Whether you’re after a gentle pedal or a blow-your-hair-back ride, Australia’s South West is WA’s premier trail riding region. With a mix of single tracks, loops, networks and long-distance trails, the adventure starts the moment your wheels hit the dirt.
You can challenge yourself with epic terrain designed for experienced riders or choose a trail that offers a gentle groove. We have trails that let you go easy, go slow or chase the flow.
And it’s not just the number, length and variety of trails that draws people here; it’s the fact that we’re naturally different. Our pristine wilderness and diversity of flora and fauna creates a place that’s globally unique through which to ride.
Every day and every trail is different. You can be riding under dappled light filtering through green canopies of ancient forests one day and on the next you can be cycling where vast open skies meet rolling pastures or fields of wildflowers.
Sure, we know it’s all about the ride rather than the destination but that doesn’t mean the destination shouldn’t be worthy of reaching. Our trails take you through some of our most popular tourist towns so there’s loads to see and do and plenty of bike support too.
So point your front wheel in our South West’s direction as we take a quick ride through our region.
Our MTB Trail Towns
Already known as a serious trail riding destination Dwellingup is just 90 minutes drive from Perth. There’s nearly 40km of trails here with some adrenaline pumping downhill runs as well as easier options and part of the iconic Munda Biddi Trail runs right through town.
As one of our mountain biking meccas, the town is geared up for welcoming two-wheeled tourists. The Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre, Dwellingup Adventures and Waypoint’s Cafe are great places for help and info. And, at the end of your day’s ride, you can dine on a historic train or fill your belly with hearty pub grub.
Collie is another biking hotspot with more than 200km of trails covering different grades of difficulty. The Munda Biddi swings through there too and the area features stunning forests, lakes and rivers. Collie is also home to the awe-inspiring dam wall mural so don’t leave without seeing this epic sight. If you need time off your bike and a place to refuel then head to Kiosk at the Dam; it’s licensed so you can enjoy a well-earned bevvy with their tasty tucker.
Collie’s Adventure Connections and TraaVerse can assist with bike tours and transfers to the Munda Biddi and the crew at Crank’n Cycles can help with trail information, hire bikes and everything you need to keep your spokes spinning.
If it's a raw and rocky experience you’re after then turn your handle bars towards Nannup. The newly-opened Tank 7 bike park has nearly 40km of purpose-built track and while it has trails to suit all levels it’s the downhill jump track (aptly named Man-nup) that’ll deliver woo-hoo moments and serious flow for hard core riders.
You can connect with the local bike community and get bike help at Melo Velo and Humble Bike Co. And don’t forget to regroup and relax at the Nannup Brewing Co for cold beers and all day burgers.
If you have a bit of biking experience under your helmet you can also check out Pemberton. Home to some of the world’s tallest trees, the 15km trail network takes you through some seriously stunning scenery. The climbs are steep and the descents are fast and you can test your skills with some impressive dirt jumps. If it’s water you want to jump into then head to Pemberton Pool which is flanked by towering Karri forest and perfect for a post-ride cool down.
Pemberton Discovery Tours can help with Munda Biddi transfers as well as off-trail activities. Make sure you put Jaspers Bar on your wind-down list. It’s a rustic ripper serving up the largest range of whiskey and bourbon in the South West plus plenty of wines, beers and some darn good food.
Closer to the coast is the vibrant tourist town of Margaret River (or ‘Margs’ as locals call it). With more than 50km of trails it’s definitely worth the trip. The scenery is simply breathtaking and some of the trails will take your breath away too but for a completely different reason. Epic jumps, berms, roll-overs and one heck of a lot of mud and dust will put a smile on the dial of die-hard riders. The less experienced are catered for as well with plenty of cruisy trails for leisurely rides.
And when you’re ready to take off your helmet you can grab a surf, head to a brewery or check out the caves. Dropping into The Hairy Marron is a must. It’s a cafe and bike hub rolled into one and the staff have loads of local knowledge that they’re happy to share.
Of course, don’t forget this is premium wine country so grab your buddies, book a tour and visit wineries without having to drive. Or, if you still want more time on a bike, check out Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours who offer tailored tours and tourist faves like their aptly named - Ride to Wine or Trails to Ales.
So what are you waiting for… grab a bike and come on down.
Written by Serena Kirby.
