tip: If you’re new to the Mount Barker MTB scene, start at Aston Hills Mountain Bike Park and use the Easy Climb, pump track and skills zone to warm up before exploring the flow trails. For more kilometres, link your ride into the Mount Barker Linear Trail and Laratinga Wetlands network. Download your route before setting out and pay attention to signage, as the wider district includes a mixture of MTB trails, shared paths and walking trails rather than one continuous mountain bike network.

Mount Gambier, on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, offers a distinctive mountain biking experience built around the city’s extinct volcanic landscape. The main riding area is the Crater Lakes precinct, where trails weave around the volcanic craters, Valley Lake and the slopes below Centenary Tower. The official Mount Gambier Crater Lakes Trail is approximately 4.2 km, combining cycling and shared-use sections with narrow trail, climbing and spectacular viewpoints across the crater lakes and surrounding countryside. Riders can start from several locations including Mark’s Lookout, Lions Lookout and Potters Point Lookout, making it easy to incorporate the trail into a wider exploration of the Crater Lakes area. Beyond the main Crater Lakes Trail, Mount Gambier has a collection of local MTB singletrack and connecting trails around the surrounding slopes. Expect a mixture of flowing cross-country riding, pine and eucalypt forest, volcanic rock, technical sections and short but punchy climbs and descents rather than a large modern trail-centre network. Local riding includes trails around the Crater Lakes and surrounding areas, with routes such as Blue Gums Ride, Reverse Pines Loop and Wheel Nuts appearing within the wider Mount Gambier MTB network. The real attraction is the setting. Riders can pedal through an extinct volcanic landscape overlooking Blue Lake / Warwar, Valley Lake / Ketla Malpi and the Leg of Mutton Lake crater, with lookouts around the rim providing expansive views across Mount Gambier and, on clear days, towards the Southern Ocean. This makes Mount Gambier a worthwhile MTB stop for riders travelling through the Limestone Coast between Adelaide and Melbourne, particularly when combined with the region’s other cycling and outdoor attractions. RTS Tip: Mount Gambier’s trail network has undergone changes following bushfire damage and rehabilitation work in the Crater Lakes precinct, so check the latest City of Mount Gambier trail information before riding and don’t rely solely on older GPS routes. Stick to currently open and designated cycling trails, and allow some extra time to explore the lookouts around the Crater Lakes — the volcanic scenery is a huge part of what makes riding here different.

The Mount Laura MTB Trails in Whyalla, South Australia, offer a large network of natural mountain bike singletrack on the outskirts of the city, making this one of the main MTB riding areas on the Eyre Peninsula. The network spreads across the dry, rocky terrain around Mount Laura, with interconnected trails allowing riders to create anything from a short cross-country session to a much longer exploration. Expect classic Whyalla riding conditions — hard-packed dirt, loose rock, exposed terrain, short climbs, fast descents and technical natural features rather than highly manicured bike-park trails. The network includes trails such as Adrenalina, Dogs Breakfast, Blazing Shovels, Rabbit Race, X2, X4 and X5, with green and blue options alongside more challenging sections. Mount Laura has a distinctly old-school, community-built MTB feel, and the wider Eyre Peninsula Trails Strategy identifies it as one of Whyalla’s established informal mountain biking networks. Trails twist across the low hills and open landscape, with plenty of opportunities to link different lines together rather than following one prescribed loop. That makes it particularly appealing to XC and trail riders who enjoy exploring and building their own ride. The exposed landscape is also part of the experience, offering broad views across Whyalla and the Upper Spencer Gulf. With very little shade across much of Mount Laura, conditions can be dramatically different depending on the season, and riding during the cooler months or early in the day is generally the more comfortable option. RTS Tip: Download a current trail map before setting out — Mount Laura is a network of interconnected trails rather than a heavily signposted destination bike park, so knowing which lines you want to ride will make your first visit much easier. Whyalla can also get seriously hot and exposed, so carry plenty of water, avoid the middle of hot days and be prepared for loose, rocky terrain that can be tough on tyres.

Mt Osmond, only around 8 km south-east of the Adelaide CBD, offers steep and rocky mountain biking across the slopes of Mount Osmond Reserve, with connections into Cleland National Park, Chambers Gully and Eagle on the Hill. Rather than a purpose-built bike park, the area combines shared-use tracks, fire trails and designated MTB lines across Adelaide’s Hills Face. Expect sustained climbing, loose and rocky terrain, fast natural descents and some technical sections, all backed by impressive views across Adelaide and the plains towards the coast. One of the key routes through the area is the historic Old Bullock Track, which links Mount Osmond with Eagle on the Hill near Measday’s Lookout and provides access towards the wider Cleland trail network. The Mount Osmond Reserve tracks are officially classified as Grade 3 shared-use walking and cycling trails, with some sections becoming particularly steep and rocky. Riders can use the network to build larger loops incorporating nearby Chambers Gully, Wine Shanty Track and Cleland National Park, making Mt Osmond a useful gateway into a much bigger Adelaide Hills MTB adventure. For riders looking for more gravity-focused terrain, the wider Mt Osmond riding area also contains established MTB descents such as Bullock Track DH, a blue-rated downhill-only trail, and WC Downhill, which features jumps, drops, rock gardens and steep technical sections. These trails are a significant step up from the reserve’s easier shared-use riding and are better suited to confident mountain bikers with good technical skills. RTS Tip: Mt Osmond is a mixture of shared-use tracks, designated cycling routes and trails where cycling may not be permitted, so download a current map and follow local signage rather than assuming every visible singletrack is bike legal. Be prepared for steep climbing and loose rock, give walkers plenty of space on shared trails, and if you’re chasing a bigger ride, link Old Bullock Track into Chambers Gully and Cleland for a brilliant Adelaide Hills loop.

O’Halloran Hill MTB Trails, in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, is one of the city’s most accessible purpose-built mountain bike destinations, with around 18 km of dedicated MTB trails within the O’Halloran Hill section of Glenthorne National Park–Ityamaiitpinna Yarta. Around 18 km south of the Adelaide CBD, the network makes excellent use of the park’s steep gullies and hillsides, with trails ranging from easy beginner riding through to intermediate flow, technical cross-country and advanced gravity lines. Expect berms, rollers, jumps, rock features, tight switchbacks and fast descending, with dedicated climbing trails helping riders get back to the top for another lap. Beginners and families have plenty to explore, including Easy As, Upstart, Haarsma’s Vision, Sylvanian Families, Wiggles and Grom Flow. Easy As is a descending-only introduction to berms and rock features and pairs with the 1.95 km Upstart climbing trail to create an excellent progression loop. Grom Flow adds big berms and rollers for younger riders wanting to develop their skills. Intermediate riders can step things up on Dam Revamp, Flat Pedal City, Blue Luge, Uprising, Vincenzos Gulf, Winding Wraith, Frogger and Fifty Shades of Clay. Dam Revamp combines open flowing terrain with berms, jumps and multiple line choices, while Blue Luge delivers a faster descending experience with bermed corners and rock features. The 3.4 km Fifty Shades of Clay adds a longer cross-country option for riders wanting more pedaling between the gravity laps. Experienced riders can tackle Shapeshifter, Flight Club and Rock XCarving. Shapeshifter retains an old-school downhill character with hand-built features and rocky sections, while Flight Club is a very difficult bike-park-style descent featuring large berms, jumps, gaps and transitions. Rock XCarving provides advanced XC riding with steep and highly technical rock sections. RTS Tip: O’Halloran Hill is brilliant for progression riding — start with the Easy As/Upstart loop, move onto Blue Luge and Dam Revamp, then tackle the advanced lines once you’re comfortable with the terrain. Don’t confuse the MTB network with the flatter trails on the other side of Majors Road; the more challenging mountain biking is specifically within the O’Halloran Hill section of Glenthorne National Park. The park closes on Catastrophic Fire Danger days and may close on Extreme days, so check conditions before travelling and avoid riding wet or muddy trails.

The Pewsey Vale MTB Trails, between the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley in South Australia, offer an extensive network of natural mountain bike trails around Pewsey Vale and the Mount Crawford forest area. The network has around 68 mapped MTB trails covering roughly 50 km, ranging from easier green singletrack through blue intermediate riding to black and double-black terrain. Unlike a heavily developed bike park, Pewsey Vale has a distinctly natural, old-school trail feel, with rocky singletrack, forest tracks, technical features, jumps, drops and plenty of interconnected lines to explore. Popular trails include Poppin’ Pimples, Sack & Back, Bi-Way, The Gauntlet, Across the Vale, Flow On and Boulders Bypass. Easier trails such as Bi-Way and Flow On provide options for developing riders, while The Gauntlet introduces features including berms, rock gardens and bridge features. Poppin’ Pimples adds a more gravity-focused experience with old-school jumps and rock drops, while the wider network contains increasingly technical terrain for confident riders. Pewsey Vale is particularly suited to intermediate and advanced trail, XC and all-mountain riders who enjoy exploring a less formal trail network. The landscape mixes forest, open grassland and farmland, and its relatively remote setting gives the riding a very different feel from Adelaide’s more developed metropolitan MTB parks. Local riding groups describe Pewsey Vale as one of South Australia’s lesser-known MTB gems, with natural terrain and rocky features forming a big part of its character. The network also sits within a much larger riding region around Mount Crawford, making it possible to build substantial loops using singletrack, gravel roads and access trails. Routes through nearby Kaiserstuhl Native Forest Reserve can add around 20 km of riding and incorporate trails such as Retrenchment, Potty Mouth and Can of Rings. RTS Tip: Download a current trail map before heading to Pewsey Vale — the large number of intersecting natural trails can make navigation surprisingly tricky on a first visit. Start with the green and blue trails to get a feel for the terrain before moving onto the harder rocky lines, and inspect unfamiliar jumps and drops before committing. The area is forest land and conditions or access can change, so check current trail reports before travelling and be self-sufficient with water, food, tools and spares.

Randell Park, in Belair in Adelaide’s southern foothills, is one of four official trail zones within the City of Mitcham’s off-road cycling and walking network. Located west of Old Belair Road and north of Sheoak Road, the reserve covers around 47 hectares of bushland and contains approximately 9 km of shared-use and mountain bike trails. The terrain ranges from easier flowing tracks to steep, technical descending, with rocky singletrack, old quarry workings, gullies, switchbacks and punchy climbs providing plenty of variety surprisingly close to the Adelaide CBD. The reserve’s history has helped shape the riding. Randell Park was previously used for quarrying and grazing, and riders still pass old quarry faces, exposed rock formations and remnants of the area’s industrial past. The landscape now includes pockets of Grey Box, Drooping Sheoak and Golden Wattle, with elevated sections providing impressive views across the Adelaide Plains towards the coast. Trail difficulty varies considerably across Randell Park, from green-rated riding through to highly technical double-black terrain. Recognised MTB lines include Randell Park Track 1, Randell X Over, Parkers Blue and Brown Hill Steep, with the latter delivering an extremely steep double-black descent. This makes Randell Park particularly useful for riders wanting a compact network where they can progress from easier shared trails into much more demanding technical riding. Randell Park can also form part of a much bigger Adelaide foothills MTB ride. The wider City of Mitcham network contains around 40 km of off-road trails across four trail zones, including nearby Lynton Reserve, Sleeps Hill, Ashby Reserve, Saddle Hill and O’Deas Reserve, with connections towards Shepherds Hill Recreation Park. RTS Tip: Don’t judge Randell Park by its relatively small size — some of the trails become very steep and technical very quickly. Check the trail grading at the trailhead and build up progressively before tackling the harder lines. Many trails are shared with walkers, so control your speed and give way appropriately. For a longer ride, link Randell Park with Lynton Reserve and the wider Mitcham trail network for a great Adelaide foothills MTB adventure.

The Remarkable Epic Trail is the big-ticket backcountry ride of Melrose—a challenging 39 km loop beginning and finishing in town before heading deep into the rugged landscapes of Mount Remarkable National Park. With around 1,100 metres of climbing and descending, this is a proper adventure ride that showcases just how spectacular the Southern Flinders Ranges can be from the saddle. Rated Intermediate (Blue) with difficult sections, the Epic is less about manicured bike-park flow and more about natural, adventurous riding. Expect long stretches of singletrack, rocky and variable surfaces, loose scree, exposed trail edges and gradients generally reaching 10%, with short, steep sections of up to 15%. Difficult features have intermediate alternatives, but the overall physical challenge means riders should arrive with a good level of fitness and confidence on technical terrain. And then there are the views. The route climbs away from Melrose into the ranges, opening up spectacular outlooks across the Willochra Plains and Black Range, with glimpses towards Spencer Gulf before eventually looping back beneath the impressive Gibraltar Rock formations. It's a ride that feels genuinely remote despite starting and finishing right from one of Australia's best-known mountain bike towns. Allow at least 4–6 hours, and potentially longer depending on fitness, conditions and how often you stop to take in the scenery. Riders shouldn't start the full loop after midday and should carry sufficient food, water, repair equipment, first aid supplies and extra clothing. Mobile reception can be limited and conditions on the range can change quickly, so this is definitely a ride to plan properly rather than squeeze into the end of the day. One of the best parts is rolling straight back into Melrose when you're finished. If you're making a riding trip of it, bike-friendly Under the Mount provides a convenient base close to the trails, while Beyond the Mount can help with rider and bike transport if the Epic is just one part of a bigger Melrose, Mawson Trail or Flinders Ranges adventure. Distance: Approx. 39 km loop Climbing: Approx. 1,100 m Difficulty: Intermediate / Blue with difficult sections Physical rating: Hard Ride time: Allow 4–6+ hours Style: Backcountry MTB / XC / All-Mountain Start & Finish: Melrose, SA Best for: Fit intermediate and experienced mountain bikers looking for a big adventure ride The Remarkable Epic is not just another trail in the Melrose network—it's a destination ride in its own right, combining a big day on the bike with remote terrain, technical riding and some of the best scenery in the Southern Flinders Ranges. As of July 2026, all designated MTB trails within Mount Remarkable National Park, including the Remarkable Epic, are open following recovery from the 2025 Wilmington fire.

Shepherds Hill MTB Trails Shepherds Hill Recreation Park, around 11 km south of Adelaide’s CBD, packs an impressive amount of mountain biking into a relatively small suburban park. There are around 16 km of MTB trails, ranging from family-friendly green loops through to short, punchy cross-country riding and intermediate downhill trails. Expect rocky Adelaide foothills terrain, loose surfaces, tight corners, short steep climbs and fast descents, all amongst remnant grey box woodland with views across the Adelaide Plains and coastline. The network is particularly good for skills progression. Easier shared-use options include the River Red Gum Loop, Seaview Loop and Grey Box Loop, while riders wanting more challenge can tackle the Diagonal Ascent before dropping into the dedicated Intermediate Downhill. The official park map clearly separates shared-use trails from the dedicated MTB descent, making it easy to put together several different loops. At the Ayliffes Road entrance, riders will also find two excellent skills areas. The Kids Zone provides a safe, easy dirt area where younger and newer riders can practise bike handling, while The Bowl is a bikes-only pump and jump track with features suitable for different abilities. It makes Shepherds Hill especially good for families or riders wanting somewhere to session skills before heading onto the main trail network. Its location also makes Shepherds Hill part of a much bigger Adelaide foothills riding area. Nearby trail networks include Sturt Gorge/Craigburn Farm, Lynton Reserve, Randell Park and the wider City of Mitcham trails, giving experienced riders plenty of scope to incorporate Shepherds Hill into a longer MTB adventure. RTS Tip: Start at the Ayliffes Road trailhead with a few laps of the Kids Zone or The Bowl, then use the easier loops to warm up before tackling Diagonal Ascent and the Intermediate Downhill. Many of Shepherds Hill’s trails are shared with walkers, so keep speeds under control and give way appropriately. Also watch the Archery Club warning flags — there is no access through that area when the red flag is flying. The park closes on Catastrophic Fire Danger days and may also close on Extreme days, so check conditions before heading out.

Sturt Gorge Recreation Park MTB Trails, around 13–15 km south of Adelaide’s CBD, is one of the city’s standout mountain biking destinations, with more than 40 km of singletrack and shared-use trails spread through the gorge and the adjoining Craigburn Farm area. The riding ranges from easy family-friendly trails through to flowing intermediate singletrack and rocky, technical descents, all amongst grey box woodland, open grasslands, steep gullies and the rugged Sturt River valley. Entry to the park is free. Craigburn Farm is the main hub for purpose-built MTB riding. Easier options include Surf and Turf (1.2 km), Walk the Dog (1.8 km) and Lakeview (1.5 km), while intermediate riders have a great selection including Sidewinder (2.8 km), Gunners Run (3 km), Cow Bones Loop (2 km), Little River (1.5 km) and Horners Corners (2 km). Sidewinder contours along the hillside, while Gunners Run delivers flowing singletrack with plenty of variety and works well in either direction. For more technical riding, Sticks and Stones (1.5 km) features challenging rock gardens, while Craigberms (700 m) packs bermed corners and big dips into a short, fun descent. Longer intermediate adventures can incorporate de Rose Trail, Lomandra Trail, Wattle Trail, Spring Creek and Tapa Turrungka, with some steep climbs and more natural terrain as you move away from the central Craigburn Farm network. The River Trail provides a more adventurous way to explore the gorge, extending for around 8 km through the Sturt River valley and linking with other routes across the park. It includes steep sections and some walking-only portions, so riders need to pay attention to signage rather than assuming the entire trail is bike-accessible. Sturt Gorge is also geologically significant. The park protects Sturt Tillite, rock formed from glacial material around 800 million years ago, as well as nationally threatened grey box grassy woodland. This combination of natural history and surprisingly rugged terrain makes the park feel far removed from suburban Adelaide despite being only a short drive from the CBD. RTS Tip: For your first visit, start in Craigburn Farm and link Sidewinder, Gunners Run and Cow Bones Loop for a good taste of the network before progressing to Sticks and Stones or Craigberms. If you want a bigger adventure, use the connecting trails to explore deeper into Sturt Gorge — but download the official map first, as some routes contain walking-only sections. Many trails are shared with walkers and horse riders, and cyclists must give way. Avoid riding when trails are wet or muddy, and remember the park closes on Catastrophic Fire Danger days and may also close on Extreme days.

Tangari Park, also known as 80 Acres Park, in Woodcroft offers a fun local riding spot for BMX and bike riders in Adelaide’s southern suburbs. The park’s BMX-style dirt track features a series of rollers, berms and jumps that make it great for practising bike handling, pumping through features and building confidence. With open parkland surrounding the riding area, it’s an easy option for a quick session, younger riders developing their skills or anyone looking to squeeze some bike time into the day. RTS Tip: This is a great spot for sessioning rather than chasing kilometres. Start slowly to check the condition and shape of the jumps and rollers, particularly after rain, then build your speed as you become familiar with the lines.

Tara Illa MTB Trails is a small community-focused mountain bike park on the edge of Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, just a short ride from the town’s main street. Built on a former landfill site, the network was designed by Destination Trails to provide an accessible place for locals, families and visiting riders to enjoy purpose-built mountain biking close to town. The network currently features three main trails: Round the Outside, a green easy descending trail; Climbing Trail, a green shared-use climbing route; and Blueberry Thrill, a blue flow trail offering a faster and more challenging descent. The trails were designed to IMBA standards, with the green options providing a good introduction for newer riders while Blueberry Thrill adds flow and progression for more confident riders. RTS Tip: Park at Blueberry Hill Lookout on Fairview Road and follow the short link trail into Tara Illa. The network is compact, so it’s perfect for a quick session or a few repeated laps, and its location close to Hahndorf makes it easy to combine your ride with a coffee, meal or wander through town afterwards. Be mindful that some access trails are shared with walkers and neighbouring Yantaringa Reserve includes sensitive Bush for Life vegetation.

Located just north of Melrose in Mount Remarkable National Park, the Willowie Forest Mountain Bike Trails add a distinctly Flinders Ranges flavour to the wider Melrose riding experience. The purpose-built network was designed and constructed by TrailScapes and features around 17 km of one-way singletrack, using a stacked-loop layout that allows riders to progressively take on more challenging terrain as they move further from the trailhead. The riding here feels a little different to the trails immediately surrounding Melrose. Expect raw, rocky terrain mixed with sections of fast, flowing singletrack, with less of the steep, rolling character of the town trails and more of the rugged landscape you'd expect from the Southern Flinders Ranges. The network caters for beginner through to intermediate riders, with family-friendly options alongside progressively more challenging features for riders wanting to step things up. One of the best things about Willowie is how easily it can be incorporated into a bigger Melrose ride. Rather than driving, riders can reach the network from town via an approximately 9 km cruise along the Southern Flinders Rail Trail, linking two very different riding experiences. Alternatively, there's parking at the dedicated trailhead just off the Horrocks Highway, with toilets, shelters, picnic tables and a bike repair station available. If you're making a few days of it, Melrose makes a great base for exploring Willowie alongside the town trails and wider Mount Remarkable network. Bike-friendly Under the Mount puts you right amongst the action for accommodation, while Beyond the Mount can help with rider and bike transport if you're looking to explore further afield or incorporate Melrose into a bigger Southern Flinders or Mawson Trail adventure. With purpose-built singletrack, rugged Flinders Ranges scenery and easy connections back into Melrose, Willowie Forest is well worth adding to the itinerary rather than treating it as an add-on to the town trails. Trails: Approx. 17–20 km Difficulty: Easy / Green to Intermediate / Blue Style: MTB singletrack, flow, natural & rocky terrain Best for: Beginners, families & intermediate MTB riders Access: Trailhead off Horrocks Highway or approx. 9 km ride from Melrose via the Southern Flinders Rail Trail Location: Willowie Forest, Mount Remarkable National Park, SA