Enjoy a relaxing cycle ride through the bush or a thrilling adventure on mountain biking trails located in stunning national parks throughout NSW. There are options for every level, so everyone can experience the thrill of exploring NSW on two wheels.
New South Wales, Australia’s largest state, is home to Australia’s premier mountain destination Thredbo as well as hundreds of smaller parks and trail networks. The state offers endless weekend fun for mountain bike enthusiasts. Most of these locations are within easy driving distance from the Sydney Basin. The Snowies, however, are not included.
Thredbo Valley
The Thredbo Valley track is one of Australia’s most thrilling mountain biking trails. It runs 36km from Thredbo up to Gaden Trout Hatchery. You can ride the entire track or one of the shorter sections such as Ngarigo Diggings to Thredbo Trout Hatchery or Bullocks Flat.
Thredbo’s breathtaking scenery and incredible track construction make it a world-class destination for Mountain Biking. Thredbo is primarily a ski resort and therefore features a large number of downhill racing tracks and gravity trails. This also means that you can now ride your bike to the top of the mountain using CHAIRLIFTS. Thredbo has a huge network of cross-country trails that are linked together, as well as a pump track and skill parks for the more technical riders. You’ll need to be at least intermediate to enjoy the steep descents, but there are also runs for all levels. Thredbo offers bike rental and MTB clinics that can help new riders get started. Thredbo offers great value for MTBing in the Kosciuszko National Park.
Who is it for? Experienced riders, although some parts of the track are suitable for beginner riders, such as the section between Thredbo Village and historic Bullocks Hut.
Tip You can arrange for a local shuttle to drive you to Thredbo if you only want to ride one way. You can book a guided tour along the route.
- How far is the trail? 5 to 36 km one way, 1 to 8 hours
- How difficult is it? It depends on the section.
- What you should bring: Water, snacks, appropriate clothing, helmets, bike repair kits, first aid kits, hats, sunscreen, cell phones, personal locator beacons, and a first-aid kit.
- Cost: Park entrance fees apply
Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains have a surprising lack of mountain biking trails due to the topography and the protected status. The rideable singletracks and fire trails are long, well-maintained, and breathtaking just because of the scenery. Mountain bikers will enjoy a day in the Blueys, it’s a perfect place to spend a weekend.
Glenrock Mountain Biking Trails
The Glenrock State Conservation Area is near Newcastle and has excellent mountain biking trails. 14km of bike trails have been purpose-built, as well as 20km of management trails linked together in the park’s northern section. These trails range from beginner to expert.
Glenrock, a protected wilderness area just south of Newcastle is home to several singletrack cross-country mountain biking trails. This is mostly intermediate-level riding, but also has some great rides for beginners and kids.
For whom is it? There’s a ride for everyone.
Tip: Large maps of the trail are available at all major entrances. If you would like to print your own, visit Glenrock Trail Alliance.
- How far is the trail? A 34km trail, one day
- Medium Difficulty High
- What you should bring: Water, snacks, appropriate clothing, helmets, bike repair kits, first aid kits, hats, sunscreen, mobile phones, sunglasses, and a bike repair kit.
Royal National Park/Loftus
The Southern Sydney Royal National Park, with its 30km of trails, fire roads, and other riding opportunities, offers rides of varying difficulty levels. However, the majority of them are on the gentler end. You should be aware that some of the more extreme rides and jumps may not be officially sanctioned. Ride at your peril. Keep in mind, as it is a National Park there will be an entrance fee.
Old Great North Road bicycle ride
Old Great North Road, built by convicts between 1826 and 1836, contains some of the oldest stone bridges on mainland Australia. These include Clares Bridge, Circuit Flat Bridge, and Koolewong Flora Reserve. The 43km track runs through Dharug National Park and Yengo National Park and is a part of the Convict Sites of Australia World Heritage Area.
Tip While riding, you can see Mount Yengo. This is an important spiritual place for Darkinjung People and Wonnarua People. According to creation stories, Biamie the ancestral being stepped from the flat top of Mount Yengo and into the air when he completed his creation.
- How far is the trail? A one-way trip of 43km, one day
- What you should bring: Drinking water, snacks, lunch, appropriate clothing, helmets, first-aid kits, hats, sunglasses, sunblock, sunscreen, mobile phones, bike repair kit.
Lady Carrington Drive
Region: Sydney South
Lady Carrington Drive, a historic cycling route near Audley and Sir Bertram Stevens Drive within the Royal National Park. The Hacking River Trail offers birdwatching opportunities, beautiful picnic areas, and history.
Tip Before you leave, check the weather as Lady Carrington Drive may become muddy if it rains.
- How far is the trail? It’s 10km, one way.
- What you should bring: Water, snacks, appropriate clothing, helmets, bike repair kits, first aid kits, hats, sunscreen, mobile phones, sunglasses, and a sun tan kit.
- How difficult is it? Easy
- Cost: Park entrance fees apply
Bundanoon Cycling Route
Region: Southern Highlands Country NSW
Bundanoon Cycling Route offers a 14km easy bike ride through Morton National Park. The trail offers beautiful views from Tooths Lookout, Sunrise Point, and Grand Canyon. It weaves through an open forest, with a variety of picnic areas along the way.
For whom is it? Everyone
Tip Rent a bicycle from Bundanoon near the railway station if you don’t own one.
- How difficult is it? Easy
- How far is the trail? The trail is 14 km return.
- What you should bring: Water, snacks, appropriate clothing, helmets, bike repair kits, first aid kits, hats, sunscreen, mobile phones, sunglasses, and a first-aid kit.
- Cost: Park entrance fees apply
Turkey Flat trail
Turkey Flat Trail begins in the wetlands of Turkey Flat near Leeton and ends at Middle Beach. The trail is a popular spot for birdwatchers. It takes you past the habitats of many woodland and wetland species, including the threatened superb parrots.
Who is it for? Experienced and fit riders as the incline is steady and there are narrow sections.
Tip Don’t forget to bring your binoculars when you go bird watching.
- How far is the trail? It’s 3.2km, one way.
- Difficulty Hard
- What you should bring: Water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, helmets, sunglasses, mobile phones
- Price: Park entry for free
Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains have a surprising lack of mountain biking trails due to the topography and the protected status. The rideable singletracks and fire trails are long, well-maintained, and breathtaking just because of the scenery.
Five Mile Mountain Bike Route
Five-Mile Mountain Bike Track is a purpose-built mountain bike trail in Murray Valley Regional Park near Echuca and Moama. The trails are set amongst huge river red gums and offer a mixture of fast and flat terrain. There is also a skills area and a Pump Track.
For whom is it designed? Mountain bikers at all levels of skill can use this.
Tip: Enjoy a picnic at the picnic area on the Murray River’s banks after the ride.
- How far is the trail? The trail is 7km long and takes 30 minutes to complete.
- Difficulty Medium
- What you should bring: Water, snacks, appropriate clothing, helmets, bike repair kits, first aid kits, hats, sunscreen, mobile phones, sunglasses, and a sun tan kit.
Mount Emperor Loop
Region: Blue Mountains
Mount Emperor Loop offers a scenic ride through the Boyd Plateau of Kanangra Boyd National Park. The mountain biking trail follows a few little-used 4WD tracks through swamps in the uplands, not far from Katoomba and Jenolan Caves.
Who is it for? Mountain bikers who have some experience.
Tip The park is located in a remote area and weather conditions can be unpredictable. Please ensure that you are well prepared for your visit.
- What is the length of the trail? A 12.5km loop that takes 1 hour
- Difficulty Medium
- What you should bring: Water, snacks, appropriate clothing, helmets, bike repair kits, first aid kits, hats, sunscreen, cell phones, personal locator beacons, and a first-aid kit.
- Price: Park entry for free
Awaba Mountain Bike Park
This is a good representative of the Hunter Valley Region, as we cannot list all of them. Awaba has a 12km cross-country loop that is incredibly rugged, as well as a series of exhilarating and long downhill sections. These are best suited to riders of intermediate skill levels. Also, keep an eye on the area (to know what to avoid!) Keep an eye out for the unofficial riding area in Killingworth.
Burramoko Ridge Trail (Hanging Rock Trail)
Region: Blue Mountains
The Burramoko Ridge trail lies in the Grose Wilderness, part of the Blue Mountains National Park near Blackheath. The gorge is a stunning sight. Look out for the red waratah, the floral emblem of NSW in spring.
For whom is it? Experienced riders.
Tip: Stay away from the edge of cliffs at all times. This is especially important when taking pictures. Leave your bike in the turning circle near the end of the path and walk up the short bush track leading to the Baltzer Lookout, or Hanging Rock.
- What is the length of the trail? The trail is 10 km return and takes 2 hours.
- Difficulty Medium
- What you should bring: Water, snacks, appropriate clothing, helmets, bike repair kits, first aid kits, hats, sunscreen, mobile phones, sunglasses, and a bike repair kit.
- Price: Park entry for free
Bouddi Ridge Explorer
Region: Central Coast
Bouddi Ridge Explorer has the longest mountain bike trail in Bouddi Park. The 10km trail offers a great deal of variety, combining Strom Loop, Rocky Point Trail, Daleys Point Trail, and MacMasters Ridge.
For whom is it designed? Experienced riders with a good level of fitness and some experience.
Tip: Enjoy the view at Allen Strom Lookout, located at the end of Rocky Point Trail.
- What is the length of the trail? A 10km loop that takes 4 hours
- Difficulty? Medium
- What you should bring: Water, snacks, appropriate clothing, helmets, bike repair kits, first aid kits, hats, sunscreen, mobile phones, maps of Bouddi National Park, and a Bouddi National Park guide.
- Cost: Park entrance fees apply
