Mountain biking & cycling trails in NSW

Mountain biking trails 

NSW has an incredible selection of mountain biking routes and trails ranging from easy terrain for children and beginners to challenging tracks for the more advanced. Wonderful routes and trails in national parks include the Burramoko Ridge in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. This leads along a ridge to a dramatic rocky bluff. With scenic valley views and crisp mountain air, it’s a sublime ride for adventurous cyclists and bushwalkers.

Mountain biking, Blue Mountains

Head to the Central Coast to experience the Tommos loop near Woy Woy. The trail starts opposite the impressive Staples lookout with pretty views of Brisbane Water, then heads off to explore the ridge. Also on the Central Coast at Patonga, the Warrah Trig cycling loop takes in the best the national park has to offer, crossing several fire trails and pausing for scenic views at Warrah lookout. With so much ground to cover, feel free to do as much or as little as you like. Be sure to make time for birdwatching though, or a relaxing picnic lunch among the famous wildflowers.  

Warrah Trig cycling loop, Patonga - Credit: John Yurasek/DCCEEW

You may also wish to take on the Plateau Circuit Loop Trail, near Coffs Harbour on the North Coast. Immerse yourself in this remote landscape while cycling along the gentle gravel roads of Bindarri National Park and the adjacent Bindarri State Conservation Area. Pack a picnic lunch and make sure you’re prepared with plenty of water and a tool kit, as you’re heading into the remote yet beautiful corners of the park. 

Head down south to tackle the Five Mile Mountain Trail in the Murray Valley National Park, near Echuca Moama. Set among an iconic landscape of huge river red gums, Five Mile provides 7km of purpose-built mountain bike trails to discover – it’s one of the best places for mountain biking in the Riverina region, suitable for riders of all skill levels thanks to a mix of fast and rolling terrain with features such as wall rides, drops and flowing bridges. There is also a skills area, a pump track and a well-stocked inventory of berms, jumps and rollers. 

Horseshoe Lagoon, Moama

Head up to the hills of the Snowy Mountains to experience Cannonball Downhill Trail, Thredbo's most famous mountain trail – the region’s long ski runs are transformed into downhill mountain biking heaven during the warmer months, with trails accessed by the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift every day from November to May.  

Over on the coast, Tathra has established itself as one of NSW’s premier mountain biking destinations. With almost 50km of single track, Tathra offers mountain bike trails for all levels of rider from children and beginners up to intermediate and expert riders 

Bundadung Trail Network, Tathra

Cycling routes 

For a spectacular journey through Australia’s oldest national park, pedal on the Grand Pacific Drive from Sydney to Wollongong, via the Royal National Park and the Sea Cliff Bridge. It’s a lovely route all year or you can join the annual MS Gong Ride (either 54 or 82km) in November, soaking up incredible ocean views and ending up on the beach for a swim. 

Local Travel Planner Pty Ltd on the Grand Pacific Drive, Stanwell Tops

On the beautiful NSW coast, you can enjoy the Broulee, North Head to Mossy Point Cycleway, a flat route that passes the sand dunes of Bengello Beach, a renowned surf beach. Or inland try the Tracker Riley Cycleway in Dubbo. At Lake Macquarie, the Watagans National Park also enjoys stellar water views, stretching between Speers Point and Warners Bay and with some exciting bridge crossings. 

For dramatic mountain backdrops, explore the Snowy Mountains on two wheels. The quiet roads in the high country are great for cycling, with the Khancoban to Kiandra Drive weaving through Park. Or take on the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, a vibrant, revitalised trail for walking, cycling, pushing, strolling, peddling, rolling and relaxing. With the trailheads at Figures Street (Tumbarumba) and McEachern Lane (Rosewood), there are over 21km of sealed trail with gentle gradients and sweeping curves in between to explore.

Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, Tumbarumba

Further south still, the Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk is part of the Murray River pathway, a 15km (return) trail that links the Wonga Wetlands with the South Albury Trail through blissful riverside parks among soaring red gums. There are plenty of places to stop for a picnic or enjoy the view. Above all, make a beeline for the 5km Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk between Kremur Street and the Wonga Wetlands. Here, 15 sculptures crafted by Aboriginal artists tell age-old First Nations stories through contemporary art – each comes with an interpretative sign revealing their significance. You can also unlock additional videos via your smartphone. Nearby, you can explore the Wiradjuri Trail in Wagga Wagga.

Peddling around Corowa on the Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk

Head to the Tweed region of Northern NSW to enjoy the state’s newest cycling trail. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a shared recreation and nature trail traversing some of the most spectacular countryside in Australia. When completed, the 132km trail will connect Murwillumbah, before tracking south through the Tweed Valley to Crabbes Creek, through the Byron Shire to Eltham, and on through Lismore and Bentley, finishing at Casino.  

Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Burringbar - Credit: Kiff & Culture

Two sections are completed and are now open: The 24km Tweed section connects Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek, passing through Dunbible, Stokers Siding, Burringbar and Mooball. The 13.4km Richmond Valley section starts at the heritage-listed Old Casino Station, moves through rich agricultural lands and passes over a tunnel housing a mixed colony of Bent-winged bats, finishing at the historic Bentley Bridge.  

Cycling events 

Take part in fun cycling events including the Newcrest Orange Challenge – a 170km route through Wiradjuri Country every September – and the Sydney2CAMberra Ride, a two-day, 300km charity ride that is at once challenging and exhilarating. In November, you can take part in L’Étape Australia by Tour de France, a unique amateur road cycling event from Kiama to the Southern Highlands. 

Newcrest Orange Challenge, Orange - Credit: Newcrest Orange Challenge

There are regular mountain bike festivals across the state, including Dungog PedalFest in the Upper Hunter and, nearby, the Wollombi Wild Ride in the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region.  

You can also take part in triathlons and community events, such as the Tumut Cycle Classic spanning the scenic Snowy Mountains, and TreXTri Port Stephens, a challenging event with a stunning backdrop.

L'Étape Australia 2016, Snowy Mountains - Credit: L'Étape Australia

Cycle safety: Helmets are compulsory and you must follow the NSW road rules wherever you ride. Cycling on local roads, shared paths, or on cycleways can get you from A to B in many NSW regions, with cycle networks in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, as well as between major regional centres.