New South Wales (NSW) is home to the largest Australian city: Sydney. Add in the Great Dividing Range of mountains, which roughly parallels the coast running north/south through NSW, and it’s only natural that a substantial number of mountain bike trails would be built in this region. While the mountains themselves aren’t of the size or caliber of those found in nearby New Zealand, many of the peaks rise thousands of feet tall, with the highest point in the state being 7,313 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level: Mount Kosciuszko. (Source)
If you head to New South Wales to ride, begin your mountain bike explorations with these 5 trails:
Ourimbah State Forest, Tuggerah
This popular trail is located north of Sydney and south of Newcastle. With both XC and DH tracks, this is a very popular race venue.
“Awesomely diverse XC loop with very technical features, uncountable small step drops, flow sections, an intimidating drop-off, some small jumps, and plenty of climbing. Best trails I have found if you really want to up your XC game. If you can conquer the a-lines here you should be confident you can conquer a-lines almost anywhere. Add in the beauty of the natural valley itself and the plethora of wallabies, lizards, and the odd red belly black snakes, and you have an epic mtb experience. Oh, and did I mention there is also a mean DH trail… Too good.” -mtbTMB
Doolagharl Trails, Tathra
Located in the south of NSW just outside the town of Tathra, the main loop here is only 5 miles, but there are plenty of connector and spur trails that open up more variety and mileage.
“Up there with the best XC trails in NSW. The Tathra people know how to build trails!” -Wendy
Lil Tubby, Jindabyne
The trails around Jindabyne essentially form one big trail system that can all be ridden together. Collectively, there’s approximately 40 miles of riding to be had around Jindabyne, and Lil Tubby is one of the best segments, with rock gardens, berms, jumps, and excellent scenery, according to leedaddy.
“A short and sweet ride with rock gardens, berms, a few jumps and awesome scenery. Perfectly suited on a downhill bike but also rideable on a all mountain bike. And it can be shuttled for those that don’t like to hike.” -Leedaddy
Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo
Located near the southern border of NSW with Victoria, Kosciuszko National Park is accessible from a wide variety of municipalities… if you’re willing to drive. It’s about a two and a half hour drive from Canberra, the capital of Australia, to Kosciuszko. This national park is home to an expansive network of fantastic singletrack.
“A truly awesome network of trails around the Thredbo Area, from easy intermediate to advanced. Some beautiful flowing singletracks through absolutely pristine mountains & rivers & valleys. Challenging all along the way, with fun berms, drops, flowing trails along a sparkling river, as well as many varying in difficulty. Bridge crossings, a truly unique & beautiful network of trails traversing the mountains, valleys & rivers.” -ottodavies
Geurie Goat Track, Geurie
Located inland from Sydney, this 21km ride is about 95% singletrack! Just keep going straight, and you should be able to find your way around this loop.
“Great track, grew up in Geurie so its my home track. Beautiful downhill on the outer loop, running down the gully before hooning through the trees. I will say though some [sections] do require skill, like the narrow space you get between the trees, and the 1 bridge in the inner loop which is about 2 foot wide. Keep your pedals level, I’ve seen mates come off pedals hitting stumps next to the track. Was funny 😀 To those who want more jumps, I’ll be brave and say I helped build them (cause I did) down the bottom near the quarry. If you want more jumps, email me a map and high light where you think would be a good spot, and I’ll see what can be done.” -liquidator
Your Turn: Do you know of some great trails in New South Wales that we don’t have cataloged yet? If so, please be sure to add them!
Last updated on March 17, 2016 by Greg Heil.
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