The thrill seeker’s guide to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
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Drawing bigger crowds every season, Thredbo MTB offers thrill-seekers awesome adventure without a snowflake in sight.

Love discovering escapades to get your heart racing? Ditch the skis in favour of exploring Thredbo during the warmer months. Home to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, a playground for two-wheeling daredevils, it offers a Thredbo MTB experience like no other.

Gaining momentum as one of the best things to do in Thredbo these days, stunning cross-country trails and Australia’s only lift-accessible terrain are just some of the highlights. Here, an access-all-areas guide to get you on your way.

What you need to know before you go

It’s worth getting your head around the basics because enjoying this place isn’t exclusive to extreme sports enthusiasts. MTB is the in-the-know abbreviation of ‘mountain biking’ and once the snow in Thredbo melts, the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park opens.

a person traversing MTB trails at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park
Traverse challenging MTB trails at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park.

Home to a diverse range of trails and conditions catering to both beginners and experienced riders, there are more than 40 kilometres of terrain that span Gravity trails, those accessed by a chairlift that stores your bike as you climb to elevated heights and gravity (as opposed to pedalling) launches you back down, cross-country trails and skills and jump parks.

There’s also a mix of trail types; Flows that are machine-built and offer smoother surfaces and Technical that are rougher, narrower and feature natural obstacles. The bottom line: Thredbo MTB is for everyone thanks to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park.

a mountain biker navigating the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park
Get your heart racing at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park.

When is the best time to experience Thredbo MTB?

The only time you can try your hand at Thredbo MTB is during the warmer months once the ski fields are grassy and the snow’s gone. The season will kick off officially on November 18 in 2023 and will close at the end of April 2024. Fans can expect a similar five-month window in the years that follow.

bikers passing through a grassy terrain at Thredbo MTB
Once the snow melts it’s time to hit the trails on two wheels.  (Image: Thredbo Resort)

What gear do I need for Thredbo MTB?

Much like hitting the slopes in winter, there’s an entire kit to be gathered ahead of your foray into Thredbo MTB. As it’s often a hazardous sport due to the incredibly thrilling terrain, safety is paramount – ensuring you’re dressed for the slide as opposed to the ride is the smartest approach. Also, it’s mandatory for all MTB riders to wear a helmet even in the beginner zones.

kids participating the closing weekend at Thredbo MTB
Safety gear is a must for all riders. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

A handy list of what you’ll need:
– Helmet (full-face varieties are recommended, though not a must)
– Mountain bike
– Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
– Full-finger gloves
– Full body armour
– Elbow and knee pads, plus shin pads are also recommended
– Neck brace
– Wrap-around goggles

A lot, right? Thankfully, there are rental packages that do all the heavy lifting for you. Visit the Thredbo Retail and Rental website for Thredbo bike hire, gear hire and further information.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

What if this is my first MTB experience?

You’re certainly not alone given this is an emerging summer sport in Australia. If you’re keen to avoid winging it, your best option is to sign up for a two-hour beginner’s clinic through the Thredbo Mountain Bike School.

an instructor guiding kids at Thredbo Mountain Bike School
The Thredbo Mountain Bike School program is a great school holiday activity.

The programs are typically held daily at 10am throughout the season and run by some of the country’s most experienced riders so you’ll learn all the basics on Thredbo MTB from the very best. Plus, these classes aren’t just for total novices. Programs including the ‘MTB Progression’ and the ‘MTB Essentials’ provide the chance to take your skills to the next level.

adults learning the basics of Thredbo MTB at Thredbo Mountain Bike School
Learn all the basics of Thredbo MTB from the very best.

Is Thredbo MTB family-friendly?

Absolutely, although it’s recommended that children under the age of five should wait a few years before getting stuck in.

Several of the Thredbo Mountain Bike School programs are catered to children including the ‘Intro to MTB’ for kids aged five and over, the ‘MTB Fundamentals’ for kids aged seven and over, the ‘MTB Essentials’ for kids aged seven and over, the ‘MTB Progression’ for kids aged seven and over and the ‘MTB Junior Race Clinic’ for kids aged seven to 17.

There are also school holiday camps to help refine skills like gravity riding technique and bike maintenance. It should be noted that no tandem bikes are allowed while engaging in Thredbo MTB.

two kids at Thredbo MTB doing a high-five
Kids will be quick to make friends on the trails at school holiday camp.

What are the best Thredbo MTB trails?

Finally, to the fun stuff. There are 22 different courses to tackle, conveniently split into difficulty categories, so selecting your poison should be a breeze. If you’re a beginner, the Easy Rider trail is a great start as it isn’t too steep.

a kid riding a bike and passing through rocky trail
Take on the challenging rocky trails. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

If you’re looking for a scenic route and a slow cross-country journey is more your speed, the Thredbo Valley Track is a beautiful option and features suspension bridges, river views, rich forest surroundings and smoother terrain. You can take a six-kilometre route or go the full 35 kilometres to make the most of it.

a biker navigating the verdant landscape in Thredbo MTB
Explore the vast scenery on two wheels. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

Low intermediate riders should consider the Kosciuszko Flow which starts at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and rolls down through magnificent mountain scenery to help sharpen those downhill riding skills.

Hardcore MTB fans will love the Paparazzi, Flow Link, Lower All-Mountain and Upper All-Mountain trails for their drops, rocks and breathtaking sights. Make sure you check out the Thredbo trail map for a comprehensive look at everything on offer.

a group of people riding the Kosciuszko Chairlift, Thredbo
Take in breathtaking sights from the Kosciuszko Chairlift. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

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How much does it cost to experience Thredbo MTB?

Every rider needs a Thredbo MTB Lift Pass to gain access to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park. The pass enables entry to the Kosciuszko Chairlift, Gunbarrel Chairlift, Merritts Gondola and the Cruiser Chairlift which are all fitted with bike racks and serve as your only access points to the top of the mountains.

Adult season passes start from $599 per person and one-day adult passes start from $95 per person.

a chair lift heading to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park
The Thredbo MTB Lift Pass ensures you get to the top of the mountain with ease.

Are there any events at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park?

Heck yes, there are. Thredbo events at the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park are epic and world-renowned, playing home to the southern hemisphere’s most active events calendar.

There are interschool championships plus the Thredbo Gravity Series which is staggered throughout the Thredbo MTB season and offers serious cash prizes. The hottest ticket is arguably the Cannonball MTB Festival which is typically staged in February and features live music, world-class MTB spectacles and party times over about a week.

riders at the Thredbo MTB closing weekend
It’s a great weekend away with mates. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

(Image: Visit Griffith)

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

    It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

    Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

    Where the vines tell a story

    A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food.
    Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

    Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

    Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

    Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

    At the table

    A flat lay of a steak.
    Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

    Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

    Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

    And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

    Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

    From the source

    A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish.
    Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

    Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

    Mark your calendar

    A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith.
    Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

    Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

    Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.