Local Mountain Bike Tracks
Local Mountain Bike Track options
The following MTB options are an outline of what rides are available locally in the Cromwell district. Riders should obey all the rules as presented below, and it is suggested you clarify the routes with landowners, or obtain further details from the Cromwell Information Centre. The map on the following page provides a quick reference to the localities described briefly below and further information may be obtained in the ‘Walk Cromwell’ brochure.
Cromwell Local
Various one hour rides are available around Cromwell and include the Old Cromwell Town to Lowburn ride along the Lake Dunstan foreshore. Other options include from Cromwell to Bannockburn via the oxidation ponds and Kawarau Arm of the lake; or further along to Ripponvale. Refer to Walking and Hiking section (above) for a description of the track.
Northburn Pylon Track
Starts about 500m north of the Deadman's Point bridge and goes up the pylon track coming out at either Firewood Creek (part of the Cromwell Lookout walk) or Brewery Creek at the entrance to the Cromwell Gorge. One to two hours duration.
Please note: This track is on private land, please ring Bevan on 021447787 for permission.
Closed for lambing during October and November.
Cairnmuir Slide Track
Start at the Cairnmuir Road gate entrance to the DOC track and follow well formed tracks. Various options... to Cairnmuir Slide (huge engineering works visible from State highway 8 through the Cromwell Gorge); Clyde township via the DOC track; or to Bannockburn Heights Vineyard or Bannockburn Inlet.
Bannockburn Classic routes
The two main routes comprise the Sports ride though farmland down into Bannockburn Creek (this is private land so it is suggested you undertake this route as part of the annual Bannockburn MTB Classic race); or the Classic route that involves riding to Hawksburn and back to Bannockburn via the pylon track. A further option allows riders to go past Hawksburn and continue onto Clyde via the Hawksburn Road.
Carricktown
Ride from Bannockburn along the Nevis Road to Duffers Saddle, and then down to Carricktown (passing the Young Australian water wheel) and Quartzville. Approximate times 3 to 5 hours.
Carrick Range
Ride from Bannockburn to Duffers Saddle, then partly along to the Young Australian but turn west, and then along the Carrick Range to Long Gully and then the Nevis River.
View the AJ Hackett High Wire Bungy, cross the Nevis and come out at the Queenstown Refuse Disposal site. Journey back to Cromwell along State highway 6. Allow at least six hours of good weather.
Coal Pit Road
Ride from Bannockburn to Duffers Saddle, onto Nevis Crossing and then the north-west track to Coal Pit Road and Gibbston. Get picked up at Gibbston for return trip to Cromwell. Allow a good six hours. Note the option of continuing onto Garston at the Nevis Crossing exists but that is best left to the annual Garston to Bannockburn MTB race held each November.
Roaring Meg ***This track is currently closed. More info here.***
There are various options to suit your energy levels.
a) Starting at Cardrona, follow the DOC Cardrona - Roaring Meg Pack Track (map available at Cromwell Information Centre) to exit at the Roaring Meg power station in the Kawarau Gorge. Allow six hours.
b) Start at Cardrona and turn off at the top to follow the Cardrona - Cromwell Pack Track back to Swan Road at Lowburn. Allow six hours.
c) Alternatively, start at the Roaring Meg, ride up the track to the tops and transfer onto the Cardrona - Cromwell Pack Track and return to Swan Road.
Mt Michael
Start at Swan Road DOC Cardrona - Cromwell Pack Track, but turn south at the top and follow track back to Ripponvale via Mt Michael. Either way suitable.
Please Note: This is private land and those wishing to use it need to contact Alex Huffadine on 0272752216 before using.
Thomson Gorge
Follow the 4WD track from Ardgour Valley over the Thomson Gorge Road to Matakanui and then to Lauder. Check out the brochure available from the Information Centre.
Dunstan Mountains
From Ardgour Valley, follow the Thomson Gorge track but turn south at Mt Moka and along the DOC walking track to Leaning Rock, then down onto State highway 8 in the Cromwell Gorge via either Firewood Creek or Brewery Creek.
Please note: From the Leaning rock down to State Highway 8 on any track is private land, with locked gates on the track, please ring Bevan on 021447787 for permission.
Bendigo
Various options exist on this property. Starting at Devils Creek follow the pylon track to Crippletown; or go higher up and follow the DOC track to Logantown. Explore the Bendigo gold fields but take care with hidden mine shafts.
Mountain Bikers Ethic Guide
To make the most of your mountain biking experience in the Crowmell area please follow the below code of ethics:
The following MTB options are an outline of what rides are available locally in the Cromwell district. Riders should obey all the rules as presented below, and it is suggested you clarify the routes with landowners, or obtain further details from the Cromwell Information Centre. The map on the following page provides a quick reference to the localities described briefly below and further information may be obtained in the ‘Walk Cromwell’ brochure.
Cromwell Local
Various one hour rides are available around Cromwell and include the Old Cromwell Town to Lowburn ride along the Lake Dunstan foreshore. Other options include from Cromwell to Bannockburn via the oxidation ponds and Kawarau Arm of the lake; or further along to Ripponvale. Refer to Walking and Hiking section (above) for a description of the track.
Northburn Pylon Track
Starts about 500m north of the Deadman's Point bridge and goes up the pylon track coming out at either Firewood Creek (part of the Cromwell Lookout walk) or Brewery Creek at the entrance to the Cromwell Gorge. One to two hours duration.
Please note: This track is on private land, please ring Bevan on 021447787 for permission.
Closed for lambing during October and November.
Cairnmuir Slide Track
Start at the Cairnmuir Road gate entrance to the DOC track and follow well formed tracks. Various options... to Cairnmuir Slide (huge engineering works visible from State highway 8 through the Cromwell Gorge); Clyde township via the DOC track; or to Bannockburn Heights Vineyard or Bannockburn Inlet.
Bannockburn Classic routes
The two main routes comprise the Sports ride though farmland down into Bannockburn Creek (this is private land so it is suggested you undertake this route as part of the annual Bannockburn MTB Classic race); or the Classic route that involves riding to Hawksburn and back to Bannockburn via the pylon track. A further option allows riders to go past Hawksburn and continue onto Clyde via the Hawksburn Road.
Carricktown
Ride from Bannockburn along the Nevis Road to Duffers Saddle, and then down to Carricktown (passing the Young Australian water wheel) and Quartzville. Approximate times 3 to 5 hours.
Carrick Range
Ride from Bannockburn to Duffers Saddle, then partly along to the Young Australian but turn west, and then along the Carrick Range to Long Gully and then the Nevis River.
View the AJ Hackett High Wire Bungy, cross the Nevis and come out at the Queenstown Refuse Disposal site. Journey back to Cromwell along State highway 6. Allow at least six hours of good weather.
Coal Pit Road
Ride from Bannockburn to Duffers Saddle, onto Nevis Crossing and then the north-west track to Coal Pit Road and Gibbston. Get picked up at Gibbston for return trip to Cromwell. Allow a good six hours. Note the option of continuing onto Garston at the Nevis Crossing exists but that is best left to the annual Garston to Bannockburn MTB race held each November.
Roaring Meg ***This track is currently closed. More info here.***
There are various options to suit your energy levels.
a) Starting at Cardrona, follow the DOC Cardrona - Roaring Meg Pack Track (map available at Cromwell Information Centre) to exit at the Roaring Meg power station in the Kawarau Gorge. Allow six hours.
b) Start at Cardrona and turn off at the top to follow the Cardrona - Cromwell Pack Track back to Swan Road at Lowburn. Allow six hours.
c) Alternatively, start at the Roaring Meg, ride up the track to the tops and transfer onto the Cardrona - Cromwell Pack Track and return to Swan Road.
Mt Michael
Start at Swan Road DOC Cardrona - Cromwell Pack Track, but turn south at the top and follow track back to Ripponvale via Mt Michael. Either way suitable.
Please Note: This is private land and those wishing to use it need to contact Alex Huffadine on 0272752216 before using.
Thomson Gorge
Follow the 4WD track from Ardgour Valley over the Thomson Gorge Road to Matakanui and then to Lauder. Check out the brochure available from the Information Centre.
Dunstan Mountains
From Ardgour Valley, follow the Thomson Gorge track but turn south at Mt Moka and along the DOC walking track to Leaning Rock, then down onto State highway 8 in the Cromwell Gorge via either Firewood Creek or Brewery Creek.
Please note: From the Leaning rock down to State Highway 8 on any track is private land, with locked gates on the track, please ring Bevan on 021447787 for permission.
Bendigo
Various options exist on this property. Starting at Devils Creek follow the pylon track to Crippletown; or go higher up and follow the DOC track to Logantown. Explore the Bendigo gold fields but take care with hidden mine shafts.
Mountain Bikers Ethic Guide
To make the most of your mountain biking experience in the Crowmell area please follow the below code of ethics:
- Respect others - give way to all other track users regardless of circumstances. Keep left at all times. Always pass with care and make your presence known well in advance if approaching from behind as being startled will upset the most tolerant tramper.
- Respect the land - always obtain permission to use various farm tracks. Check with the Cromwell Information Centre as to who owns various parcels of land and who you should approach for permission. Advise others to use suitable tracks and always stay on the track. Access to private land is a privilege, not a right. Avoid using soft, wet or unstable surfaces. Avoid skidding and keep off native scrubland.
- Control your speed at all times - and especially when visibility is poor. Assume there is always someone around the corner. Do not disturb wildlife or stock and give animals a chance to get out of your way.
- Gates - leave as you find them. If locked, climb over at hinged end, and over fences at a post.
- Don't litter - leave only tyre prints. Respect private and public property. Carry out what you carry in. Always wear an approved helmet.
- Plan ahead - don't travel alone and advise others where you have gone and when you are expected back. Take water, food, cell phone, a basic First Aid kit, map of route (‘Walk Cromwell’ brochure may be good), breakdown kit and raincoat. Be prepared for breakdowns, sudden changes in weather (take warm clothing) and pre-check your intended route with someone who knows the area.
- Have fun!
