The best MTB trails in Silvan Reservoir
4.0
(4)
28
riders
4
rides
Mountain biking in Silvan Reservoir offers a diverse landscape at the base of the Dandenong Ranges, characterized by impressive eucalypt forests and tranquil fern gullies. The area provides scenic backdrops with views of the Silvan Reservoir and the broader Yarra Valley. Trails often wind through native vegetation, including peppermint and messmate eucalypts, with some sections offering challenging features like climbs with switchbacks and flowy descents. This region serves as a significant access point to a network of mountain bike trails catering to various skill levels.
Best mountain bike trails in Silvan Reservoir
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail – Owl Land Reserve loop from Mount Evelyn, a 28.9 miles (46.5 km) trail that takes 3 hours 57 minutes to complete, offering a moderate ride through varied terrain.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Kalorama Lookout – Montrose Christmas Tree Farm loop from Montrose, a difficult 13.6 miles (21.9 km) path featuring significant elevation gain and scenic lookouts.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Granite Track Summit – Stock Yard Gates loop from Belgrave, a 12.9 miles (20.7 km) trail leading through forested areas, often completed in about 1 hour 58 minutes.
- Mountain biking in Silvan Reservoir is defined by eucalypt forests, fern gullies, and views of the reservoir and Dandenong Ranges. The network offers options for moderate and difficult routes, ensuring a challenge for various skill levels.
- The routes in Silvan Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 5 reviews. More than 50 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Silvan Reservoir's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
5.0
(3)
23
riders
46.5km
03:57
430m
430m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
3
riders
30.1km
03:25
1,070m
1,070m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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45.6km
03:13
480m
480m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
33.9km
03:11
760m
760m
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
Running through Birdsland Reserve, Blackwood Walk is a short multi-use trail linking into the wider network toward Lysterfield Park. The track is shared by walkers, runners, and mountain bikers, and connects easily into longer loop routes across the reserve.
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Birdsland Reserve spans around seventy-five hectares of open hills, small lakes, and sections of bushland along Monbulk Creek. The landscape shifts between exposed grassy slopes and more sheltered creekside areas, with birdlife active around the water and occasional kangaroos in the open sections. Tracks range from flatter paths near the lakes to steeper climbs across the hills, with wider views across the surrounding area.
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Located within Birdsland Reserve, this retarding basin is a broad, open floodplain designed to manage water flow along Monbulk Creek. When dry, it forms a wide grassed space with open sightlines and a more exposed feel compared to the surrounding forested tracks. The creek runs through the basin, with changing water levels depending on rainfall. After wet periods, sections can become muddy or hold water, altering access across the area.
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The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is open every day, except for Tuesday, from 10 am to 4:30 pm. The gardens are very impressive, spanning 50 hectares, and there's a gift shop, restrooms, and a café on-site as well.
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Collier Reserve has a carpark, a little creek running through it, a long line of trees and bushes that curtains off a big grassy area, and metal arches that go over the bike trail. This metal arch is an art installation made of bike parts welded together. There's a bike repair station and a few bike paths accessible from here, including the Blind Creek Trail, Burnwood Highway Trail, and Stud Road Trail.
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Fairpark Reserve is a large green space, with the paved Blind Creek Trail running through its center. This park is home to a large football oval, a cricket pavilion, a cricket net, netball courts, and a playground.
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This trailhead for the Blind Creek Trail is the eastern terminus for the trail, and where it meets the Ringwood-Belgrave Rail Trail. The Blind Creek Trail spans 11 kilometers west from this point.
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Woolrich Lookout is a lovely spot with views across the forested slopes of the Dandenong Ranges, with layers of trees extending into the distance. There is a small gazebo-style shelter here, making it an ideal place to relax and take in the view. Though it sits just off the track, it still feels like a quiet, tucked-away stop along the loop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available in the Silvan Reservoir area?
The komoot guide features 6 mountain bike trails in the Silvan Reservoir area. These routes cater to various skill levels, with options ranging from moderate to difficult.
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails around Silvan Reservoir?
You'll find a diverse mix of terrain, including dedicated single trails and management vehicle tracks. Many trails are built on hard-packed clay, offering natural flow, berms, and elevated dirt mounds. Riders can also expect features like rock armoring, small jumps, ruts, steeper lines, and logs. The trails wind through impressive eucalypt forests and tranquil fern gullies, providing scenic backdrops.
Are there challenging mountain bike trails in Silvan Reservoir?
Yes, the Silvan Reservoir area offers several challenging mountain bike trails. For instance, the Kalorama Lookout – Montrose Christmas Tree Farm loop from Montrose is a difficult 21.9 km path with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Burkes Lookout loop from Montrose, which covers 33.5 km with over 1100 meters of ascent.
Are there any moderate mountain bike trails suitable for intermediate riders?
Absolutely. The Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail – Owl Land Reserve loop from Mount Evelyn is a popular moderate trail, spanning 46.5 km. Another good option is the Granite Track Summit – Stock Yard Gates loop from Belgrave, a 20.7 km moderate route through forested areas.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about the trails in Silvan Reservoir?
The trails in Silvan Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, engaging features like flowy sections and technical challenges, and the beautiful natural scenery of eucalypt forests and fern gullies with views of the reservoir.
Are there any loop trails for mountain biking in Silvan Reservoir?
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in the area are designed as loops. Examples include the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail – Owl Land Reserve loop, the Kalorama Lookout – Montrose Christmas Tree Farm loop, and the Granite Track Summit – Stock Yard Gates loop, all offering circular routes for a complete riding experience.
What are the access points for mountain biking in the Silvan Reservoir area?
Two dedicated access points for mountain biking are available: Silvan Reservoir Park (Lower Picnic Ground) and Olinda Creek Road (Track 13) Carpark. Both are equipped with trail information boards to help you plan your ride.
What are the best times to go mountain biking in Silvan Reservoir?
The area is enjoyable for mountain biking throughout much of the year. The open canopy in some areas allows sunlight to dry out trails, making for pleasant riding conditions even in winter. However, after heavy rain, some trails, particularly fire roads, can become muddy. Checking local conditions before you go is always recommended.
Are there any amenities available at Silvan Reservoir Park?
Yes, Silvan Reservoir Park offers a range of amenities, especially at its beautifully landscaped picnic areas. You'll find facilities such as barbecues, toilets, picnic tables, and even an adventure playground at Cypress Picnic Area, making it suitable for family outings.
Can I combine mountain biking with other activities at Silvan Reservoir?
Absolutely. The park surrounding Silvan Reservoir is excellent for various outdoor activities. Besides mountain biking, you can enjoy walking on trails like the Stonyford Creek self-guided nature trail or the Messmate Walking Trail, have a picnic, or go birdwatching. The reservoir itself provides serene water views.
Where can I find more information about mountain bike trails in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, which includes Silvan Reservoir?
For broader information on mountain bike trails within the Dandenong Ranges National Park, you can visit the official Parks Victoria website: Parks Victoria - Mountain Bike Trails.
Most popular routes in Silvan Reservoir
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