The Best Mountain Bike Rides in NSW

Looking for best mountain bike rides in NSW? Across the landscapes of Australia, you’ll find plenty of picturesque mountain bike trails in all their glory, sprawling from one corner of the country to the next. Presenting a multitude of adventures for the beginner or the avid cyclists, these experiences continue to offer Aussies plenty things to fill their bucket list up with.

This month, Bikes Instore is taking a look at some of the top tracks you can enjoy along the way – no matter your level of experience.

Blue Mountains

There are numerous trails to explore here, meaning you can come back time and time again and have a new experience lined up and ready to go.

Some of the best mountain bike trails in the Blue Mountains include Kanangra-Boyd National Park, The Oaks, Blackheath Rocks, Knapsack Reserve, Lake Woodford, Mount Hay, Narrow Neck and Six Foot Track.

Book some time to simply explore, though, as those routes are just the tip of the iceberg.

Ourimbah State Forest

Located in NSW’s Central Coast region, this national park has carefully cultivated and maintained tracks cared for by the Central Coast Mountain Bike Club.

There are regular, organised races held here throughout the year and this is a region perfectly suited for children who are getting into mountain biking.

New tracks are planned for the future as well, so there are plenty of reasons to return for more downhill action.

Old Man’s Valley

These trails are located at Hornsby at the northern tip of Sydney and attract around 300 visitors each week.

There is a beginner option here, but the Green Trail is still recommended only for those with regular riding experience as it may be a bit challenging for newcomers to mountain biking.

Riders will be rewarded with stunning bushland views and the tracks are regularly maintained by the local council who built the Hornsby trails at Old Man’s Valley as a way to encourage exercise and showcase the beauty of the region.

Manly Dam and Bantry Bay

This is a great option for those that live in Sydney as you can get away from the city without an extensive drive.

Around 150,000 people travel north to Manly Dam (about 16km from Sydney CBD) neighbouring Bantry Bay each year – and for good reason.

The trails at Bantry Bay are the first purpose-built cycling trails approved by NSW National Parks while Manly Dam has gorgeous, sweeping views and tracks for beginners all the way up to advanced riders.

Cycling events

For an organised mountain bike experience, NSW has plenty of quality adventures available for riders of all skill levels.

L’Étape Australia is a wonderful, amateur bike ride that snakes its way through the Snowy Mountains and is organised by the brains behind the Tour de France – so you can be assured of a quality experience.

For those looking to pedal for a good cause, the Sydney2CAMberra is a charity ride held each year to support those impacted by stillbirth, infant and child loss. Immerse yourselves in an occasion that’s dedicated towards giving back, all in the company of like-minded riders.

If you’re wanting to top it all off with a bit of bonus excitement, there are also plenty of festivals held in regional centres across the region. Here you’ll find the Dungog PedalFest in Dungog and the Wollombi Wild Ride in the heart of wine country in the Hunter Valley.

Gear up for your next big ride with all the essentials you need in your kit – shop online now at Bikes Instore.