Month: April 2020

So you live in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales and want to take your dirt bike for a ride? Well, we’ve found some of the best riding spots around.

Frontaer has done the research and seen where the locals are riding. Those in Byron Bay, Ballina, Bangalow, Lismore, west to Casino and even as far south as Coffs Harbour. There are dirt bike owners in all these towns who know where to ride.

As with anywhere you ride:

• Wear all your protection gear including a good set of riding boots.
• Be respectful of others using the tracks and local land owners.
• It can get seriously hot in summer so pack plenty of water.
• You may need to take additional fuel for your motorcycle.
• And finally – take a safety-first perspective and don’t ride alone.

So let’s get started.

Northern Rivers: Where to Ride Dirt bikes

It’s a shame a lot of the tracks have been closed down due to the hippies in the rainbow region. However, we’ve really dug to find out some top quality riding tracks that you can follow. In most cases, you will need to haul your dirt bike with a ute, van or on the back of a trailer.

We’ll break down this guide into several sections so you can get a fair idea on what’s local for you.

Byron Bay

There isn’t really anywhere to ride a dirt bike in Byron Bay given the high number of tourists that come into town. There isn’t even a motocross track in town because it’s all made way for development. Our advice? You’ve gotta get out of town.

Go to Lennox Head and you can get a beach permit to ride your dirt bike. From there ride south towards Iluka all the way.

Ballina

Head over to the Surf Shack Farm/Moto Retreat. It’s pretty well the best place in the Northern Rivers to let loose on a dirt bike even if it’s unregistered. This place is mad! The sorta place you’d bring a bunch of mates to for a weekend trip.

It’s located about 15 minutes south and you may want to take the ferry.

Lismore

There are places to ride dirt bikes once you get outside of town. Look for the unsealed roads and 4×4 tracks. Bungabee for instances is a good spot. Head over to the Kyogle Dirt Bike Club if you’re unregistered.

They run regular enduro races for both kids and adults, as well as organized group rides for casual fun offroad. One option if ou don’t want to be apart of the club is to head around Woodburn. There are some great forestry tracks down that way.

Murwillumbah

You can ride through some of the unsealed roads in the area. Private land owners may also let you ride on their land provided you source permission first.

There is talk of having an MX club opened in Murwillumbah but the greenies have stopped it multiple times.

Casino

Casino has an evolved dirt bike riding community and one of the better places across the Northern Rivers region of NSW to ride a dirt bike.

There is a group of riders that meets regularly as well as another group of MX riders. Put your name out there in some of the local Facebook groups and you’ll find some great connections.

Coffs Harbour

There are numerous dirt bike stores and riding tracks around Coffs Harbour. Head up into the hills and follow the following 4×4 tracks:

• Yaraygir National Park. Go from Station Creek to Orara East State Forest.
• Take the Boambee Beach run. Yes – you can ride registered dirt bikes on the beach here. There are other beaches open to motorcycles in Coffs Harbour including Corindi/Pipeclay Beach (aka Arrawarra), Woolgoolga Back Beach, Darkum Beach and Hearnes Lake Beach.
• Take the Sawtell to Gangalore Falls route through the rainforest. Will take 2 hours.
• Do a Coramba loop via Bella Spur Rd and Battery Rd which also takes about 2 hours on trail bikes.
• Ride along the Platypus Flat Trail. Essentially you start in Coffs Harbour and go offroad all the way to Nymboi-Binderay National Park
• For a real adventure bike challenge, ride the Rover and Commando Trails. Not for the faint-hearted but definitely very scenic.
• And for the ultimate adventure, the Mount Coramba route is a challenge both up and down. You’ll ascend 500m+ over the 23km route to the top of the mountain.

These tracks aren’t really designed for solo riders but you may come across 4×4 users during this time.

For more info on dirt bike tracks in Coffs Harbour, check out this free maps resource that has route information.

Tweed Heads

There was talk of trying to get an MX track officially opened in the Tweed Heads region but this hasn’t eventuated as yet. The Tweed Shire Council was working on it with the Tweed Valley Junior Development Motorcycle Club but as with all things, they like to drag it out.

Even if you build a private little dirt track on your own land, it’s apparently illegal.

Mooball National Park

You can take registered dirt bikes into Mooball National Park which is just west of Cudgera Creek which is north of Mullumbimby.

There tracks here are minimal both worth a quick play with the throttle open.

Bundjalung National Park

Head into the Bundjalung National Park and find incredible riding trails right on to the beach.

This is a great spot for a weekend adventure. You can go camping at multiple spots including Black Rock and Woody Head. Stay on the defined access tracks and look out for other road users. This route takes you almost down to Yamba.

Grafton

There are multiple good tracks in the Grafton area. Join the South Grafton Motorcycle Club or simply find some of these tracks yourself.

A lot of the unsealed roads such as Old Glen Innes Road and Tommys Trail are perfect. Terrain is typical open and fast-flowing gravel tracks.

Other places in the Northern Rivers

Our recommendations are that you head north. Getting up past Brisbane opens up the Sunshine Coast which has some great spots.

Likewise there are a few moto parks west of the Gold Coast worth checking out. You pay an entry fee and can ride your unregistered dirt bike or quad bike all day long.

With most dirt bike trips, it’s worth packing your camping gear and going for a multi-day adventure. Just find a new riding spot every day.

In summary

We hope this has shown you some of the best trail and adventure motorcycle tracks around the Northern Rivers region. Have you got any more tracks to add to this list? Then let us know in the comments below.

If you’re looking for some great places to ride a dirt bike in Cairns, then Frontaer has you covered. We’ll share with you where to ride today.

You might not want to tackle Cape York just yet and instead just find local riding areas. You shouldn’t have to venture far to find some good spots.

In this guide, we’ll show you where to go. By the end of this, you shouldn’t need to ask “Where can I ride my offroad trail bike near Cairns” because we’ve done the work for you.

Cairns dirt bike riding areas

Before you set out and explore Cairns on your 4-stroke, we wanted to share some tips with you:

• Always wear your protective gear, especially if you’re exploring solo.
• Don’t take the risk of riding unregistered. Either get your bike registered or simply buy another one from Gumtree or one of Cairns numerous trail bike and adventure riding dealerships.
• Rangers are trying to get some Cairns riding areas shut down because of hooligans. Don’t be one of them and be respectful for any area you enter.
• Avoid private properties. This is a sure-fire way to upset local landowners.

So now let’s get into it. Here are the best dirt bike riding spots in Cairns:

1. Kuranda and Mobray National Park

Did you know that you’re permitted to ride dirt bikes in Kuranda and Mowbray National Parks? Trail bikes are permitted but the area is quite restricted without much fun to be hard. Pretty much it’s Black Mountain Road.

Stick to formed tracks and be weary of others using the track. Horse riders, mountain bikers and hikers are quite common especially in the tourist months.

2. Cairns Recreational Offroad Club

Head over to Miriwinni for 100 acres of great offroad tracks. You can ride an unregistered dirt bike here and this place isn’t too far from Cairns CBD.

These guys are very family orientated and kids are welcome. The tracks are a mixture of open MX, tight enduro and technical hill sections. Pretty much something for everyone!

Also, as they operate as a non-for-profit, you need to show your utmost respect. Some riders have been banned from here for disrespectful behaviour which simply isn’t on. Wear your gear, look out for riders (especially children) and clean up after yourself.

This is a mighty fine spot for a day-trip. Load up the trailer and go!

3. Herberton Range National Park

Head 90 minutes of out Cairns and you’ll come across Herberton Range. This is a good spot to ride registered dirt bikes and tours are often running through this area.

Keep in mind that not all spots within Herberton Range can you ride a dirt bike. There are purely walking-only tracks as well as tracks for horses too.

If you do come across a horse rider, then simply stop and let them pass you. They’ll appreciate it and we can keep these areas open for all responsible dirt bike riders.

4. CREB Track

From Black Mountain to Mount Molloy you’ve got the Creb Track. It’s a mixture of tropical lush rainforest and open savannahs, plus a few river crossings to keep you (literally) on your toes!

Riding the Creb Track is very popular among dirt bike riding circles. It joins the Bloomfield Track which is sort of on the route to Cape York.

This is one epic ride and one that is best done over a two-day trip. Keep in mind that after the wet season, there could be saltwater crocodiles at some of the creek crossings.

If there is one Cairns dirt bike riding tracks to put on the bucket list, it’s definitely the Creb Track. You’ve gotta do this ride at least once in your life!

5. Atherton and Evelyn Tablelands

For a good overnight trip, it’s hard to go past the Atherton and Evelyn Tablelands. There are numerous places to ride here. This stretches out towards the Tully area.

If you don’t know this area well, then join an organized dirt bike tour starting in Cairns as they often head out in the Atherton direction. You can bring your own dirt bike for a discount or use one of theirs.

For example, as per the photo above, you can join Great Northern Motorbike Adventures on a WR450F adventure which is a big step up from the typical and tamer Suzuki DRZ400 offerings.

6. Cairns MX Club

For motocross enthusiasts, it’s hard to look past the community spirit of a club. Cairns had their own club and track which is first-grade and kept up high with maintenance.

Cairns MX Club is very much for development of the sport in a safe and controlled manner. Children and teenagers are very welcome to develop their riding skills and they also do racing/coaching for all age groups.

If you want to ride an unregistered dirt bike in Cairns, then this place is a good alternative that doesn’t require much of a drive. It’s located on Thomspson Road at Edmonton on the south side.

Riding spots roundup

Let’s show you in summary the distances and terrain these spots have:

Name	Distance from Cairns	Terrain	Rating
Kuranda	20 minutes	Unsealed road	4/10
Cairns offroad club	30 minutes	Open loop circuits	9/10
Herberton Range	90 minutes	Open forest and tight technical sections	8/10
CREB track	45 minutes	Something for everyone	10/10
Atherton	1 hour	Forest roads and open sections	8/10
Cairns MX Club	10 minutes	Standard motocross track	9/10

For most people, getting to these spots is going to require a ute with tailgate, van or dirt bike trailer. Bring your camping gear so you can stay overnight too.

Better yet – hope on a dirt bike camping organized tour. This is a great way to discover some quality riding spots with experienced local riders from Cairns.

Brisbane dirt bike riders are always on the search for new places to ride their motorbike, whether registered or motocross. Here are the 9 best options.

As the city gets bigger and bigger, more riding areas become progressively closed. It’s disappointing but that’s the way things are. We do look forward to more mainstream electric dirt bikes being released in Australia, but until they’re mainstream, there are only a few solid options out there.

Brisbane’s Best Places to Ride a Dirt Bike

Frontaer has done the heavy lifting for you. The research into the best riding spots around Brisbane shows us that we do actually have some pretty damn good options to ride trail bikes.

Ideally, your bike has to be registered to have all the options available to you. However, we’ll include some MX parks on this list too.

Here are the best dirt bike riding places near Brisbane:

1. Lockyer National Park

Head west and after an hour’s drive, you’ll come across the Lockyer National Park. Dirt bike riding is approved here by the Queensland Government but you will need to be licensed and registered.

There are numerous roads leading in and out of the national park, most of which is unsealed. You’ll be sharing these tracks with 4wd enthusiasts and these trails do get busy on weekends so be careful!

Camping isn’t permitted here but you can get some great accommodation nearby in Toowoomba. Adventure motorcycle riders will especially love the Lockyer National Park for a quick getaway.

2. D’Aguilar National Park

There is some fantastic riding trails within D’Aguilar National Park for dirt bikes coming from Brisbane. The track is more technical and tight especially around the Mount Mee area but you’ll find most of it relatively easy.

Horse riders, hikers, mountain bikers and 4×4 drivers also share these tracks. If you do come across others, some basic manners and respect will go a long way to keep this majestic place open to the rest of us.

3. Queensland Moto Park

This is the ultimate Moto Park for Brisbanites. On the weekends it’s certainly packed so try to plan for a week day ride. Gold Coasters also love this place.

You can ride unregistered dirt bikes and quad bikes here and this place is only an hour from Brisbane. They are very family friendly with tracks set aside just for kids.

4. Willowbank MX Park

Willowbank MX Park is an awesome spot and only about 25 minutes from Brisbane CBD. They welcome all types of dirt and trail bikes of any engine size.

The reviews on Willowbank MX Park are very high and there’s a clear reason for it:

• Multiple tracks to choose from.
• A flat training area for complete beginners
• A Pee-wee and junior riding track for the kids
• Long MX tracks that aren’t your typical boring design

Clearly the designers have really put some thought into this.

If you’re looking for thrills and don’t have a motorcycle licence, then this place will let you in. 2-stroke or 4-stroke…Willowbank is the place to be!

5. Phoenix Creek Motocross and Camping

If you’re looking for a family-only place, then Phoenix Creek is the place to be. The reviews are low because they only let certain people ride, and that’s good people. If you’re looking for hardcore extreme tracks with the attitudes to match, then this place isn’t for you.

Phoenix Creek requires a decent drive though. It’s 2 hours out of town and past Woodford. The kids will love it and don’t get intimidated by disrespectful riders because…well…there isn’t any!

And just so you understand: You can only ride here if you’re riding with children. It’s a family dirt bike park and designed like that from Day 1.

More information on their website: www.phoenixcreek.com.au

Toilets, showers and camping provided at reasonable costs. The trip up is definitely worth the drive and the kids just won’t want to leave.

6. Fort Lytton Motocross Club

This is the only motocross facility within the Brisbane city area. They run races as well as practice sessions for adults, teenagers and children. If you want coaching then this is the place to go and they can even lend you a bike which you can hire for the lesson.

They also run regular races. If you want to spectate and get your kids into motocross, then this place is only a short drive from the Brisbane CBD. From there, they’ll be begging you to get them dirt bikes and start riding the local tracks and trails!

7. Moreton Districts Motocross Park

This place is about 10 minutes north of Ipswich and is a great place for the family. The MX track itself has good whoop sections to help you improve your skills.

Update: The track has since relocated to Willowbank.

8. Mick Doohan Raceway

If you join the North Brisbane Junior Motorcycle Club then your children can ride the Mick Doohan Raceway. However, so can adults as well!

This is really just a raceway and not so much a motocross or enduro track, unfortunately. But then again, if you like to drift sideways, then this is the place for you.

9. Beerburrum/Beerwah State Forests

We’ve left the best until last! Go for a spin inside Beerburrum or Beerwah State Forest and your heart will be pounding intensely from the chest!

Getting there will require a ute, van or trailer unless you have an adventure motorcycle. And once you get there, you won’t want to leave! Camping is possible at the Coochin Creek camping area.

Be mindful of the many 4×4 vehicles that inhibit this area, especially on weekends. There might be other dirt bikes coming the other way on tight corners too.

The Glasshouse Mountains itself is Brisbane’s favourite enduro and trail bike riding area. You’ll have a mixture of tight technical terrain, open flowing fire trails along pine forests and rainforests.

Tips to look after yourself

Now that you’ve found some awesome riding spots not far from Brisbane, we want to keep you safe on your dirt bike. Here’s what we can recommend:

• Wear all your protective gear. Helmet, goggles, gloves, trousers, jersey, elbow and knee pads plus a good set of motocross/trail boots or adventure motorcycle boots. Also, don’t forget your hydration pack as it gets bloody hot in summer.
• Take a GPS. In some spots the mobile phone signal is non-existent and you can’t rely on your Google Maps. Any good motorcycle GPS for offroad use will be enough to get yourself back to the start of the track, especially if you’re deep in the forest.
• Make a weekend of it. Dirt bike day trips from Brisbane are certainly possible but if you’re going for an enduro ride, then take your camping gear as well.
• Be respectful on the trails. There are inherently going to be others also using those same tracks. Dirt bike riding spots near Brisbane have been shutdown in recent years due to noise complaints and riders simply acting irresponsibly. Do the right thing and we’ll keep these beautiful spots open for generations.

Dual Sports Motorcycle Riders Association Brisbane

Our best recommendation for enduro riders is to join the DSMRA (Dual Sports Motorcycle Riders Assocation) which has affordable memberships. When you join the club, your money is used to fund trips and get insurance so that private property is opened up for organized group rides.

They plan these in advance and the group goes above and beyond. Many SE QLD ADV riders are inside this group to make friends and discuss new tracks and routes. They are always on the look out for private land owners who will be fully insured should something happen.

In summary

Be safe out there! Clearly Brisbane has some good riding areas. Head up to the Sunshine Coast and you’ll find even more dirt bike riding areas to really hone your skills.

Catch you out on the offroad tracks and twist that throttle hard!

Don’t forget to check out the guide below.

21 Dirt Bike Riding Tips [#7 Is Awesome]