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There’s another reason to pack the bikes for Warburton.
Surrounded by tall forest and the mountains of the Upper Yarra, Warburton Bike Park gives riders a growing network of mountain bike trails to explore just outside town.
You don’t need to be an expert to ride here. There are easier trails for finding your feet, with more challenging terrain when you’re ready to step things up. And once the bikes are packed away, the Yarra River, Warburton township and the rest of the valley are right there to explore.
If you’re thinking about mountain biking in Warburton, here’s what to know before you ride.
Discover Warburton’s mountain biking mecca
It doesn’t take long to see what makes riding here a little different.
Warburton Bike Park winds through the forested hills of the Upper Yarra, with trails taking you beneath tall gums, past fern-filled gullies and through the kind of scenery that makes you want to slow down on the climb and take a look around.
The network has been designed for different riding abilities too. Beginners can start on easier trails, while more experienced riders can look for longer descents and more technical terrain.
And then there’s Warburton itself.
You can spend the morning on the trails, come back into town for lunch and finish the afternoon beside the river. It makes a day on the bike feel like part of a bigger trip, rather than the whole reason for being here.
The trail network is continuing to grow, so check the official Warburton Bike Park website for the latest trail maps, conditions and access information before you set off.
Pack the bikes for a few days of adventure on the trails!
Warburton Bike Park trails: where to start
The best place to start depends on the kind of rider you are.
If it’s your first visit, take a few minutes to look at the current trail map and grading before you head out. Choose something that matches your experience and see how you feel from there.
You can always go back for another lap.
If you’re still getting comfortable on a mountain bike, the Warburton Shorty is a good introduction.
This easy-rated loop is around 7km and combines a gradual climb along Uptown Flow with the descent along Hopscotch. Allow roughly 45 minutes, although there’s no need to rush it.
It’s a good first ride if you’re building confidence, riding with someone newer to mountain biking or simply want to get a feel for the terrain before heading further into the park.
Take the first lap easy. Get to know the bike and the trail. If you get to the end wanting another go, even better.
Mountain biking in Warburton for beginners
You don’t need years of riding behind you to give the trails around Warburton a go.
Along with the easier trails in the Bike Park, the pump track at Wesburn Park is a handy place to spend some time getting comfortable on the bike. Wesburn is also a main trailhead for the Bike Park, so it’s a natural place to get your bearings before heading out.
If you’re new to mountain biking, keep the first ride simple. Pick an easy-rated trail, take your time and stop when you need to. And don’t worry about what everyone else is riding. One person’s perfect day might involve technical descents and as many laps as their legs can handle. Yours might be one easy loop followed by lunch in Warburton.
Both sound pretty good to us!
Ready for more? Once you’ve got your bearings, there’s more of the Bike Park to explore. The network includes trails for progressing and experienced riders, so you can build up from easier riding towards steeper, more technical terrain as your confidence grows.
We wouldn’t choose a must-ride trail for you. Conditions change, the network is developing and everyone has a different idea of a good day on two wheels.
Check the current map, look at the trail grades and choose the ride that suits you.
"You don’t need years of riding behind you to give Warburton a go."
Warburton Bike Park shuttles and trail access
There are two ways to look at a climb. You can earn the descent yourself, or save your legs for another lap.
Shuttle services provide access to parts of the Warburton Bike Park network, with Wesburn Park forming an important trailhead for riders. The park has also been designed with dedicated trailheads and rider facilities as the wider network develops.
Shuttle operations, trail access and conditions are the kind of details that can change, so check the official Warburton Bike Park information when you’re planning your ride.
That way you can decide what suits the day: pedal up, shuttle up, or find room for a bit of both.
"Warburton has been a place to ride a bike since long before the first mountain bike trail opened."
Beyond Warburton Bike Park: ride the Rail Trail
Not every day on two wheels needs a steep descent.
The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail gives you a gentler way to explore the Yarra Valley, following the old railway route through bushland, farmland and small towns before reaching Warburton.
You can make a bigger day of it or simply choose a section that suits you. Either way, it’s a good option for families, recreational riders or anyone looking to give the mountain bike trails a rest.
It also means you can bring different kinds of riders away together.
Spend one day exploring Warburton Bike Park. Take things slower on the Rail Trail the next. Stop somewhere along the way when you feel like it.
"After a day on the trails, it’s nice when getting home is the easy part."
Stay near Warburton Bike Park
After a day on the trails, it’s nice when getting home is the easy part.
Warburton Holiday Park sits beside the Yarra River, with Warburton township nearby and the trails around Wesburn a short drive away.
There are cabins and villas if you want to arrive and settle straight in, plus powered sites and camping if you’d rather bring your own set-up.
Once the bikes are away, the rest of the evening can be pretty simple.
Take a walk beside the river. Head into town for something to eat. Sit outside and work out which trail everyone liked best.
Then get some sleep. There are more trails tomorrow.
Book your stay
Warburton Bike Park FAQs
Planning a ride at Warburton Bike Park? Here are a few things worth knowing before you head out.
Is Warburton Bike Park open?
Yes. Warburton Bike Park is open, with the trail network continuing to develop. Trail availability can change due to conditions, maintenance and ongoing development, so check the official Bike Park website for the latest information before you ride.
Is Warburton Bike Park suitable for beginners?
Yes. There are easier trails for newer riders, including the Warburton Shorty, which is designed as an introduction to the Bike Park.
Wesburn Park also has a pump track where riders can spend some time building confidence before heading onto the trails.
Does Warburton Bike Park have shuttles?
Yes. Shuttle services provide access to parts of the trail network. Operating details can change, so check the official Warburton Bike Park website for current shuttle information before your trip.
When is the best time to ride Warburton Bike Park?
Warburton can be ridden at different times of year, so it’s worth looking at the conditions rather than choosing your trip around one particular season.
Recent rain, maintenance, fire conditions and temporary closures can all affect the trails. Check the current trail status before you leave, then pack for the weather on the day.
What should I bring to Warburton Bike Park?
Bring a mountain bike suited to the trails you plan to ride, an approved helmet, water and comfortable riding gear. Gloves, eye protection, sun protection, an extra layer and a basic repair kit are worth bringing too.
Give your bike a quick check before heading out, particularly the tyres and brakes. If you’re planning to ride more technical trails, make sure your bike and protective gear suit the terrain.
Do you have to pay to ride Warburton Bike Park?
Check the official Warburton Bike Park website for current information about trail access, shuttle services and any applicable charges. Shuttle services may have separate costs and booking requirements.
Can families ride at Warburton Bike Park?
There are easier trails suitable for newer riders and families with mountain biking experience, as well as the pump track at Wesburn Park.
Check the trail grades before setting off and choose a ride that suits the skills and confidence of everyone in your group.
What else can you ride around Warburton?
The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail offers a gentler alternative to the mountain bike trails, following the old railway route through the Yarra Valley towards Warburton.
It’s a good option for recreational riders, families or anyone looking for a slower day on two wheels.
Where should I stay when riding Warburton Bike Park?
Staying in Warburton keeps you close to the Bike Park as well as the township, Yarra River and Rail Trail.
Warburton Holiday Park has cabins, villas, powered sites and camping beside the river, making it an easy base for a few days on two wheels.