Climb every mountain: A guide to Australia's best cycling tracks

While local councils often demolish kid-made mountain-bike pump tracks as fast as teens build them, many authorities are now giving up and creating proper tracks to provide local entertainment.

Further afield, state parks and forest managers are investing in the construction of properly designed tracks and trails that not only create tourist attractions, but are also intended to save local flora and fauna from destruction.

Like all outdoor activities, using these parks, tracks and trails is weather-dependent, so check their websites for conditions, ride to those conditions and follow all the local rules.

Have you ever considered descending from the top of Australia's highest mountain at breakneck speed on two wheels? If so, follow excited teens plunging headfirst down a double black diamond run at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park. Accessible by the ski lifts which normally deliver snow skiers to the top of Kosciusko, the gravity trails of this summer experience are well worth the journey. While the black runs are a challenge, the MTB park has a variety of other trails, from progressive jumps and a skills park to easy green runs. There are also pump tracks, skills clinics and hosted programs for all ages.

Or you can push a pedal, or hire an e-mountain bike for the more serene Thredbo River trails that vary from 12-35 kilometres. Voyeurs can time their visit for the death-defying annual downhill Cannonball MTB Festival (Monday-Saturday, 13-18 February 2023), which will be held in Thredbo in conjunction with the AusCycling Mountain Bike National Championships (9-20 February 2023).

See: thredbo.com.au

Enjoy the rollercoaster ride that is Ourimbah State Forest, with a vast array of existing tracks over 18 kilometres - with more trails to come. Built to suit all riders, they range from the family-friendly loop to the XC and gravity trails used in National Cup events. Ourimbah MTB Park is the only place in NSW where you can book a shuttle service to take you back up to the top of the trail, seven days a week. Trail-ready bikes are also available for hire.

See: ccmtb.com.au

If you are heading to or coming from Kosciusko, drop into Stromlo Forest Park in the heart

of the Molonglo Valley in the nation's capital. Stromlo offers a unique blend of terrains, natural obstacles and hand-built features over six main loops, from the gently winding, beginner-friendly Loop 1 covering lower Mount Stromlo and Holden's Creek to Loop 6, a steep climb to Echidna Gap before you plunge down to the western side of Stromlo Forest Park. Double Dissolution drops you out near the western car park before you make your way back along the northern trails to the start point. A shuttle takes riders to the top of the

mountain every 40 minutes, operating Friday to Sunday as well as on public holidays and during the ACT school holidays.

See: stromloforestpark.act.gov.au

Named after a local township, the Great Otway National Park's Forrest MTB trails offer a dozen or so diverse and tricky tracks just north of the Barwon River. Cruise past the natural beauty of the Otway Ranges, from tall eucalypt forests to dense fern gullies or, for dirt fanatics, try some of the more hardcore trails. The southern loop surrounds the township of Forrest and offers six trails, including the Red Carpet trail, from Lake Elizabeth to the Barwon River. The northern loop has eight trials, with the start of the Yaugher just a five- minute ride up the Tiger Rail Trail.

See: visitotways.com

There are more than 50 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails to explore for both beginners and experts at this scenic spot. Those just learning will love Kurrajong Plantation which offers both cross-country and downhill trails across an awesome landscape with views of Geelong and Melbourne. More adventurous riders should head to the Stockyards for flow runs and rocks galore, while the Great Circle Drive offers 12 kilometres of steep descents.

See: parks.vic.gov.au

Just 15 minutes from Adelaide, there are 22 kilometres of wooded and winding trails at this Adelaide Hills MTB hotspot. A network of trails cater for a variety of mountain bike disciplines and abilities, from beginner to advanced. It features a specifically designed downhill trail, skills development park, jumps park and trials area. Some trails have been rated double-diamond or in the extreme classification and are suitable for advanced riders only.

See: orsr.sa.gov.au

The Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park is open to riders of all skill levels, from "extreme" to beginners. Part of a greater network of bike trails in the Greater Hobart region, Glenorchy offers 10 kilometres of mountain cross, cross country and downhill rides through the wilderness, from rainforests to boulder rockscapes, all with spectacular views of Hobart.

See: greaterhobarttrails.com.au

Queensland offers a wealth of terrains for mountain bikers of all skills. From around Brisbane to trails in Far North Queensland, there are plenty of great places to ride. About 50 kilometres from Brisbane, the Walloon trail passes through Tallegalla and Woolshed before crossing over the Warrego Highway. The trail uses off-road and dirt tracks as well as a bit of bitumen along the almost 60-kilometre loop. Parts of Walloon are also used for South East Queensland's Summer State XC Mountain Bike Series. If you are making the transition from recreational mountain biking to racing, the Wild West Series held here is an excellent first step.

See: mtbqld.com.au

Add to your list of great MTB destinations, Australia's first-ever Olympic mountain biking venue on the Sunshine Coast. This Queensland hotspot was chosen as the mountain biking host venue for the 2032 Olympic Games because the region has a network of well-developed and challenging trails. From clean and easy beginner trails like Ferny Forest to the wooden features and ramps of Sugar Bag Road, there are plenty of options. If you prefer flow trails, tight turns and berms then check out Tewantin National Park, near Noosa. Nature lovers will want to head deep into the trees at Parklands Conservation Park while the open fire trail, high above the beach, at Mapleton National Park is perfect for a mid-trek picnic.

See: visitsunshinecoast.com/mountain-biking