Tuesday, June 21, 2022
A two-wheeled guide to the South West: Margaret River bike trails
There is incredible freedom to be found in biking. You’re seeing the world from such a unique angle – different from walking, different from driving, different from the air. It’s at once both relaxing and challenging, contemplative and fun, as you whizz through nature’s playground.
Upcoming biking events
Before we go any further with the best cycling and mountain biking spots, we must mention the most epic event for two-wheeled enthusiasts. The exceptionally popular Cape to Cape MTB will roll into town again from 20-23 October 2022. Entries are open now, but don’t leave it too late as spaces fill up quickly.
Cape to Cape MTB Event
A fun day out on a casual bike tour
If you’re looking for something entertaining to do with friends or family while on holiday, Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours has a number of fantastic rides to choose from: coasts, caves, cliffs, forests, twilight adventures, and even ones that meander from one winery to another. We particularly love ‘Trails to Ales’, ‘Family Half Day in the Forest’, and ‘Sunset and Forest Night Ride’. These local legends will supply everything you’ll need including helmets, full suspension mountain or electric bikes, 4WD transport to the trail, plus video and photos from the day out.
The best spots: Margaret River bike trails
There are few more perfect places for a mountain biking experience than the extraordinarily diverse landscape of the South West. Over the last decade, the region has made a real name for itself as one of the premier mountain biking regions of the world, and attracts people from far and wide. Here are just some of the great trails.
· Middle Earth
With a name like this, you’re right to expect an out-of-this-world experience – minus the hobbits and orcs! Start your journey near the Beerfarm on Gale Road, before tackling the twisting fast paths that looks like a heap of spaghetti from above. Then cap off your day back at the starting point with a refreshing brew at the Beerfarm.
Start: Gale Road, Metricup
Distance: 24km
Experience: Intermediate to advanced
Suitable for: Mountain bikes
· Wadandi Track
Stretching all the way from Busselton Jetty, down a long ribbon through some of the South West’s most iconic scenery, and ending at Vlam Road in Karridale. This is an iconic journey across gravel, dirt and sealed roads.
Start: Busselton Jetty precinct
Distance: 54km
Experience: All levels
Suitable for: Mountain bikes, plus sections for road bikes
Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours. Image by Jared Seng.
· Ten Mile Brook Trail
This track is easily accessible from Margaret River town, at Rotary Park. It’s an easy, well-marked ride which starts at the old steam engine, and has a winter and summer option due to changing water levels. Stop for a picnic and watch the river rush by as you cruise over the bridge.
Start: Carters Road, Margaret River
Distance: 15km
Experience: All levels
Suitable for: Mountain bikes. Shared trail with hikers and runners
Ten Mile Brook Trail @ericklaurentius
· Big Pine
The king of the celebrated ‘The Pines’ mountain biking and hiking trail. This 800m fast, flowing route offers plenty of jumps to get your fix of adventure. Pair this ride with a few others in The Pines network, and you’re in for a truly unforgettable day out.
Start: Carters Road, Margaret River
Distance: 800m
Experience: Intermediate to advanced
Suitable for: Mountain bikes
· Dunsborough Mountain Bike Park
At the northern end of Dunsborough, explore the various trails around the Dunsborough & Districts Country Club. From the easy downhill ‘Child’s Play’ perfect for families, through to the black diamond ‘Happy Myles’ with drops, jumps, and rock gardens. Note, there’s a $5 fee to ride here.
Start: Dunsborough & Districts Country Club
Distance: Varied
Experience: Varied
Suitable for: Mountain bikes
· Busselton to Dunsborough Bike Path
Seeing the world atop two wheels doesn’t mean you have to be biking feverishly on dirt tracks in speciality gear. You can also grab yourself a road bike and cycle the gentle flat paths that hug Geographe Bay. Check out the wide open vista between Dunsborough and Busselton, or even venture to Meelup for bays and bushland views.
Start: Anywhere along Geographe Bay
Distance: Varied
Experience: All levels
Suitable for: Road bikes. Shared path with walkers
Bike hire in the Margaret River region
The Hairy Marron at the northern end of Margaret River township is a one-stop shop, and a much-needed coffee break where you can lay down your wheels and rest amongst the trees. Hire a bike (first come, first serve basis) plus all the equipment you’ll possibly need, including maps. And if it’s your own bike that needs a service, The Hairy Marron’s expert mechanics can get you sorted. We also really like Life Cycle Bikes, just up the street on Station Road, Margaret River.
In Dunsborough, drop by Bike Shed or South West Boats and Bikes for mountain and road bike hire. In Busselton, there’s Busselton Bike Hire, and The Golden Jersey in Cowaramup.
Where to find more information
Biking is a hugely popular activity – and growing exponentially – in WA’s South West, so we’re fortunate to have access to lots of helpful information. Find out more at Trails WA, Margaret River Off-Road Cycling Association, Cape Mountain Bikers, and The Hairy Marron.
Enjoy an outdoorsy bike holiday in Western Australia’s South West. Browse our portfolio of luxury holiday homes.
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