Where can I go mountain biking around Sydney?

A common question we get at MC is, "Where can I go mountain biking around Sydney?" While Sydney itself has some great spots, the real magic is a short drive away. 

Here’s a quick guide to some of our favourites.

Sydney and suburbs

Even in the city, you can find some fantastic rides. Centennial Park offers a network of shared paths that are perfect for a family ride or a quick spin on your mountain bike. It’s a great way to escape the streets without leaving the city. 

Just south of Sydney, the trails in Loftus, near the Royal National Park, are a popular choice. You'll find a wide variety of singletrack, fire trails, and some more technical sections, that wind through the bush and provide a great workout.

Wylde MTB Park in Cecil Park, Western Sydney, is one of the largest with 15km of MTB and BMX tracks in Australia. It features a BMX racetrack and the largest pump track in the Southern Hemisphere, and trails cater for all levels. Riding Wylde is free and it is best to check on conditions before heading there. 

Heading north, you will find H20 Thornleigh which is a mix of cross country and rocky down hills into a river gully. It is very beginner & family/kid friendly (not too challenging for more experienced riders).

Old Man's Valley MTB Park in Hornsby is just a 4 minute ride from the station. It is fun for all levels and has a dirt jump area with beginner to advanced jump lines. Check Sydney North Off Road Club (SNORC) on Facebook for updates on trail conditions or weather closures.

Northern Beaches and more

Just north of the city, you'll find a few gems. Manly Dam is a classic. It’s a great spot for a quick, technical ride with some rocky sections and fun descents. It can get busy, so early morning is best. 

Along the beaches a bit further, Mount Narrabeen in Garigal National Park has a great network of well maintained trails catering medium difficulty to advanced riders only.

Further north, the trails around Ourimbah State Forest are a must-visit. They offer a huge network of trails for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly loops to technical enduro tracks. 

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains isn’t just for hiking. 

Glenbrook at the foot of the mountains has some excellent trails for a fun day out. You'll find a mix of fire roads and singletrack that wind through the bush, including the Oaks Fire Trail, an iconic 28km downhill ride that starts in Woodford and ends in Glenbrook.

And then there is the more challenging Anderson's Fire trail trail which runs from Wentworth Falls to Woodford. 

You can always link both Anderson's & Oaks for an epic day on the trails!

Wollongong

The Illawarra region, just south of Sydney, has quickly become a hotspot for MTB, with a wide range of trails from beginner-friendly to double black diamond.

• Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park is a purpose-built park with 12 kms of professionally constructed flow trails, a skills park, and a jump track for all abilities. It's a great spot for progression.

• Greenvalleys Mountain Bike Park is a members-only park on private property, this is the go-to for serious riders looking for challenging technical trails, and jump practice. They offer a shuttle service for laps.

• You can also find a great variety of trails also in Dapto and Kanahooka, which offer a mix of technical features and flowy singletrack for all skill levels. The Harry Graham Bike Trail and the trails around Red Sands - Thirroul/Austinmer and Farmborough Heights are also popular choices. For more information on trails, check out the local websites: Wollongong Mountain Bike Club or a summary on What's On In Wollongong.

We are especially excited about the new Mount Kembla MTB Trails, which are set to open in mid to late 2025. This will be a major addition to the Illawarra Escarpment, offering a sanctioned and sustainable network of trails for all skills. The project is a joint initiative between NSW National Parks and Wollongong City Council and will feature a variety of trails including cross-country, flow, enduro, jump, and downhill. With over 20 kms of trails already nearing completion in Stage 1, this new park is poised to become a significant destination for riders. This will be a great boost for bike tourism and local businesses.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for a scenic loop or a seasoned rider searching for your next challenge, Sydney and surrounds has a trail for you. Don’t hesitate to drop in to the MC Clubhouse and chat with our team on their favourite trails.

Grab your bike, hit the trail, and explore! 🤘