Victoria, Australia, is a a fine location for mountain biking enthusiasts. With its diverse landscapes, from rolling hills and lush forests to rugged mountain ranges, there’s a trail to suit every rider. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a gentle introduction to the sport, an intermediate seeking to refine your skills, or an experienced rider eager for the adrenaline rush of a technical descent, you’re sure to find your perfect trail in Victoria. This article provides a detailed overview of the top ten mountain bike riding locations in Victoria, including information about their terrain, difficulty, and recommended experience level, as well as nearby attractions and services.
1. Mount Buller Bike Park
Location: Mount Buller, Victoria, Australia
Terrain and Difficulty: The Mount Buller Bike Park features a varied range of trails, catering to beginner, intermediate, and expert mountain bikers. Trails are clearly marked with difficulty ratings. The gravity-fed Stonefly trail is a local favorite for its thrilling descents and challenging technical features.
Recommended Experience Level: Beginner to Expert
Nearby Attractions and Services: Beyond biking, Mount Buller also offers a range of activities such as hiking, horse riding, and in the winter, skiing and snowboarding. The area is filled with a variety of accommodation options, eateries, and cafes. The local village also offers bike rental and repair services.
2. The You Yangs
Location: Little River, Victoria, Australia
Terrain and Difficulty: The You Yangs feature over 50km of trails that range from smooth, flowy singletrack to technical downhill trails. The park is divided into two sections: The Stockyards, which caters more to experienced riders, and the Kurrajong area, which is perfect for beginners and intermediates.
Recommended Experience Level: Beginner to Expert
Nearby Attractions and Services: Besides mountain biking, visitors can enjoy walking tracks and picnic areas. The nearby town of Little River offers food and accommodation options.
3. The Forrest Mountain Bike Trails
Location: Forrest, Victoria, Australia
Terrain and Difficulty: Boasting over 60km of singletrack, the Forrest Trails have something for every rider. Trails like the Roller Coaster and Follow The Dog offer a thrilling ride for experienced mountain bikers, while beginner and intermediate tracks are also available.
Recommended Experience Level: Beginner to Expert
Nearby Attractions and Services: Forrest is a charming small town with accommodation, dining options, and a local brewery. Visitors can also explore the Great Otway National Park, famous for its waterfalls and lush rainforests.
4. Falls Creek
Location: Falls Creek, Victoria, Australia
Terrain and Difficulty: Falls Creek offers over 40km of mountain bike trails that span from beginner-friendly tracks to challenging technical descents. The 19km Blue Dirt Mountain Bike Park is a must-ride for experienced bikers.
Recommended Experience Level: Beginner to Expert
Nearby Attractions and Services: During the summer, visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. The resort town of Falls Creek has a range of dining, accommodation, and bike hire options.
5. Mount Beauty
Location: Mount Beauty, Victoria, Australia
Terrain and Difficulty: Mount Beauty is home to a variety of challenging singletrack trails, including the popular Big Hill Mountain Bike Park. The terrain is varied, with steep descents, technical sections, and fast, flowy trails.
Recommended Experience Level: Intermediate to Expert
Nearby Attractions and Services: Mount Beauty offers beautiful scenery, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and horse riding. The town provides accommodation, dining, and bike rental options.
6. Red Hill Riders Mountain Bike Trails
Location: Red Hill, Victoria, Australia
Terrain and Difficulty: The Red Hill Riders Mountain Bike Trails consist of around 15km of tight, twisty, technical singletrack. The trails are well-marked and range from beginner to advanced.
Recommended Experience Level: Beginner to Expert
Nearby Attractions and Services: Red Hill is famous for its wineries and gourmet food options. Accommodation is plentiful, with a range of options from boutique B&Bs to luxury resorts.
7. Lysterfield Park
Location: Lysterfield, Victoria, Australia
Terrain and Difficulty: Lysterfield Park is a popular spot for Melbourne mountain bikers. It offers over 20km of trails that range from beginner-friendly paths to the challenging State Mountain Bike Course.
Recommended Experience Level: Beginner to Expert
Nearby Attractions and Services: Lysterfield Park offers picnic areas, bird watching, and walking trails. Food, accommodation, and bike rental options are available in the nearby suburbs of Narre Warren and Berwick.
8. Beechworth Mountain Bike Park
Location: Beechworth, Victoria, Australia
Terrain and Difficulty: The Beechworth Mountain Bike Park features a range of trails, with options for beginners through to expert riders. The park includes technical features, jumps, and fast singletrack sections.
Recommended Experience Level: Beginner to Expert
Nearby Attractions and Services: Beechworth is a historic gold rush town, with a number of museums, galleries, and heritage sites. The town has a range of accommodation and dining options.
9. Wombat State Forest
Location: Daylesford, Victoria, Australia
Terrain and Difficulty: The Wombat State Forest offers a wide range of trails for all skill levels. The trails are mainly singletrack, with a mix of smooth and technical sections.
Recommended Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Nearby Attractions and Services: The nearby town of Daylesford is known for its spa retreats, art galleries, and gourmet food options. Accommodation ranges from charming bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts.
10. Smiths Gully
Location: Smiths Gully, Victoria, Australia
Terrain and Difficulty: Smiths Gully features a range of fun, flowy trails that cater mainly to intermediate and experienced riders. The trails wind through beautiful forest and offer a mix of descents, climbs, and technical features.
Recommended Experience Level: Intermediate to Expert
Nearby Attractions and Services: Smiths Gully is located in the Yarra Valley, a region famous for its wineries. The nearby towns of St Andrews and Kinglake offer dining and accommodation options.
