Did you know there’s an outstanding network of mountain biking and cycling trails in the South West? There’s options for casual riders to serious mountain bikers, with paths that lead into the heart of the region’s wildflower country, native forests and coastline.
Here are some of our favourite trails:
Albany Downhill Mountain Bike Trail, Albany
0.7km | Very difficult
Don’t let the length of this mountain biking trail fool you… In 700m you’ll experience 41 jumps, drops, wooden berms and other technical features, a 76m drop and some of the most breathtaking views of King George Sound. Just a couple of minutes from Albany city centre, the trail is great for daring beginners to seasoned experts.
Munda Biddi Trail, Australia’s South West
1000km | Varying difficulty
The Munda Biddi Trail is one of the world’s longest off-road cycling trail, stretching from Kalamunda in Perth, WA, all the way down to Albany, located in the Great Southern region of Australia’s South West. Expect to cycle through towering eucalyptus and karri forests, unspoiled bushland and beautiful wildflower heaths when you embark on this cycling journey. There are plenty of access point along the route, so pick your starting line and get riding.
Denmark to Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail
54km | Difficult
This 54km scenic coastal trail features a variety of forest, farmland and coastal heathland views. Distinct sections are suitable for bikes.
Ellen Cove to Albany Port, Albany
6km | Easy
This dual-use cycle pathway is one of the best ways to see the beautiful coastline of the historic town of Albany.
Grizzly Trail, Mount Lennard, Wellington National Park
6km | Difficult
The Grizzly Trail forms part of the Mount Lennard mountain bike area, which contains around 40kms of mountain biking trails. Challenge yourself with an obstacle course of bermed turns and log rides, set along a narrow track that winds through 6km of jarrah forest and granite outcrops.
Old Timberline and Sidings Rails Trails, Nannup
37km | Easy
The 22km Old Timberline Trail is a one-day cycle that sees you travel down windy walk trails and old timber roads. Originally a road and rail line used to remove logs from the jarrah forest, today the trail is utilised by walkers and mountain bike riders. A second rail trail, the Sidings Rail Trail, also begins in Nannup and follows the route of a former government railway.
The Pines, Bramley Forest, Margaret River
8km | Difficult
Located right on the edge of Margaret River town, the Pines are some of the best mountain bike trails in WA. Easy fire road climbs, fast, flowing single-track descents, berms and fun table top jumps characterise these adrenaline-pumping tracks, which are great options for riders of all abilities.
Rays Trail, Collie
8km | Difficult
Located on the outskirts of Collie, Rays Trail offers a tight twisting, cross-country mountain biking experience not for the faint-hearted. Start the ride with heaps of twists and turns, before encountering berms as you travel downhill. You’ll then be greeted by an uphill climb and several large log rides.
Relentless Blue, Pemberton MTB Park, Pemberton
4.5km | Difficult
The signature trail of the Pemberton MTB Park, Relentless Blue incorporates the lay of the land with turns, switchbacks, log rollovers, a log mountain, wall rides, earth berms and the “Hell Mile”. The western side of the trail features the main climb and a series of ups and downs, while the eastern side has distinct cross-country elements.
Wadandi Track, Margaret River
23km | Varying difficulty
Formally known as ‘Rails to Trails’, this path is open to cyclists and showcases the heritage of the former Busselton to Flinders Bay Railway. The track takes you through some of the most beautiful natural bush, farmland and vineyards in the region, and is one not to be missed.
Visit trailswa.com.au for more South West mountain biking and cycling trails and maps.