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)

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

The thrill seeker’s guide to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park