Maydena Bike Park

Source: Simon McLaine

Maydena Bike Park

 

Welcome to the largest gravity park in the southern hemisphere. Located in the Derwent Valley, just over an hour’s drive north-west of Hobart, Maydena Bike Park has more than 62 trails and a massive 820-metre vertical elevation. Steep and technical for the most part, this park is best suited to experienced riders, though there are some family-friendly rides through the rainforest.

The park has a bike shop, bike hire, shuttles and a full workshop for mechanical repairs and services. Entry pass options vary; one option includes all-day shuttle uplifts.  Shuttles run to the summit 9.30am-4pm daily. A full range of Bike School lessons are scheduled daily, including Intro to Bike Park, Bike Park 101 and Learn to Fly.

The park has 75 kilometres of trail forming more than 62 individual trails, with more in development. Good starting points for amateur gravity riders are Pandani, Scandinavia and Regnans Ride, the world’s longest purpose-built beginner mountain bike trail. The Wilderness Trail offers intermediate riders 5.5 kilometres of uninterrupted track through lush forest, descending almost all 820 metres of the mountain and with only three trail crossings on the way. Maydena’s best-known trails for advanced riders include King Brown, a steep, berm-filled descending trail, Styx & Stones, a black diamond trail with plenty of line choices, and Yeah Gnar > Gnar Yeah, the steepest track at Maydena. Regardless of the trail, it’s a good idea to wear knee pads and a full-face helmet, particularly on the more difficult trails.

The MBP Canteen, beside the finish-area jump site, is an action-packed spot for lunch. The park’s second on-site café, The Summit, is located at 1100 metres at the top of the trail network and offers 360-degree views over the southwest wilderness.

Each year, Maydena Bike Park hosts Enduro Fest, a three-day event spanning racing, social riding, skills clinics, and entertainment.

Bike Park
Source: Kane Naaraat and Pinkbike.com

 

If you’ve already explored Maydena and Blue Derby and you’re looking for a new adventure, check these out:

Wild Mersey Mountain Trails

This network of more than 100 kilometres of trails near the north-west town of Latrobe is adventure riding at its best.
Expect serious switchbacks and flowy trails that take in peaks and descend to the Mersey River flats. Head further west to try the trails at Kelcey Tier, Penguin Mountain Bike Park, and the Dial Range.

West Coast MTB

The climate, geology and elevation of the trails in this remote region offer thrilling experiences, though fitness and self-sufficiency is required. For a wild ride, consider Oonah Hill Trail, the first purpose-built mountain bike trail on the west coast, or Sterling Valley Trail. With new trails being developed, this region is set to be the next big thing in Tasmanian mountain biking.

St. Helens MTB Trails

Located on Tasmania’s east coast, just an hour’s drive east of Derby, the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails spans a spectacular stretch of coastline and two trail networks: the Bay of Fires Trail, and the St Helens Stacked Loop Network. Whether you dream of shredding serious downhill, enjoy cross-country flow or seek a day of family fun, the island’s newest mountain bike destination has an experience for everyone.

There aren’t many places in the world where you can ride from the mountains to the sea. The Bay of Fires Trail starts high on the Blue Tier’s trailhead, near Derby, and ends on the east coast in the Bay of Fires Conservation Area. This epic 42-kilometre ride traverses rainforest and sub-alpine terrain, climbs through giant granite boulders and emerges on the white sand at Swimcart Beach. Riders should allow 4.5 hours to complete the trail, and carry everything that they might need, including water and food.  Given the trail length, e-bikes are a great choice for this ride. There’s a shuttle service from the town of St Helens to the trailhead near Derby.

Nearby, the St Helens Stacked Loop Network has scenic routes for all experience levels on 66 kilometres of trails and eight stacked loops. The trailhead is at Flagstaff, a few kilometres from St Helens, and it’s easily accessed via the signposted Townlink trail. Facilities at the trailhead include a bike hygiene station, toilets and The Lid café. From the trailhead, take Rock Lobster for a few sendy little jump lines, roll through Pearla’s berms and rollers or catch a shuttle to Loila Tier, the drop-off point at the top of the network. From Loila Tier, take Old Salty Dog, a gravity-fed ride along ridgelines and through granite outcrops and moss-covered gullies. Don’t miss the coastal views on the way down. 

The north-east fishing town of St Helens has a range of eateries and mountain bike services. Shuttle operators based here include Gravity Isle and St Helens MTB Adventures. Giant’s concept store hires and sells bikes. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, check out bike-friendly NRMA St Helens Waterfront Holiday Park, located just a short ride from the bottom of Townlink.  Refuel with waterfront fish and chips at the floating eatery Skippers, in the beer garden at The Social, or in the sleek surrounds of the Parkside Bar & Kitchen.

Thanks to Tourism Tasmania.  Find out more here.