An Incredible New Mountain Bike Park Opens in Tasmania
Until January 2018, Tasmania had several worthy claims to fame: world-class wineries, abundant hiking tracks through bounteous natural surrounds and a range of dedicated providores that carefully cultivate fresh and unique produce.
Now, the Apple Isle can add “Adventure Capital” to its list of accolades, thanks to the unveiling of the Maydena Bike Park in the island’s verdant Derwent Valley.
A mountain biker’s playground of 60 kilometres of gravity-focused trails snaking through the lush Tasmanian forest, Maydena Bike Path has already established the island as an adventure seeker’s ideal destination, with 40 trails that give a thrill to beginners or challenge the experienced. While the wild surrounds have been expertly tamed for your tracks, natural elements incorporated into the trails will continue to test your skills. Need a little boost?
If you’re ready to ride, here’s what you need to know about taking two wheels to Maydena.
Location
Maydena Bike Path is nestled in the Derwent Valley, an hour and a fifteen minutes’ drive northwest of Hobart. The nearest township is the quaint and quiet Maydena where locals are friendly – and ATMs can be as hard to spot as a Tasmanian Devil.
Seasonal variations
Opening hours vary depending on the season, with September to May offering a 9-5pm stretch (with shuttle bus operating hours taking riders to the top running from 10-4pm) and the winter season promising access from 10-4pm (with shuttle bus uplift hours from 11-3pm). The month of December is the only exception, with Monday-Friday extended “play” hours from 4-7pm. The park is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
What to expect
Crisscrossing through the rugged Tasmanian wilderness and descending from a stunning 820 metres, Maydena Bike Park accounts for all levels of rider, with trails ranging from green circle to pro-line classifications. Three trail types are available: flow (for smoother, flowing experience), technical (offering a more challenging irregular surface) and freeride (where jumping expertise is necessary).
A single day for an adult rider is $75, with multi-day passes available and uplift included.
Bike information
If you’re not planning to bring your own, a range of bikes are available to hire on-site at Maydena Bike Park for the duration of your stay.
For terrain as varied and unpredictable as Maydena’s outdoor flow trails as well as urban environments, eBikes give you a boost during tough ascents, while providing additional traction, power and control.
Facilities
As mentioned, facilities such as ATMs and phone reception aren’t a given in Maydena – and neither is a plethora of upmarket accommodation – so planning ahead is essential. Cafés in the area do accept card so cash isn’t always necessary but withdrawing a few bills if you’re travelling through Hobart is recommended.
The bike park offers two on-site cafés – one at the base and one at the summit – with varying hours and menu items, with card payments accepted at both.
Airbnb is a visitor’s best chance of sticking around to enjoy the trails, with a few self-contained and B&B alternatives to be found in advance.
