South Coast NSW bike trails

Tathra MTB Park’s Bundadung Trail Network is the heart of mountain biking in Tathra on the NSW Sapphire Coast, delivering classic hand-built cross-country singletrack through coastal eucalypt forest just minutes from the beach. Tathra has established itself as one of NSW’s premier MTB towns, with the wider network offering around 50–55km of singletrack and more than 40 trails. Bundadung is the main northern trail network and the birthplace of Tathra’s XC riding scene. Expect plenty of climbing followed by rewarding descents, with tight hand-built singletrack, rocks, log rollovers, gully crossings and natural technical features rather than heavily manicured bike-park terrain. The elevated sections also deliver glimpses out towards the coast and Tathra Beach. The broader Tathra network caters for children and beginners through to experienced riders, so there’s plenty of opportunity to build confidence before tackling the more demanding sections. Bundadung can also be linked with Tathra’s other riding areas, including the Fire Shed trails, creating much longer XC adventures. One of Tathra’s biggest strengths is just how easy it is to ride from town. The main trailhead is near Tathra Beach Country Club, roughly 1km north of the township, while the Mogareeka Cycle and Walkway provides another connection into the MTB network via Katung Road. The trails are very much a community-built network, and that hand-built character is part of the appeal. Rather than huge jumps and gravity lines, Tathra is about linking kilometres of natural singletrack together, exploring the forest and enjoying a proper old-school XC ride in a spectacular coastal setting. There’s also a Mountain Bike Skills Park at Tathra Country Club, giving kids and developing riders somewhere to practise skills in a controlled environment before heading deeper into Bundadung. For riders searching for Tathra MTB, Bundadung MTB Trails, Sapphire Coast mountain biking, South Coast NSW MTB or cross-country mountain biking near Bega, this is one of the region’s must-ride networks. RTS Tip: Tathra is a great contrast to the newer gravity-focused destinations farther down the Sapphire Coast. Think hand-built XC, natural features and lots of linking singletrack rather than a modern shuttle park. With Gravity Eden to the south and Narooma to the north, Tathra also fits brilliantly into a multi-day South Coast MTB road trip.

Bermagui MTB Park is a local mountain bike trail network just outside Bermagui on the NSW Sapphire Coast, offering a fun mix of natural singletrack, forest riding and technical terrain close to town. Located around Scenic Forest Drive, approximately 1.5km north of Bermagui, the network features around 8km of mountain bike trails and is described by Sapphire Coast tourism as a challenging and fast course. Expect a more natural trail-riding experience, with winding singletrack through the coastal forest and enough changing terrain to keep experienced riders entertained. It’s a great option for riders wanting to squeeze in a few laps while staying around Bermagui or add another trail network to a bigger Sapphire Coast mountain biking road trip. Bermagui is also well positioned amongst some fantastic riding on the NSW South Coast, with established mountain bike destinations at Tathra and Merimbula providing plenty of opportunities to turn a visit into a multi-day MTB adventure. Whether you're searching for mountain biking in Bermagui, Sapphire Coast MTB trails or mountain bike riding on the NSW South Coast, Bermagui MTB Park is another local network worth putting on the list. RTS Tip: This is a smaller local trail network rather than a major purpose-built bike park, so check current trail conditions and mapping before heading out. Respect any closures or signage, avoid riding when trails are wet and ride within your ability on unfamiliar features.

Bundadung & Fire Shed Trails – Tathra MTB The Bundadung & Fire Shed Trails in Tathra form one of the NSW South Coast's most established mountain bike networks, with more than 55km of hand-built singletrack and over 40 trails winding through beautiful coastal bushland above Tathra. Known for its classic cross-country mountain biking, Tathra offers riding for a wide range of abilities, from approachable green trails through to flowing intermediate singletrack and more technical challenges for experienced riders. The Bundadung Trails are the original heart of mountain biking in Tathra. Expect plenty of climbing, sweeping descents and twisting singletrack through eucalypt forest, with glimpses towards the coast adding to the experience. Popular trails include Kingy's Climb, Hatti Gaddi, Nizentite and the much-loved Bridges. Head across to the Fire Shed Trails and the character changes. The riding is generally more flowing and undulating, with long stretches of singletrack that reward carrying momentum through the forest. Riders looking for something more challenging can seek out technical sections including Bad Apples, while trails such as Creek Run add plenty of fast, swooping fun. What makes Tathra particularly special is its community-built character. Much of the network has been created by passionate local riders over many years, producing raw, natural singletrack that feels very different from a modern machine-built bike park. With the trails sitting right beside one of the Sapphire Coast's best-known seaside towns, it's easy to turn a ride into a full Tathra mountain biking weekend — ride the singletrack, hit the beach and then come back the next day to explore the trails you missed. Whether you're searching for Tathra mountain bike trails, mountain biking on the Sapphire Coast, MTB trails on the NSW South Coast or cross-country mountain biking in NSW, Bundadung & Fire Shed should definitely be on the ride list. RTS Tip: There's a lot of trail packed into Tathra, so use current trail mapping to plan a loop that suits your ability rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Respect the cultural significance of the Bundadung area, stay on formed trails, check current trail conditions and closures, and give the trails time to recover following significant wet weather.

The Bundian Way is an extraordinary journey connecting the high country around Targangal (Kosciuszko) with Bilgalera (Fisheries Beach) on the NSW Far South Coast, following an ancient Aboriginal pathway that has connected people, Country and culture for thousands of years. The 265km Heritage Route travels from the highest part of the Australian continent towards the sea, crossing dramatically different landscapes along the way. From alpine country and the rugged Snowy River wilderness, it passes across the Monaro, through forests and tablelands before eventually descending towards Twofold Bay and the coast. Long before today's roads and trails, the Bundian Way formed part of a much larger network of Aboriginal pathways connecting Yuin, Ngarigo, Jaitmathang and Bidawal Country. These routes enabled travel between communities and important places, including journeys associated with springtime whaling ceremonies around Twofold Bay and summer Bogong moth gatherings in the high country. For modern adventurers, the scale and remoteness of the route are impressive. Sections pass through national parks, state forests, rural landscapes and extremely rugged wilderness, with the Snowy River and Byadbo country among the most challenging parts of the journey. The Bundian Way shouldn't be approached simply as another trail to tick off a list. It is a culturally and historically significant pathway through Country, and anyone exploring the region should take the time to understand and respect the story and significance of the landscapes they are travelling through. RTS Tip: The Bundian Way includes remote and difficult country and the full Heritage Route should not be assumed to be open or suitable for cycling throughout. Ride The State recommends using the official Bundian Way information below to understand the route, access and cultural significance before planning an adventure. RTS will work on identifying suitable cycling sections and touring options that can be added as individual Ride Cards over time.

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

Coondoo MTB Trails, around 15 minutes south of Nowra, are a much-loved cross-country network managed and maintained by South Coast United Mountain Bikers (SCUM). The main network offers a diverse 10km XC loop with several configurations and shorter options, combining fast, flowing singletrack with jumps, berms, bridges, drops, step-ups and rocky technical sections. While there’s not a huge amount of elevation, Coondoo keeps you working with plenty of pedalling and a mix of A and B lines to suit different abilities. Beside the main trailhead there’s also a 1km skills circuit and dirt pump track, featuring skinnies, rock gardens, wall rides, bridges and drops, making it a great spot for progression as well as a solid XC session. RTS Tip: Coondoo is a great choice for riders stepping into more technical XC riding — use the B-lines where available and session the skills area before heading onto the main loop. Check SCUM’s trail status on Facebook or Instagram before riding, particularly after rain, and bring your own water and supplies as there are no toilets, running water or bins at the trail network.

Edwardstown Velodrome, at the Edwardstown Soldiers’ Memorial Recreation Ground in South Plympton, is a classic 400m outdoor cycling track and an important part of Adelaide’s track cycling scene. The wide concrete track circles Edwardstown Oval and is home to South Coast Cycling, which runs junior and senior training, track racing and carnivals at the venue. Friday-night racing during the summer season caters for a range of ages and abilities, with everything from scratch races and handicaps to junior participation events, making Edwardstown a much more community-focused alternative to Adelaide’s indoor Super-Drome. RTS Tip: If you want to experience proper track riding here, check South Coast Cycling’s schedule before heading down. Organised training and racing require riders to follow the club’s track rules, and racing requires an appropriate AusCycling licence. Newer riders can work their way into the discipline through coached sessions, with club loan track bikes also available for some training sessions.

Gravity Eden is a major mountain bike destination in Nullica State Forest just outside Eden on the NSW Sapphire Coast, delivering more than 58km of purpose-built, gravity-fed singletrack from a peak elevation of around 300m. The network has been designed to take advantage of Eden’s dramatic terrain, dropping from rocky forested ridgelines through lush valleys towards the coast and Twofold Bay. Built by specialist trail builders Contour Works, the network features more than 20 trails spanning green, blue and black grades. There’s a strong gravity focus, but this isn’t simply a downhill park — riders will find XC adventures, climbing trails, long traverses, flow descents and technical gravity trails, allowing you to build anything from a short session to a substantial day on the bike. The network is divided into three main riding zones. The Adventure Zone is the gateway to the park and provides easier riding and progression opportunities. The Flow Zone introduces longer descents, berms and faster riding, while the Gravity Zone heads deeper into the forest with the park’s longest and most challenging descents. Some of the standout trails include Garden of Eden, a 2.3km shared-use adventure trail through a fern-filled valley; Gutter Ball, with sweeping berms and rollers; Round the Outside, an 8.4km adventure through varied terrain; and the huge Breath of Fire, a nearly 7km flow descent. More experienced riders can tackle trails such as Prana and Old Tom, where rock gardens, drops, chutes, jumps and steeper terrain turn things up considerably. There’s also a dedicated Skills Park with an asphalt pump track and dirt jump park, giving riders somewhere to warm up, practise features or simply session without heading deep into the network. Gravity Eden is managed by the Eden Mountain Bike Club, which partnered with Forestry Corporation NSW to establish the network on State Forest land. Riding is free, with ongoing trail maintenance funded through the club, sponsors, rider contributions and volunteer trail work. The location makes this one particularly good for a multi-day riding trip. Eden sits roughly halfway between Sydney and Melbourne and around 3.5 hours from Canberra, with beaches, accommodation, cafés and the wider Sapphire Coast right on the doorstep. For riders searching for Gravity Eden MTB, Eden mountain bike trails, Sapphire Coast MTB, South Coast NSW mountain biking or gravity trails in NSW, this is absolutely a destination worth putting on the ride list. RTS Tip: Don’t let the name fool you — you don’t need to be an advanced gravity rider to enjoy Eden. Start in the Adventure Zone and progressively work through Flow before heading deeper into the Gravity Zone. With 58km+ to explore, this is also one worth allowing a full day or, even better, building into a riding weekend. Check live trail status before setting out, particularly after significant rain, high winds or bushfire conditions

GreenValleys Mountain Bike Park is a privately owned gravity MTB park at Tongarra, at the foot of Macquarie Pass on the NSW South Coast. Around 20 minutes inland from Shellharbour and roughly 90 minutes from Sydney, it specialises in downhill, freeride, slopestyle and technical gravity riding. GreenValleys is very much a progression-focused gravity playground. The park features purpose-built downhill and freeride trails alongside a skills park, jumps, drops and an impressive collection of more than 50 timber ramps and drop features. There’s also a large airbag for riders developing their jumping and aerial skills. The terrain is aimed predominantly at intermediate and advanced riders rather than complete beginners. Trails make use of the steep foothills of the Illawarra Escarpment, with technical descents, jumps, drops and freeride features providing plenty for experienced riders to session. The park itself specifically notes that it is not currently designed for beginners. One of the big attractions is shuttle-assisted riding. On scheduled Social Gravity Days, riders are transported back to the trailhead via the park’s sealed uplift road, meaning more time descending and considerably less time pushing or pedalling back uphill. GreenValleys also has a strong racing pedigree and regularly hosts gravity competition. In June 2026 it hosted Round 1 of the AusCycling NSW/ACT Gravity Series Downhill, continuing its role as an important venue for competitive gravity riding in NSW. There are facilities including parking, toilets, picnic areas and camping options, making it possible to build a visit into a bigger Illawarra riding weekend. For riders searching for GreenValleys MTB, Illawarra mountain biking, downhill MTB near Sydney, shuttle mountain biking in NSW or freeride MTB parks, this is one of the state’s standout privately operated gravity destinations. RTS Tip: GreenValleys currently operates differently from a normal public bike park. During 2026, while it works through a planning proposal with Shellharbour Council, the park is focusing on scheduled shuttle days and selected events, with coaching offered only on limited pre-scheduled dates. Don’t simply turn up expecting to ride — check the calendar and book your ride day in advance.

Illawarra Escarpment MTB Network – Wollongong The Illawarra Escarpment MTB Network is an emerging mountain bike destination above Wollongong on the NSW South Coast, bringing purpose-built and officially sanctioned mountain biking to the dramatic forested slopes of the Illawarra Escarpment. The first major part of the network, the Kembla Mountain Bike Trails, opened in 2025 with around 20km of purpose-built trails. This is the beginning of a much bigger planned 70km Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network, with a further approximately 50km proposed for delivery in 2027. The Kembla network makes the most of the escarpment’s elevation and natural terrain, with dedicated mountain bike trails winding through the bushland around Mount Kembla and Kembla Heights. The official trails provide a much more sustainable way to experience mountain biking in the area while protecting the escarpment’s significant environmental and cultural values. The wider Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area rises dramatically behind Wollongong, creating a spectacular backdrop for riding with dense forest, steep terrain and glimpses back towards the coast. With Wollongong less than 10km away, it also has the ingredients to become a major MTB destination within easy reach of Sydney. Importantly, the area is currently going through a significant transition. From June 2026, NSW National Parks began progressively closing and rehabilitating unauthorised MTB trails around Mount Keira as the sanctioned network is developed. Riders should only use trails that are officially approved and open; closed trails may be signposted or physically blocked and penalties can apply for entering restricted areas. For riders searching for Illawarra mountain bike trails, Wollongong MTB, Mount Kembla mountain biking, mountain biking near Sydney or MTB trails on the NSW South Coast, the Illawarra Escarpment is one to watch as the official network continues to grow. RTS Tip: This is one where current mapping really matters. Don’t rely on older Strava routes, videos or historic trail maps, as some previously ridden trails are now being closed and rehabilitated. Stick to the approved network and check NSW National Parks trail status before heading out. The existing Kembla trails are just Stage 1, with the official network planned to eventually reach around 70km

The Burnaaga–Goanna Trail is one of the signature adventure rides within the Mogo Trails network, delivering an epic 28 km backcountry-style journey from the summit of Wandera Mountain towards Mogo township. Rated Blue, the trail combines long, flowing singletrack with sweeping coastal and valley views, lush forest, creek crossings and plenty of variety along the way. Confident intermediate riders will find a hugely rewarding adventure, while optional A-lines provide opportunities for more experienced riders to tackle additional technical features. Set within Mogo’s extensive 125+ km trail network, Burnaaga–Goanna is a standout ride for anyone wanting to experience the bigger, more adventurous side of mountain biking on the NSW South Coast. RTS Tip: This isn’t just another quick Mogo lap — plan Burnaaga–Goanna as a proper point-to-point adventure. Sort your transport or shuttle arrangements before setting out, carry water, food and basic trailside repair gear, and allow plenty of time to enjoy the ride rather than rushing through it.

The Botanic Gardens side of the Mogo Trails network is a brilliant place to experience the flow and variety that has made Mogo one of Australia’s standout mountain bike destinations. Starting from the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden trailhead, riders can access a mix of green, blue and black trails connected by manageable climbing trails, making this a great zone for families, progressing riders and experienced mountain bikers alike. Expect smooth, purpose-built singletrack packed with flowing berms, rollers, playful descents and optional technical features, with plenty of opportunities to progress as confidence grows. Riders looking for more of a challenge can also connect towards the more technical Mogo Trig area, while the extensive network makes it easy to build anything from a quick lap to a full day on the bike. RTS Tip: The Botanic Gardens side is a great starting point if it’s your first visit to Mogo. Begin with the easier flow trails, then gradually work your way up as you get a feel for the terrain. With so many trail connections, download the current trail map before you ride and plan a few favourites rather than trying to cover the entire network in one day.

The Zoo side of the Mogo Trails network delivers an exciting mix of flowing cross-country singletrack, gravity riding and technical descents, easily accessed from the Mogo Wildlife Park side of the forest. Riders can choose from smooth blue flow trails through to challenging black and double-black descents, making it a great zone for progressing trail riders and experienced gravity riders alike. The standout Zooniverse provides a fast and playful 7 km traverse linking the eastern trail zones with berms, rollers and flowing features, while trails including Seamstress, Vertiginous and Final Destination step things up for riders chasing more technical terrain. With multiple trailheads, self-shuttle opportunities and plenty of options for linking together laps, the Zoo side packs a huge amount of variety into one riding area. RTS Tip: Zooniverse is a great way to explore the Zoo side and connect into different parts of the network, but check your planned return route before dropping into the gravity trails. Trail difficulty ramps up quickly here, so pay attention to grading, inspect unfamiliar features and don’t assume the next trail will be the same difficulty as the last.

MUD MTB Park – Woodburn State Forest, Ulladulla MUD bike trails is a purpose-built mountain bike park in Woodburn State Forest near Ulladulla on the NSW South Coast, developed and maintained by the Milton Ulladulla District Mountain Bikers (MUD MTB). Forestry Corporation recognises Woodburn as a dedicated MTB network and describes it as a family-friendly riding destination. The core network includes around 6km of professionally designed singletrack, with trails that can be linked together and repeated to create a longer session. The emphasis is on beginner to intermediate riding, making MUD MTB a particularly good destination for families, newer mountain bikers and riders looking to build confidence. There’s plenty of variety packed into the relatively compact network. Some trails are fast and flowing with berms and rollers, while others are tighter and more technical. A dedicated skills loop introduces riders to features including small rock drops and elevated timber boardwalks, providing a great place to practise before taking those skills onto the main trails. Mapped trails include Never Never Land, Oompa Loompa and Burnt to a Crisp, with a mixture of green and blue riding and optional features adding progression for more confident riders. The park also has a dedicated car park, trailhead shelter and trail signage, making it easy to arrive, get organised and start exploring. Its location near Ulladulla, Milton and Mollymook makes it an easy addition to a South Coast riding weekend. For riders searching for MUD MTB Park, Ulladulla mountain bike trails, Woodburn State Forest MTB, mountain biking near Mollymook or family-friendly MTB trails on the NSW South Coast, this is a great little network to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: MUD MTB is a great progression park — start with the easier trails and skills loop before working up to the bigger features. The trails are maintained by the local MTB community, so respect closures and avoid riding when conditions could damage the trails. Forestry Corporation also recommends checking current forest events and closures before heading out.

Munda Biddi Trail – Mundaring to Albany The Munda Biddi Trail is one of Australia's great long-distance cycling adventures, stretching more than 1,000km from Mundaring in the Perth Hills to Albany on Western Australia's south coast. Its name means “path through the forest” in the Noongar language, and that's exactly what riders can expect as the trail winds through Noongar Boodja (Country), travelling through towering jarrah and karri forests, rolling farmland, river valleys, granite country and eventually the spectacular landscapes of WA's south coast. Designed specifically for off-road cycling and bikepacking, the Munda Biddi combines forest roads, rail trails, gravel tracks and sections of singletrack. Surfaces change considerably along the journey, from the distinctive red pea-gravel of the northern forests to loamy soils and sandy sections further south. Along the way, riders pass through or close to towns including Jarrahdale, Dwellingup, Collie, Donnybrook, Nannup, Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole and Denmark before eventually reaching Albany. These towns provide opportunities to resupply, find accommodation, grab a proper meal and experience more of regional Western Australia. For riders tackling an End-to-End Munda Biddi bikepacking adventure, a network of purpose-built trail shelters helps make multi-day travel possible. There are 12 shelters along the trail, generally positioned between country towns, with sleeping platforms, water tanks, tent sites, toilets, picnic tables and bike storage. You don't have to ride the entire trail to experience the Munda Biddi. With numerous access points along its length, riders can choose everything from short family-friendly sections and day rides to multi-day bikepacking trips linking several trail towns. That versatility is a huge part of what makes the Munda Biddi special. Whether you're looking for a few hours exploring the forests near Perth, a weekend bikepacking adventure around Dwellingup or Collie, or the challenge of riding more than 1,000km all the way to Albany, the trail offers an incredible way to explore Western Australia by bike. RTS Tip: Planning an End-to-End ride is a serious undertaking. Water availability, resupply distances, weather, fire risk, trail diversions and surface conditions all need to be considered. Check the official Munda Biddi Trail information and current route updates before setting out, and don't rely solely on an old GPX file. Ride The State will also work on adding popular Munda Biddi sections and shorter rides as individual Ride Cards, making it easier to discover the trail whether you're planning the complete End-to-End or just looking for a brilliant day or weekend on the bike.

Narooma MTB Main Trail Head is the gateway to one of the NSW South Coast’s biggest mountain bike destinations, with an impressive 85km of purpose-built riding across 54 machine and hand-built trails. Located in Bodalla State Forest just outside Narooma, the network combines gravity, flow, jumps, technical rock riding and cross-country adventures across three distinct riding zones. The network is split into The Playground, Gravity Zone and Wilderness Zone, giving it a huge amount of variety. The Playground is the natural starting point, with progression-focused trails close to the Mitchells Ridge Road trailhead. Riders can warm up and build confidence here before heading deeper into the network, with dedicated climbing trails providing access to longer descents. For gravity riders, Narooma delivers berms, jumps, rock features and long flowing descents, with trails including Thrill Hill, Thunderbirds Are Go, Gnarooma, The Quantum, Dalmeniac and Full Force. There are green through to advanced options, meaning you don't need to be an expert rider to experience the gravity side of the network. The Wilderness Zone provides a different experience again, heading farther into Bodalla State Forest with longer, more natural and adventurous riding. Combined with the XC connections and climbing trails, it means Narooma works equally well for riders wanting to pedal and explore rather than simply session descents. The trails are the work of the volunteer Narooma Mountain Bike Club, which formed in 2019 and secured $4.3 million through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund following the Black Summer bushfires. That investment, together with a huge volunteer effort, helped transform the existing riding area into the 85km destination network riders can explore today. Facilities at the main Mitchells Ridge trailhead include parking, toilets and drinking water, with a volunteer-run kiosk operating at selected busy times. E-bikes are welcome, and commercial shuttle services are available for riders wanting to maximise their descending time. For riders searching for Narooma MTB, South Coast NSW mountain biking, Bodalla State Forest MTB, gravity trails near Narooma or Sapphire Coast mountain biking, this is easily a destination worth allowing a full day — or building an entire riding weekend around. RTS Tip: With 85km and 54 trails, Narooma is definitely one to explore with the current trail map rather than trying to wing it. Also check trail status immediately before riding: the club currently lists a number of Wilderness Zone trails as temporarily closed following planned burn activity.

The Narooma to Dalmeny Cycleway is one of the South Coast's most scenic shared paths, offering around 21km of coastal riding between two beautiful seaside towns. Following the shoreline of Wagonga Inlet, the Pacific Ocean and Mummaga Lake, this ride combines spectacular ocean views, abundant wildlife and plenty of great places to stop along the way. Starting in Narooma, riders can fuel up at one of the many cafés, bakeries or seafood restaurants before setting off. Be sure to visit the iconic Australia Rock on the southern breakwater and cruise across the stunning Mill Bay Boardwalk, where it's common to spot stingrays, fish and even Australian fur seals in the crystal-clear water below. The mostly sealed shared pathway continues north through Kianga, passing scenic beaches and headlands with breathtaking coastal lookouts. During the annual whale migration, keep an eye on the ocean—you may be lucky enough to spot humpback whales cruising offshore. The ride finishes at Dalmeny, where you'll find cafés, beaches and the Dalmeny Sports Club, making it the perfect place to relax before returning to Narooma or continuing your South Coast adventure. Suitable for riders of all ages and abilities, the Narooma to Dalmeny Cycleway is an ideal family ride or a leisurely way to experience one of New South Wales' most spectacular stretches of coastline. It's a must-do stop for anyone exploring the South Coast with their bike.

The St Albans–Mogo Creek Loop is a fantastic gravel and adventure ride through the Macdonald Valley and the rugged bushland north of St Albans, delivering that remote, middle-of-nowhere feeling surprisingly close to Sydney. Starting from the historic village of St Albans, the ride heads north through the valley before following Mogo Creek Road / Wollombi Road towards Mogo Creek and the edge of Yengo National Park. The landscape shifts between open farmland, river flats, sandstone country and heavily forested sections, with long stretches where traffic and development are minimal. Expect a mixture of quiet country roads, gravel, dirt and rougher backroad surfaces, with conditions varying considerably depending on recent weather. Around Mogo Creek the road can include loose gravel, sand and muddy patches after rain, so this is better suited to a gravel bike with wider tyres or a mountain bike than a lightweight road setup. The wider St Albans area has a serious cycling pedigree too. It is home to the long-running Convict 100 MTB race, whose courses use the surrounding fire trails, farm roads, singletrack and country roads. The current 100km race route packs in approximately 1,800m of climbing, giving a good indication of just how hilly the surrounding country can become once you leave the valley floor. Mogo Creek is also a great place to turn the ride into an overnight adventure. Mogo Campground sits within Yengo National Park around 28.5km north of St Albans by road, making it a natural bikepacking stop for riders wanting to explore further towards Bucketty, Laguna and the Watagans. Back in St Albans, the tiny historic village makes a brilliant start or finish point, with the Macdonald River, old buildings and surrounding valley giving the whole ride a distinctly remote country feel. For riders searching for St Albans gravel rides, Mogo Creek cycling, gravel riding near Sydney, Hawkesbury bikepacking or adventure cycling in Yengo National Park, this is a great route to have on the list. RTS Tip: Come prepared for a genuinely remote gravel adventure. Mobile coverage can be limited, traffic is sparse and there are very few opportunities for food, water or mechanical help once you leave St Albans. Conditions on the unsealed roads can also change significantly after storms or flooding, so check current park and road conditions before heading out and carry plenty of water, spares and offline mapping. NPWS also publishes cycling mapping for the wider Dharug/Yengo area, which is worth checking if you want to extend the adventure.

Superbowl & Butterfly MTB Trails – Nowra Just south of Nowra on the NSW South Coast, South Coast United Mountain Bikers SCUM - Superbowl MTB Park and South Coast United Mountain Bikers (SCUM) - Butterfly MTB Trail are two distinctive mountain bike networks in Currambene State Forest, developed and maintained by the volunteer-run South Coast United Mountain Bikers (SCUM). Together with nearby Coondoo, they form one of the Shoalhaven’s key MTB destinations. Superbowl is the more varied of the two, combining traditional cross-country singletrack with the newer Airflow network for riders who love flow, jumps and gravity-style features. The XC riding mixes short technical sections, fast twisting singletrack, modest climbing and fun descents, while the broader network includes green, blue and black-rated options. Just another 5 minutes along Butterfly Road, Butterfly delivers a completely different experience. SCUM describes this roughly 5.5km intermediate XC network as deliberately a little “rough and ready”, with mostly hand-built, old-school singletrack. Expect rocky technical descents, short punchy climbs, tight natural trail and plenty of character rather than manicured machine-built flow. The two networks are close enough to easily ride on the same trip, and riders looking for an even bigger day can add nearby South Coast United Mountain Bikers SCUM - Coondoo MTB Park. In fact, all three networks are combined for the Willo Mountain Bike Marathon, demonstrating just how much riding can be linked together around Nowra and Currambene State Forest. For riders searching for Nowra mountain bike trails, Superbowl MTB, Butterfly MTB, Shoalhaven mountain biking or MTB trails on the NSW South Coast, these are well worth adding to the ride list. RTS Tip: If you only have time for one, choose Superbowl for greater variety, flow and jump features, or Butterfly for raw, old-school hand-built XC singletrack. If you have a full day, ride both — or add Coondoo and explore all three SCUM networks. Check SCUM’s current trail status before heading out, as conditions and forestry activity can affect access.

Unanderra Velodrome – Illawarra Unanderra Velodrome, officially known as the Illawarra Velodrome, is a traditional outdoor cycling track at Lindsay Maynes Park in Unanderra, just south of Wollongong. The venue is owned by Wollongong City Council and licensed and operated by the Illawarra Cycle Club, which uses it for track training, racing and rider development. The velodrome features a 270-metre concrete oval track with banked corners, providing a dedicated environment for track cycling while being less intimidating than some of the much steeper indoor velodromes. The Illawarra Cycle Club particularly uses the facility to introduce junior riders to track cycling and develop their skills and confidence. Right next door is the Illawarra Criterium Track, a purpose-built closed cycling circuit opened in September 2022. Together, the two facilities create a fantastic little cycling precinct where riders can experience both track and criterium-style riding away from normal road traffic. The velodrome has a long association with the Illawarra cycling community, with organised track racing traditionally held through the warmer months. The Illawarra Cycle Club supports everyone from juniors learning the basics through to experienced competitive cyclists. Located at 146 Princes Highway, Unanderra, the track is conveniently positioned for riders from Wollongong and the wider Illawarra, with the adjacent criterium circuit adding another reason to visit. For riders searching for Unanderra Velodrome, Illawarra Velodrome, track cycling in Wollongong, Illawarra Cycle Club or cycling tracks on the NSW South Coast, this is the region’s key dedicated track cycling facility. RTS Tip: The adjacent criterium circuit is open to everyone, while the velodrome itself is licensed and operated by Illawarra Cycle Club, so check current club sessions and access arrangements before heading onto the track. If you're interested in trying track cycling for the first time, the club also runs junior and introductory activities and has a selection of track bikes available for its junior program.