MTB Rides

Thanks to the efforts of the Cradle Coast Mountain Bike Club, many of the old forestry trails in the Dial Range have now been stitched together with some singletrack sections to provide a wonderful, but still infrequently ridden, world of climbing and descending.   The route described here follows the sections of the Cranky Penguin race that are open outside of the race event (also see the Penguin MTB Park) and while I'd recommend the race as a great time to ride these trails (and enjoy sections not open during the rest of the year), it can be really enjoyable to explore these trails and forests at a more leisurely pace as well.

The Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park is only 15 minutes from the centre of Hobart and contains cross country, downhill and jumps courses.   The Park has the added advantage of being connected to the wider network of trails across Mt Wellington, and in particular is where you end up at the end of the North South track.  The route described here is a 5km cross country course, but this is only one of a growing network of trails that can be ridden in the park.

There is a dense network of trails criss-crossing the Kate Reed Reserve and it really is best enjoyed by pointing your wheel down the main trailhead and just exploring.  For those looking to push themselves there are some dedicated tracks available and families with kids could equally enjoy riding down to the duck boarded area and just exploring.   Basically get in there and enjoy yourself.  This park has something for all levels.

This park (opened November 2012) aims to fill a skills development niche in the mountain bike scene around Hobart and will be best enjoyed by newer riders and intermediate riders looking to develop their skills.  It would also be a great place for the kids who will love the jumps and easy riding.

As well as a Dirt Jump Park, the area contains a 200 metre 'kids corner' loop, the 1.3km "Holy Roller" for beginners and the 350 metre "Black Betty" which has a range of technical features, drops and bermed corners.

Connecting together some of the most accessible off-road riding trails around Kingston, this loop is a great way to discover some trails close to Hobart and plant the seed for further exploration.
There are plenty of great views, beautiful, quiet trails, with a bit of technical fun, and even a bit of history all thrown in. Cap this off with a great downhill run at the end to take you home.  This is one of my favourite rides close to Hobart.

Climbing nearly 1000 metres in around 15kms, this route takes you from the visitors centre at the entrance of Mt Field National Park to the car park at Lake Dobson.  Although entirely on a gravel road that is open to traffic, this is a brilliant ride whether you're seeking the fun and beauty of riding in the snow in winter, seeing the fagus change colour in Autumn or heading up to enjoy the upper regions of the park through summer.

A National Parks Pass will be needed to do this ride.

The Lime Bay Nature Reserve doesn't get a lot of visitors, but contains a surprisingly large network of  trails linking together some beautiful beaches and lagoons with some great convict history thrown in to boot.  These trails provides excellent riding options for both the family through to the hardcore cyclist looking for a hard workout along some tough sandy trails.  The route described here tries to get you around to most of the best spots in the park, but the reserve is compact enough that you can just go out  there, point your wheel down a trail and go and explore.

This remote loop on the edge of the Tarkine takes you down nine kilometres of abandoned railway, dropping you out at the old Magnet township and mine.  Here you can explore to your heart's content, seeing first hand both the scars of our earlier presence in the area and how nature reclaims its own.  After exploring the old township, it's a gut busting climb up to the highway and back to the car leaving you with a feeling of having just undertaken your own little Tasmanian adventure.  The track notes also include a detour off to the Philosophers falls walk.