From national parks and state forests to jaw-dropping lookouts and sprawling lakes, NSW is filled with so many beautiful spots to explore.
And what better way to explore nature’s own than with a bit of pedal to the metal and a backpack filled with all the pitstop snacks. Whether you’re on a mission to make the most of your weekend and see everything there is to see, or you’re happy enough to cruise on ‘round at a snail's pace to take in the rolling hills, bush and endless landscape, we’ve found some of the absolute best bike tracks in NSW.
Check out the most beautiful bike trails in NSW.
Woody Creek Cycling Trail
EVERLASTING SWAMP NATIONAL PARK
Woody Creek Cycling Trail is the kind of bike track dreams are made of. Located inside Everlasting Swamp National Park, this fairly easy route swoops past a whole heap of coastal wetland and resident birdlife. We suggest packing in a fishing rod or two so you can cast a line off the banks of Woody Creek.
The bike track starts on Weir Road and then lowers into some more off-road track, over creeks, bridges and an epic line-up of wildlife (keep an eye out for brolgas and wedge-tail eagles). You can also jump on foot and stop to explore Reedy Creek or even Teal Lagoon.
Thredbo Valley Track
Thredbo Valley
One of the most popular places to hit in NSW for a bit of bike riding happens to be in the heart of Thredbo Valley. The Thredbo Valley Track is a widely used trail that sprawls over suspension bridges and through the banks of the famous Thredbo River, open grasslands, and thick eucalyptus forest.
The track is an epic win for novice riders through to those who frequent lycra attire on the regular with a beginner's stretch looping around Rangers Station (which caps at around 12km return) or a route which heads around Lake Crackenback Resort (about 20km return). You can also hit a newer part of the track—the lower Thredbo Valley extension which adds another 15km to the trail from Lake Crackenback to Gaden Trout Hatchery.
Lady Carrington Drive
ROYAL NATIONAL PARK
This historic bike track starts at Audley in the north and leads into Sir Bertram Stevens Drive in the south. You’ll cycle over 15 different creeks and pass blue gums, turpentines, and patches of lush rainforest. There are also three separate picnic areas along the track so you’ll have plenty of chances for a pitstop, and at Palona Brook, you can ditch the wheels and explore a sandstone cave.
Nail Can Hill
Albury
It doesn’t get more “bush” than Nail Can Hill. This regional reserve sports plenty of bike trails, which are best accessed from the main car park located on Range Road.
The various network of trails can get pretty steep in certain places, so if you don’t have a decent handle on two wheels at the best of times, we recommend you hit Byramine Homestead and Brewery instead. For those keen to cruise, the Ridge Trail is your best bet (there are more trails that are part of the Rural Fire Service trail network, but this one is the best for some two-wheel adventurin’). Make sure you bring a whole heap of water out here too—it can get pretty dry.
Loftus Loop Trail
ROYAL NATIONAL PARK
Loftus Loop Trail is a 10km track that will no doubt get your heart pumping. This one starts and finishes at the NPWS office (159 Fannell Avenue) and features all the changing terrain. There’s about 8km of the general trail, along with 2km of designated bike tracks, and the route switches from flat to steep, single-track pathways. Aside from this, there’s a whole lot of bush you’ll get to cycle through, picnic areas to take a minute and re-hydrate (Ironbark Flat picnic area is a popular stop), and Weir Cafe to refuel with some sambos.
Heifer Station Wines
Orange
For the foodies out there, you should definitely be cruising on two wheels the next time you visit Orange. This vineyard, located on the volcanic basalt slopes of Mt. Canobolas, boasts some 10/10 conditions for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Shiraz.
At Heifer, you can hire out bikes and lap up two-hours of bike riding around the vineyard or opt for a self-guided tour which includes a light lunch, cheese platter, helmet, and vineyard map. And for more info on what you can explore in the area, check our full rundown of the best of Orange right here.
Bouddi Ridge Explorer
Bouddi National Park
For endless views and a sweet, sweet ocean breeze, Bouddi Ridge explorer is your biking jam. This 10km trail will take you on a four-hour loop that crosses over a bunch of other trails including Strom Loop, Rocky Point trail, Daleys Point Trail, and MacMasters Ride Trail. You can kickstart your wheeling times from Maitland Bay Information Centre and launch into Strom Loop (just follow the park signage). We also suggest you hit Allen Strom lookout at the end of Rocky Point Trail for some absolutely winning scenes.
Glenrock Mountain Biking Trails
Glenrock State Conservation Area
For your dose of weekend mountain biking, look no further than the absolutely stunning Glenrock State Conservation Area. Within the conservation area, there are 14km of purpose-built bike trails and dedicated mountain bike tracks which will take you on some seriously breathtaking routes via woodlands and give you access to Burwood Beach, Leichardt’s lookout, and a set of waterfalls. Your adventuring will also be made a whole heap easier by the rigorous trail grading—a green circle for beginners, blue for intermediate, and a black diamond for the biking experts among us (we’re not jealous, at all).
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Image credit: Destination NSW