A Thrill Seeker's Guide To Thredbo MTB

Drawing bigger crowds every season, Thredbo MTB offers thrill-seekers awesome adventure without a snowflake in sight.

Love discovering escapades to get your heart racing? Ditch the skis in favour of exploring Thredbo during the warmer months. Home to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park , a playground for two-wheeling daredevils, it offers a Thredbo MTB experience like no other.

Gaining momentum as one of the best things to do in Thredbo these days, stunning cross-country trails and Australia’s only lift-accessible terrain are just some of the highlights. Here, an access-all-areas guide to get you on your way.

What you need to know before you go

It’s worth getting your head around the basics because enjoying this place isn’t exclusive to extreme sports enthusiasts. MTB is the in-the-know abbreviation of ‘mountain biking’ and once the snow in Thredbo melts, the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park opens.

a person traversing MTB trails at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park — Traverse challenging MTB trails at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park.

Home to a diverse range of trails and conditions catering to both beginners and experienced riders, there are more than 40 kilometres of terrain that span Gravity trails, those accessed by a chairlift that stores your bike as you climb to elevated heights and gravity (as opposed to pedalling) launches you back down, cross-country trails and skills and jump parks.

There’s also a mix of trail types; Flows that are machine-built and offer smoother surfaces and Technical that are rougher, narrower and feature natural obstacles. The bottom line: Thredbo MTB is for everyone thanks to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park.

a mountain biker navigating the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park — Get your heart racing at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park.

When is the best time to experience Thredbo MTB?

The only time you can try your hand at Thredbo MTB is during the warmer months once the ski fields are grassy and the snow’s gone. The season will kick off officially on November 18 in 2023 and will close at the end of April 2024. Fans can expect a similar five-month window in the years that follow.

bikers passing through a grassy terrain at Thredbo MTB — Once the snow melts it’s time to hit the trails on two wheels. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

What gear do I need for Thredbo MTB?

Much like hitting the slopes in winter, there’s an entire kit to be gathered ahead of your foray into Thredbo MTB. As it’s often a hazardous sport due to the incredibly thrilling terrain, safety is paramount – ensuring you’re dressed for the slide as opposed to the ride is the smartest approach. Also, it’s mandatory for all MTB riders to wear a helmet even in the beginner zones.

kids participating the closing weekend at Thredbo MTB — Safety gear is a must for all riders. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

A handy list of what you’ll need:
– Helmet (full-face varieties are recommended, though not a must)
– Mountain bike
– Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
– Full-finger gloves
– Full body armour
– Elbow and knee pads, plus shin pads are also recommended
– Neck brace
– Wrap-around goggles

A lot, right? Thankfully, there are rental packages that do all the heavy lifting for you. Visit the Thredbo Retail and Rental website for Thredbo bike hire, gear hire and further information.

What if this is my first MTB experience?

You’re certainly not alone given this is an emerging summer sport in Australia. If you’re keen to avoid winging it, your best option is to sign up for a two-hour beginner’s clinic through the Thredbo Mountain Bike School .

an instructor guiding kids at Thredbo Mountain Bike School — The Thredbo Mountain Bike School program is a great school holiday activity.

The programs are typically held daily at 10am throughout the season and run by some of the country’s most experienced riders so you’ll learn all the basics on Thredbo MTB from the very best. Plus, these classes aren’t just for total novices. Programs including the ‘MTB Progression’ and the ‘MTB Essentials’ provide the chance to take your skills to the next level.

adults learning the basics of Thredbo MTB at Thredbo Mountain Bike School — Learn all the basics of Thredbo MTB from the very best.

Is Thredbo MTB family-friendly?

Absolutely, although it’s recommended that children under the age of five should wait a few years before getting stuck in.

Several of the Thredbo Mountain Bike School programs are catered to children including the ‘Intro to MTB’ for kids aged five and over, the ‘MTB Fundamentals’ for kids aged seven and over, the ‘MTB Essentials’ for kids aged seven and over, the ‘MTB Progression’ for kids aged seven and over and the ‘MTB Junior Race Clinic’ for kids aged seven to 17.

There are also school holiday camps to help refine skills like gravity riding technique and bike maintenance. It should be noted that no tandem bikes are allowed while engaging in Thredbo MTB.

two kids at Thredbo MTB doing a high-five — Kids will be quick to make friends on the trails at school holiday camp.

What are the best Thredbo MTB trails?

Finally, to the fun stuff. There are 22 different courses to tackle, conveniently split into difficulty categories, so selecting your poison should be a breeze. If you’re a beginner, the Easy Rider trail is a great start as it isn’t too steep.

a kid riding a bike and passing through rocky trail — Take on the challenging rocky trails. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

If you’re looking for a scenic route and a slow cross-country journey is more your speed, the Thredbo Valley Track is a beautiful option and features suspension bridges, river views, rich forest surroundings and smoother terrain. You can take a six-kilometre route or go the full 35 kilometres to make the most of it.

a biker navigating the verdant landscape in Thredbo MTB — Explore the vast scenery on two wheels. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

Low intermediate riders should consider the Kosciuszko Flow which starts at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and rolls down through magnificent mountain scenery to help sharpen those downhill riding skills.

Hardcore MTB fans will love the Paparazzi, Flow Link, Lower All-Mountain and Upper All-Mountain trails for their drops, rocks and breathtaking sights. Make sure you check out the Thredbo trail map for a comprehensive look at everything on offer.

a group of people riding the Kosciuszko Chairlift, Thredbo — Take in breathtaking sights from the Kosciuszko Chairlift. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

How much does it cost to experience Thredbo MTB?

Every rider needs a Thredbo MTB Lift Pass to gain access to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park. The pass enables entry to the Kosciuszko Chairlift, Gunbarrel Chairlift, Merritts Gondola and the Cruiser Chairlift which are all fitted with bike racks and serve as your only access points to the top of the mountains.

Adult season passes start from $599 per person and one-day adult passes start from $95 per person.

a chair lift heading to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park — The Thredbo MTB Lift Pass ensures you get to the top of the mountain with ease.

Are there any events at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park?

Heck yes, there are. Thredbo events at the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park are epic and world-renowned, playing home to the southern hemisphere’s most active events calendar.

There are interschool championships plus the Thredbo Gravity Series which is staggered throughout the Thredbo MTB season and offers serious cash prizes. The hottest ticket is arguably the Cannonball MTB Festival which is typically staged in February and features live music, world-class MTB spectacles and party times over about a week.

riders at the Thredbo MTB closing weekend — It’s a great weekend away with mates. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

The thrill seeker’s guide to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park