Mountain biking & cycling trails in NSW national parks

Thredbo Valley track 

Region: Snowy Mountains  

One of the most exciting mountain biking trails in Australia, the Thredbo Valley track in Kosciuszko National Park is a world-class 36km trail from Thredbo to Gaden Trout Hatchery. You can tackle the full track or ride one of the shorter technical sections, such as Ngarigo to Thredbo Diggings or Bullocks Flat to Gaden Trout Hatchery. 

Who’s it for? Experienced riders, though some parts of the track are suitable for beginners, such as between Thredbo village and historic Bullocks Hut. 

Tip: If you are looking to ride just one way, you can organise for a local shuttle service to pick you up and drive you back to Thredbo. You can also book guided tours of the route. 

• How long is the trail? 5-36km one way, 1-8 hrs 

• Difficulty? Easy to advanced, depending on the section  

• What to bring: Drinking water, snacks, suitable clothing, helmet, bike repair kit, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, mobile phone, personal locator beacon  

• Price: Park entry fees apply 

Glenrock mountain biking trails 

Region: North Coast 

There are excellent trails for mountain biking in the Glenrock State Conservation Area near Newcastle, with 14km of purpose-built bike trails and 20km of linked management trails in the northern section of the park, graded from beginner to advanced.  

Who’s it for? There are rides to suit all levels. 

Tip: Large bike maps are installed at major entrances, but if you'd like to print them off and take your own check out Glenrock Trail Alliance. 

• How long is the trail? 34km of trails, 1 day 

• Difficulty? Medium 

• What to bring: Drinking water, snacks, suitable clothing, helmet, bike repair kit, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, mobile phone

• Price: Free park entry

Old Great North Road bike ride 

Region: Hawkesbury, Sydney  

The convict-built Old Great North Road was built between 1826 and 1836, it contains the oldest surviving stone bridges in mainland Australia, including Clares Bridge and Circuit Flat Bridge. The 43km track passes through Dharug National Park, Koolewong Flora Reserve and Yengo National Park, and is part of the Convict Sites of Australia World Heritage Area. 

Who’s it for? Experienced riders with good fitness.

Tip: Looking west during the ride you can see Mount Yengo, an important spiritual and cultural place for the Darkinjung and Wonnarua People. Creation stories recount that Biamie, the ancestral being, stepped off the flat top of Mount Yengo into the sky when he finished his creation. 

• How long is the trail? 43km one-way, 1 day 

• Difficulty? Hard 

• What to bring: Plenty of drinking water, lunch and snacks, suitable clothing, helmet, bike repair kit, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, mobile phone 

• Price: Free park entry 

Lady Carrington Drive 

Region: Sydney South 

Lady Carrington Drive is a historic cycling track near Audley to Sir Bertram Stevens Drive in the Royal National Park. Following the Hacking River, the trail offers birdwatching, pretty picnic areas and history to explore. 

Who’s it for? Everyone.

Tip: Check the weather before you set out as Lady Carrington Drive can become boggy when it rains. 

• How long is the trail? 10km one way, 1-2 hrs 

• Difficulty? Easy 

• What to bring: Drinking water, snacks, suitable clothing, helmet, bike repair kit, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, mobile phone 

• Price: Park entry fees apply 

Bundanoon cycling route 

Region: Southern Highlands, Country NSW 

Bundanoon cycling route is an easy 14km bike ride in Morton National Park. Offering lovely views from Tooths, Sunrise Point and Grand Canyon lookouts, the undulating trail weaves through open forest with an assortment of picnic areas on the way.  

Who’s it for? Everyone.

Tip: If you don’t have a bike, rent one from the Bundanoon cycle shop near the railway station. 

• How long is the trail? 14km return, 3 hrs 

• Difficulty? Easy 

• What to bring: Drinking water, snacks, suitable clothing, helmet, bike repair kit, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, mobile phone 

• Price: Park entry fees apply
   

Turkey Flat trail 

Region: Riverina 

Turkey Flat trail in Murrumbidgee Valley National Park begins at Turkey Flat wetlands close to Leeton and ends at Middle Beach. A popular area with birdwatchers, the trail takes you through the habitats of countless woodland and wetland birds, including threatened superb parrots, white-bellied sea eagles and sacred kingfishers.  

Who’s it for? Riders with some experience and fitness as there is a steady incline and narrow sections.  

Tip: Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.

• How long is the trail? 3.2km one way, 1.5 hrs 

• Difficulty? Hard 

• What to bring: Drinking water, snacks, helmet, hat, sunscreen, mobile phone 

• Price: Free park entry 

Five Mile mountain bike trail 

Region: The Murray 

Five Mile mountain bike trail is a purpose-built mountain bike track in Murray Valley Regional Park, near Echuca and Moama. Set among huge river red gums, the trails provide a mix of fast and rolling terrain and there is a skills area and a pump track.  

Who’s it for? Suitable for mountain bikers of all skill levels. 

Tip: After the ride, enjoy a picnic on the banks of Murray River at the Five Mile picnic area. 

• How long is the trail? 7km one way, 30 mins 

• Difficulty? Medium 

• What to bring: Drinking water, snacks, suitable clothing, helmet, bike repair kit, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, mobile phone 

• Price: Free park entry 
   

Mount Emperor loop 

Region: Blue Mountains 

Mount Emperor loop is a scenic ride across the Boyd Plateau in Kanangra-Boyd National Park. The mountain biking route follows little-used 4WD trails through upland swamps not far from Katoomba or the Jenolan Caves.  

Who’s it for? Riders with some experience in mountain biking.

Tip: The park is in a remote location and the weather can be unpredictable, so please ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit. 

• How long is the trail? 12.5km loop, 1 hr 

• Difficulty? Medium 

• What to bring: Drinking water, snacks, suitable clothing, helmet, bike repair kit, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, mobile phone, personal locator beacon 

• Price: Free park entry 

Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) trail 

Region: Blue Mountains 

The Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) trail is in the Grose Wilderness of the Blue Mountains National Park, near Blackheath. Offering incredible views of the gorge. In spring, keep a look out for the distinctive red waratah which is the NSW floral emblem.  

Who’s it for? Riders with some experience.  

Tip: Keep well back from cliff edges at all times, especially when taking photos. leave your bike at the turning circle at the end of the trail to walk up the short, bush track to the unfenced Baltzer lookout, also known as Hanging Rock.

• How long is the trail? 10km return, 2 hrs 

• Difficulty? Medium 

• What to bring: Drinking water, snacks, suitable clothing, helmet, bike repair kit, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, mobile phone

• Price: Free park entry 
   

Bouddi Ridge Explorer 

Region: Central Coast  

Bouddi Ridge Explorer is the longest mountain biking trail in Bouddi National Park. The 10km trail combines the tracks of Strom loop, Rocky Point trail, Daleys Point trail and MacMasters Ridge trail and offers great variety.  

Who’s it for? Riders with some experience and a reasonable level of fitness, as there are steep sections.  

Tip: Stop and enjoy the view from Allen Strom lookout at the end of Rocky Point trail. 

• How long is the trail? 10km loop, 4 hrs 

• Difficulty? Medium 

• What to bring: Drinking water, snacks, suitable clothing, helmet, bike repair kit, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, mobile phone, a Bouddi National Park map 

• Price: Park entry fees apply 

Please note: Make sure you check weather conditions and check the NPWS website for any closures, and read this Mountain Biking and Cycling Safety information, before you go.