The best MTB trails around Melbourne

There are 10 mountain bike trails detailed in this guide for the Melbourne area, offering a variety of experiences for riders.

Yes, Melbourne offers several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners. Half of the routes in this guide are classified as easy, providing gentle terrain and manageable distances. For example, the Solar System Cycle Route – Solar System Cycleway loop from Skipwith is an easy 27.7 km path with minimal elevation gain.

While there are no trails classified as 'difficult' in this guide, there are 5 moderate routes that offer more of a challenge. These trails feature greater elevation changes and longer distances, such as the Millington Wood Nature Reserve – Fridaythorpe Pond loop from Pocklington, which covers 68.4 km with over 500 meters of ascent.

Melbourne's mountain bike trails feature diverse terrain, including flat paths along waterways, common land, and routes through nature reserves. You'll find a mix of open landscapes and wooded areas, with generally low elevation changes on easier routes, and more significant climbs on moderate trails.

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Melbourne are circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Melbourne Arms – Allerthorpe Common loop from Allerthorpe and the Top Lock – Pocklington Canal Lock loop from Pocklington.

The mountain bike trails in Melbourne are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.7 stars. Riders often appreciate the varied terrain, from canal paths to common land, and the options available for different skill levels.

Yes, the easier trails are generally suitable for families. Routes like the Solar System Cycle Route – Solar System Cycleway loop from Skipwith, with its dedicated cycleway and minimal elevation, provide a safe and enjoyable experience for riders of all ages.

Several trails pass by interesting points of interest. You can explore the historic Pocklington Canal, or visit the tranquil Burnby Hall Gardens. The Wood Gate – View of Millington – Millington Wood Nature Reserve loop from Pocklington offers views of Millington Wood Nature Reserve.

While specific crowd levels can vary, exploring trails that venture into nature reserves or common land, such as the Melbourne Arms – Allerthorpe Common loop from Allerthorpe, can often provide a more serene riding experience away from busier paths.

Ride durations vary significantly depending on the trail and your pace. You can find shorter rides, like the Top Lock – Pocklington Canal Lock loop from Pocklington which takes about 1 hour, or longer excursions such as the Millington Wood Nature Reserve – Fridaythorpe Pond loop from Pocklington, which can take over 4 hours.

While specific public transport links to every trailhead are not detailed in this guide, many trails are accessible from towns like Pocklington and Allerthorpe, which may have local bus services. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific starting points.