Famous for its vast and picturesque landscapes, Australia offers a wealth of hills and thrills for off-road cyclists, many of whom travel from far and wide just to hurtle down our steepest sunburnt tracks. With such varied terrain, there really is something for everyone from beginners to advanced, and whether it’s spectacular scenery or an uphill battle you’re seeking, Australia has it all. Not sure where to start? Well, get a leg up and check out these top Aussie off-road tracks.
The Munda Biddi Trail is a 1,000 km network of tracks weaving through classic Western Australian bushland from Mundaring to Albany, at the southwestern tip of the state. Meandering through the majestic Jarrah and Karri forests, and passing stunning river valleys, firebreaks, and old railway tracks, the trail’s various entry points mean sections can be selected to suit all experience levels. While autumn and winter offer the more clement days, springtime brings a barrage of wildflowers to further frame this glorious forest ride.
The best of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is on full display in this eight-trail network with varying lengths (5 km to 26 km) and difficulty levels to be discovered. Enjoy the sights of working dairy farms, fruit and nut plantations, fields and forests, but be sure to keep your eyes peeled for your neighbouring explorers—these former animal stock routes are shared by cyclists, hikers, and horse riders, as well as local wildlife. You’ll also be able to take a break in some of the region’s prettiest townships along the way, including Cooroy, Pomona and Kin Kin.
It doesn’t get more Australian than this 145 km, self-guided loop circumnavigating the nation’s capital city, Canberra. While the trail is for the most part flat and accessible for all experience levels, there are some sections exceeding 10% gradient that can present more of a challenge. Historical and rural sights abound, from the rugged beauty of the traditional Ngunnawal Country and the splendour of Mount Ainslie, Red Hill and the National Arboretum, to the wild and wonderful native flora and fauna.
This former mining town turned mountain bike Mecca in north-eastern Tasmania is arguably the premier network in the country—and its exceptional design and maintenance is exactly what you’d hope for in a world-class course. The more than 125 kms of purpose-built trails provide challenges to suit all skill levels, and while the hard packed dirt and perfectly sculpted tracks have drawn global crowds since opening in 2015, the town itself has retained its quiet country charm. Perfection!
If it’s quintessential Aussie outback scenery you want, look no further than this 1,140 km stretch of road passing through some of the most iconic Australian landscapes out there. From Alice Springs to Kings Canyon to Uluru, the vast and monumental vistas will stay with you long after you reach your destination. This ride requires a decent amount of experience and preparation, so it’s definitely not one for first timers.
In a country of this size and diversity, there are so many incredible sights to behold and trails to discover, and what better way to get started than with two Moustache XRoad 3 E-bikes. These top-line rides are just one part of the sensational Mater Cars for Cancer Off-Road Dream Team prize package, also including a customised Toyota Landcruiser GR Sport and Patriot Camper X3 trailer. Buy your tickets today for your chance to win and to support the vital medical research and patient care at Mater.
Before you set off, be sure to check out the current Mater Cars for Cancer lottery where one ticket might just land you your very own 4WD, caravan and a pile of gold! Come on… take a look!