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Mountain Biking in Canberra - The Best
Trails to Hit in a Weekend.

Canberra has enough mountain bike trails that you can easily fill a whole weekend in the saddle

Is Canberra a Mountain Biking Mecca?

When you think of weekends away mountain biking, do your thoughts drift to those big name locations like Thredbo, Bright, and Derby? Do you ever think of Canberra as a mountain biking destination?

Canberra and mountain biking is nothing new, but just like its food and coffee, Canberra's mountain biking trails are dispelling the myth that Canberra's a boring place to spend a weekend.

If you're a longtime mountain biker (and care to hint at your age) you'll know that Canberra and mountain biking have a lengthy and exciting history including a World Cup, ilustrious 24 hour races, countless national races and a network of trolls hidden all over the place, it's no wonder Canberra keeps producing worl-class mountain biking the trail networks have something for everyone.

For anyone coming to ride Canberra for a weekend recommend spending your Saturday at Stromio Forest Park followed by a late afternoon meander around the National Arboretum to enjoy golden hour and sunset. For day two, head out to the north of Canberra to check out Majura Pines for a variety of trails including reminiscences of Canberra's first mountain biking trails!

Stromlo Forest Park

Stromio Forrest Park is the visitors pick when it comes to a weekend of mountain biking in Canberra - it has it at gravity riding, cross country (XC) trails, jumps, skills development areas, and even a pump track. Not only doesStromia have over 50km of trails to keep you busy exploring all day, there's also a criterium track, a cafe, a bikeshop, a playground and bbq area, and coaching available, all within the park.

The best way to explore the Stromio trail network is to start your day at the large trail maps at the top of the car parkand from there, set off on one of the green or blue climbing routes and make your way to the peak of the mountain

Stromlo Forest Parkia located to the west of the city centre, in just 15 minutes from the CBD you can get to Stromio via the Tuggeranong Parkway and John Gorton Drive Look for Opperman Avenue you see the entrance to Stromio Forest Park clearly sign posted on the roundabout.

National Arboretum

After a big day of exploring the mountain or feeling the rush of the fast and fun tralls on the front side of Stromio why not toke it down a notch, grab a couple of drinks, some snacks, and head over to the National Arboretum for sunset and enjoy golden hour.

The National Arboretum isn't just a tree zoo that was rebuilt following the 2003 fires, you'll also find a huge grossed amphitheatre and an abundance of space for picnics. And if you're still stinging for the saddle, you'll also find meandering single track transporting you from one plantation to another.

To take in the sunset over the Brindabello Mountain range, head up to Dairy Farmers Hill. The views of golden hour overlooking the iconic Lake Burley Griffin and Parliament House also make for some great tourist shots!

Located just 6km from the CBD, you could probably ride from your accommodation and take in the bike path loop around the loss. The entrance is to the west of Loke Burley Griffin and you can access it off the Tuggeranong pening hours, they depend on daylight savings times.

Majura Pines

Mountain biking in Canberra can be traced back to the mid 80s, and Mt Majura was the first area where technical trails started appearing, a small group of riders started building trails to get off the fire roads and it wasn't long until Some heat downhill trails started to appear. Majura Pines is still volunteer and rider maintained.

With over 20km of trails to explore, there are trails to suit all skill levels. There's a beginner area to explore right near the car park, and from here you can head to the underpass and jump on the Blue loop - a 10km loop that's a great way to get familiar with the layout of Majura Pines.

Majura Pines is located in the north-east of Canberra, with access from the Majura Parkway. The main car park is on Majura Road where there's also a toilet and drinking water. This is also where you'll find the BMX-style dirt jumps.