hero media

This new Southern NSW trail combines 550km of MTB tracks

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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

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.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
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.
View profile and articles
hero media

Slowing down in Moree: a guide to the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia

(Credit: Destination NSW)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
    The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.

    The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.

    But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.

    Soak in Moree’s artesian water

    kids at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.

    Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.

    And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.

    Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.

    Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.

    Moree’s best stays

    woman swimming ta Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

    There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.

    Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

    The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.

    While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.

    Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.

    Delving into nature around Moree

    aerial of moree
    Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.

    Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.

    A taste of Moree

    meal at Moree Country Club
    Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.

    Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.

    Bank Art Museum Moree
    Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.

    Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.

    However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.

    Start planning the ultimate escape at visitmoreeplains.com.au.