Tumbarumba Mountain Bike Park is NSW's newest adventure hub

Australia’s first community-owned and operated mountain bike park is transforming a bushfire-affected region into a must-visit adventure hub.

Don’t let the name fool you; the Snowy Valleys is an outdoor destination for all seasons, perfect for fishos, hikers and mountain bikers. Positioned on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range near the Snowy Mountains, the Snowy Valleys is known for its rugged beauty and pastoral landscapes.

Tumbarumba Mountain Bike Park is the country’s first community-owned bike track. (Image: Andy Hardy)

Now, the new Tumbarumba Mountain Bike Park is placing the region firmly on the radar for adventure-lovers with 22 kilometres of bike tracks and a scenic 8-kilometre hiking loop. Best of all, the park is a community-led initiative championed by a local cycling group determined to revitalise the region after it was devastated by the Black Summer bushfires in 2020. To realise the vision of the bike park, the local cycling club had to purchase the land themselves, with the local community rallying behind them to raise funds. Local farmers even donated cows that were auctioned off to help raise money. The resulting Tumbarumba Mountain Bike Park, which opens today, is now Australia’s first community-owned and operated mountain bike park.

Tumbarumba Mountain Bike Park is putting the region firmly on the radar as an adventure hub. (Image: Andy Hardy)

“This park is more than just trails—it’s a story of resilience, determination, and the power of community," says Peter Marshall, president of the local cycling club behind the initiative. “We’ve created something special here that will put Tumbarumba on the map as an adventure destination while also providing a space for locals and visitors to enjoy our incredible landscape."

Local brewhouse operator Robbie Ladbrook is one of the many program partners involved in the creation of the trail. “It’s been a real community effort and nearly everyone has supported in some way, whether that’s buying a raffle ticket or donating stuff to be auctioned off," Robbie says. “There’s been a massive amount of excitement, from the children to the oldies … Our hope is it becomes the next must-do mountain bike trail for cyclists, and that when people go to visit Thredbo or Jindabyne, they’ll come around to us, too."

The vision to create a bike park came from the local cycling club. (Image: Andy Hardy)

For those in the know, Tumbarumba has a reputation for its cross-country cycling networks, like the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail. But according to Robbie, the region is still unfairly under-the-radar, especially compared to the adjacent Snowy Mountains region.

“We’re very much a mountain community," Robbie says. “There’s apples and orchards and wineries that produce some of the best cool-climate wine in Australia. There are snow-covered peaks, great hiking trails, beautiful rivers for fishing…it really is the undiscovered side of the state".

The addition of the brand new Mountain Bike Park is just one more compelling reason to visit.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi, where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct.

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway, then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba, which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing. Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection. There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes, an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn, where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar, Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina, does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar, where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral, a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park, where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro, where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith, the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

This first-of-its-kind cycling trail is NSW’s newest adventure hub

Australia’s first community-owned and operated mountain bike park is transforming a bushfire-affected region into a must-visit adventure hub.

Two new scenic bushwalks have opened in a breathtaking NSW conservation area

Light up the night with an after-dark kayaking tour in Lake Macquarie

This NSW coastal walk has secluded beaches, wildflowers and whale watching

I’ve stayed in 21 hotels in Sydney and this is my favourite

No time to hibernate: experience the best of winter in NSW

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

The Tweed

Blue Mountains

Southern Highlands

Penrith