The best MTB trails in Mount Direction Conservation Area
3.8
(8)
193
riders
11
rides
Mountain biking in Mount Direction Conservation Area offers diverse terrain for riders of varying skill levels. The region features dense bushland, scenic reservoir views, and dedicated cross-country trails. While the Mount Direction summit track is for hiking, the surrounding areas like Risdon Brook Dam Reserve and Risdon Vale provide accessible cycling opportunities. These areas are characterized by gravel tracks, varied riding experiences, and panoramic views of kunanyi/Mount Wellington.
Best mountain bike trails in Mount Direction Conservation Area
- The most popular…
Last updated: May 23, 2026
6
riders
12.1km
01:06
250m
250m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
21.8km
01:14
120m
120m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
riders
13.6km
00:59
180m
180m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.0
(1)
16
riders
25.4km
02:37
740m
740m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(1)
13
riders
42.2km
03:36
820m
820m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Tips from the Community
The Cascades Female Factory is the most significant site in Australia linked to female convicts, offering insight into a part of history that’s often overlooked. Set along the Hobart Rivulet Track, the preserved yards and ruins help explain how women and children lived here during the colonial period. It’s one of eleven locations included in the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage listing. Entry to the site requires a ticket, with interpretive displays and facilities available on site.
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Cascade Gardens is a spacious, green park at the base of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, set around the Hobart Rivulet. Wide lawns, mature trees, and the sound of running water make it a calm place to spend time. There are picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, and a playground, with flat, easy paths throughout. It’s one of the more relaxed spots in Hobart, with plenty of space to spread out.
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Beautiful track, plus the resident platypus is to be seen
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The Cascades Female Factory opened in 1828 taking over the premises of a failed brewery in the foothills of Mount Wellington, and operated until 1856. Convicts were marched from the docks in Hobart to the prison in full view of free citizens -- who could taunt and ridicule the women as they passed -- as a form of humiliation. Once inside, women spent their days washing endless amounts of linen, sewing uniforms, and unravelling tarred lengths of rope to be resold to the shipyards -- among other exhaustive tasks -- until they were considered reformed enough to be hired out as maids or nannies to free citizens. Described as a dark, damp, bitterly cold place, where women suffered needlessly and infants (most of whom were conceived during work releases) died from malnutrition and neglect, the Cascades Female Factory now serves to educate the public about its tragic history and the horrific abuse that convicts endured.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are mountain bikes allowed on all trails in Mount Direction Conservation Area?
No, not all trails are open to mountain bikes. While the surrounding areas like Risdon Brook Dam Reserve and Risdon Vale offer excellent cycling opportunities, the challenging Mount Direction summit track is primarily designated for hiking, and bikes are not permitted there.
What kind of mountain bike trails can I find in the Mount Direction Conservation Area?
The area offers a mix of trails suitable for various skill levels. You'll find easy, family-friendly gravel tracks like the Risdon Brook Circuit, as well as more dedicated cross-country mountain bike loops with varied features in Risdon Vale. Overall, there are 11 mountain bike routes available, including 1 easy, 5 moderate, and 5 difficult options.
Are there any easy mountain bike trails suitable for families or beginners?
Yes, the Risdon Brook Circuit is an excellent option. This easy, 4.3 km gravel track circles the Risdon Brook Dam, offering a pleasant and accessible ride suitable for families, beginners, and those seeking a relaxed cycling experience. It's largely flat with only a couple of short, gentle climbs.
Where can I find more challenging mountain bike routes in the area?
For those seeking more challenge, the region offers several moderate and difficult routes. An example of a more demanding ride is the Queen's Domain loop from Hobart, which is a difficult 42.4 km trail. The Risdon Vale MTB Trail also features a 2 km cross-country loop with varied riding experiences.
What are the best places for panoramic views while mountain biking?
From the Risdon Brook Circuit, you can enjoy scenic views of kunanyi/Mount Wellington and Mount Direction itself. The bushland and reservoir scenery around Risdon Brook Dam also provide tranquil backdrops for your ride. Many routes in the area, such as the Koomela Bay loop from Lindwood, offer scenic vistas.
Are there any facilities available at the mountain biking spots?
Yes, the Risdon Brook Dam Reserve, which hosts the popular Risdon Brook Circuit, provides amenities such as public toilets, picnic huts, BBQ facilities, and a children's playground, making it a great spot for a day out.
Can I bring my dog on the mountain bike trails?
The provided information does not explicitly state regulations regarding dogs on mountain bike trails within the Mount Direction Conservation Area. It's always best to check local signage or the official website for specific rules on dog access before heading out.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Mount Direction Conservation Area?
The mountain bike routes in Mount Direction Conservation Area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.8 stars from around 8 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, from easy gravel tracks to more challenging cross-country loops, and the scenic bushland and reservoir views.
Are there any circular mountain bike routes available?
Yes, many of the trails in the Mount Direction Conservation Area are designed as loops. For example, the Pilchers Hill loop from Geilston Bay is a moderate 12.1 km route, and the Howrah Beach – Rosny Point Reserve loop from Lindisfarne offers an easy 21.8 km ride along coastal paths.
What kind of wildlife might I see while mountain biking?
Along the tracks leading towards the summit of Mount Direction, visitors may spot Bennett's Wallabies, adding a wildlife element to your outdoor adventure. The bushland setting also provides opportunities to observe various bird species.
How long do the mountain bike trails typically take to complete?
Trail durations vary significantly based on length and difficulty. For instance, the easy Risdon Brook Circuit can take 20-35 minutes. Longer routes like the moderate Cascade Gardens – Cascades Female Factory loop from Hobart might take around 2 hours 36 minutes, while the difficult Queen's Domain loop from Hobart could take over 3 hours.
Most popular routes in Mount Direction Conservation Area
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