Mountain biking and Cycling in Central Australia

Alice Springs is well established as one of the best riding destinations in Australia, with over 200km of single track, only a short pedal from the centre of town. The riding here is varied, with everything from scenic bike paths, to flowy single track contouring its way through the outback, and rough and tumble riding that will keep experienced mountain bikers on their toes. Any rider with any level of experience can go for a mountain bike ride - the trail and speed you take is entirely dependent on your level of fitness and experience.

If your after something a bit softer, cycling is also available on paths around Alice Springs as well as Uluru. Uluru has a 10km walking/cycling track around its base that is relatively flat and easy to access. 

Alice Springs Cycling and Mountain Biking Maps

Need to figure out how to get from your accommodation to the Telegraph Station? Just looking for a casual, easy ride around town? Use the Alice Springs Cycling and Walking Map to plan your trip. Places of interest are marked on the map, so you can even do some sightseeing during your ride!

So you've decided you want to give mountain biking a go? Start by riding to the Telegraph Station, and from there you can use the Alice Springs Mountain Bike Trails Map to choose a trail that suits your skill level. Don't forget to take lots of water!

Where to hire a bike

In Alice Springs there are a number of companies that you can hire a bike from.

Red Centre Adventures has something for everyone, with e-bikes, commuter bikes, mountain bikes, stealth electric mountain bikes and kids bikes available. Hire options start from 4 hours and extend to 1 week, with pickup from their store on Ghan Road, or drop off at your accommodation.

My Ride Alice Springs offer bikes suitable for both getting around town as well as the mountain bike trails. With 24 hour bike hire available, pickup your ride from North Stuart Highway, or request to get it delivered to you.

At Uluru you can hire a bike from Outback Cycling. Pickup your bike up from the Cultural Centre in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park and complete the 'must do' 3 hour Uluru bike ride around the base. Transfers from Yulara accommodation are available with your bike hire. 

Mountain Biking Events

Alice Springs has become a haven for mountain bike stage racing because of the number of high-quality trails stemming from one place. 

The Redback has been running every August for over a decade. Taking in six stages over four days, the courses are designed to guide riders through the best trails Alice Springs has to offer. Event organisers Rapid Ascent make things simple and take care of all the logistics, including transfers to and from the airport. 

Easter in the Alice is the other big event that comes through Alice Springs every year. You can probably guess by the name, it takes place in April, over the Easter long weekend. Put on by the Central Australian Rough Riders (CARR) Mountain Bike Club, the three stages start and finish early in the day, so you can maximise your time in the Red Centre and explore Alice Springs. Plus, the event hosts dance parties, movie nights, and there is even a pool where you can cool off and enjoy some après nutrition.