The best mountain biking trails in Australia

Australia’s oldest mountain bike park definitely deserves a spot on this list, with its famous rainforest trail network having hosted both the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and the Crankworx World Tour. The park offers more than 60 kilometres of trails marked by difficulty level that wind through dense rainforest, over flowing streams and along ridges that overlook the Great Barrier Reef. 

Location: Smithfield (20-minute drive from Cairns)

Trail length: 60 kilometres of trails

Difficulty level: Beginner to advanced

Best time to ride: June to October

This epic, high-country adventure is not only one of Australia’s most extreme mountain biking adventures, but it’s also the first International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) accredited Epic trail in the Southern Hemisphere. You’ll climb to 1,600 metres above sea level, riding through snow gum-filled granite valleys and ferny glades to the summit of Mount Buller. Once on top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the valley below. Just remember, what goes up, must come down… Hold on tight!

Location: Mount Buller (3.5-hour drive from Melbourne) to Mount Stirling

Trail length: 46 kilometres (six to eight hours)

Difficulty level: Advanced

Best time to ride: Open from December to April

What was once one of the world’s largest tin mines is now considered by many as Australia’s top mountain biking town. More than 125 kilometres of purpose-built trails weave through the surrounding sub-alpine wilderness at Blue Derby, with trails to suit every skill level. After a day of shredding in the crisp mountain air, you can even stay deep in the wilderness at Blue Derby Pods Ride, then do it all over again the next day.

Location: Derby (1.5-hour drive from Launceston)

Trail length: 125 kilometres of trails

Difficulty level: Beginner to advanced

Best time to ride: Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November)

A ripper mountain biking adventure is always on the forecast at Maydena Bike Park. Another Tassie gem, this gravity-focused mountain bike park boasts more than 85 trails on the slopes of Abbotts Peak in the Derwent Valley. You could spend days mountain biking through the remote Tassie wilderness, climbing up to 820 metres in vertical elevation or take advantage of the park’s two Uplift Services. In February 2024, Maydena Bike Park hosted its first Red Bull Hardline, the world’s toughest downhill mountain bike competition, and it’s locked in to host it for the next few years.

Location: Maydena (1.15-hour drive from Hobart)

Trail length: 100 kilometres of trails

Difficulty level: Beginner to advanced

Best time to ride: December to February

Just a 15-minute drive from Canberra CBD, Stromlo Forest is one of the closest mountain biking parks to a capital city. Here, you can ride on the very tracks where UCI Downhill World Cup champion Steve Peat earned his rainbow stripes in 2009. There are six main loops, ranging from a beginner-friendly trail over the lower slopes of Mount Stromlo to a demanding ride that climbs to Echidna Gap before plunging down the western side of the Forest. Prefer to have gravity on your side? The Stromlo Shuttle takes riders to the top of the mountain every 40 minutes, operating Friday to Sunday, public holidays and ACT school holidays.

Location: Stromlo Forest (20-minute drive from Canberra) 

Trail length: 50 kilometres of trails

Difficulty level: Beginner to advanced

Best time to ride: September to February

Stretching a staggering 1,067 kilometres from the eastern outskirts of Perth to Albany, the Munda Biddi Trail is the world's longest marked off-road cycling trail in an unbroken natural green corridor. Munda Biddi means ‘path through the forest’ in the language of the Traditional Nyoongar Land Owners, giving both beginners and mountain biking pros the chance to discover the state's towering eucalyptus forests, ancient bushland, vibrant wildflowers and shimmering coastline. You can choose to tackle the trail in small segments or go the whole distance, with 12 dedicated camp shelters along the way to rest and recharge.

Location: Mundaring (30-minute drive from Perth) to Albany

Trail length: 1,067 kilometres (eight to 25 days)

Difficulty level: Beginner to advanced

Best time to ride: Late March to November

If you’re looking to take the phrase ‘mountain biking’ quite literally, how about tackling Kosciuszko to the Sea? It’s the only trail where you’ll travel from Australia’s highest point to its lowest, winding through picturesque countryside and alpine villages to the sparkling Sapphire Coast. It’s a longy, but it’s worth it for those sweeping views at the summit of Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 metres). 

Location: Jindabyne (two-hour drive from Canberra) to Tathra Beach 

Trail length: 265 kilometres (five to seven hours of cycling over six days)

Difficulty level: Challenging

Best time to ride: December to March

Prefer your biking with a side of wine? This relatively flat rail trail is a cruisy way to explore South Australia’s gorgeous Clare Valley wine region. The trail takes its name from the region’s signature grape, and stops by top cellar doors where you can enjoy tastings, like Shut the Gates Wines and Skillogalee. It isn’t the most hardcore mountain biking adventure, but it’s definitely one of the funnest (and perhaps booziest, for that matter). 

Location: Auburn to Clare (1.75-hour drive from Adelaide)

Trail length: 33 kilometres (7.5 to nine hours)

Difficulty level: Easy

Best time to ride: Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November)

You’ll find one of Australia’s newest multi-million dollar biking trail in Creswick, just a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne (or an eight-hour bike ride if you’re feeling ambitious). Djuwang Baring means ‘long track’ in the language of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the region, and has been a long time in the making. The trail was actually set to host the cross-country mountain bike riding event for the now-cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games, but despite the state government backing out, the project went ahead.  It's a win for Victorians, who will now have access to a world-class biking destination in their home state.

Location: Hammon Park Trailhead and Bike Park, Creswick Creek (20-minute drive from Ballarat and Daylesford) 

Trail length: 60 kilometres of trails

Difficulty level: Beginner to advanced, plus sections suited for adaptive bikes (ideal for people with disabilities)

Best time to ride: June to November

Simpsons Gap, or Rungutjirpa to the Arrernte Aboriginal people, is one of the easiest natural wonders to reach from Alice Springs and a must-visit on any Red Centre trip. You can even cycle there by following the relatively flat 17-kilometre cross-country trail starting at Flynn’s Grave, just seven kilometres from the town centre. While it might not be the most challenging ride, it’s a great option for those seeking a shorter mountain biking adventure. Look out for black-footed rock wallabies bouncing along the dirt track at Simpsons Gap.

Location: Flynn’s Grave, Alice Springs (30-minute ride from the town centre)

Trail length: 17 kilometres (one to two hours one-way)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Best time to ride: April to October (early morning or late afternoon)