Highlands Trails

Highlands Trails is a mountain bike trail advocacy group in the Southern Highlands of NSW.

Wingello State Forest Mountain Bike Park

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 2009. There is also 50km 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: location.pdf

Mountain Bike Trails of The Southern Highlands Map - 2nd Edition

Purchase on-line

Copies may also 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 Wingello trails, and other local trails, help is always appreciated. The Highlands Trail Fairies, a group of local mtb enthusiasts, are coordinating working bees over the coming months. Tools are supplied and satisfaction too.

Next Working Bees

  • Saturday 3 October (with free Highland Fling entry to be drawn from attendees on this day!)
  • Saturday 5 December

General Timetable for Working Bees

0930 – Meet at Wingello Forest Camp. Briefing from Graham North, Forests NSW
1000 – Head to trackbuilding site(s)
1000-1600 – Work on Track

There should be potential for a leg stretching ride afterwards 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 with whatever food you’ll require and plenty to drink to take to the trackbuilding area.

What to Bring

  • Food and Drink
  • Suitable clothing. Wingello is at approx 700 metres altitude. It can be pretty cold, even in autumn
  • Work Gloves and sturdy footwear
  • Tools if you have them (We will have some tools there) – rake, mattock, spade, leaf blower

Confirmation

Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and let him know the following:

  • If you are attending
  • If you are able to bring any tools.

Further information

Trail FairiesContact
Highlands Trail Fairies
Craig Perrott 0419 280 477
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it