The best MTB trails in Yarra Bend Park
4.5
(17)
417
riders
36
rides
Mountain biking in Yarra Bend Park offers a network of trails within an urban bushland setting, characterized by the winding Yarra River and its surrounding parklands. The terrain includes a mix of paved and unpaved paths, with gentle elevation changes suitable for various skill levels. This area provides accessible mountain biking opportunities close to Melbourne's city center, featuring river views and natural vegetation.
Best mountain bike trails in Yarra Bend Park
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) β Walmer Bridge loop from Kew, a 15.2 miles (24.5 km) trail that takes 1 hour 21 minutes to complete, offering a mix of riverside paths and urban parkland.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Tekt β Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) loop from Collingwood, a moderate 34.8 miles (55.9 km) path. This route navigates through diverse landscapes, including sections along the Yarra River and open park areas.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Annulus Billabong loop from Merri, a 13.5 miles (21.7 km) trail leading through riverine bushland and open parkland, often completed in about 1 hour 18 minutes.
- Mountain biking in Yarra Bend Park is defined by riverfront paths, urban bushland, and accessible parkland, with options for various ability levels from easy rides to more extended moderate routes.
- The routes in Yarra Bend Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 600 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Yarra Bend Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
5.0
(1)
11
riders
52.4km
03:05
240m
240m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
33.5km
01:52
220m
220m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
riders
16.9km
00:59
100m
100m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(2)
87
riders
47.1km
03:02
250m
250m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
55.9km
03:21
360m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Tips from the Community
Darebin Creek Bridge passes under Heidelberg Road at Sparks Reserve. Walkers and bikers passing under the road here can get right next to Darebin Creek and follow alongside it, headed either north or south.
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This pedestrian bridge over the Yarra River is part of the Darebin Creek Trail. Stop and look over the edge to get great views of the Yarra on its 242-kilometer journey from Mount Baw Baw to Port Phillip Bay.
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Willsmere Park sits beside the Yarra River on the edge of Yarra Bend Park, with open grassland, billabongs, remnant bushland, and shared riverside trails running through the reserve. The park forms an important wildlife corridor along the Middle Yarra and contains two of the last remaining billabongs in the lower reaches of the river floodplain. Itβs also a popular off-leash area, especially around the open lawns and riverside paths linking into the wider Yarra trail network.
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This bridge carries the shared path over the Yarra River alongside the M1, linking the Gardiners Creek Trail with the Capital City Trail on the opposite bank. The crossing runs parallel to the freeway, with traffic close by and the river below, giving it a more built-up feel than other sections of the trail network. Itβs a narrow, enclosed span that acts as a key connection point between major routes.
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The Plenty River flows 47 kilometres from Mount Disappointment south to the Yarra River. It is a beautiful river that is often paired with green spaces as it flows through urban areas that attract bushwalkers and mountain bikers and birdwatchers. At this location on the Plenty River Trail a pedestrian only bridge spans the river.
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This hill gives a view of Box Hill and far off downtown Melbourne.
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Bundoora Park is a large parkland in Melbourneβs northern suburbs, nestled along the upper reaches of Darebin Creek. There is plenty of open grassland, remnant bushland and wetlands, with a strong focus on conservation and recreation, including walking and cycling paths. The park is also home to a heritage farm and wildlife area, making it one of the more diverse green spaces in the region.
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Darebin Parklands is a beautiful bushland reserve in Alphington set within a natural bend of Darebin Creek. Surrounded by red gum woodland, the walking tracks and open grassy areas create a peaceful natural pocket close to the inner city. The parklands are also important for birdlife and ecological restoration, with ongoing efforts to protect and re-establish native vegetation along the creek corridor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are there in Yarra Bend Park?
Yarra Bend Park offers over 40 mountain bike trails, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and a few more challenging routes to explore.
What is the difficulty level of mountain bike trails in Yarra Bend Park?
The trails in Yarra Bend Park primarily range from easy to moderate. There are 12 easy routes, 31 moderate routes, and 2 more difficult options, ensuring there's something for every rider.
Are there family-friendly mountain biking options in Yarra Bend Park?
Yes, Yarra Bend Park has several family-friendly mountain biking options, particularly among its 12 easy-rated trails. These routes often feature gentle elevation changes and a mix of paved and unpaved paths, suitable for riders of different ages and abilities.
What are some good beginner mountain bike trails in Yarra Bend Park?
For beginners, trails with an 'easy' difficulty grade are recommended. An excellent option is the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) β Tekt loop from West Richmond, which is 21.1 miles (34 km) long and offers a manageable ride through urban parkland and riverside sections.
Are there any advanced mountain bike routes in Yarra Bend Park?
While most trails are easy to moderate, Yarra Bend Park does offer a couple of routes rated as difficult for those seeking more of a challenge. These routes typically feature more technical sections or longer distances. You can filter for 'difficult' trails on komoot to find these specific options.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the mountain bike trails in Yarra Bend Park?
The terrain in Yarra Bend Park is characterized by a mix of paved and unpaved paths, winding along the Yarra River and through urban bushland. You'll encounter gentle elevation changes, riverside views, and natural vegetation, providing a varied riding experience close to the city.
What can I see along the mountain bike trails in Yarra Bend Park?
Along the trails, you can discover several interesting landmarks and natural features. Keep an eye out for Dights Falls, the Parks Victoria Flying Fox Management Area, and historical crossings like Walmer Bridge and Fairfield Boathouse and Pipe Bridge.
Are there any good loop trails for mountain biking in Yarra Bend Park?
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Yarra Bend Park are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. A popular moderate loop is the Annulus Billabong loop from Merri, which covers 13.5 miles (21.7 km) through riverine bushland.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Yarra Bend Park?
Mountain biking in Yarra Bend Park is enjoyable year-round, but the cooler, drier months of autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) often provide the most comfortable riding conditions. Summers can be hot, so early mornings or late afternoons are preferable then.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about Yarra Bend Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the park's accessibility from Melbourne, the scenic riverside paths, and the variety of trails that cater to different skill levels, all within an urban bushland setting.
How long are the mountain bike trails in Yarra Bend Park?
Trail lengths vary significantly. You can find shorter rides, but also longer excursions like the Tekt β Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) loop from Collingwood, which is 34.8 miles (55.9 km) and typically takes around 3 hours 18 minutes to complete.
Is there public transport access to Yarra Bend Park mountain bike trails?
Yes, Yarra Bend Park is well-serviced by public transport, making it accessible from Melbourne's city center. Various tram and bus routes stop near different entry points to the park, allowing you to reach the trailheads without a car.
Are there cafes or facilities near the mountain bike trails in Yarra Bend Park?
Yes, Yarra Bend Park is located close to urban areas, so you'll find cafes and facilities nearby, particularly around the Fairfield Boathouse and in the surrounding suburbs of Kew, Collingwood, and Richmond. These spots are great for a pre-ride coffee or a post-ride refuel.
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