Where can I go mountain bike riding?
There are many thousands of kilometres of roads and tracks suitable for mountain bike riding and riders are welcome to use most areas of State forests in Victoria. The majority of opportunities are along existing State forest roads. Many of these roads wind through picturesque forest with little traffic.
Mountain bike riding is also allowed in some national parks and other reserves, where it does not pose a significant conflict with conservation and the use of these areas by other visitors. Due to some differences in regulations between these national, state, coastal and other parks, to avoid disappointment it is best to check with Parks Victoria.
Where can't I ride?
In State forests, mountain bikes are generally not permitted on walking tracks or vehicular tracks. Walking tracks are managed for walkers and are not available for use by bicycles. Use of certain areas such as reference areas, operational logging coupes, and operational firewood coupes are also not encouraged. These limitations are in place to
• protect significant and environmentally sensitive areas
• for your safety
• to minimise potential conflict with other users
• to prevent soil erosion
It is very important that riders co-operate to ensure compliance in these matters. For restrictions on mountain bikes in national parks and reserves, contact Parks Victoria for further information.
When are permits required?
In State forests, permits are required for:
• Events that are of a competitive nature or that may pose a risk to public safety
• commercial events (ie. entry fees apply, prize money involved)
• club or group activities involving more than 30 bikes
• any activity involving constructions or the marking of a course
• any activity requiring the total or near total exclusive use of a picnic or campgrounds.
To apply for a permit, please contact Parks Victoria at least four weeks prior to the event for non competitive events and at least 12 weeks prior to the event for competitive events.
The mountain bike code
To ensure safe riding with minimal environmental impact, please observe the following: