Australia is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from tropical rainforests to rugged mountains and everything in between. It's no surprise that the country offers some of the best mountain bike trails in the world.Australia has some of the best mountain bike trails in the world due to several reasons. Firstly, the country has diverse geography and terrain, ranging from tropical rainforests to alpine mountains, which provides a variety of landscapes for mountain biking. This diversity in landscape allows for different types of trails, from technical downhill runs to scenic cross-country trails.
Secondly, Australia has a vibrant and passionate mountain biking community that has worked hard to develop and maintain world-class trails. There are many mountain biking clubs and organizations throughout the country that have worked tirelessly to build and maintain trails, promote the sport, and organize events.
Thirdly, Australia's government has recognized the importance of outdoor recreation and has invested in developing and maintaining trails. Many trails are built and maintained with the help of government funding, which ensures that they are of high quality and accessible to riders.
Here are some of the top mountain bike trails in Australia:
- Maydena Bike Park, Tasmania: Maydena is Australia's largest gravity-focused mountain bike park and offers over 60 kilometers of trails, with more than 820 meters of vertical descent. The park offers a range of trails, from beginner-friendly to extreme downhill options.
- Blue Derby Trails, Tasmania: These trails have been voted as the best trails in Australia and are a must-ride for any mountain bike enthusiast. They are set in the stunning Blue Derby mountain bike park and offer over 80 kilometers of purpose-built singletrack.
- Thredbo, New South Wales: Thredbo offers over 30 kilometers of mountain bike trails, ranging from easy to advanced. The trails offer stunning views of the Snowy Mountains and are accessible via chairlift.
- Bright, Victoria: This trail network offers over 20km of trails with varying difficulty levels, including cross-country, downhill, and enduro trails. It has been built to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for riders of all abilities.
- Falls Creek, Victoria: a popular ski resort in Victoria, Australia, but it's also a great destination for mountain biking during the summer months. Numerous trails start at the top of the Falls Creek chairlift.Varying from Beginner, intermediate to advanced downhill. These trails offer stunning views of the Alpine National Park and features rocky sections, berms, and jumps.
- Mount Buller, Victoria: Mount Buller is a popular ski resort in winter but transforms into a mountain bike mecca in summer. The resort offers over 100 kilometers of trails, including cross-country, downhill, and all-mountain options.
- Hidden Vale Adventure Park, Queensland: Hidden Vale offers over 100 kilometers of trails in a beautiful rural setting. The park caters to all skill levels, with beginner-friendly trails as well as more challenging options.
- The You Yangs, Victoria: The You Yangs is a popular destination for mountain bikers in Victoria. The park offers over 50 kilometers of trails, including the famous "Stockyard" trail, which is a technical downhill track.
- Smithfield Mountain Bike Park, Queensland: Smithfield is located in Cairns and offers over 60 kilometers of trails. The park is home to the annual UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and offers a range of trails, from easy to extremely challenging.
- Stromlo Forest Park, Australian Capital Territory: Stromlo offers over 50 kilometers of trails, including cross-country and downhill options. The park hosted the UCI Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships in 2009 and has since become a popular destination for mountain bikers.
- Pemberton Mountain Bike Park, Western Australia: Pemberton offers over 20 kilometers of trails in the heart of Western Australia's tall timber country. The trails offer a mix of cross-country and downhill options, with stunning views of the surrounding forests.
- Douglas Mountain Bike Reserve, Queensland: Located in Townsville and a great destination for mountain bikers who enjoy challenging trails and picturesque views. With 40 kilometers of trails to explore, riders can expect to encounter a variety of terrain and obstacles, including a skills area where they can hone their riding abilities.
These are just some of the top mountain bike trails in Australia, but there are many more to discover. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, Australia has something for everyone.
