Looking for family-friendly mountain biking trails that are safe and accessible but still super fun? We scoured the country to find the top mountain biking destinations in Australia that both kids and adults will enjoy.
No gnarly downhills or sketchy jumps – just plenty of easy-going trails with stunning views and guaranteed good times!
What makes a mountain biking destination "family-friendly"?
It's well documented that spending time with your family doing outdoor activities has numerous benefits for everyone involved.
From improved physical health to stronger relationships, family-friendly mountain biking destinations provide the perfect opportunity for families to bond and create lasting memories.
So what exactly makes a mountain biking destination suitable for families? Here are some key factors to consider:
- Beginner-level trails: Family-friendly destinations should have well-maintained and easy-to-navigate trails that are suitable for all skill levels, including young children
- Safe: Look for destinations with safety measures in place, such as marked routes, appropriate signage and designated areas for beginners
- Accessible: The location should be easily accessible by car or public transport, with ample parking and facilities nearby
- Facilities: A family-friendly mountain biking destination should have facilities such as restrooms, picnic areas, bike-wash stations and even bike rentals
- Scenery: Let's face it, if you're going to be spending a few hours on a bike, the views better be worth it! Look for destinations with picturesque scenery and natural beauty that the whole family can appreciate
Majura Pines, ACT
The Majura Pines trail network is one of the ACT’s oldest and most renowned mountain bike areas. It offers something for every level of rider, making it an excellent family destination.
With over 20 km of signposted trails, you and your family can easily navigate its storied paths. The Green Loop, which is 6 km long, is a particularly family-friendly bike trail.
Located right near the car park off Majura Parkway, this loop features easy going rides like The Flash and Crazy Crab Walk that are perfect for kids. There’s even a pump track named Majurassic Park where you can get your flow on!
All in all, Majura Pines is blessed with manageable climbs and easy navigation thanks to clearly marked green arrows. However, for families with more experienced riders, the Blue Loop offers a more challenging yet rewarding experience with famous trails like Planet Claire and Sleepy Hollow.
Rottnest Island, WA
Rottnest Island might be one of the most picturesque mountain biking destinations for families.
Surrounded by the sparkling Indian Ocean and boasting 63 beaches, this car-free paradise encourages exploration by bike, making it one of Australia's most bike-friendly locales. Also, quokkas!
There are three cycling routes for you and your family to choose from. From the 4 km Rotto Mini Loop to the 22 km Island Ride, there are options for all ages and fitness levels. Start your journey in The Settlement, where ferries from Perth and Fremantle arrive, and enjoy cruising the flat terrain as you admire the stunning beaches, bays and secluded coves.
The Island Ride takes you all the way to Cape Vlamingh. Here you can spot fur seals and drink in those breathtaking views from the cliffs. It's worth noting that while this route is family-friendly, it involves lots of exposed coastal sections, so make sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen!
Musgravea Track, QLD
When it comes to family-friendly mountain biking destinations that transport you to another time and place, Musgravea Track in Queensland is tough to beat.
The trail offers a perfect balance of scenic beauty, wildlife spotting opportunities and accessibility for all levels of riders. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just starting, the Musgravea Track has something for everyone.
Spanning a total of 6 km, it's actually an old logging path that winds its way through the lush World Heritage rainforest in Djiru National Park. The trail is relatively smooth and wide, with gentle undulations that make it suitable for all ages.
The highlight of this track is the high likelihood of spotting a Cassowary, a unique and majestic bird native to the region. Better yet, because there are car parks at either end of the trail, it's easy to take breaks and enjoy a picnic with the family.
Simpsons Gap Bike Path, NT
Northern Territory might not be your first pick for a family-friendly mountain biking destination, but Simpsons Gap Bike Path proves otherwise.
It's located between Alice Springs and Simpsons Gap, and it offers breathtaking desert adventures the whole family can enjoy.
The path is fully sealed and winds gently through the Alice Valley, showing off stunning views of rust-red mountains for kilometres on end. It's also perfect for all ages with its manageable terrain and minimal climbs, and the ghost gums and mulla mulla flowers found in the Tjorita/West MacDonnell National Park make for a beautiful setting.
Worried that your Simpsons Gap ride might be too strenuous for the kids? There are two shaded picnic tables along the way, complete with bike racks for convenient breaks.
For an additional exploration opportunity, you can take a short 1.8 km walking trail to Cassia Hill. The ride concludes at the stunning Simpsons Gap, where families can spot black-footed rock wallabies and take in the dramatic orange cliffs.
Melrose, SA
Spanning roughly 100 km, the Melrose bike network on the slopes of Mt Remarkable is divided into three main areas: Melrose Town Trails, Bartagunyah and Willowie Forest.
In our experience, the entire network offers a diverse range of trails suitable for different skill levels, making it the perfect destination for families looking to enjoy outdoor adventures together.
However, the Willowie Forest route, which is approximately 8 km north of Melrose, is particularly popular with families thanks to its flowing trails like Twisted Sisters. As opposed to some of the Town Trails sections, which can be more challenging due to their steep drops and exposed terrain, Willowie Forest is perfect for easy going riding.
The stunning backdrop is worth noting too, with majestic mountains and forests providing an incredible setting for your family adventure.
Atherton Tablelands, QLD
Atherton, located about an hour inland from Cairns at an elevation of 800 m, offers a perfect family-friendly destination with its extensive trail network and proximity to attractions.
The decommissioned railway corridor trail, stretching 20 km from Atherton to Walkamin via Tolga, features a gently graded surface suitable for riders of all ages. Families can enjoy nearby attractions like the Tolga Bat Hospital, Atherton’s Crystal Caves and Granite Gorge Nature Park in Walkamin.
Atherton itself is a small, sleepy town. There are bike tour companies, changing rooms and even bike-wash stations if you need them. It’s also the home of the first and only purpose-built mountain bike park in Tropical North Queensland, Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park.
The park’s intelligent trail design includes easier lowland trails and more challenging routes in the hills, ensuring families can easily mix it up depending on skill levels.
West Coast, TAS
Tasmania is known for its wild weather, history and pristine nature, all of which will be on full display during your family bike trip here.
The West Coast in particular offers a unique combination of rugged landscapes, exciting trails and cruisy riding options, making it the perfect destination for adventurous families seeking an unforgettable mountain biking experience.
Queenstown is a great base to start your ride, with plenty of bike shops, accommodations and dining options. From there you'll find numerous low-impact trails, such as the 1.8 km Ocean Beach Trail near Strahan and Zeehan. This trail has multi-use paths that are perfect for families and provide stunning views of the coast.
For more experienced riders, there are also options for shuttle-accessed trails and challenging descents. The iconic Natural Selection route on Mount Owen is a must-ride for advanced mountain bikers, with its gravity trail boasting plenty of opportunity to test your skills.
Bass Coast Rail Trail, VIC
Victoria's only coastal rail trail, just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, is a delightful family trail that blends scenic panoramic views and historical landmarks with rides suitable for all ages.
Known as the Bass Coast Rail Trail, it extends from Wonthaggi to the bus interchange at Anderson. You can start in Wonthaggi or Anderson, as all trails loop back to their starting point.
Families will find this trail particularly captivating as it winds through the historical Kilcunda coal-mining area and reaches the stunning Kilcunda Surf Beach. The 91-metre-long trestle bridge over Bourne Creek offers a breathtaking vantage point.
Beyond the bridge, the trail meanders through a unique mix of bush corridors and farmland, passing notable landmarks like the Wonthaggi Wind Farm and the abandoned McBride tunnel.
The final stretch into Wonthaggi is sealed and culminates at the old railway station, now a museum, providing an educational and enjoyable day out for the whole clan.
Bodalla State Forest, NSW
This charming NSW far south coast town is famous for its stunning beaches and excellent fishing. Recently, it's also become a celebrated mountain biking destination thanks to an extensive trail network in Bodalla State Forest.
Ideal for families, these trails offer a mix of easy and intermediate options, making them suitable for mum, dad and the wee ones. Rides like Kents, Seven to Two and Regroup weave through lush rainforests with picturesque creek crossings. It's easy to feel like you're in a different world!
Built by the dedicated Narooma MTB Club, the network has expanded by 70 km, featuring routes with catchy names like Shakey Goanna and Python's Path.
Families can enjoy hours of riding on both undulating and flat sections, all while spotting local wildlife such as birds, reptiles and wallabies.
To top it all off after a day of adventure, you’ll be stoked to know that Narooma's cafes, pubs and beautiful beaches are just five minutes.
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