Mountain Bike the Ada Tree Loop

The public roads that criss-cross the State Forest country south of the Warburton township provide interesting and relatively easy mountain biking opportunities.

We strongly suggest that you take a good map with you on these rides – the ROOFTOP series is good – available from COG Bike Cafe, Warburton. All the forest roads mentioned in these ride descriptions are sign-posted.

Ride difficulty: 3

Bikes: mountain, cyclo X

Day 1, 34km

- From Warburton, ride approximately 6km out to Big Pat’s Creek Road, east of Warburton on Riverside Drive.

- Ride Big Pat’s Creek Rd and continue on Mississippi Rd.

- 7.7km from Riverside Drive, turn Right onto Braham’s Rd.

- 5.4km from Mississippi Rd, turn left onto Big Creek Rd.

- 3.9km from Big Creek Rd, turn right onto Federal Rd, and ride 2.8km to the Ada Tree car park. From there, it is a 1km walk to the Ada Tree.

- Return 2.8km on Federal Rd, and turn left onto Big Creek Rd.

- Pass the intersection with Braham’s Rd, and proceed 5.4km to Starling’s Gap. Here, you have the option of camping the night at Starling Gap camping site or proceeding on to return to Big Pat’s Creek and Warburton.

Day 2, 19km

- 50m west of Starling Gap, turn right into Smyth Creek Road then turn left onto Big Pats Creek Road, and return to Riverside Drive. From Starling Gap to Big Pats Creek Rd is approximately 13km.

- Return to Warburton via Riverside Drive – approximately 6km.

For bike hire, sales and repair:

- Yarra Valley Cycles, 108 MAIN Rd Lilydale

- COG Bike Cafe, Trail-side, Warburton Station site (Thursday-Sunday)

For tourist information and details of local rides:

- Waterwheel Visitor Information Centre, 3400 Warburton highway, Warburton – call 03 5966 9600

- Yarra Valley Cycles, 108 Main St Lilydale – call 03 9735 1483

- COG Bike Cafe, Trail-side, Warburton – call 03 5966 2213 Thursday-Sunday

*Ride difficulty:

We have indicated a level of difficulty for each ride based upon the following ratings

1. Basic cycling fitness required. Could ride flat or gently undulating surface for 1 – 2 hours

2. Moderate fitness required. Could ride some hills and a duration of over 2 hours

3. More advanced fitness level required. Could ride long distances and climb hills over extended periods

4. High levels of fitness required. Competition-level fitness, can maintain constant high-level output, well developed muscular and cardiovascular ability