The Ultimate Guide to Mountain Biking in Tasmania

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present, and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

The trail systems in Tasmania have been built by world-class trail builders and award-winning companies to accommodate any and all skill levels. Be surrounded by ferns, old growth forests and exposed cliffsides, experience smooth flowy trails or descend large rock slabs, enjoy wide smooth berms or techy gravity rides; there are trails to keep the whole crew happy. 

Whatever level of adrenaline you’re after, Tasmania’s trail networks provide unique and stunning landscapes with each region you go to, and they feel remote despite being surprisingly accessible.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best mountain bike trails in Tasmania (including St Helens, Derby, and Maydena) as well as local shops, shuttle services and tips to keep your trip running smoother than a freshly carved berm.

Mountain Bike Trails in North West Tasmania

Wild Mersey

The Wild Mersey Mountain Bike trails are for all ages and abilities. The 70km of green, blue, and black trails stretch 45km and connect the three different trailheads through the towns of Latrobe, Railton, and Sheffield. The flowy trails sit amongst wild terrain and are home to Tasmania’s largest pump track!

Key Trails

• Beginner: Bee Line – 1.15km
• Intermediate: Sugar Coated – 1.35km
• Advanced: No Mersey – 0.60km

Explore More Trails

Nearby Towns

• Latrobe
• Railton
• Sheffield

Nearest Bike Shops

• Wild Ride Cycles – Latrobe
• North West Safaris – Sheffield
• Roam Cycles – Mobile Bike Mechanic

How To Get There

Choose between the Latrobe, Sheffield or Railton Explore More Trails. All are easily accessible via the Spirit of Tasmania or alternatively the Burnie, Devonport, or Launceston airports. Hobart is about a three hour drive from the trail network.

Shuttle Operators

Currently there are no shuttle operators at Wild Mersey, but there’s a linking trail between the Sheffield and Railton networks to keep you riding all day long.

Mountain Bike Trails in North Tasmania

George Town Mountain Bike Trails

Mt George offers a variety of mainly beginner trails, with trail maintenance in progress to expand the network to over 80km. With a combination of climbing and descending trails, the variety of green trails is perfect for those newer to mountain biking, families, or those wanting to hone in on their skills.

Key Trails

• Beginner: Sticky Beak: 1.4km
• Intermediate: Hebe Jeebies: 0.8km
• Advanced: Megawatt: 0.6km

Explore More Trails

Nearby Towns

• Launceston
• Devonport

Nearest Bike Shops

• My Ride Launceston
• Roll Cycles
• Sprung

How To Get There

At only 40 minutes from Launceston, the George Town Mountain Bike Trails offer plenty of options to ride from the carpark. Use the climbing trails to access the summit descents

Shuttle Operators

Book in with Send it MTB Shuttles if you’d rather skip the pedalling!

Penguin Mountain Bike Park and Dial Range

Despite being a smaller network, these 15km of singletrack trails weaving along forestry trails and old wooden tramways give major bang for your buck (but y’know, entry is also free).

Packed into this network are creative wooden structures, a corkscrew bridge, massive berms, and even a few skills sections to really help you hone your balance.

Key Trails

• Beginner: Montgomery Loop (6.0km)
• Intermediate: Iron Tor Climb, Ironcliffe Ridge, Iron Tor Descent (8km)
• Advanced: no major trails at the date of writing

Explore More Trails

Nearby Towns

• Penguin
• Ulverstone

Nearest Bike Shop

• Ulverstone Bicycles

How To Get There

Access the trailhead from Ironcliffe Road and begin your cross country climb.

Shuttle Operators

There aren’t any shuttle providers for Penguin Mountain Bike Park.

Mountain Bike Trails in North East Tasmania

Derby

The Blue Derby Trail network (most locals call it Derby if you wanna fit in) includes purpose-built trails for all skills and fitness levels.

Weaving through forests of ferns and myrtles, waterfalls and rock gardens, the 125km of single track enduro-style trails provide uphill and plenty of downhill options, berms galore, jumps, and flow unlike you’ve experienced before. These are the trails that put Tassie on the map.

Riding bikes is hard work, balance it out with a relaxing morning spent soaking in the wood-fired Floating Sauna on Lake Derby before a quick dip in the lake to end your Derby stay.

Key Trails

• Beginner: Chain Gang, Relics, Sawtooth (6.2km) Don’t miss out on the iconic Tunnel, just be sure you take your tinted glasses off for this one, it’s dark in there!
• Intermediate: Rusty Crusty, Axehead, Long Shadows, Long Shadows Upper, Return to Sender (12.7km)
• Intermediate: Blue Tier (20.6km) – be sure to check shuttle bus times
• Advanced: Shuttle to Black Stump Roxanne, Upper Return to Sender, Air Ya Garn 7.0km

Explore More Derby Trails

Nearby Towns

• Scottsdale
• Launceston

Nearest Bike Shops

Whether you want to rent a bike, pick up new apparel (gotta have something to remember the trip by right?), or get some trail knowledge, all of the bike shops are happy to help.

• Evolution MTB
• Derby Bike Shop
• Vertigo MTB
• MAD MTB

How To Get There

Located an hour and a half northeast of Launceston, you’ll know when you’ve made it to Derby. With bike shops on either side of the road, you’ll see plenty of riders making their way to the trailhead or shuttle pick up points.

Shuttle Operators 

Mad MTB and Vertigo MTB are your go-to shuttle operators.

St Helens Mountain Bike Trails

Situated just outside of St Helens, the Flagstaff Trailhead has numerous family-friendly green and blue trails to choose from. For more intermediate to advanced trails, catch a shuttle up to Loila Tier where you’ll descend rocky granite outcrops or get some airtime, all while catching multiple glimpses of the ocean. The 66 kilometre trail network has something for everyone!

Key Trails

• Beginner: Pearla (1.8km) – Access from Flagstaff Trailhead
• Intermediate: Dreaming Pools (27.km) – a wilderness trail traversing valleys and ridgelines past natural waterfalls and rock pools – Access from Loila Tier
• Intermediate: Garnup (6km) – Access from Flagstaff Trailhead
• Intermediate: larapuna/ Bay of Fires Trail (42km) – Access from Blue Tier near Derby
• Advanced: Send Helens (3.2km) from Loila Tier

Explore more trails

Although Tasmania’s mountain bike trails are rideable all year round, some specific trails may close in the wetter months. If you’re planning a holiday and happen to get a fairly wet weather window, aim to add St Helen’s to your list.

These trails ride particularly well after a bit of rain as the moisture settles the granite soils, giving you tacky riding conditions to send it however hard you choose. It’s also a fantastic town for tourists, with lots of options if the weather’s a bit too much. If the weather’s great however, definitely make sure you take the half hour drive to St Helens to check out the white sand beaches and bright blue water, it’s a stunning place.

Nearby Towns

• St Helens
• Binalong Bay
• Scamander
• Beaumaris
• Falmouth

Nearest Bike Shop

• Vertigo MTB

How To Get There

St Helens mountain bike trails are along the east coast, two hours east of Launceston or three hours north of Hobart, just outside of St Helens is the Flagstaff Trailhead.

Shuttle Operators

For more advanced and downhill style riding, hop on a shuttle to Loila Tier from Gravity Isle or St Helens MTB Adventures.

Hollybank Mountain Bike Park

Hollybank offers three main trails for family fun, only 20 minutes outside of Launceston. With 20km of trails, located within the Hollybank Reserve, you’ll be surrounded by forests across the three main trails. While visiting the trails, access the zipline, segway tours, and tree rope adventures also offered at Hollybank Wilderness Adventures.

Key Trails

• Beginner: No Sweat Loop – 5.5km
• Intermediate: Tall Timbers – 4km
• Advanced: Juggernaut – 10km

Learn more about the park

Nearby Towns

• Launceston

Nearest Bike Shop

• My Ride Launceston
• Roll Cycles
• Sprung

How To Get There

Only 20 minutes outside of Launceston and tucked just off of the highway, all of the trails are accessible from the trailhead or climbing trail.

Shuttle Operators

There are no shuttle operators in this park, get pedalling!

Mountain Bike Trails in West Coast Tasmania

West Coast Mountain Bike Trails

One of the newer trail networks in Tasmania is located on the wild west coast. Tasmania’s West Coast is remote and these trails are no exception, giving you the feeling of seclusion while still close to the nearest hub of Queenstown.

From rocky alpine ridgelines to buttongrass plains and lush rainforests, the West Coast Mountain Bike Trails span across the rural towns of Queenstown, Zeehan, and Strahan.

Key Trails

• Beginner: Oonah Hill – 5.8km
• Intermediate: Stitch Up – 3.7km
• Advanced: North Owen Descent – 2.0km

Explore More Trails

Nearby Towns

• Queenstown
• Strahan
• Zeehan

Nearest Bike Shop

• West Coast Ride

How To Get There

Depending on which direction you’re heading from, the Mt Owen trails are just over three and a half hours drive from either Hobart or Launceston.

Shuttle Operators

There’s currently only one shuttle service, Owen Spur Shuttles. They have limited spots 6 riders in each of its 4 buses, so be sure to book ahead and secure your spot!

Mountain Bike Trails in South Tasmania

Maydena Bike Park

Maydena Bike Park boasts the largest gravity park in the Southern Hemisphere! Just over an hour’s drive from Hobart, Maydena has 820m of elevation over its 73 gravity-focused trails.

Situated within a rainforest, these trails are designed around the natural beauty that the park offers. Not only is the riding world class, the full-service canteen offers a range of local produce and drinks to keep you fueled to ride until your legs give out.

Key Trails

• Beginner: Evergreen, Dirt Surfer, Green Mile, Homeward (6.5km).
  Catch the shuttle bus to Midline (just ask your shuttle bus driver as you load up your bike) and they can point you in the direction of the Midline trail entrance. Pedal along the dual-direction path until you reach the Evergreen trailhead.
• Intermediate: Skyline, Pandani, Waratah, Wedgetail, Keep in Natural, Moss Def, the Director (5.5km)
• Expert: Skyline, King Brown, Mariotts, Midline, Supercross, Pamela, the Local, Maydena Hits, Big Hips, Homeward (6.8km)

Explore All The Trails

Nearby Towns

• New Norfolk
• Hobart

Nearest Bike Shop

• Maydena Bike shop & retail – located within the park

How To Get There

Only an hour and fifteen minutes’ drive from Hobart, pass Mt Field National Park and you’ll soon arrive at the legendary Maydena Bike Park.

Shuttle Operators 

With one shuttle operator, there are a few different options for where to get dropped off. You can book the Summit Passes (820m elevation) for half days or full days, get dropped off at Midline (400m elevation) or opt for the Lower Mountain Uplift (230m elevation) shuttle if you’re planning to start on the green trails. Starting from Midline is a great option for your first lap to help get you acquainted with Maydena’s downhill style before making your way to the summit.

kunanyi / Mount Wellington

kunanyi is the iconic landmark of Hobart, towering over the city and filled with mountain bike trails for riders of all abilities. From flowy fire trails, to rock gardens, smooth berms, or technical drops and jumps, this network of trails is sure to leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Key Trails

The main access point for climbing trails is behind the Cascade Brewery silos where you can then choose to climb the fire trail off of Old Farm Road or follow Strickland Avenue until you get to the Middle Island Fire Trail. Using Trailforks, explore the different access points or ask fellow riders at the Cascades Overflow car park by the silos, the local hub with a constant flow of riders.

• Beginner: Pipeline track from Neika (14km)
• Intermediate: Pitfall, Stumpside, follow the Middle Island Fire Trail to Upper Luge, Lower Luge (4.1km)
• Advanced: Drops (0.8km) or S57 (0.7km)

Nearest Bike Shop

• My Ride Hobart
• Roll Cycles

How To Get There

You won’t be able to miss kunanyi / Mount Wellington in Hobart, it’s the big one!

Shuttle Operators

Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures offer shuttle services for some kunanyi trails.

Meehan Range

Look out to kunanyi/ Mt Wellington while you navigate the 40km of trails of the Meehan Range. With gradual climbing trails, and a combination of flowy and technical descents, this cross country trail network is the perfect place for beginner to intermediate riders. Finish your riding with a few laps of the skills park, which has two pump tracks, a variety of jumps and features including a whale tail, drop-offs and wallride to progress your skills.

Key Trails

• Beginner: XC Upper, K’s Choice, descend K’s Choice, XC Lower (3.7km)
• Intermediate: Corkscrew Climb, Dino Rumble (2.0km)
• Advanced: Not currently available

Nearest Bike Shop

• My Ride Hobart
• Roll Cycles

How To Get There

Only a 15 minute drive from Hobart, the Meehan Range car park is accessed off Flagstaff Gully Link Road take the Mornington exit from the Tasman Highway. From the car park there are plenty of climbing trails where you can finish up with a few laps of the skills park. Similarly to Maydena, these trails ride best after a bit of rain to settle the dust.

Shuttle Operators

There are plans to develop a shuttle bus in the Meehan Ranges, keep posted!

Maria Island

Located off the east coast of Tasmania, Maria Island is a short ferry from Triabunna, a little over an hour north of Hobart or two hours south of Launceston. Being a vehicle-free island, bikes are an excellent way to see more of the island whether you stay for a day or overnight.

The gentle undulating roads are perfect for beginner mountain bikers and families of all ages. Follow the trails north or south on the island filled with wombats, just remember to only look and keep your distance from them. Bring your own bike or book ahead to rent one when you get onto the island or opt for a guided ebike tour.

Read more: Bikepacking on Maria Island

Key Trails

Check in at the Visitor Centre when collecting your ticket and ask about what time the tide will be out for viewing the Painted Cliffs. With close to 30km of undulating trails on Maria Island, this is the perfect place to wander and take in the picturesque views of the coast, stop for a picnic lunch along a beach and then continue on.

• Beginner: Darlington to Painted Cliffs (4km)

Nearby Towns

• Triabunna
• Orford
• Hobart

Nearest Bike Shop

• See Hobart bike shops mentioned above. There are no bike shops on Maria Island.

How To Get There

Head to Triabunna and park in the car park along the wharf. Say G’day in the visitor centre to pick up your ferry ticket and sail across to Maria Island. If you’re bringing your own bike, there’s a small additional baggage fee.

Shuttle Operators 

There are no shuttles on Maria Island, but you can pick up a hardtail bike. Quantities are limited though so booking prior with your ferry ticket is recommended.

Other Key Info for Riding in Tasmania

Regardless of your skill level, there are a few items that you should always bring to help keep your riding days fun and safe:

• Helmet (essential) – a full face is recommended for Maydena
• Glasses / goggles, especially on muddy or dusty days. It can be good to have both.
• Knee & elbow pads
• Gloves
• Drinks and snacks
• Tool kit
• Spare tyres

As with any new sport or hobby, there’s a bit of etiquette that surrounds mountain biking, to keep it a fun environment for everyone on the trail. Be aware of and respect signage, some trails are directional, being one-way or dual-direction, so always keep left on those two-way trails and yield to those pedalling uphill.

Check trail status before riding, during the wetter months, some trails may be closed to prevent erosion (it’s really important to respect this!).

Make every pass a safe and courteous one, on busy trails wait for the next safe spot to pull over and let someone pass. Ride within your limits and stay alert to those around you and what’s coming up on the trail.

How do I know which trails are good for my skill level?

Green circles are for beginner-friendly trails, blue squares for trails suited to intermediate riders, and black diamonds for expert-only options. Ask questions or for advice! Ask the shuttle drivers, the bike shop employees, and fellow riders on the trail – the mountain biking community is always a friendly one in Tasmania, so stop and have a chat or ask any questions you are unsure of.  

Finally, make sure to yell lots of ‘YEWS’ of encouragement when you’re on the trail to keep the frothing vibes alive.

Read more: How To Learn to Moutain Bike

How To Stay Safe

Riding within your abilities is one of the best ways you can keep yourself and others safe on the trail. Tasmania’s mountain bike trails often feature more elevation than mainland trails, so to stay safe and keep having fun, start on an experience level below what you’re used to and work your way up as you settle into the trails of each network/bike park.

Consider taking a lesson! Everyone starts somewhere with their skill level and having someone to coach you through technique will give you a big confidence boost on the trail. 

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

Tasmania is a Year-Round Mountain Bike Destination

Mountain-biking in Tasmania truly is a world-class experience. However, some trails will close over the wetter winter months to prevent them from being ruined.

If you’re travelling with your own bike, be sure to check your specific baggage allowance, although most airlines allow up 30kg. Alternatively, if you’re making the drive, bikes can also be transported aboard the Spirit of Tasmania. 

If mountain biking wasn’t on your Tasmanian bucket list, be sure to add it now! Each of these regions is continuing to develop new trails as the sport grows in all corners of the state.

Feature photo thanks to @stugibson