Best MTB Trails Near Hobart: From Beginner to Advanced

Hobart, Tasmania, is a mountain biker's paradise, offering an incredible diversity of trails that cater to every skill level, from gentle scenic rides perfect for families to adrenaline-pumping descents for seasoned shredders. With the majestic kunanyi/Mount Wellington as its backdrop and a network of purpose-built parks, Hobart provides an unparalleled mountain biking experience. This guide will help you navigate the best trails around Hobart, ensuring you find your perfect ride.

Getting Started: Beginner-Friendly Trails

For those new to mountain biking or looking for a relaxed ride, Hobart offers several fantastic options that combine scenic beauty with manageable terrain.

Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park – The Perfect Starting Point

The Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park is an excellent choice for beginners and families. Located at the top end of Tolosa Street, this free public facility boasts a range of trails specifically designed for entry-level riders.

• Beginner's Luck: As the name suggests, this trail is ideal for those finding their feet. It's a relatively flat loop with a firm, wide trail surface and minimal obstacles, allowing riders to build confidence.

• Merton Loop (Easy/Intermediate): A gentle ride along singletrack and fire trails, winding through native grassland and open forest. It's a great next step for those comfortable with Beginner's Luck.

The park provides a safe and engaging environment to develop basic mountain biking skills with well-maintained tracks and clear signage.

Meehan Range – Eastern Shore Gems

The Meehan Range on Hobart's Eastern Shore offers a network of trails with some accessible options for beginners. While many trails here lean towards intermediate, you can find gentler sections.

• Car Park Connector & New Friends: These shorter tracks offer a taste of the Meehan Range without too much challenge, providing a good warm-up or quick spin.

• Hobbit Loop: A shorter loop with minimal elevation change, suitable for building confidence on varied terrain.

Always check the latest trail conditions, as some Meehan Range trails can become more challenging after rain.

Pipeline Track (kunanyi/Mount Wellington)

The picturesque Pipeline Track is a wide, family-friendly track that follows Hobart's still-functioning water supply system, which was established in the 1860s. Starting at Fern Tree, it winds gently around the southern slopes of kunanyi/Mt Wellington for 12.7 km, with an out-and-back ride clocking up nearly 25km! 

Sharing the track with other nature lovers, including walkers and trail runners, a ride along the Pipeline Track will reward you with fresh mountain air, mossy gullies, tall gums, waterfalls and spectacular views across the Derwent estuary.

If you don’t have a car, you can access the track via the kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus to Fern Tree, costing an extra $10 to bring your bike.

Stepping Up: Intermediate Challenges

Ready to push your limits a little further? Hobart's intermediate trails offer more varied terrain, some climbing, and faster descents.

kunanyi/Mount Wellington – North-South Track

The North-South Track on kunanyi/Mount Wellington is a must-do for intermediate riders. This iconic 11km trail descends from The Springs (approximately 720m above sea level) into the Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park.

• Self-guided Adventure: The North-South Track is almost entirely downhill, offering a thrilling, continuous descent with diverse terrain. You'll pass through towering eucalyptus forests, duck under giant ferns, and enjoy stunning views.

• Accessibility: Shuttle services are available from Hobart to The Springs, making it easy to enjoy the downhill flow without a strenuous climb to the start. Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures offers bike hire and shuttle services for this popular route.

While mostly downhill, expect some climbing on connecting fire roads if you choose to explore further within the Glenorchy MTB Park network.

Meehan Range – Flowing Singletrack

The Meehan Range truly shines for intermediate riders, with a vast network of singletrack trails offering a mix of climbs and descents.

• Flow Monster/Eat Your Greens Long Loop: As the name suggests, this 4.5km trail provides a fantastic flowing experience with berms and rollers.

• K’s Choice: A two-way trail that connects the Skyline Firetrail to Clarence MTB Park. Use it to access the “Backcountry Trails” or ride it both ways.

• Corkscrew Descent: Descend from the Skyline Firetrail via this twisting, turning descent. This is a good trail to pair with K’s Choice.

The Meehan Range offers diverse terrain, from technical rocky sections to smooth, fast singletrack. It’s an excellent spot for riders looking to improve their handling skills.

Pushing the Limits: Advanced and Expert Trails

For experienced mountain bikers seeking technical challenges, significant climbs, and exhilarating descents, Hobart and its surrounding regions deliver.

Maydena Bike Park – Gravity Rider's Heaven

Located about 1.5 hours west of Hobart, Maydena Bike Park is a world-class gravity-focused park designed for intermediate to expert riders. With over 85 trails and 820m of vertical elevation, it's a true playground for those who love downhill.

• Uplift Services: Maydena offers continuous shuttle bus services to the summit and midline trailheads, maximising your downhill time.

• Diverse Trails: From fast, flowing jump trails to highly technical rocky descents and challenging freeride lines, Maydena has it all. It’s recommended to have an enduro or downhill bike, full-face helmet, and guards, all of which are available for hire on-site.

While there are some beginner and intermediate trails on the lower mountain, Maydena truly caters to those looking for an adrenaline fix.

kunanyi/Mount Wellington – Technical Descents

Beyond the North-South Track, kunanyi/Mount Wellington offers more challenging descents for advanced riders. Many of these require good technical skills due to rocky terrain, steep gradients, and natural obstacles.

• Drops: A technical trail with multiple drops and steep, loose, rocky chutes. 

• Tip Top: An old school, narrow, singletrack. Multiple technical features are interspersed with a more moderate traversing trail. This trail can be used to access the plethora of trails built above Cascade Brewery.

Always exercise extreme caution and check trail conditions before attempting these more advanced routes, as weather on kunanyi can change rapidly.

Essential Mountain Biking Tips for Hobart

• Check Conditions: Weather on kunanyi/Mount Wellington can change quickly. Always check forecasts and trail conditions before heading out.

• Share the Trails: Many trails around Hobart are shared with walkers and trail runners. Always be courteous, announce your presence, and give way to others. Horses have priority, then walkers, then mountain bikers.

• Safety First: Wear an approved helmet and appropriate protective gear. Carry a mobile phone, map, water, and basic repair tools. Let someone know your route and estimated return time.

• Leave No Trace: Stick to marked trails, take all your rubbish with you, and avoid riding in muddy conditions to prevent trail erosion.

• Local Clubs: Consider joining local clubs like the Hobart Wheelers Dirt Devils. They organise events and group rides, and they are a great way to connect with the local mountain biking community.

Hobart's mountain biking scene is vibrant and accessible, offering world-class experiences right on the city's doorstep. Whether you're a beginner keen to try something new or an expert chasing the next thrilling descent, Hobart has a trail waiting for you. So grab your bike, embrace the adventure, and explore the stunning landscapes Tasmania has to offer!