Best Things to Do in Maydena During the UCI Enduro World Cup

In a few short years, the former timber town of Maydena has transformed from a regional centre in decline to the epicentre of mountain biking in Tasmania’s south. But beyond the white knuckle thrills on two wheels, Maydena is a gateway to the Tassie wilderness – and adventures of every kind!

We acknowledge that these adventures are located on Big River Nation, traditional Country of the palawa people, who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

When the Blue Derby trails first opened in 2015, the former and mostly forgotten mining town was suddenly slapped back on the map. Visitors descended in droves, injecting new life and money into the once-struggling region. Naturally, other regional towns stood up and took note.

For Maydena Bike Park’s founder Simon French, it was simply validation of his own plans that had already been in motion for several years prior. When the first 35km of gravity-focussed (aka: downhill and fast!) trails opened in 2018, they were an immediate hit with locals and interstate riders alike.

The trail network soon expanded and – thanks to hosting a growing roster of local and national events hosted at the Park – so did Maydena’s reputation as a ‘must-visit’ location on any Tasmanian mountain bike trip, just 75 minutes north west of Hobart.

The UCI Enduro World Cup is Coming to Town

That reputation will be further cemented at the international level in 2023 as Maydena hosts the first of two Tasmanian rounds of the UCI Enduro World Cup.

The event, held between from 24th to 26th of March, will see the world’s best bikers battle it out before heading north for the second round at Derby one week later.

For the uninitiated, enduro mountain bike racing combines the athleticism of cross country (XC) riding with the sheer technical prowess and speed of downhill (DH) racing into one.

A competitor in the 2019 UCI Enduro World Cup. Photo by Revolution MTB

Riders set out over a number of timed sections – generally downhill focussed – during the course of a day, linking each with untimed sections that must be completed under their own pedal power. Think ‘car rally, but on a mountain bike’ and you’ve got the basic gist.

The UCI Enduro World Cup not only brings the world’s best riders to our corner of the globe to find out who’s best on Maydena’s fast, technical trails, but also offers the local, non-pro stars a chance to show off their skills with a dedicated amateur race on the Thursday before.

Spectators are a huge part of Enduro racing, and as its profile grows organisers are pushing hard to ensure the needs of those watching on are catered for just as well as the competitors.

The Maydena organisers will have both rider and walker uplift passes available to help spectators access the entire park, a bar, food and DJ on the hill to keep everyone frothing, and rider hubs to ensure easy access to the action. For the ultimate experience, there will also be the ‘Hecklefest’, a full day, on-bike guided tour with events team member Chris Sansom to all the best spots to follow the top riders at every stage, with food, beverages, and uplifts included!

While the spectacle of top athletes from around the globe competing on a world-class stage will be hard to ignore, Maydena and its surrounds have so much more to offer when you need a change of pace.

The town of Maydena. Photo by Stu Gibson

1. New Mountain Bike Trails You Can Ride

In its first few years Maydena Bike Park had quite the reputation for fast, technically and – often – downright terrifying descents that challenged even the most experienced downhill-oriented riders.

That’s changing as the trail network expands to include more beginner and intermediate-friendly options like Giddy Up and Dirt Surfer. These trails are supported with a lower-mountain shuttle service to ensure riders of all abilities can get the most out of their visit.

Still feeling intimidated? Why not sign up for Bike School and develop your skills and confidence with the Maydena Bike Park’s professional instructors?

Hot tip: Find more mountain bike trails in Tasmania.

2. Visit Styx Tall Trees Conservation Area

The nearby Styx Valley is home to the largest living examples of Eucalyptus regnans, the tallest hardwood trees and flowering plants on Earth. The Styx Tall Trees Conservation Area, just 40 minutes west of Maydena, provides crucial protection for these towering giants, which can be accessed via a short 700m formed track.

The Hardwood forests of Styx Valley. Photo by Emilie Ristevski

3. Hike to The Tarn Shelf

Mt Field National Park offers a whole host of bushwalking opportunities, the most well-known being the magical Tarn Shelf Circuit.

The 14km walking track climbs through subalpine rainforest onto the eastern flank of the Rodway Range. This rocky plateau holds no less than seven picturesque tarns (high alpine lakes), flanked with ancient pandani and fagus plants, and offers stunning views of Mt Field West and beyond.

A lake along the Tarn Shelf Circuit walk. Photo by Tourism Tasmania

Of course the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area offers endless options for bushwalking. The Needles and Mt Wedge tracks are personal favourites and ideal for beginners and intermediate hikers seeking a grand view. Experienced bushwalkers will invariably be drawn to the amazing Mt Eliza and Mt Anne Circuit track.

If waterfalls are more your speed, be sure to check out the stunning Horseshoe Falls, the expansive Marriotts Falls and the wheelchair-accessible Russell Falls.

4. Explore Junee Caves

Less than ten minutes north of Maydena lie the deepest caves in Australia – the Junee-Florentine Karst system. Two of the vast network of caves – The Tachycardia and Niggly Cave – reach an approximate depth of 375m below ground level! Access to the area is via a short walking track, passing through delightful rainforest alongside the Junee River.

Interpretive signs and the viewing platform allow walkers to explore the entrance of the cave easily and safely. Access into the usually-flooded cave system, however, is strictly for experienced speleological groups only.

5. Get Out on The Water in a Kayak

Not all adventures are found on land! Tassie Bound Adventure Kayaking, offer tours of both Lake Pedder and the Derwent River.

Lake Pedder is a great place for kayaking. Photo by Tourism Tasmania and Gabi Mocatta

Geared towards newbies with little to no previous paddling experience, they offer a fully guided experience, all equipment and safety gear, as well as refreshments for an unforgettable adventure. And if you’ve ever wanted to spy a wild platypus in its native environment – well, they have tours specifically for you!

6. Enjoy a Traditional Farmhouse Ale or Cider

Just ten minutes north of New Norfolk, Two Metre Tall is a boutique farmhouse brewery offering small-batch ales, ciders and mead.

Visit Two Metre Tall Brewery for an arvo beer. Photo by Moon Cheese Studio

Brewed from their own fruits and other locally sourced ingredients, the husband-and-wife team of Ashley and Jane Huntington rely on natural fermentation processes to produce their unique ales and ciders without the use of additives and chemicals.

Stop by the Farm Bar, and enjoy a pint or bottle with a BYO picnic lunch or use the free wood-fired BBQ facilities.

Feature image thanks to Revolution MTB