YOUR GUIDE TO GREAT BIKE TRAILS IN NT

The Northern Territory is known for arid terrain that is unlike any other in Australia – and the best part is it’s great for mountain biking. We put together the following guide to give you a heads up on some of the awesome trails the Northern Territory is home to.

Araluen Mountain Bike Trails

Where: Alice Springs Kampari Scout Hall, NT

Difficulty level: Easy, Intermediate

The Araluen Mountain Bike Trails include 15 km of singletrack set amongst the Macdonnell Ranges. The MacDonnell Ranges track features incredible views, flowing tracks and some difficult rock gardens. The arid rangeland terrain provides great conditions for mountain biking and is a track you will remember. These trails are suitable for a range of riders, and offers an opportunity for more experienced cyclists to get in some high energy pedalling on the difficult terrain.

Simpson’s Gap Bicycle Path

Where: Flynn’s Grove (7km from Alice Springs)

Difficulty level: Easy, intermediate

This 17km off-road track starts 7km out of Alice Springs at Flynn’s Grave and travels to Simpson’s Gap. The path winds through river red gum woodlands, mulga shrublands and past rocky hillsides until you come out at the spectacular waterhole of Simpson’s Gap. This trail is suitable for anyone with a reasonable fitness level, including families, but remember to take plenty of water and don’t tackle this track on very hot days. If you are riding with a family you should allow yourself 4 hours to complete this track.

Charles Darwin Main Track

Where: Winnellie, NT

Difficulty level: Easy, Intermediate

The Charles Darwin Main Track is located in the Charles Darwin National Park and is accessible from 8am–7pm 7 days a week. This track consists of 9 km of technical singletrack featuring switchbacks, hairpins, steps, logs and rocks. In the wet season back sections of this track are susceptible to flooding and will be impassable during wet and high seasons and during periods of high tides. There are varied length routes you can take in this area, a few of which have been mapped by Darwin Off Road Cyclists. These range from 9 km to 20 km for those who are keen for a workout.

Rapid Creek Bridge to Dripstone Park

Where: Rapid Creek, Darwin Northern Suburbs

Difficulty level: Easy

Hook up your bike racks and take the family out for a day of exploration in Darwin. There are a variety of cycleways you can choose from, including both sealed and unsealed roads. A great path to try out is the Rapid Creek Bridge to Dripstone Park trail. This path takes you through the estuaries of the Casuarina Coastal Reserve and features sandy beaches, sandstone cliffs and shady casuarina trees.

Feature image source: Tensaibuta

Macdonnell Ranges image source: Lisa Mayne

Rapid Creek image source: Fernando de Sousa