5 epic mountain biking trails near Melbourne for your next adrenaline rush
There are many epic mountain biking trails right on Melbourne’s doorstep, with options for beginners and adrenaline seekers alike.
Lysterfield Park, a Melbourne favourite, boasts 24km of trails catering to all skill levels, with flowing singletracks and no hardcore descents. You Yangs Regional Park, just west of Melbourne, offers over 50km of trails, from family-friendly loops at Kurrajong Plantation to steep, technical runs in the Stockyards. Advanced riders will love Arthurs Seat’s serious climbs, fast descents, and rugged terrain. Read on to learn more about five mountain biking areas close to Melbourne that guarantee an epic day of riding.
For more detailed information on each trail, check out Trailfork, a trail management system, for maps and comments on each available track.
1. You Yangs Regional Park
Drive from Melbourne: 50 minutes
The You Yangs offers diverse mountain biking, with 20km of trails at Kurrajong Plantation providing both family-friendly loops and endurance challenges.
For a tougher ride, the Stockyard’s area features steep, rocky descents and technical cross-country trails. Designed for sustainability, the park’s trails balance adventure with conservation, so stick to designated tracks to keep them open for all. The You Yangs Mountain Bike Club has maintained many of these trails since 2010 and is part of a passionate community of riders in this area.
Download the Kurrajong mountain bike area map and Stockyard mountain bike map for more information.
Exhilarating views await you at the You Yangs. Image credit: Visit Victoria
It's always safest to ride with a friend. Image credit: Visit Victoria
2. Lysterfield Park
Drive from Melbourne: 45 minutes
Lysterfield Park offers some of Melbourne’s best mountain biking, with flowing trails through dense plantations, scenic boulder outcroppings offering trails for all skill levels. Whether you’re tackling steep climbs, cruising the Lake Circuit for wildlife spotting, or taking in city views from Trig Point Lookout, there’s a ride for everyone. The park includes the State Mountain Bike Course which hosted the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games cross country mountain bike competition. The Lysterfield District Trail Riders are the mountain bike club in this area, managed by volunteers who also enjoy mountain biking.
Download the Lysterfield Park mountain bike fact sheet and trail map for more information.
Please note: Some areas will be closed for maintenance through to May 2025, so be sure to check the notices of each area for the best experience.
There's a ride for everyone at Lysterfield park.
Get ready for some gnarly jumps!
3. Arthurs Seat State Park
Drive from Melbourne: 65 minutes
Arthurs Seat State Park offers over 20km of mountain biking trails through peaceful bushland and rocky terrain, catering to all skill levels. Riders can start from three main trailheads: Seawinds Carpark on Purves Road, Arthurs Seat Road Carpark for easy eastern trail access, and Boundary Road Carpark in Dromana, which has toilets, drinking water, and a bike maintenance station.
Trail information is available at each location, with facilities varying at each, so bring your own water where needed. The Red Hill Riders are the local mountain biking group in this area and are passionate about everything biking.
The Arthurs Seat State Park mountain bike fact sheet has more information, including a trail map.
Make sure you wear appropriate safety gear when riding!
Teams work hard to ensure trails are maintained for the best experience.
4. Dandenong Ranges National Park
Drive from Melbourne: 65 minutes
The Silvan area of Dandenong Ranges National Park offers 13km of dedicated mountain bike trails and a network of management tracks, ideal for beginner to intermediate riders.
Managed by Parks Victoria with support from Yarra Ranges Mountain Bikers (YRMTB), the trails provide a mix of singletrack and scenic forest rides. Riders can enjoy the trails solo or with friends, and those interested in trail building or maintenance can volunteer with YRMTB.
Download the Dandenong Ranges mountain bike fact sheet for detailed trail maps and more information.
5. Bowden Spur (Kinglake National Park)
Drive from Melbourne: 80 minutes
Shepherds Track at Kinglake National Park has an extremely difficult double black diamond rating, perfect for experienced thrill-seekers craving steep descents, rocky terrain, and big jumps. Dropping 233 metres over two kilometres, this intense ride at Bowden Spur area demands a full-suspension downhill or enduro bike, full-face helmet, and body armor. Built in 2012, it remains one of Melbourne’s most extreme mountain biking experiences.
For more detailed information, check out our link to Bowden Spur Mountain Bike Area
You'll need some heavy-duty suspension on these roads!
These tracks can be dangerous, and should only be done with full protective equipment.
Before hitting the trails, always check the track conditions, as rain or maintenance work can affect safety and rideability. Ride with a mate for extra support and stick to trails that match your skill level to ensure a fun and safe adventure.