Australia’s Best Trail Towns: Where to Ride, Hike, and Stay

If you’ve lived in Australia for more than five minutes, you already know we’ve got some of the best landscapes on the planet. From rainforest tracks to desert ridgelines, from alpine trails to coastal singletrack — this country is built for adventure. And while everyone loves a good beach weekend, there’s something about hitting the trails — bike or hiking boots — that feels like a proper escape.

Of course, any trail trip starts with a good setup. Whether you’re driving up the coast or heading into the bush, having a reliable way to carry your bikes is key. A sturdy towbar bike rack saves you from stuffing muddy tyres into the boot or wrestling handlebars through your back seat. Once you’ve got your transport sorted, all that’s left is to pick the right destination.

Here’s a guide to some of Australia’s best trail towns — the ones where you can ride, hike, and stay without ever feeling rushed to leave.

1. Bright, Victoria

Bright is one of those places that makes you wonder why you don’t live there. Surrounded by the Alpine National Park, this small Victorian town is a hub for mountain bikers, road cyclists, hikers, and paragliders — basically anyone who likes to move.

The Mystic Mountain Bike Park is the heart of it all, with trails ranging from mellow forest rides to gravity-fed descents that’ll have you grinning all the way down. If you’d rather explore on foot, there are plenty of hikes nearby, including the trek up Mount Buffalo for panoramic views that look like something from a postcard.

After a big day out, Bright Brewery and the town’s riverside parks are the perfect spots to unwind. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning chasing trails and the evening eating woodfired pizza by the river — which, honestly, sounds about right.

2. Derby, Tasmania

Once a quiet mining town, Derby is now a world-class mountain biking destination. The locals still seem a little amused by how famous it’s become, but they’ve leaned into it beautifully.

The Blue Derby Trail Network has put this tiny Tasmanian town on the map — and for good reason. Over 120 kilometres of singletrack weave through lush rainforest, rocky climbs, and fern-covered gullies. You can cruise a family-friendly loop one day and tackle the legendary Blue Tier Descent the next.

If you’re not riding, the nearby Blue Lake and Ringarooma River offer great spots for kayaking, swimming, or just cooling off after a long day in the saddle. Stay in a cosy cabin, grab dinner at the Dorset Hotel, and enjoy that perfect combo of small-town hospitality and big adventure energy.

3. Margaret River, Western Australia

Margaret River is famous for its wine — and fair enough — but locals know it’s just as incredible for trail lovers. Between the vineyards and the surf breaks lies a network of forest trails that wind through karri trees and wildflower-covered hills.

The Compartment 10 trails are a favourite for mountain bikers, while hikers can explore the Cape to Cape Track — a 123-kilometre coastal trail that offers some of the most stunning ocean views in the country. Don’t worry, you don’t have to walk the whole thing. Pick a section, pack a picnic, and take it slow.

Afterward, reward yourself with a glass of something local and a big meal — because let’s be honest, that’s half the reason to go to Margs in the first place.

4. Thredbo, New South Wales

Thredbo isn’t just for snow lovers. When the ski lifts shut down, the mountain transforms into a summer playground for hikers and riders. You can take the chairlift to the top of Australia’s highest mountain — Mount Kosciuszko — and walk to the summit in under two hours. The views from up there are the kind that remind you just how wild this country still is.

If you’re into mountain biking, Thredbo’s gravity trails are some of the best in the southern hemisphere. You can rent a full-suspension bike, load it onto the lift, and spend the day cruising down well-maintained runs that cater to both beginners and experienced riders.

Stay at one of the lodges in the village, soak in the spa, and enjoy the alpine air — even in midsummer, it feels crisp and clean.

5. Atherton, Queensland

If you’re chasing a tropical adventure, the Atherton Tablelands deliver the goods. Just 90 minutes from Cairns, the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park offers over 60 kilometres of purpose-built trails that twist through eucalyptus and rainforest terrain.

It’s hot, it’s humid, and it’s beautiful. The region is known for its waterfalls — Millaa Millaa, Zillie, and Ellinjaa are all close by — and they’re perfect for a post-ride dip. For a family-friendly option, the Peterson Creek Walking Track near Yungaburra is a peaceful hike where you might even spot a platypus if you’re lucky.

End the day with a local coffee (this area is one of Australia’s few coffee-growing regions) or a cold drink at a pub in town. Atherton’s mix of rainforest adventure and laid-back charm makes it an underrated gem.

6. Beechworth, Victoria

Just down the road from Bright, Beechworth deserves its own spotlight. This historic gold rush town has reinvented itself as a haven for foodies and trail lovers alike.

You can cycle the Beechworth to Everton Rail Trail or tackle the flowing singletrack at the Beechworth Mountain Bike Park. The nearby Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park also offers fantastic hiking with wildflowers, granite outcrops, and wildlife galore.

But here’s the real tip: don’t leave without stopping at the Beechworth Bakery. Trust me, you’ll earn every carb after a day on the trails.

7. Stromlo Forest Park, ACT

Canberra might not be the first place that comes to mind for outdoor adventure, but locals will tell you — Stromlo Forest Park is a hidden treasure.

Built after the 2003 bushfires, Stromlo has become one of Australia’s most impressive multi-sport facilities, with world-class mountain biking trails, a running circuit, and panoramic views from the summit.

You can rent bikes in the city, grab breakfast at the Handlebar café inside the park, and be on the trails within minutes. When you’re done, Canberra’s food scene — from Braddon’s hip eateries to the Old Bus Depot Markets — is right there waiting.

8. Alice Springs, Northern Territory

This one’s for the true adventurers. Alice Springs isn’t just red dirt and desert heat — it’s a mountain biking mecca that feels otherworldly.

The MacDonnell Ranges offer a rugged backdrop for over 200 kilometres of desert trails, many accessible right from town. The scenery changes by the hour: rocky ridgelines, dry creek beds, and those endless ochre landscapes that make you feel like you’re riding through a painting.

If you go in winter, the weather’s perfect. And when the sun goes down, you’ll understand why the outback sky has a reputation for stargazing — it’s like someone flipped a switch on the entire galaxy.

Find Your Town, Find Your Flow

Whether you’re chasing alpine air, tropical rainforests, or outback horizons, Australia’s trail towns each have their own rhythm — and their own rewards. You don’t need a long holiday or fancy gear. Just pack your sense of adventure, your hiking boots (or your bike), and hit the road.

Because at the end of the day, the best thing about exploring this country isn’t just the views — it’s how they make you feel: small, free, and absolutely alive.