Spring is THE time for Mountain Biking on the Great Ocean Road! π΅ββοΈπΏ
π₯ G’day! After clocking up countless kays on the trails down the Great Ocean Road, I can tell you spring is absolutely prime time for mountain biking β mild weather, epic views, and trails that are just begging to be ridden!
π Why Spring?
Spring (September-November) is bloody perfect for mountain biking along the Great Ocean Road. The summer crowds haven’t hit yet, so you’ll often have entire sections of trail to yourself. The weather’s mild β usually 15-22Β°C β ideal for cranking up those coastal climbs without overheating. Plus, the bushland is lush and green after winter rains, and wildflowers are popping up everywhere! I’ve ridden in all seasons, and spring just hits different β the air is fresh, the grip on trails is primo, and you can smash out a big ride and still have energy for a cold bevvy at the pub afterwards.
π― Best Activities & Trails
You’re spoilt for choice here! For beginners, the Forrest Mountain Bike Trails are an absolute ripper β start with the Yaugher circuit, it’s about 20km of flowing singletrack that’ll get you hooked without killing you. If you’re after something more challenging, hit up the Otway Ranges where you’ll find the famous ‘Red Track’ β technical descents that’ll have your heart pumping! Last weekend I did the Anglesea Bike Park loop and the coastal views were insane β you can literally see the Southern Ocean while you’re riding. Don’t miss the Great Otway National Park trails either, especially around Lake Elizabeth. Each trail offers something different, from technical rock gardens to smooth berms that’ll make you feel like a pro!
π What to Pack
Right then, here’s your essential kit list! First up, a good quality mountain bike (duh!) β if you don’t have one, there are rental spots in Anglesea and Forrest. You’ll want a helmet (non-negotiable, mate!), gloves, and knee pads β the trails can be technical! Pack at least 2L of water per person, plus some snacks like muesli bars or bananas. Don’t forget your puncture repair kit and mini pump β I learned this the hard way 10km from nowhere! Sunnies and sunscreen are crucial even on cloudy days, and bring a light rain jacket β Victorian weather can change quicker than you can say ‘flat tyre’. A small first aid kit with band-aids and antiseptic wipes is smart too. Oh, and your phone for photos β these trails are Instagram gold!
π€οΈ Weather Tips
The Great Ocean Road weather can be tricky as! Spring mornings often start with coastal fog that burns off by 10am β perfect for a late morning start. Check the forecast before you go, but remember conditions can change fast in the Otways. I’ve started rides in sunshine and finished in proper rain! Layer up β start with a light base layer, add a long-sleeve jersey, and pack that rain jacket. The wind can pick up in the arvo, especially along exposed coastal sections. Best riding time is usually 11am-3pm when it’s warmest but not too hot. Avoid riding immediately after heavy rain β the clay-based trails get sketchy and you’ll damage the tracks. The BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) app is your best mate here β check both Torquay and Apollo Bay forecasts as conditions vary along the coast.
π Top Spots This Season
1. **Forrest MTB Park** – The absolute mecca! Over 60km of purpose-built trails. The ‘Blacksnake’ run is my favourite β fast, flowy, with jumps that’ll make you whoop with joy!
2. **Anglesea Bike Park** – Just 5 minutes from town centre. Perfect for families with green trails alongside black diamond runs. The coastal views from ‘The Lookout’ trail are worth the climb alone!
3. **Otway Estate Winery Trails** – Nothing beats finishing a ride with a wine tasting! They’ve got 15km of trails winding through vineyards β stunning and unique.
4. **Great Otway National Park** – Wild and rugged! The ‘Old Beechy Rail Trail’ is an easier 45km ride following an old railway route. Perfect for a full day adventure.
5. **Lorne Trail Network** – Smaller but mighty! The ‘Cora Lynn’ tracks offer challenging climbs with rewarding ocean views. Best tackled by intermediate riders.
π Practical Info
π Forrest MTB Park, 1 Grant St, Forrest VIC 3236
π From Melbourne, 2.5 hours drive via Princes Highway (M1). From Geelong, it’s about 1.5 hours. VLine runs buses to Forrest but they don’t carry bikes, so driving’s your best bet.
π° Most trails are FREE! Bike hire: $60-100/day. Forrest MTB Park day pass: $5 (honesty box system). Fuel and snacks budget around $50-80 for a day trip.
π Trails open dawn to dusk year-round. Best riding: 9am-4pm in spring. Forrest MTB Cafe open 8am-4pm weekends, 9am-3pm weekdays.
β±οΈ Minimum half-day for a decent ride. Full day recommended to explore multiple trail networks. Weekend trips allow you to hit 2-3 different spots.
π‘ Tips & Warnings
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Download Trailforks app before you go β cell reception is patchy in the Otways!
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Support local bike shops in Forrest and Anglesea β they’ve got the best local knowledge and trail updates.
β Don’t ride closed trails after rain β you’ll wreck them for everyone and risk fines!
β οΈ Watch out for wildlife! Kangaroos and wallabies often dart across trails, especially early morning and dusk.
π Ready for spring mountain biking adventures? π
#GreatOceanRoad #MountainBikingAustralia #MTBVic #ForrestMTB #OtwayTrails #BikeLifeAustralia #SpringRiding #OutdoorAdventure
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