Mountain bike trails in Tasmania

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.

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.

Burnie MTB Park - Pump Track and Mountain Bike Trails at View Road Reserve in Montello is a compact, purpose-built riding hub just minutes from central Burnie. Known as “Send it, Case it”, the facility combines a pump track with dirt jumps and three downhill mountain bike trails running down the hillside above the reserve. The trails offer different difficulty levels so riders can progress their skills, while a dedicated children’s zone within the pump track gives younger riders a safer place to get started. Add easy return access, plenty of parking, toilets, shelters, seating, drinking water and bike racks and it’s a great spot for anything from a quick session to a few hours of repeated laps. RTS Tip: Warm up on the pump track before heading uphill for the MTB descents, and inspect each trail before committing — the three downhill trails vary in difficulty and riders are encouraged to choose lines suited to their ability. With the pump track, jumps and downhill trails all together, it’s a particularly good spot for practising skills and progression rather than chasing a long-distance ride.

Clarence Mountain Bike Park & Meehan Range is one of Hobart’s go-to riding destinations, with around 40km of singletrack backed by a network of fire trails across the eastern side of the city. The network caters for green, blue and black riders, combining cross-country loops, technical climbing and fast descents with brilliant views across the Derwent and towards kunanyi / Mount Wellington. At the main trailhead you’ll find a skills park and pump track, complete with jumps, drops, a whale tail and wall ride, while further into the range trails such as K’s Choice, Corkscrew, Dinosaur Descent and Grassy Valley provide plenty of progression. Its generally drier conditions also make Meehan a particularly handy option when trails elsewhere around Hobart are wet. RTS Tip: Start from the Flagstaff Gully Link Road trailhead and use K’s Choice for a friendlier climb towards the Meehan Skyline, or tackle Corkscrew Climb if you’re after something more technical. Advanced riders can seek out Grassy Valley’s rockier lines, but inspect features before committing — some trails contain significant drops, jumps and obstacles.

Coningham Nature Recreation Area, around 25km south of Hobart, offers a quieter, more natural style of mountain biking through almost 500 hectares of coastal bushland overlooking the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Rather than a purpose-built MTB park, riding here follows a network of 4WD tracks, fire trails and firebreaks, making it a good option for shorter exploratory rides close to the city. Expect rolling forest terrain, some punchy climbs and descents, native bushland and glimpses towards the surrounding bays and coastline. The reserve is multi-use and is also popular with walkers, horse riders and nature lovers, so Coningham is best approached as a scenic bush ride rather than a dedicated trail-centre experience. RTS Tip: Stick to the formed trails and firebreaks where cycling is permitted and keep an eye out for walkers, horses and other reserve users. There are relatively few formalised tracks and signage can be limited, so download the reserve map before you ride. Also clean your bike before and after visiting to help prevent the spread of phytophthora and protect the reserve’s significant native vegetation.

Geilston Bay MTB Trails, on Hobart’s eastern shore, offer a surprisingly extensive network of natural singletrack and forest trails around Pilchers Hill and Rocky Tom. The area has around 14km of riding, with green, blue and black-rated options ranging from easier trails such as Geilston Gully Circuit and G-String Climb through to flowing intermediate descents and more technical black lines. Expect classic local-style riding with rocky sections, roots, jumps, drops and plenty of short climbs and descents through dry woodland. Better still, Geilston Bay connects into Shag Bay and the wider Meehan Range, opening up the possibility of some seriously big rides across Hobart’s eastern shore. RTS Tip: If you want to make a bigger adventure of it, use Geilston Bay as your gateway into the Meehan Range — the interconnected trails allow you to link several riding areas without getting back in the car. Pilchers Hill Reserve is a good starting point for easier-to-intermediate riding, but remember some tracks are shared with walkers and the Pilchers Hill climbing track is one-way for mountain bikes, with a separate MTB descent back down.

The Mount George Trails are one half of the George Town Mountain Bike Trails in northern Tasmania, offering a compact but seriously fun network of purpose-built gravity and adventure riding just minutes from town. Mount George features 10 named trails, with the 2.8km Keystone providing the main climb before riders can choose from a collection of descents including Buzzcut, Desperado, Hebe Jeebies, Helter Smelter, 6061, Gadanga Dang and Megawatt. Expect rocky terrain, flowing sections, technical features and around 120m of elevation to play with, with trails spanning green through to advanced grades. Combine Mount George with the much larger Tippogoree Hills network nearby and George Town offers more than 100km of purpose-built riding across its two trail networks. RTS Tip: Mount George is shuttle-friendly, but you can easily earn your descents by pedalling up Keystone and linking several runs together. There’s no drinking water or toilets within the trail network, so stock up in George Town before heading out and check the live trail status before riding — trails can close for maintenance, extreme weather or fire conditions.

Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park, at the top of Tolosa Street in Hobart’s northern suburbs, is a free public MTB park packed with cross-country, downhill, mountain-cross and dirt-jump riding. Designed originally by renowned trail designer Glen Jacobs and significantly upgraded in 2023, the park caters from beginners right through to expert riders, with trails ranging from green to double-black. Three signed loops make exploring easy: the 3km Silk Road for newer riders, 3.2km Merton Loop and 3.8km Challenger Loop, while the wider park adds berms, jumps, drops and technical gravity features. It also connects directly into the North-South Track, opening the door to a much bigger adventure through Wellington Park and towards kunanyi / Mount Wellington. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, use one of the three signed loops to get your bearings before exploring the harder gravity trails. Experienced riders should still inspect features before committing — some tracks contain extreme jumps, drops and obstacles. For a bigger ride, link the park with the 11km North-South Track to The Springs, giving you one of Hobart’s classic MTB connections.

Just outside Launceston, Hollybank Reserve offers mountain biking through beautiful Tasmanian forest, with purpose-built trails winding beneath towering trees and through lush bushland. The network includes flowing singletrack, climbs, descents and technical features, with options that allow riders to put together anything from a quick spin to a longer trail session. Hollybank’s forest setting gives it a distinctly Tasmanian feel and makes it an easy MTB escape for riders staying in Launceston or exploring the wider north-east trail scene. RTS Tip: Hollybank can be a great addition to a north-east Tasmania MTB road trip, particularly if you’re travelling between Launceston and the bigger trail destinations further east. Check current trail conditions and closures before heading out, especially after wet weather, and choose trails that match your ability.

Kate Reed Nature Recreation Area, on the southern outskirts of Launceston, Tasmania, is a popular local mountain biking destination offering around 15 km of tracks and trails through approximately 120 hectares of native bushland. The network is known for its narrow, tight and twisty singletrack, small hills, short punchy climbs and fun descents, with around 6 km designated as mountain-bike-preferred trail. The relatively approachable terrain makes Kate Reed particularly good for beginners, families and XC riders, while more experienced mountain bikers can still find plenty of features and fast, flowing sections to keep things interesting. Just around 10 minutes from Launceston’s CBD, it’s an easy option for a quick MTB session or a few hours exploring Tasmania’s northern trail network. The reserve is also used for walking, running and orienteering, while the Launceston Mountain Bike Club regularly uses and helps maintain the MTB trails. Access is available via the Silverdome complex on Oakden Road or from the Kings Meadows connector near the Midland Highway, although parking and access conditions vary between entrances. RTS Tip: Kate Reed is a great choice if you’re newer to mountain biking or want a fun XC ride without committing to a huge trail network. After periods of heavy rain, give the singletrack time to dry — the local trail crew specifically asks riders to stay off wet trails to prevent damage. If parking at the Silverdome, also be aware that its access gate is locked outside business hours.

Kelcey Tier MTB Trails Kelcey Tier, on the southern edge of Devonport in North West Tasmania, is a local mountain biking and bushland riding area set within the 185-hectare Kelcey Tier Greenbelt. The network combines purpose-built MTB singletrack with older rocky trails and fire roads, creating plenty of options for cross-country and trail riders looking for a ride close to Devonport. Expect native bushland, short climbs, flowing sections, rocky and natural terrain and descents, with trails ranging from approachable green riding through to more challenging technical sections. Riders can also reach viewpoints overlooking Devonport and the Mersey River Estuary, adding some great scenery to a lap of the reserve. Kelcey Tier is a particularly handy option for mountain bikers travelling through Tasmania's North West, with the trails close to Devonport and within easy reach of other major riding destinations including Wild Mersey and Penguin MTB Park. The main access area is around Durkins Road, and the interconnected singletrack and fire trails make it possible to build anything from a short local spin to a longer XC-style ride. RTS Tip: Kelcey Tier has a more natural, local-trail feel than some of Tasmania's newer destination bike parks, so expect rocks, roots and changing trail conditions. Download a current trail map before riding and use the easier trails to get your bearings before exploring the more technical lines. Keep an eye out for wildlife too — the reserve has important conservation values and is a particularly good place to spot the endangered swift parrot during spring.

The existing Kingborough MTB Park is currently CLOSED. A replacement mountain bike park is planned within the Kingborough Sports Precinct Kingborough MTB Park in Kingston, south of Hobart, is a compact purpose-built mountain bike and skills park designed for everyone from kids and beginners through to experienced riders. The approximately 3km network includes flow trails, dirt jumps, technical features and a pump track, with trails such as Kids’ Corner, Holy Roller, Serpent Track and Black Betty offering opportunities to build skills and progress onto more challenging riding. The original park was built in 2012 and progressively upgraded, becoming a popular local riding and skills facility within the Kingborough Sports Precinct. The existing park is currently closed for redevelopment, with Kingborough Council planning a new mountain bike park and pump track within the precinct as part of the wider sports precinct redevelopment. Community consultation on the new park design is planned for 2027. RTS Tip: The existing Kingborough MTB Park is currently CLOSED. A replacement mountain bike park is planned within the Kingborough Sports Precinct, so keep this one on your future ride list and check Kingborough Council updates for redevelopment progress and reopening information. In the meantime, nearby Kingston Park has a beginner asphalt pump track, a 300m learn-to-ride circuit and connections to the Whitewater Creek Track.

Kingston MTB Park, also known as Kingborough Mountain Bike Park, is a compact riding area within the Kingborough Sports Precinct south of Hobart. The park was designed to cater for everyone from kids and beginners through to experienced riders, with short flow trails, dirt jumps, an asphalt pump track and skills-focused riding. Trails include the beginner-friendly Kids’ Corner, the flowing Holy Roller, and more challenging options featuring jumps, berms, drops and technical features. Important current update: The existing MTB park is being relocated as part of redevelopment of the Kingborough Sports Precinct. Kingborough Council advises that the current park closed from 26 July 2026 to allow construction of the AFL High Performance Centre and new sporting facilities. A replacement mountain bike park and pump track are planned within the precinct, while a temporary pump track at Kingston Park is also being delivered. RTS Tip: Check the current park status before planning a ride. The original Kingston MTB Park is affected by the major Sports Precinct redevelopment, with a new MTB park planned for the site in the future. In the meantime, Kingston Park has beginner cycling facilities including a learn-to-ride track, with a temporary pump track also planned as part of the transition.

Rising directly behind Hobart, Tasmania, kunanyi / Mount Wellington is one of Australia’s most distinctive urban mountain biking destinations, offering everything from gentle family-friendly riding to flowing singletrack, technical descents and big mountain adventures. The extensive network across Wellington Park and the lower foothills of kunanyi / Mt Wellington connects with almost 60 km of City of Hobart-maintained MTB and shared-use tracks, as well as fire trails that allow riders to create a huge variety of loops. One of the signature rides is the 11 km North-South Track, which links The Springs on kunanyi / Mt Wellington with Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park. Rated intermediate, it winds through changing forest environments with flowing singletrack, sweeping berms and optional technical features. Riders looking for a bigger loop can tackle the 14.5 km Riding the Mountain circuit, linking trails including North-South, Free Wheel'n, Pitfall, Stumpside, Upper Luge, Crosscut and Rocky Wheel'n for a mix of fast descending, technical terrain and climbing. There are plenty of other options around the mountain too. The 12.7 km Pipeline Track provides an easier, family-friendly ride from Fern Tree through tall forest and fern-filled gullies, while the lower foothills around McRobies Gully offer more technical MTB trails including Slides, Jurassic Shark and Tip Top. With connections towards Glenorchy MTB Park and Hobart’s surrounding trail network, kunanyi / Mt Wellington can deliver anything from an easy scenic pedal to a full day of technical mountain biking. RTS Tip: Don’t assume every track on kunanyi / Mt Wellington is open to bikes. Cycling is permitted on formed roads and fire trails plus specifically designated shared-use and bike trails, while riding walking-only tracks can result in fines. Mountain weather can also change extremely quickly, so check conditions and trail alerts before setting out and carry an extra layer even when Hobart is warm and sunny.

Maydena Bike Park in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley, around 90 minutes from Hobart, is one of Australia’s premier gravity mountain biking destinations. Built into the slopes above the small town of Maydena, the park offers 80+ km of trails, 85+ individual trails and an enormous 820 metres of vertical elevation through spectacular Tasmanian rainforest. Designed and developed by specialist trail builders Dirt Art, the network ranges from beginner and family-friendly flow trails through to blue and black technical riding, freeride jump lines, double-black descents and professional-level terrain. Gravity riding is the main attraction, with the Summit Uplift providing access to the full 820 metres of vertical and more than 85 gravity trails. Riders can choose from long top-to-bottom flow trails, steep natural technical descents and freeride lines packed with jumps and drops. Popular trails include Scandinavia, Marriott’s, Colour Blind, Supercross, Dirt Church, The Local, Showtime and Maydena Hits. For riders wanting something more adventurous, the Wilderness Trail combination travels from the summit deep into the forest via Vista, Middle Earth and Outer Limits. Maydena isn’t exclusively for advanced riders. The Lower Mountain provides around 230 metres of vertical and access to 20+ gravity trails, including the green-rated Dirt Surfer, designed as an introduction to mountain biking and the park. There’s also a climbing trail from the base to Midline, providing around 400 metres of climbing and access to 50+ descending options, plus pump, jump, drop and skills areas for riders looking to progress their riding. As a privately operated bike park, riders need a valid Mountain Pass, with uplift passes available separately. Summit access is by the park’s uplift service — private vehicle shuttles and climbing on the shuttle road aren’t permitted. Bike hire and coaching are also available, making Maydena a destination that can easily justify several days rather than a single ride. RTS Tip: Maydena is huge, so don’t try to conquer the mountain on your first lap. Start lower or choose a trail comfortably within your ability, then progressively work your way into the harder terrain. An all-mountain or enduro bike is the park’s recommended choice, and while an approved helmet is mandatory, Maydena strongly recommends a full-face helmet, gloves, eye protection and knee and elbow protection. Check current operating days, trail status and uplift availability before travelling.

McRobies Gully in South Hobart, Tasmania, offers a compact but adventurous mountain bike network in the lower foothills of kunanyi / Mt Wellington, only minutes from the Hobart CBD. The riding centres around Slides, Jurassic Shark and Tip Top, which can be linked with the surrounding fire trails to create a rewarding MTB loop featuring flowing singletrack, fern-filled gullies, climbing and increasingly technical descending. The City of Hobart recommends starting from the Old Farm Road car park, climbing Main Fire Trail and Golden Gully Fire Trail before connecting into the singletrack network. Jurassic Shark is a moderate, flowing dual-direction trail connecting Slides with Tip Top, while Slides Track delivers fun, flowing singletrack as it descends through the forest into McRobies Gully. Experienced riders can add Tip Top, a difficult black-diamond trail featuring narrow technical riding and two steep paved rock chutes. Tip Top is downhill-preferred and should be ridden west to east, with riders returning via the fire trail rather than continuing onto adjoining private land. McRobies Gully also forms part of Hobart’s much larger mountain bike network around kunanyi / Mt Wellington, where almost 60 km of MTB and shared-use tracks are maintained by the City of Hobart. A newer connection via Knocksofty Track links McRobies Gully with Knocklofty Reserve, creating even more options for riders wanting to build a longer South Hobart MTB adventure. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, link Jurassic Shark and Slides for a fun introduction before deciding whether you’re ready for Tip Top. The step up is significant — Tip Top’s steep rock chutes and technical terrain are intended for experienced riders. These are also shared-use trails, so stay alert for walkers, follow directional signage and download the current Hobart trail map if you’re linking McRobies Gully into the wider kunanyi / Mt Wellington network.

Meadowbank MTB, in Tasmania’s beautiful Derwent Valley around one hour from Hobart, offers a boutique mountain biking experience unlike the state’s larger public trail centres. Set across a working farm and the renowned Meadowbank vineyard, the private bike park features around 13 km of purpose-built MTB trails combining flowing descents, ridgeline riding, jumps, playful features and spectacular panoramic views across the Derwent Valley. The trails have been designed around progression and group riding, with options for different skill levels and a strong focus on fun, lower-consequence riding rather than intimidating race-style terrain. A shuttle uplift means riders can spend more time descending and less time climbing, with trails including Merino Way, Pinot Drop, Wine Down, Grasshopper, The Big G and Uncorked. Merino Way provides a long green-rated descent of around 4.7 km, while the wider network gives progressing and experienced riders opportunities to tackle faster trails, jumps and more challenging features. What really sets Meadowbank apart is the complete “ride and wine” experience. MTB sessions can be combined with food and wine at Meadowbank Winery, creating a distinctly Tasmanian riding destination rather than simply another trail network. Access is managed through private group bookings and selected public open days, with public sessions limited to small numbers, so this isn’t a trail network you can simply turn up and ride whenever you like. RTS Tip: Meadowbank MTB is all about quality laps without the crowds, so book ahead and make a day of it. Public open days can be limited to around 30 riders, and the uplift shuttle keeps the laps coming. If you’re travelling through the Derwent Valley, allow time after your ride to enjoy the vineyard setting and local food — this is one MTB destination where hanging around after the final lap is very much part of the experience.

Mount Nelson MTB Trails Mount Nelson, just south of Hobart, Tasmania, offers an accessible network of cross-country mountain bike and shared-use trails across Bicentennial Park, Cartwright Reserve, Porters Hill and the surrounding Mount Nelson bushland. Only around 10–15 minutes from the Hobart CBD, the area combines fire trails and natural singletrack with rocky sections, short technical descents and sustained climbing, making it a handy option for riders looking for mountain biking close to Hobart. The broader Mount Nelson riding area contains around 35 km of interconnected trails, with options ranging from easier gravel and shared-use riding through to blue and more technical MTB singletrack. One of the key routes is Signal Station Track, a blue-rated shared-use trail climbing from Enterprise Road towards the historic Mount Nelson Signal Station. The upper section provides a relatively gentle gravel climb, while terrain below Enterprise Road becomes considerably steeper and rockier. Other trails and connections around Mount Nelson allow riders to explore towards Cartwright Reserve, Taroona, Sandy Bay, Dynnyrne and Tolmans Hill, with some suburban road connections required when building longer loops. The setting is a big part of the appeal. Reaching the top of Mount Nelson rewards riders with expansive views across Hobart, the River Derwent, Storm Bay and towards the Tasman Peninsula, while the heritage-listed Signal Station provides an interesting connection to Hobart's maritime history. The easier Signal Station Circuit is around 2.8 km and follows Signal Station Track and Enterprise Fire Trail, providing a good introduction to the reserve before exploring the wider network. RTS Tip: Mount Nelson is a mixture of formal shared-use trails, fire trails and informal tracks, so don't assume every trail you see is open to mountain bikes. Stick to sanctioned riding routes and download a current map before setting out, particularly if you're linking several reserves together. For a first visit, use Signal Station Track to get your bearings and enjoy the views from the summit before exploring the more technical singletrack.

The Mt Owen MTB Trails in Queenstown, Tasmania, deliver one of Australia’s most dramatic big-mountain riding experiences, with approximately 35 km of purpose-built trails across the exposed rocky slopes of Mount Owen. Rising to 1,146 metres above sea level, the mountain towers over Queenstown on Tasmania’s West Coast, providing more than 800 metres of elevation range and incredible views towards Frenchmans Cap, Lake Burbury, the Southern Ocean and the surrounding West Coast ranges. The terrain is unlike most Australian trail centres, with exposed ridgelines, loose rock, steep gradients, alpine-style landscapes and genuine backcountry riding. The network is divided into Upper Mountain and Lower Mountain trails. The Lower Mountain is accessed from the Tramway Street trailhead in Queenstown and includes options for a broader range of riders. Ready Orr Not provides a 1.5 km introduction to Queenstown riding, while the 5.9 km Welcome to Queenstown climbs onto Little Owen before delivering giant berms, rollers and spectacular 360-degree views. Riders can progress onto Sticht Up and the historic Sledge Track for longer and more challenging adventures. The Upper Mountain is where Mt Owen becomes a serious big-mountain destination. Access is exclusively by authorised shuttle, with trails including the 9.9 km Waterfall, Chamouni Traverse, Summit Loop, The Long Spur, North Owen Descent and Natural Selection. Waterfall travels through boulder fields and past Horsetail Falls before plunging into a remote valley, while Chamouni Traverse follows exposed ridgelines high above Lake Burbury. Natural Selection takes things even further, beginning with a hike-a-bike above 1,000 metres before tackling highly technical summit terrain and a raw descent designed for highly experienced riders. Mt Owen forms part of the wider West Coast Tasmania MTB network, alongside the Silver City trails at Zeehan and other adventure rides across the region. Its combination of mining history, barren rocky mountainsides and huge elevation makes Queenstown a completely different riding experience from Tasmania’s forest-based MTB destinations. RTS Tip: Don’t underestimate Mt Owen — the Upper Mountain trails are remote, exposed and physically demanding, and conditions can change incredibly quickly. Private vehicles cannot access the gated upper mountain road, so pre-book your shuttle if you want to ride from Owen Spur. Carry food, water, repair gear and extra clothing even when Queenstown’s weather looks good. If it’s your first visit, start on the Lower Mountain trails before stepping up to Waterfall, Chamouni or the harder backcountry descents.

Penguin MTB Park, just 2 km inland from the coastal town of Penguin on Tasmania’s North West Coast, is a compact but feature-packed mountain bike park offering more than 6 km of purpose-built cross-country singletrack. Built around the site of the old Penguin speedway and managed by the Cradle Coast Mountain Bike Club, the network caters for beginners through to experienced riders, combining flowing forest singletrack with jumps, wall rides, berms and dedicated skills areas. The main trail network includes Start ’Em Up, Easy Peasy, Stalking Rooster, Return of the Penguin, Copperhead, Ringtail, Prehistoric Park and Flying in a Blue Dream. Most of the park is green-rated beginner terrain, while Copperhead and the longer 2 km Flying in a Blue Dream provide intermediate options. The compact layout makes Penguin particularly good for riders wanting to practise skills, session individual sections or introduce kids and newer riders to mountain biking. At the centre of the old speedway is the park’s Freeride Jump Park, an advanced area with multiple jump lines and features including a whale tail, wall ride and container jump. The Little Devils Skills Park provides the opposite end of the progression scale, with beginner-friendly berms, pump-track features, a wall ride and other obstacles designed to help riders develop bike handling before heading onto the larger trails. One of Penguin MTB Park’s biggest advantages is its direct connection into the much larger and more adventurous Dial Range MTB network. From the southern end of the park, riders can continue towards Mount Montgomery and Iron Tor, stepping from short bike-park laps into rugged backcountry riding. The approximately 6 km Montgomery Loop provides a good introduction to the Dial Range, while the 15 km Iron Tor loop delivers a much tougher ride with sustained climbing, rocky ridgeline terrain, technical descending and impressive views across Tasmania’s North West Coast. RTS Tip: Penguin is perfect for a progression day — warm up on Easy Peasy and the green XC trails, practise in Little Devils Skills Park, then move onto Copperhead, Flying in a Blue Dream or the freeride features as your confidence grows. Experienced riders should allow extra time to continue into the Dial Range, but remember that this is a much more demanding and remote riding environment than the bike park itself. Download the current trail map, follow directional signage and be aware that some Dial Range trails are shared with walkers.

Pilchers Hill MTB Trails, Pilchers Hill Reserve, at Geilston Bay on Hobart’s eastern shore, Tasmania, offers natural mountain biking through 165 hectares of grassy forest and woodland in the Middle Meehan Range. The reserve contains a network of shared-use bush tracks and MTB trails ranging from easy to intermediate, with a mixture of flowing singletrack, fire trails, rocky sections and short climbs and descents. Its location only a short distance from central Hobart makes Pilchers Hill a handy option for a quick trail ride or as part of a much bigger eastern-shore MTB loop. The main Pilchers Hill Reserve Track is around 2.5 km, while riders can also use the Pilchers Hill Loop to climb towards the summit. Importantly, the walking-track section of the loop is designated as a one-way climb for mountain bikers, with riders able to return via the dedicated descending MTB track. A short side trip near the summit leads towards the reservoir and provides excellent views across the River Derwent and surrounding Hobart landscape. Pilchers Hill can also be incorporated into longer rides through the Meehan Range and Geilston Bay area. The nearby Geilston Gully Circuit Track and connections towards Caves Hill and Risdon Vale allow adventurous riders to create much larger loops, with local route guides linking Pilchers Hill with Caves Hill, Risdon Vale and Government Hills. The reserve is also valuable native habitat, with riders potentially encountering wallabies, wombats, bettongs, bandicoots, potoroos and abundant birdlife while exploring the trails. It’s a more natural and low-key riding experience than Hobart’s larger purpose-built MTB parks, making it particularly appealing to XC and trail riders who enjoy exploring local bushland. RTS Tip: For your first visit, use the Pilchers Hill Loop as your climb and the designated MTB descent for the return, then explore the connecting trails once you have your bearings. Parking is limited on Geilston Creek Road, and there is no parking directly at the reserve entrance, so use the roadside parking areas and follow the Geilston Creek Track into the reserve. Remember that many tracks are shared with walkers, and keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly around dawn and dusk.

The Queens Domain MTB Trails, just minutes from the Hobart CBD in Tasmania, provide an easily accessible introduction to mountain biking without leaving the city. Set across the bushland and native grasslands of Queens Domain, the riding combines easy shared-use singletrack, gravel tracks and recreational cycling paths, making it particularly well suited to beginners, families, kids and riders looking for a quick Hobart MTB ride. The City of Hobart includes Queens Domain as part of its network of almost 60 km of maintained mountain bike and shared-use tracks. The main MTB option is the Queens Domain Summit Track, an easy 3.2 km dual-direction loop around the summit. It’s a flowing, entry-level ride with gentle climbing and enough corners and trail features to make it interesting without becoming overly technical. The track has also been modified for adaptive mountain bikes, with improved width, corner radii, gradients and cross-slopes; it is rated intermediate for aMTB riders. Riders can extend the Summit Track using the Domain’s wider shared-trail network. Max’s Infinity Loop adds another 2.7 km easy cycling loop, while Soldiers Memorial Avenue provides a useful connection towards the Cenotaph, Hobart waterfront and city cycling network. This makes Queens Domain a good option for combining some easy off-road riding with a longer urban Hobart bike ride. The location is a big part of the appeal. From the higher sections there are views across Hobart, the River Derwent and kunanyi / Mt Wellington, while the surrounding Domain contains native grassy woodland, historic Soldiers Memorial Avenue, Legacy Park and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Parking, toilets and drinking water are available around the Soldiers Memorial and Crossroads Ovals, making it an easy place to start a ride. RTS Tip: Queens Domain is best thought of as an easy urban MTB and family riding area rather than a technical bike park. Start with the 3.2 km Summit Track and add Max’s Infinity Loop or Soldiers Memorial Avenue if you want more distance. Most of the network is shared with walkers and runners, so keep your speed under control and expect other users around blind corners. If you’re looking for more challenging Hobart mountain biking afterwards, McRobies Gully, kunanyi / Mt Wellington and the wider Hobart trail network provide a natural next step

The Silver City MTB Trails, on the outskirts of Zeehan on Tasmania’s wild West Coast, deliver around 35 km of purpose-built mountain biking through the spectacular Heemskirk Range. Opened in December 2022, the network combines stacked-loop trail riding with genuine backcountry adventure, progressing from accessible flowing trails near Zeehan to remote and highly technical riding high in the mountains. The landscape is unmistakably West Coast Tasmania, with buttongrass plains, rainforest, exposed rocky ridgelines and huge views across the surrounding wilderness. The network starts from the Heemskirk Road trailhead, around 500 m north of Zeehan. Despatch provides the main 4.5 km climb through rainforest and buttongrass to the top of Oonah Hill, where riders can drop into Oonah Hill, a 2.8 km flow trail packed with linked berms and rollers. This combination provides one of the more accessible experiences in the network and is a great introduction to Silver City before venturing farther into the Heemskirk Range. For riders wanting a bigger adventure, Heemskirk Link provides access to trails including Western Odyssey, Featherstone and Silver Lining. Western Odyssey flows across open buttongrass towards Piney Prospect, while Featherstone adds a faster ridgeline descent featuring gravel, rocks, berms and built features. The farther you travel from Zeehan, the more remote and demanding the riding becomes. The headline ride is Stormsdown, a challenging 14 km advanced adventure trail into the Heemskirk Range. Riders face a substantial mountain climb before dropping into a highly technical ridgeline descent featuring rock slabs, natural rock features and multiple line choices. The official trail information recommends allowing 2–5 hours for Stormsdown alone, reflecting just how different this is from a typical trail-centre loop. Silver City also tells the story of Zeehan’s extraordinary mining past. Once nicknamed “The Silver City”, Zeehan boomed during Tasmania’s mining era, and many of the MTB trails are named after mines that once operated throughout these hills. Historic mining activity also creates a very real hazard: open mine shafts remain within the area, and sections around Oonah Hill are classified as an Extreme Hazard Area. Riders must remain on the designated trail at all times. RTS Tip: Silver City is a network where you should choose your ride carefully. For a shorter introduction, climb Despatch and descend Oonah Hill for a brilliant taste of Zeehan’s flow riding. If you're heading deeper towards Silver Lining or Stormsdown, treat it as a genuine backcountry ride. The Heemskirk Range is remote and highly exposed, with weather capable of changing suddenly and dramatically. Download your maps, check the forecast, carry plenty of food, water, tools and appropriate clothing, and allow considerably more time than the distance alone suggests. Most importantly, stay on the trail due to historic open mine shafts throughout the area.

South Hobart MTB Trails South Hobart is one of the main gateways into the extensive mountain bike network on the lower slopes of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, with a mixture of purpose-built singletrack, technical descents, climbing trails and connecting fire roads beginning only minutes from Hobart’s CBD. Rather than one defined bike park, South Hobart forms part of a much larger interconnected riding area stretching across the mountain foothills. The City of Hobart maintains almost 60 km of MTB and shared-use tracks across its reserves, with South Hobart one of the primary access points. A key riding area is Cascades Track and the surrounding Cascades network. Riders can link sanctioned trails and fire roads into everything from short after-work laps to substantial mountain rides. The terrain is classic Hobart: rocky natural singletrack, roots, forest, technical features and sustained descending, with plenty of climbing required if you’re earning your turns rather than shuttling. Nearby McRobies Gully adds some of the area’s best-known sanctioned riding. Jurassic Shark is a moderate, open and flowing trail connecting into Slides, a fun descent through fern-filled gullies. More experienced riders can tackle Tip Top, a difficult downhill-preferred trail featuring a narrow twisting line and two steep paved rock chutes. Together, Jurassic Shark, Slides and Tip Top can be combined with the surrounding fire roads into an excellent technical South Hobart loop. South Hobart is also an excellent finishing point for a top-to-bottom kunanyi ride. Starting at The Springs Wellington Park, around 720 m above sea level, riders can descend a combination of sanctioned MTB trails and connecting fire roads towards South Hobart, losing roughly 550 m of elevation along the way. For riders wanting an even bigger adventure, the wider mountain network includes connections towards Junction Cabin, the famous North-South Track and ultimately Glenorchy. One thing to be aware of is that the wider South Hobart/Cascades area contains a mixture of sanctioned and unsanctioned trails. Official City of Hobart MTB trails are signed at their entrances, while many informal trails are unsigned. Within Wellington Park, bikes must remain on tracks where cycling is permitted, and riders can be fined for using walking-only trails. RTS Tip: For a first visit, start from Old Farm Road and explore the sanctioned Jurassic Shark, Slides and Tip Top network, choosing Tip Top only if you’re comfortable with difficult technical riding and steep rock chutes. If you want the bigger Hobart experience, organise a lift or shuttle to The Springs and descend back towards South Hobart. Download the current official trail map before setting out and stick to signed, bike-permitted trails — this part of Hobart has a maze of tracks, and not everything visible on the ground is sanctioned for MTB use.

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 Sterling Valley MTB Trail, between Tullah and Rosebery on Tasmania’s West Coast, is a rugged 12 km point-to-point mountain bike adventure through spectacular myrtle rainforest beneath Mount Murchison. This is very much an old-school West Coast ride rather than a manicured trail-centre experience, combining historic tracks with steep climbing, wet roots, rocks, mud and a long technical descent into Rosebery. The official West Coast MTB guide grades it intermediate with difficult sections, making it best suited to confident and experienced riders. The ride begins around 300 m west of the Anthony Road junction on the Murchison Highway, south of Tullah. From here, riders climb gradually through button grass and forest before the route becomes steeper and more rugged on its way towards Sterling Saddle. The full climb gains roughly 320 m, with slippery logs, rocks and sections where even capable riders may find themselves off the bike. Once over Sterling Saddle, the character changes dramatically. The trail drops towards Rosebery through dense, atmospheric rainforest on technical natural singletrack, with slippery roots, rocks, steep sections and potentially deep mud. As the descent continues it becomes faster and more flowing, delivering a brilliant finish through the forest towards Rosebery. Discover Tasmania specifically highlights Sterling Valley as a technical ride for experienced mountain bikers. Sterling Valley also has strong links to Tasmania’s MTB history, having featured in the legendary Wildside MTB event. Unlike the newer purpose-built networks at nearby Zeehan and Queenstown, this route retains its raw adventure character. Maintenance is a collaborative effort involving Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, West Coast MTB Club and West Coast Council. RTS Tip: Sterling Valley is a ride to prepare for, not simply turn up and explore. The official point-to-point route takes around 1.5–2 hours, but allow extra time for wet conditions, fallen trees or technical sections. A shuttle or vehicle at Rosebery makes logistics much easier; otherwise you'll need to factor in the road return. Download the route offline, carry tools, food, water and wet-weather gear, and let someone know your plans. Tasmania’s West Coast weather can turn quickly, and this trail is renowned for being wet, muddy, slippery and remote even when conditions elsewhere seem good.

The Tasman Peninsula MTB Trails, at Taranna near Port Arthur in southern Tasmania, are a community-built mountain bike network set across approximately 90 acres of privately managed bushland on Bayview Road. Developed and maintained by the Tasman Peninsula Mountain Bike Association, the trails offer a grassroots alternative to Tasmania’s larger commercial MTB destinations, with riding through natural forest and elevated terrain overlooking the spectacular Tasman Peninsula. The network has been created largely by local volunteers, with funding coming from memberships, visiting riders, donations and support from surrounding businesses. This gives Taranna a distinctly local, hand-built character rather than the highly manicured feel of a major trail centre. Trails are mapped on Trailforks, making it easier to explore the developing network and see current individual trail gradings. One of the attractions is the location. Taranna sits between Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur, making the trails an easy addition to a Tasman Peninsula road trip. The property includes parking, picnic facilities and lookout areas, so riders can base themselves at the trailhead before heading into the network. Unlike many public MTB parks, access isn't simply unrestricted and free. The trails are community funded, with visitor access currently available through the Hivepass app, using the QR code at the gate. Visitor contributions start from around $5, while annual membership options are also available. Those fees directly help the volunteer association continue building and maintaining the trails. RTS Tip: Tasman Peninsula MTB Trails are a great one to support if you enjoy discovering smaller community-built riding areas. Download the Trailforks map before arriving, then scan the Hivepass QR code at the gate to organise access. Because the network is volunteer-built and continues to evolve, check the latest trail information before your ride rather than relying on an older route. If you're travelling around Tasmania specifically for MTB, Taranna makes a good southern stop that can be combined with the larger Hobart and Meehan Range networks on the way to or from the peninsula.

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.

Tolmans Hill MTB Trails, in Hobart’s southern foothills, provides a mix of family-friendly bike tracks, gravel fire trails and connections into the larger Ridgeway and kunanyi / Mount Wellington trail network. It’s less of a standalone purpose-built MTB park and more of a gateway into Hobart’s extensive bushland riding, with the City of Hobart maintaining almost 60 km of MTB and shared-use tracks across its reserves. At Tolmans Hill Park on Woodcutters Road, there’s a looped mini bike track designed specifically for younger riders developing their mountain-bike skills. The surrounding park has a playground, picnic areas, shelter, barbecues, toilets and parking, making this a particularly handy option for families wanting somewhere for kids to practise riding. For riders wanting more adventure, the Tolmans Hill Fire Trail heads into nearby Ridgeway Park. The roughly 1.4 km dirt and gravel route is open to mountain bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes and gains around 80 m of elevation. It connects into a broader maze of trails around Ridgeway, including Ribbon Track, The Serpent and Shaking the Serpent’s Tail, allowing riders to build much longer loops through the surrounding bushland. The real advantage of Tolmans Hill is its connectivity. The surrounding fire-trail network provides links towards Waterworks Reserve, Ridgeway, Fern Tree and kunanyi / Mount Wellington, opening up significantly longer rides for experienced riders who know the network. For more technical riding, nearby South Hobart and McRobies Gully offer sanctioned trails such as Jurassic Shark, Slides and Tip Top, while the broader mountain network includes routes such as the North-South Track and the 14.5 km Riding the Mountain circuit. RTS Tip: Tolmans Hill works best as two different riding experiences: families and young riders can head to Tolmans Hill Park for the mini MTB loops, while experienced riders can use the area as an access point into Ridgeway and the wider kunanyi / Mount Wellington network. Download an official bushland map before exploring beyond the park — there are numerous informal trails around Hobart, and riders should stick to tracks where cycling is permitted.

Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area MTB Trails Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area, just 4 km from central Launceston, is one of the city’s established mountain biking areas, offering a combination of purpose-built singletrack and a much larger network of shared-use tracks. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service lists more than 35 km of tracks and trails across the reserve, including around 7–8 km of purpose-built MTB singletrack developed in partnership with the Launceston Mountain Bike Club. The purpose-built singletrack stretches roughly from Gorge Road towards Hoo Hoo Hut, with interconnected loops allowing riders to put together different combinations rather than following one fixed circuit. The riding ranges from relatively approachable sections through to more technical terrain, with rocks, roots, tight corners, short steep climbs and natural obstacles adding plenty of challenge. Parks Tasmania describes Trevallyn as offering a mix of beginner and technical riding suitable for a range of abilities. Beyond the dedicated MTB trails, experienced riders can explore the reserve’s extensive multi-use tracks and fire trails, which considerably expand the amount of riding available. These routes tend to have a more natural character, with some short sections becoming steep, rocky and rooty, particularly compared with the purpose-built singletrack. The setting is a big part of Trevallyn’s appeal. The reserve covers around 440 hectares around the South Esk River and Lake Trevallyn, bordering Launceston’s famous Cataract Gorge. Dry open forest, rocky gorge country and riverside scenery give the network a surprisingly wild feel considering how close it is to the city. There are several useful starting points, including Apex Hut/Aquatic Point, Trevallyn Dam Picnic Area and Hoo Hoo Hut, with picnic tables, shelters, toilets and barbecues available at these main visitor nodes. The wider reserve is shared with walkers, runners and horse riders, so riders need to be particularly mindful when using the multi-use tracks. RTS Tip: Trevallyn is a great option if you want proper singletrack without travelling far from Launceston. Start with the purpose-built MTB loop to get a feel for the rocky, rooty terrain before exploring the more technical multi-use tracks. Download a map before riding, give way to walkers and horse riders on shared trails, and check current conditions before heading out. The trails are maintained with significant volunteer input from the Launceston Mountain Bike Club, so respect closures and avoid riding soft or damaged trails after bad weather.

The Latrobe MTB network is the western gateway to Tasmania’s Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails, an interconnected system of more than 98 km of riding between Latrobe, Railton and Sheffield. Starting in Warrawee Reserve on the outskirts of Latrobe, this section has been deliberately designed as the most family-friendly and progression-focused part of Wild Mersey, with mellow terrain, flowing singletrack and increasingly technical trails as riders move farther from the trailhead. Latrobe currently has 19 named trails, comprising 13 easy, five moderate and one extreme trail. Green options include Devil’s Run, Off The Hook, Session Sauce, Laughing Gear, Easy Does It, Bee Line, Disco and Bracken Track, giving beginners and younger riders plenty of choice without having to immediately tackle difficult terrain. Intermediate riders can progress onto Hand Packed, High Voltage, Sugar Coated, Big Bend and Boiler Buster, adding more speed, descending and technical features. At the top end, No Mersey is the network’s short but serious extreme-rated trail, providing a very different challenge from the predominantly green and blue riding elsewhere at Latrobe. One of the biggest attractions is the ability to turn Latrobe into a much larger adventure. The Railton Express is an easy-rated 9.75 km connection between Latrobe and Railton, allowing riders to pedal directly into the next Wild Mersey network. From Railton, trails continue towards Sheffield, meaning riders can explore the three towns as one interconnected MTB destination rather than three separate bike parks. The Latrobe trailhead is at the end of Shale Road and is well equipped for a riding day, with toilets, showers and a bike washdown area. The stacked-loop layout means riders can stay relatively close to the trailhead on easier terrain or progressively head farther into the network as their confidence grows. RTS Tip: Wild Mersey – Latrobe is an excellent choice for families, newer MTB riders and anyone wanting to build confidence before tackling harder Tasmanian networks. Start with trails such as Easy Does It, Session Sauce and Laughing Gear, then gradually add the moderate trails. If you’ve got the legs for a bigger day, take Railton Express all the way to Railton and explore both networks. With almost 100 km available across Wild Mersey, download the current trail maps and check trail status before heading out.

The Railton MTB network sits at the heart of Tasmania’s Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails, an interconnected system of more than 98 km linking Latrobe, Railton and Sheffield. Starting beside Goliath Park in Railton, the network offers a particularly strong mix of flowing beginner trails, longer cross-country adventures and increasingly technical intermediate and difficult singletrack. Railton currently has 19 named trails, with eight easy, nine moderate and two difficult trails. Green options include Teleport, Green Hornet, Super Hornet, Easy Tiger, Green Mile, Ewoks and Sheffield Way, while intermediate riders can tackle Franky Flyer, Raptor Ridge, Funky Chicken, Sweet Caroline, 7 Shreds, Harden Up, Gnarvana, Woodhooker and Pony Up. The two difficult trails, Back To School and Echidin’ Me, provide the network’s more technical challenges. One of Railton’s standout beginner rides combines Teleport and Green Hornet. Teleport provides a gentle 3 km climb, followed by the 2 km Green Hornet descent, which is wide, flowing and designed to let newer riders build speed and confidence without throwing major technical obstacles at them. Wild Mersey describes it as arguably one of Tasmania’s best beginner loops. More experienced riders can build considerably bigger loops. The official Redline Loop is around 12.1 km, while Squiggly is approximately 15.8 km and incorporates Pony Up and Gnarvana. The Round The Outside route stretches to around 17.5 km, linking 11 trails and including the difficult Back To School and Echidin’ Me. Railton is also brilliantly positioned for a bigger Wild Mersey adventure. The easy-rated Railton Express runs 9.75 km to Latrobe, while trails on the other side of the network connect towards Sheffield. This means you can use Railton as a base and ride between all three Wild Mersey trail areas rather than treating them as separate destinations. The main Railton trailhead is at the end of Giblin Street beside Goliath Park, and there’s also an asphalt pump track in town, making Railton particularly good for families and developing riders. RTS Tip: For a first visit, ride the 5 km Up Then Down loop — Teleport up and Green Hornet back down. It’s a great introduction to Wild Mersey and an ideal progression ride for newer mountain bikers. Stronger riders should step up to Redline, Squiggly or Round The Outside, or use Railton as the launching point for a much bigger ride towards Latrobe or Sheffield. Download the current map and check trail status before setting out, especially if you’re planning one of the longer inter-town rides.

The Sheffield MTB network is the eastern and most technically challenging part of Tasmania’s Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails, an interconnected system of more than 98 km of riding across Sheffield, Railton and Latrobe. Sheffield itself has around 30 km of diverse terrain, starting with flowing trails around the lower slopes before climbing into increasingly steep, rocky and technical country beneath Mount Roland. The network currently includes 14 named trails, with five easy, five moderate and four extreme-rated trails. Easier options include Badgers Run, Zen Garden, Gold Rush, Up Start and Railton Rattler, providing a good introduction before riders venture higher into the hills. Intermediate riders can progress onto Shredwater Creek, Blue Tongue, Bluetopia, Rock N Roland and Jack Jumper. These trails introduce more technical terrain and make greater use of Sheffield’s elevation, with the network becoming noticeably more challenging as you climb away from the trailhead. Experienced riders have several serious options, including Syked Out and Over Quolified, plus the short E-Challenge and Double Trouble extreme trails. Sheffield’s builders specifically describe the upper hills as becoming “super technical”, making this the Wild Mersey location best suited to riders chasing a step up from the predominantly green and blue riding elsewhere in the system. There are also several mapped loops that make exploring easy. The Run Around is approximately 5.5 km and easy-rated, while Little Combo provides an intermediate ride of around 8.7 km. Strong riders can tackle the 20.9 km Large Combo, which links ten trails and incorporates terrain extending towards Railton. A major attraction is the connection with the rest of Wild Mersey. Railton Rattler runs 9.5 km towards Railton, following the former railway corridor, allowing Sheffield and Railton to be incorporated into one substantial ride. From Railton, riders can continue through the wider network towards Latrobe for a genuine multi-town MTB adventure. The main Wild Mersey Sheffield Trailhead is on Badgers Road, around 3.2 km from central Sheffield via Nook Road. The location also puts riders beneath the spectacular Mount Roland and close to Sheffield itself, making it a great base for a multi-day Wild Mersey trip. RTS Tip: Sheffield is the one to choose if you're looking for the more technical side of Wild Mersey. Start with Badgers Run, Zen Garden or Gold Rush, then progress into the blue network before considering the extreme trails higher up. For a bigger day, use Railton Rattler to connect Sheffield and Railton rather than driving between the two. Download the current map and check trail status before setting out, particularly after storms or wet weather.