hero media

This new Southern NSW trail combines 550km of MTB tracks

Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
A new Southern NSW trail combines over 550 kilometres of dedicated MTB trails.

What’s better than one stunning mountain bike trail through Southern New South Wales? How about one trail connecting 10 mountain biking trail networks and towns, offering over 550 kilometres of dedicated MTB trails and classic Aussie road trips in between. And that’s exactly what the new Great Southern Trails does across the South Coast, Alpine Region and Canberra.

This ultimate adventure, for lovers of mountain biking, means that you no longer have to choose just one destination; you can spend more time and explore them all. Road trip along the entire 1000 kilometres, enjoying the equivalent of more than a week’s worth of mountain biking. Sounds a bit daunting? Split it into sections and enjoy over two to three days.

Gravity Eden Great Southern Trails
Zoom your way through Southern NSW. (Image: Destination NSW)

“Southern NSW is home to some of Australia’s best mountain biking trail networks… From the iconic Stromlo Forest Park to Thredbo Resort and the recently opened Mogo Trails, Gravity Eden, Narooma MTB and Mt Tumbarumba, nowhere else in Australia comes close to the quality and diversity of MTB riding on offer in the region," said Juliane Wisata, Founder & Marketing Director at Rocky Trail Entertainment, Australia’s leading MTB event business.

“The Great Southern Trails tourism initiative aims to inspire visitors to choose Southern NSW for their next MTB trip. The initiative helps them plan, and encourages longer stays, higher visitor spend and stronger year-round tourism visitation – delivering real economic and social benefits to our local towns and communities," said Richard Everson, General Manager of Destination Southern NSW.

South Coast

Mogo MTB Trails, Great Southern Trails
Start with the range of trails and lovely views at Mogo. (Image: Flow MTB)

The Great Southern Trails starts with the massive 125-kilometre trail system through Mogo State Forest on the south coast of New South Wales. There’s something for every ability level here, from super easy to cross country to super challenging – including Australia’s top gravity trail, the 28-kilometre Burnaaga Goanna. Don’t know what a gravity trail is? It’s one that uses the land’s natural slope for a downhill experience with features like jumps and banked turns.

From Mogo, head to Narooma, where 85 kilometres of thrilling descents through forest and more gravity-fed trails keep the adrenaline pumping. Next, the town of Tathra keeps it simple with 50 kilometres of singletrack taking riders through coastal bushland. Then on to the ramps at Gravity Eden MTB Park . Here, green, blue and black mountain bike trails cater to a range of abilities, with a pump track and jump park at the trailhead. Follow the trails around Nullica State Forest before plunging down to the shores of Twofold Bay/Turemulerrer.

Alpine Region

Thredbo Valley Track Great Southern Trails
Take the Thredbo Valley Track in summer. (Image: Destination NSW)

The famous slopes of NSW’s Alpine Region are not just for winter skiing. That spectacular alpine scenery is just as good in the summer thaw, atop your bike seat. Thredbo offers a lift-accessed MTB park with 42 kilometres of gravity-fed MTB trail (families, or newbies, can take it a bit easier on the family-friendly 35km Thredbo Valley Track, a scenic trail that can be enjoyed in sections for all skill levels). Nearby, find 32 kilometres of rocky alpine loops in Cooma and 45 kilometres of lakeside trails in Jindabyne.

Continue further west to Mount Tumbarumba , with more than 27 kilometres of singletrack, with another 40+ to explore in the surrounding region.

Canberra

Mt Stromlo MTB Shuttle Service
Cycle through Mt Stromlo Forest Park. (Image: Damian Breach/ VisitCanberra

End up in Australia’s capital, where Mt Stromlo Forest Park caters to all levels with over 60 kilometres of single track trails for all levels, from beginner green to advanced double black and pro. OR (and) head to the slightly smaller Majura Pines Trail Alliance . Here, over 25 kilometres of track purpose-built for all levels of riders are the oldest and most famous in Canberra.

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
See all articles
Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the Greater Blue Mountains, NSW
Blue Mountains

Iconic Emirates Wolgan Valley to reopen as first-ever Ritz Carlton Lodge this year

Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will open its doors in 2026, marking a fresh chapter for an Aussie icon.

Read more
gilay estate
New England

This cosy cabin in rural NSW is among the world’s 10 most-loved Airbnbs

This scroll-stopping hut overlooking NSW’s Liverpool Plains has snagged a spot on Airbnbs' 2025 list of most-loved rentals.

Read more
Yellow Rock, Murramarang South Coast Walk, Murramarang National Park
Batemans Bay

This spotted gum coastal walk is NSW’s most underrated trail

Swap screens for dreamy coastal scenes on this little-known, 34-kilometre walk along NSW’s spectacular South Coast.

Read more
Sydney Fish Market at night
Sydney

The new Sydney Fish Market has officially opened at Blackwattle Bay

The highly anticipated Sydney Fish Market has opened its doors and is set to rival the world’s best.

Read more
hero media

Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
    Continue
    From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

    Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

    Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

    1. Gosford’s glow up

    room at voco gosford
    Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

    Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

    Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

    Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

    Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

    2. Newcomers to the dining scene

    table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
    Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

    The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

    Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

    Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

    Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

    3. New Central Coast experiences

    winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
    Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

    It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

    Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

    Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

    For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

    4. Central Coast accommodation

    view from a cottage at Noonaweena
    Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

    There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

    Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

    In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

    To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

    5. Shopping on the Central Coast

    Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
    Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

    For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

    Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

    Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

    Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

    For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

    Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .