The best traffic-free bike rides in Kinglake National Park

Kinglake National Park offers a good selection of dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails. This guide features 5 routes, ranging from moderate to difficult, ensuring a quiet and immersive experience away from vehicles.

The no-traffic gravel bike trails in Kinglake National Park are generally considered challenging. While there is one moderate route, the majority are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation gains and diverse terrain. Riders should expect climbs with gradients around 10% in sections.

You can expect a varied terrain on the no-traffic gravel trails. Routes often combine sealed back roads with unpaved sections, including some technical areas with rocky and loose gravel. The park is characterized by tall eucalypt forests, cool fern gullies, and exposed sections offering panoramic views.

Given the diverse terrain, which includes loose gravel and some technical sections, it is recommended that riders use tires 48mm or wider for optimal performance and comfort on Kinglake National Park's gravel trails.

Spring is particularly beautiful with wildflowers adorning the park, including orchids and lilies. Winter offers a different charm, with opportunities to discover fungi, mosses, and lichens. Generally, the park is enjoyable year-round, but checking local weather conditions before your ride is always advisable.

While many trails in Kinglake National Park are rated as difficult due to significant climbs, some sections or shorter loops might be suitable for families with older, experienced riders. For example, the Western Lookout – Southern Lookout loop from Christmas Hills is a moderate option that could be considered, though it still involves some elevation.

Kinglake National Park offers stunning natural features and panoramic views. You can expect breathtaking vistas of the Melbourne skyline, Port Phillip Bay, and the Yarra Valley from various lookouts like Mount Sugarloaf. Masons Falls is a prominent attraction with water cascading over ancient mudstone walls. The park is also rich in biodiversity, with tall eucalypt forests, fern gullies, and abundant wildlife.

As a national park, Kinglake National Park has strict regulations regarding pets to protect its native wildlife. Generally, dogs are not permitted on trails within the national park, including gravel bike trails. It's always best to check the official Parks Victoria website for the most current regulations before planning your visit.

Parking is available at various access points around Kinglake National Park. Depending on your chosen route, you might find parking near starting points like Christmas Hills or St Andrews. Always ensure you park in designated areas and check for any specific parking regulations or fees.

The no-traffic gravel bike trails in Kinglake National Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the challenging climbs, the rewarding panoramic views, and the immersive experience of riding through diverse forests and fern gullies away from vehicle traffic.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel bike routes in Kinglake National Park are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the challenging Mount Everard – Mount Beggary loop from St Andrews or the Big Hill – Western Lookout loop from Christmas Hills.

While the trails themselves are within the natural environment, the towns surrounding Kinglake National Park, such as Kinglake, St Andrews, or Yarra Glen, offer various cafes, pubs, and accommodation options where you can refuel and relax after your ride.