Cycling and mountain bike riding are among the great ways to get some rigorous exercise while enjoying the outdoors, and Western Australia's Great Southern and South West are made for it. As more of us look for enjoyable activities that are also good for our health and fitness, biking keeps its place near the top of the list.
While you are down here discovering Kojonup's Aboriginal heritage and cultural experiences, do not miss the chance to explore the broader Great Southern region. The southern part of the state offers spectacular ocean views, with stunning white beaches and gorgeous blue water, and it is threaded with some of the best biking trails in the country. These routes lead you through breathtaking scenery and give your body a real workout while you soak up country that has nothing to do with a gym wall.
The trails at a glance
Eight trails, from a 700-metre downhill blast to a 1,000-kilometre epic. Kojonup sits in the middle of the region, so most are within a comfortable day's reach of a base in town.
| Trail | Where | Distance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany Downhill | Mt Clarence, Albany | 700 m | Experienced riders |
| Wadandi Track | Margaret River region | 23 km | Easy, nature and birdlife |
| Old Timberline and Siding Rails | Nannup | 37 km | Easy to moderate |
| Ellen Cove to Albany Port | Albany | 6 km | Easy, coastal |
| Munda Biddi Trail | Mundaring to Albany | ~1,000 km | Varied, the big adventure |
| Denmark to Nornalup Heritage Trail | Denmark to Nornalup | 54 km | Easy to moderate, coastal |
| Rays Trail | Collie (Harris River) | 8 km | Experienced riders |
| The Pines, Bramley Forest | Margaret River | 8 km | Moderate to hard |
Albany Downhill mountain bike trail
This 700-metre trail may be short, but it does not fall short on difficulty. It was built specifically for mountain bikes on Mt Clarence, and it is a proper downhill run with jumps, wooden berms and drops. Along the way you get scenic views of King George Sound, one of the most spectacular harbours in Western Australia. The trail is perfect for daring and experienced cyclists, and best of all it is only a few minutes from the Albany city centre.
Wadandi Track
The Wadandi Track in the Margaret River region is also known as Rails to Trails. It begins at Cowaramup and ends at Witchcliffe, and it gives you an abundance of birdlife along the way, which makes it perfect for a nature trip. Keep an eye out for parrots, blue wrens and yellow robins.
The trail lets you enjoy the beauty of Margaret River in all its natural splendour. There are picnic areas along the way, so you can stop for a quick break or a snack with your riding buddies. The track also follows the historical railway line along Hamelin Bay and Flinders Bay.
This 23-kilometre track will take you past lush vineyards and farmlands as well.
Old Timberline and Siding Rails trails
If you are looking for an easy, light trail, this one is a must-try. The 37-kilometre route combines the 22-kilometre Old Timberline trail with the Siding Rails trail. You will ride old timber roads and windy trails through the forest. There are hilly portions, and the path sometimes narrows enough to be a bit of a challenge.
It is a scenic ride, with beautiful views such as the St John Brook Creek, and you can take a rest at the Sleeper Hewers Camp. The Old Timberline trail ends at Nannup, where the Siding Rails trail begins.
Ellen Cove to Albany Port
This historic 6-kilometre easy trail serves up the beautiful coastlines of Albany. It takes you along Middleton Beach and past some of Albany's historic structures.
The trail is made up of wooden boardwalks and a bitumen path along the side of a hill, giving cyclists a stunning view of the sea. During whale season you can even spot rare blue whales. As you go, you will pass historic lookouts that serve as memorials to explorers of the past, along with bunkers and a lighthouse once used by Australian soldiers.
Munda Biddi Trail
If you want a trail that will challenge your stamina, this 1,000-kilometre epic is the one. The Munda Biddi Trail is one of the world's longest off-road cycling trails, running from Mundaring near Perth all the way to Albany. The difficulty varies as you meander through karri and eucalyptus trees, beautiful wildflower heaths and untouched bushland. It is an extraordinary cycling adventure you will never forget.
The northern part is a challenging ride through river valleys, though you can get off the bike and savour the scenery whenever you like. There are camps to rest at overnight roughly every 35 to 40 kilometres along the trail, and car drop-off points where someone can drop you off or pick you up. The route is marked, but cyclists are advised to always carry a map so they stay on track.
Denmark to Nornalup Heritage Trail
This 54-kilometre trail offers cyclists majestic coastal views along with heathlands, forests and farmlands. You will cross the Heritage Bridge over the Denmark River, and from the bridge you can spy the Wilson Inlet, home to the Black Swan, Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo and the Australian Pelican.
The scenic trail is made up of three sections:
- Denmark River mouth to Hay River (12 km)
- Denmark River mouth to Parker Road (33 km)
- Peaceful Bay Road to Station Road (14 km)
You will ride across four original timber rail bridges along the way, and a section of the trail forms part of the 1,000-kilometre Munda Biddi Trail.
Rays Trail
The 8-kilometre Rays Trail is made up of tight twists that are certainly not for beginners. It opens with sharp turns, a thrilling downhill track, an uphill grind and some log rides. If you are looking for a unique and challenging ride, this trail is for you. After a tiring effort, you can stop at the Harris River Estate Winery near Collie for a hearty and delicious lunch.
The Pines, Bramley Forest trail
The Pines, at 8 kilometres long, is one of the best trails Western Australia has to offer. It sits at the edge of Margaret River, with fire-road climbs, fast descents, berms and a few jumps for a heart-pumping ride.
Between rides, there is plenty more to fill a day: our attractions page covers what to see around Kojonup, and if you are planning a wider loop of the region the Great Southern bucket list is a good place to start.
Where to stay for a Great Southern riding trip
Cornwall House Accommodation sits at 72 Albany Highway in the heart of Kojonup, well placed for the Albany, Margaret River, Denmark and Nannup trails. Our 12 air-conditioned rooms (queen, twin and family configurations) each have an ensuite, free WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, a microwave and a refrigerator, with free onsite parking and a shared camp kitchen for guests. Contactless check-in from 2pm means a long day in the saddle never leaves you locked out.
Your Kojonup accommodation guide starts here. Cornwall House Accommodation is the ideal place to rest up after a day of rigorous, exciting riding, ready for another day of exploration.
Check availability and book Call us (08) 9831 0214
Frequently asked questions
What is the longest cycling trail in Western Australia?
The Munda Biddi Trail, one of the world's longest off-road cycling trails, running roughly 1,000 kilometres from Mundaring near Perth all the way to Albany through karri and eucalyptus forest and untouched bushland.
Which trails suit beginners?
The easy trails are the 6-kilometre Ellen Cove to Albany Port path, the 23-kilometre Wadandi Track in the Margaret River region, and the 37-kilometre Old Timberline and Siding Rails trails near Nannup. All are gentle and scenic.
Which trails are for experienced riders?
The 700-metre Albany Downhill trail on Mt Clarence and the 8-kilometre Rays Trail near Collie, with tight twists, drops and log rides, are built for daring and experienced cyclists.
Where is a good base for riding the Great Southern?
Kojonup sits on the Albany Highway in the heart of the region, within reach of the Albany, Margaret River, Denmark and Nannup trails. Cornwall House Accommodation is right on the highway in town.
