The best gravel rides in Red Hill Nature Reserve
4.4
(13)
145
riders
14
rides
Gravel biking in Red Hill Nature Reserve Canberra offers routes across a forested ridge that extends over 1.8 miles (3 km), connecting to other nature reserves. The area features designated management trails and sections of the Centenary Trail, providing varied terrain for cyclists. Riders can experience striking views of central Canberra and Lake Burley Griffin from elevated points within the reserve. The landscape includes unique geological formations and protects significant woodland habitats.
Best gravel bike trails in Red Hill Nature…
Last updated: July 8, 2026
4.0
(1)
8
riders
27.7km
01:52
260m
260m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
riders
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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5.0
(1)
6
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
74.5km
04:45
930m
930m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
13
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve covers 637 hectares of native bushland on Canberra's northeast edge, adjacent to Mount Majura Nature Reserve. There is a network of shared trails that wind through eucalypt forest, leading to beautiful views of Lake Burley Griffin and the city from the summit. Aside from the popular trails, the reserve also protects critically endangered grassy woodlands and diverse habitats that support threatened birds, rare plants, and native wildlife.
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The Cooleman Ridge Bicentennial National Trail (BNT) runs along the western edge of Cooleman Ridge Nature Reserve. This is a multi-use trail so keep an eye out for your fellow trail users and keep you eye out for kangaroo and the many species of birds that call the nature reserve home.
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This 187-hectare protected area sits along the southern stretch of Weston Creek. It's a popular location for hikers, mountain bikers, horse riding, and dog walking.
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Scrivener Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Molonglo River, completed in 1963, and is responsible for creating Lake Burley Griffin as a recreational and ornamental body of water. Named after surveyor Charles Scrivener, the dam is about 33 metres high and 319 metres long, with hydraulically operated fish‑belly flap gates that precisely control the lake levels and provide flood management capability. The dam also carries a roadway and the walking/cycling path, and helps form the backdrop to one of Canberra’s key engineering landmarks.
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West Lake is the western section of Lake Burley Griffin and is the lake’s largest water expanse, popular for boating, sailing, rowing, and other recreational water activities. The tree‑lined foreshores and natural landscape also support water‑bird life and is a picturesque segment of the walking and cycling route along the lake.
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The East Basin is part of Lake Burley Griffin, spanning from the Kings Avenue Bridge towards the Jerrabomberra Wetlands and Dairy Flat. While walking or biking around East Basin, there are often rowers, windsurfers, dragon boaters, and stand-up paddleboarders on the water.
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The National Arboretum in Canberra has beautiful cycling tracks that run across the whole place. It’s perfect for mountain or gravel bikes. The natural scenery combined with the zen of flowing tracks and change in elevation means you could simply ride forever.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available in Red Hill Nature Reserve?
There are over 20 gravel bike trails available in Red Hill Nature Reserve, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes over 200 times.
What are the general difficulty levels of gravel biking in Red Hill Nature Reserve?
The gravel biking routes in Red Hill Nature Reserve primarily range from moderate to difficult. You'll find 12 moderate trails and 8 more challenging routes, providing options for both intermediate and experienced riders.
What kind of views can I expect while gravel biking in Red Hill Nature Reserve?
Gravel biking in Red Hill Nature Reserve offers striking panoramic views of central Canberra and Lake Burley Griffin from various elevated points. The trails often traverse a forested ridge, providing scenic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Are there any challenging gravel bike routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Red Hill Nature Reserve offers several difficult routes. One such option is the extensive Lake Burley Griffin – Scrivener Dam loop from Alinga Street, which covers 46.4 miles (74.7 km) with significant elevation changes.
Can I find moderate gravel bike trails in Red Hill Nature Reserve?
Absolutely. Many of the trails are moderate, perfect for those looking for a good workout without extreme difficulty. A popular moderate route is the Mount Pleasant Lookout – Mount Ainslie Lookout loop from Canberra Station, which is 17.2 miles (27.7 km) long and connects two prominent viewpoints.
Are there any loop trails for gravel biking in Red Hill Nature Reserve?
Yes, many of the gravel biking routes in Red Hill Nature Reserve are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the View from Dairy Farmers Hill – Forest Singletrack Trail loop from Canberra offers a scenic 8.6-mile (13.8 km) ride through forested areas.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Red Hill Nature Reserve?
The gravel biking trails in Red Hill Nature Reserve are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.3 stars from 9 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the beautiful views of Canberra and Lake Burley Griffin, and the well-maintained designated management trails.
Are there any specific geological features or natural habitats to observe?
Red Hill Nature Reserve is known for its unique geological formations, including exposures of igneous tonalite and metamorphic hornfels. It also protects critically endangered Yellow Box–Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland, providing habitat for vulnerable species like the Gang-gang Cockatoo.
Are there any trails that connect to other nature reserves?
Yes, Red Hill Nature Reserve features a forested ridge that extends over 1.8 miles (3 km), connecting to other nature reserves. This connectivity allows for wildlife movement and offers cyclists extended routes beyond the immediate reserve boundaries, including sections of the Centenary Trail.
Is there a route that includes the National Arboretum?
Yes, you can explore routes that incorporate the National Arboretum. The National Arboretum Singletrack – Forest Singletrack Trail loop from Coombs is a moderate 11.5-mile (18.5 km) trail that takes you through this area, offering diverse scenery.
Are there any routes that pass by local breweries or points of interest?
Yes, some routes are designed to pass by local points of interest. For instance, the BentSpoke Brewing Co. – Mount Ainslie Lookout loop from Elouera Street is a challenging 17.1-mile (27.5 km) ride that includes a popular local brewery along its path.
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