The best road cycling routes in the New England Range

There are over 50 road cycling routes available in the New England Range, catering to various skill levels. This includes 9 easy routes, 35 moderate routes, and 7 challenging routes.

The New England Range, part of Australia's Great Dividing Range, features a high plateau with diverse terrain. You'll encounter lush forests, dry gum trees, and verdant fields. Routes often combine paved and quiet gravel roads, with some featuring significant elevation changes and long climbs, especially in areas around Armidale, Uralla, and Walcha.

The New England High Country experiences distinct seasons. While specific weather conditions vary, the region is generally suitable for cycling outside of the coldest winter months. Spring and autumn often offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, making them ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes.

Yes, the New England Range offers several routes suitable for beginners. For example, the Pilot Station Lookout – Kattang loop from Mary Reserve is an easy 31.4 km route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a more relaxed ride.

Absolutely. The region is known for routes with significant climbs and varied terrain. For a more difficult ride, consider the Roadbike loop from Martins Creek, which covers over 72 km with nearly 1000 meters of elevation gain. The Mount MacKenzie loop from Tenterfield also presents a good challenge with over 660 meters of ascent.

The New England Range boasts beautiful natural features. While cycling, you might encounter stunning waterfalls like Dangar Falls, or unique rock formations such as the Eye of the Needle, Mt Norman, and Turtle Rock. The region's national parks, like New England National Park and Guy Fawkes National Park, also offer lush forests and diverse scenery.

The routes in the New England Range are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.0 stars from 5 reviews. Over 600 road cyclists have explored the varied terrain, often praising the quiet country roads and the diverse landscapes that transition from dry gum trees to verdant fields.

Yes, the New England High Country is particularly noted for its quiet back roads, offering a peaceful cycling environment with a distinct lack of cars. This allows cyclists to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and relaxed country atmosphere.

Many routes in the New England Range pass through picturesque historical towns, offering opportunities for resupply and experiencing local culture. For instance, the Emerald Beach Cafe loop from Moonee Beach specifically highlights a cafe stop. Towns like Armidale, Uralla, and Walcha also provide amenities for cyclists.

Yes, the New England High Country is known for extensive cycling and bikepacking experiences. The NEHC 1000 is an epic 1,037 km mixed-terrain route that circumnavigates the entire region, connecting historic townships and typically taking 10-14 days to complete. Other significant routes include the 'Kookaburra 200' and 'Waterfall Wanderer'.

Many of the road cycling routes in the New England Range are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the popular Gaol Point Lookout – Rocky Beach loop from Kattang Nature Reserve and the Oxley Lookout loop from Kootingal.