Trackbuilding in Wingello State Forest

A fun network of MTB singletrack and waymarked trails are available in the beautiful Wingello State Forest in the Southern Highlands of NSW. So far there is some 12km of singletrack built with a further 4km planned for 2008. There is also 50k of waymarked trail.

Thanks to Forests NSW for providing resources and planning and to the Ground Effect Slush Fund for helping to fund the purchase of some tools.

Location of Wingello State Forest & Trail Maps

Location of Wingello State Forest

Download map

Mountain Bike Trails of The Southern Highlands Map

First Edition Map has sold out - Updated Second edition is in production.

Copies may be purchased locally at the following outlets:

Ye Olde Bike Shoppe Cafe, Bundanoon
Bundanoon Newsagent, Bundanoon
Wingello General Store, Wingello
McGee's Cycling Store, Bowral
Legend Cycles, Moss Vale
Bong Bong Cycles, Bowral
Tourism Southern Highlands Visitors Centre, Mittagong

Background

The Southern Highlands of NSW has some of the closest NSW State Forests to Sydney/Wollongong/Canberra and is a popular destination for mountain bikers. The main State Forests are Wingello, Penrose and Belanglo using forest trails and some singletrack. These forests, whilst small in the scheme of commercial forests, are working forests with pine trees grown for commercial purposes. These forests also have areas of native (eucalypt) forest which are not available for logging. Recognizing the importance of and their commitment to recreation, Forests NSW, Wild Horizons, and local riders have developed a network of singletrack in Wingello State Forest and signed over 50km of waymarked trails.

In addition to our working bees, Forests NSW secured a number of workparties from Conservation Volunteers Australia in 2007 to assist in trackbuilding and track signage.

How to Get There

From the North - The quickest way is to come down the Hume Highway, passing the Servo/Macdonalds at Sallys Corner. Some 11km after Sallys Corner there is a turnoff signposted to Wingello. It is quite easy to miss so go slow approaching. Follow this road (Murrimba Rd) into Wingello (7km) and crossover the Railway Line and turn right (Wingello shop is in front of you). Take the first road on the left (Forest Road) which soon turns to dirt. Follow this into Wingello State forest and after 4km or so you'll come to an old sign saying 'Forest Headquarter'. Turn in here and you've arrived. It's about 2 to 2.5hrs from Sydney.
Alternatively come off the Hume Highway earlier and follow a route through Bundanoon, then the small village of Penrose and onto Wingello.

From the South - Travel up the Hume as far as the Marulan Service Centre. Continue on until just past the Heavy Vehicle Checking Centre there is a turnoff to the right signposted Tallong/Bundanoon. Be ready for this as it's easy to miss at high speed. Drive on through Tallong to Wingello. Follow Forest Road as above. It is about 1.5hrs from Canberra.

Coming by Train - It is possible to reach the area by train. Some Cityrail services stop at Wingello. You would then have to ride from there.

Trackbuilding and Track Maintenance

The Wingello trail network is getting increasingly popular. In order for the project to grow and to maintain the trails, help is always appreciated. Tools are supplied and satisfaction too.

Next Working Bees

Saturday 19 July
Saturday 23 August

General Timetable for Working Bees

0930 – Meet at Wingello Forest Camp for briefing.
1000 – Head to trackbuilding site(s)
1000-1600 – Work on Track

There is potential for some leg stretching rides but the main purpose is to get some track built.

Accommodation

If you’re not local, camping is available at Wingello Forest Camp with toilet and tank water. However if you want somewhere more comfortable then there is YHA, Hotel, Motel, Guesthouses in Bundanoon some 20 mins drive away. For those helping with the trackbuilding, the Bundanoon YHA offer a 25% discount on dormitory accommodation.

Feeding

Please come prepared to take a packed lunch and plenty to drink to the trackbuilding area.

What to Bring

• Food and Drink (the nearest shop is a basic village store in Wingello Village open until 1pm) - the coffee is good!
• Suitable clothing. Wingello is at approx 700metres altitude. It can be pretty cold in the winter months
• Work Gloves and sturdy footwear
• Tools if you have them (We will have some tools there) – rake, mattock, spade, leaf blower

Confirmation

Please email huw@wildhorizons.com.au and let him know the following:
• If you will be attending a 2 day working bee, and you can only attend one day of the weekend, please let us know this and which day
• If you will be bringing any tools.