Safety First:
Take responsibility for your safety and let someone know where you are going. I always carry hard copy maps in the forest, and I suggest you do the same. You never know when you are going to need to improvise and technology can be unreliable. Be prepared for the worst bad weather, fallen trees and mud so you'll be pleasantly surprised when it's sunny and glorious. Take water, snacks and whatever you need to fix your bike and keep dry and warm.
About these maps:
These routes can be downloaded to a phone or GPS device and used to guide you around the forest, although I take no responsibility for tracks being open. A lot of the more scenic tracks close during winter because their surface would be destroyed by 4WD traffic. All year round tracks can close for logging, which is another good reason to have a map rather than just following the line. They were also compiled on a computer, and have not been verified for GPS accuracy on the ground. If you have any issues please get in touch so that they can be updated. Detailed maps have been compiled using RidewithGPS.com
One of the main reasons I ride a fat bike is so I don't have to worry if my bike is up to the challenge of rough tracks. If you need to ask if a particular kind of bike is appropriate for a particular trail I can't give guarantees. More is dependent on how you ride than what you ride. The only things I can say with certainty are good brakes are a must, tyres need grip and test all of your gear before you need it.
Day Rides:
All of these rides start at 2WD accessible car parks and do not require car shuffles. Read the routes carefully as some are more difficult than others.
Toolangi Tall Trees
Bunyip Starter Pack
Hinterland Heaven
Reefton Road Loop
O'Shannassay Aqueduct [external link]
Multiday Bikepacking Routes
All of these routes present challenges in their own right. It is important that you have some experience with the sport and/or a decent level of fitness before attempting these adventures. It is always better to ride with a friend. Do not be fooled by the distances or pretty pictures, the satellite GPS data regularly underestimates the steepness of pinch ascents and descents. There is a big difference between 10km on a sealed, flat road and 10km up a rough 4WD track. There will almost always be some hike-a-bike involved. It is assumed you know what you are doing, are using adequate equipment, and are aware of the risks involved.
Ada Bunyip Chronicle [detailed, external link]
The Finn and Aidan Show
Road Bikes Off Road
The First Ride to Tanglewood
Toolangi in the Bush [guest route]
Six Mountains (unridden)
Other Rides
Jamieson Insanity [difficulty: extreme]
Not quite a day ride, not quite a multiday route, this is bonkers and so are you if you want to ride this. They call it Mt Terrible for a reason.
Braidwood to Bairnsdale [map only]
Ridden in January 2018 as part of Extracurricular Ride #1 (click for story)
Add Your Routes
Been riding in the Great Forest National Park? Want to share your route and your adventure with the world? Get in touch!