Get active on a mountain bike adventure in the Wombat State Forest.

The Wombat Forest has gained a reputation for being one of the best places in Victoria to ride a mountain bike, and offers a fantastic experience for both beginner riders and serious cyclists.

Located between Woodend and Daylseford, you can reach the Wombat Forest trails by self-driving, or simply catch the V-Line train to Woodend and cycle to the trailhead.

Don’t own a mountain bike or worried about getting lost on the trails? No problem. Simply join an organised bike tour, where you’ll be picked up from Melbourne or the Woodend Train Station. Everything from bikes (if needed), helmets, water, spares and a guide are included.

Once in the forest, you will discover the hand-built mountain biking ‘Wombat Loop’ trail, providing an opportunity to test your skills and fitness. Weave and flow through this fully maintained trail, which has been armoured for year round riding by the local Wombat Mountain Bike Club.

Tip: Keep an eye out for the wombat burrows on either side of the track!

Photo credits: Image one and two by Callan Harrison.

All that leg pumping works up an appetite. The nearby town of Woodend has a couple of great country pubs, as well as bakeries and cafes for a hearty lunch.

Both the Victoria Hotel and Holgate Brewhouse do classic pub fare that you can wash down with a locally brewed beer.

Holgate brews their own award-winning craft beer in an on-site state-of-the-art brewery. Their tasting paddles are very popular!

Or satiate your post-ride appetite with a wood-fired pizza and cool Rock ‘n’ Ranges brew in The Victoria Hotel’s beer garden.

It’s only a few minutes ride back to the Woodend Train Station from either pub, or if you join a bike tour, you can even carry on riding in the afternoon at nearby mountain biking trails in Castlemaine, Harcourt and Bendigo.