Mountain Biking Statistics in Australia

Over 470,000 people participated in mountain biking in Australia in 2024.

• In 2014, only about 150,000 Australians participated in mountain biking, growing to 341,900 by 2019.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, mountain biking participation remained stable as an outdoor solo activity with 340,000 participants in 2020
• Participation peaked at approximately 754,000 in 2023 (including about 647,000 adults and 107,000 children).
• In 2024, over 470,000 people participated in mountain biking in Australia. *Note: The 2023–2024 data are not directly comparable to 2015–2023 due to differences in data collection methods, as per the Australian Sports Commission.*

Australians spend over $900 million annually on mountain biking in 2024, contributing to the economy through equipment purchases, travel expenses, events, and tourism.

• In 2019, mountain bikers spent an estimated $630.8 million per year in direct expenditure.
• The economic impact has grown from approximately $300 million in 2014 to over $900 million in 2024.
• This spending supports over 6,000 full-time equivalent jobs nationwide.

Where is the Best Mountain Biking in Australia?

Australia offers several world-class mountain biking destinations, with Blue Derby in Tasmania emerging as one of the premier locations with over 30,000 MTB visitors annually.

• Stromlo Forest Park, ACT sees extremely heavy use with over 500,000 visits per year for cycling and running, making it one of the most intensively used trail networks in Australia.
• Thredbo MTB Park, NSW is Australia’s only lift-accessed downhill bike park, attracting thousands of riders each year and hosting the popular Cannonball Festival with approximately 750 racers.
• Smithfield & Atherton, Queensland offers world cup-level rainforest trails that hosted the 2017 World Championships and the international Crankworx festival in 2022-2023.
• Victorian High Country (Bright, Falls Creek, Mt Buller) features extensive alpine trail networks and hosts national championships.

Best Mountain Biking Parks and Regions by Experience Level

Australia offers mountain biking terrain suitable for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly trails to expert-only downhill tracks.

For Beginners:

• Lysterfield Park, Victoria offers family-friendly loops ideal for novice riders.
• Rail trails across Australia, such as the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail in Victoria, provide off-road riding with minimal technical difficulty.
• Green-grade trails at major trail centers offer accessible entry points for new riders.

For Intermediate Riders:

• The vast majority (approximately 82%) of Australian MTB trails are intermediate (blue-grade) in difficulty.
• You Yangs Regional Park, Victoria and Kalamunda Trails, Western Australia are known for extensive blue-grade trail networks.
• Almost all major MTB destinations (Stromlo, Derby, etc.) feature flowing intermediate singletrack suitable for the average rider.

For Advanced/Expert Riders:

• Thredbo, NSW offers steep downhill tracks specifically designed for experts.
• Maydena Bike Park, Tasmania is renowned for its very technical, steep trails and big jumps.
• Most trail networks include a handful of black or double-black diamond trails for experienced riders.

Major Australian Mountain Biking Events and Festivals

Australia hosts several world-class mountain biking events and festivals that attract both domestic and international participants.

• MTB National Championships are held annually at rotating locations, with the 2024 event in Maydena, Tasmania and 2025 scheduled for Mt Buller, Victoria.
• Crankworx Cairns (Queensland) is part of an international festival series first held in Cairns in 2022, featuring slopestyle, downhill, and enduro competitions with world-class riders.
• Cannonball MTB Festival (Thredbo, NSW) is Australia’s biggest gravity racing festival, attracting over 750 competitors for a week-long event each summer.
• Cape to Cape (Western Australia) is a 4-day MTB stage race in the Margaret River region that attracts recreational and elite riders from around Australia and overseas.
• Port to Port (NSW) is a 4-day stage race in the Hunter region, forming part of a trilogy of multi-day stage races along with Reef to Reef (QLD) and Cape to Cape (WA).
• The Redback (Northern Territory) offers a unique outback racing experience with multi-stage racing in Alice Springs.

Best Times of Year for Competitive Mountain Biking in Australia

October is the peak month with approximately 20 events, featuring major competitions like Crankworx Cairns and the Cape to Cape race.

• November follows with about 18 events, including national series rounds and local festivals.
• March is also a busy month with approximately 15 events, often hosting National Championships and National Series rounds.
• The winter months (June-July) have the fewest events, with only about 4 events each month, primarily in tropical northern regions.
• The spring months (September-November) collectively host the most events, taking advantage of prime conditions across most of Australia.

Is the Mountain Biking Industry in Australia Expected to Grow?

The mountain biking industry in Australia is expected to continue growing strongly, with all indicators – participation rates, economic impact, and government support – pointing upward.

• Sport Australia has noted that mountain biking has a “market opportunity to grow” in participation.
• International benchmarks suggest room for expansion, with Australia’s participation at about 2% of population compared to 4-6% in some countries.
• Ongoing investment in trails and events, plus new rider demographics entering the sport, indicate continued growth.
• Economic impact is projected to approach or exceed $1 billion annually in the coming years.