The rise of women’s mountain biking retreats
Words by Jo Larkin | Photos: Supplied
Forget girls’ weekends away shopping. Women crave adventure, empowerment, learning and maybe some wine, too
Women’s mountain bike retreats are on the rise across Australia, with more female riders seeking experiences beyond skill progression. Retreats offer a supportive environment where women can build confidence, push their limits, and connect with like-minded riders in stunning locations. Unlike traditional coaching clinics, women-specific retreats focus on progression in a way that suits different learning styles, fostering a culture of encouragement rather than competition.
Many of these retreats integrate elements like yoga, mindfulness, nutrition, and wellness, making them more appealing as full-body and mind experiences rather than just skill-building weekends.
Across the country, a growing number of passionate operators are creating these experiences, catering to riders of all levels in some of Australia’s best riding destinations.
From lush rainforest trails to rugged alpine descents, these retreats blend expert coaching with an unforgettable social and travel experience. In this feature, we introduce three operators leading the charge in women’s mountain biking retreats, sharing their insights on what makes these events so special and why the demand is only growing.
Shred the Desert – Wellness on Wheels
Wellness on Wheels Women’s Mountain Bike Retreats in Alice Springs are week-long tours focused on mountain biking, connection, and thriving.
Why Alice?
Mountain biking in Alice Springs is unique and always an adventure. Handmade and purpose-built trails for mountain biking are conveniently located around town. Some are tight and rocky, while most are open and flowy, weaving between Witchetty bushes and Mulga trees, Ghost Gums, and even the occasional Spinifex Pigeon. One trail even runs along the Larapinta Trail — yes, riders share this path with walkers! The views of the East and West MacDonnell Ranges are spectacular, and riding at sunset is truly breathtaking. Highlights include sightings of wildlife and wildflowers, such as Black Footed Rock Wallabies, Perenties (goannas), King Fishers, curious dingoes, and Billy Buttons.
The Rides
Group rides during the retreat are led by trained and experienced female mountain bike instructors. Each ride is preceded by a thorough self, bike, and gear check, ensuring safety and readiness, and is infused with an atmosphere of support, encouragement, and mutual uplift. Rides are tailored to the needs of the group, with options to split according to skill and fitness, celebrating inclusivity, open-mindedness, and kindness.
About Wellness on Wheels
Wellness on Wheels retreats are designed to foster awareness of one’s connection with self, others, and the environment. Participants are encouraged to assess their current physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual states while connecting with like-minded women and reaping such bonds’ health and wellbeing benefits. The retreats combine mountain biking with immersion in nature, including a day-long walk at Ormiston Gorge, where participants explore the incredible landscape and diverse flora and fauna.
The concept of thriving here is comprehensive, encompassing every facet of life where satisfaction, energy, and contentment are achieved. The retreat supports thriving through various elements of the experience, including dedicated self-care. The retreat offers busy women – the ones juggling many roles– a chance to unwind, relax, and simply be. Every detail is organised, allowing participants to sit back, share a laugh, and refill their cups through activities like yoga and massage. Many come to Alice Springs seeking a soulful connection, drawn to the spiritual and special qualities of the landscape.
How the Retreats Work
Participants receive support in building their bikes at the start of the week, with assistance available to pack them down at the end. Accommodations are at Campfire in the Heart, a venue offering a substantial kitchen, communal indoor and outdoor areas around a fire, rustic rooms, and a beautiful garden, all of which are exclusively reserved for the group during the retreat.
Transport is provided throughout the week in a bus equipped with a bike trailer. The schedule includes riding on Alice Springs Mountain bike trails on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, with a walk on Wednesday. A cultural element is also featured, with visits to various Aboriginal art centres where participants can view exhibitions, purchase products, and observe artists at work.
The retreat also aims to change the narrative around Alice Springs and its people. Despite negative media portrayals, many programs and organisations are making a positive difference for First Nations communities, and the retreat offers an opportunity to highlight these uplifting stories. As George Landy, an enthusiastic supporter of Central Australia and mountain biking, explains, organising and hosting these retreats is a privilege and a way to support women in embracing the activity in a positive, empowering environment.
2025 Retreat dates
June and July – check them out at wellnessonwheels.au.
Bike Betty Retreats
In 2014, Jo Larkin saw the growth in women riding mountain bikes and established Bike Betty with a visionary approach to mountain bike coaching, one that emphasised a holistic, all-inclusive experience tailored to riders of every level. With initial beginnings in Tathra and the Snowy Mountains, she has welcomed over 500 women across numerous retreats and recently relocated her coastal retreats to Narooma Mountain Bike Park due to its incredibly progressive trail network and stunning beach setting securing a unique offering with mountain and coastal offerings in Southern NSW.
Today, Bike Betty Retreats are a benchmark for women’s MTB adventures, offering a unique blend of focused skill development, wellness, and community connection. Designed exclusively for women, these retreats provide a supportive and empowering environment where riders can confidently explore their abilities while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Southern NSW. With a strong emphasis on individual progressive coaching across the 3-day retreats and a boost in mental well-being, Bike Betty retreats go beyond traditional coaching, integrating techniques that promote mindfulness, resilience, and a passion for the sport.
Each retreat is meticulously designed to cater to all rider levels, with the coaching element including a focus on body position and balance, operation of controls, terrain awareness, direction and pressure control, achieving better flow, cornering techniques, managing features like rocks, drops and jumps all held on varied terrain including cross country and gravity suited to the group ability.
Jo is consistently impressed with the ability of women to transform their skills over the retreat weekends due to the focus on the coaching elements and the willingness within women to build progression—ensuring every participant leaves with enhanced skills and lasting memories. By blending expert coaching with the natural beauty of Southern NSW, Bike Betty inspires women to forge deeper connections with themselves, the community, and the great outdoors.
In addition, Jo coaches at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, where she’s the driving force behind the popular Gravity Girls program. As a mountain bike coach, Jo promises not just a ride, but an unforgettable adventure.
2025 Retreat dates
June and Sep 2025 bikebetty.com.au
Snowy Mountains Retreat with K7 Adventures and Bike Betty
The Snowy Mountains provide the perfect setting for an adventure that balances exhilaration with renewal. Known for its world-class trails and sweeping alpine views, this region has something for riders of all levels. From the flowing tracks of Thredbo Valley to the more remote wilderness areas of the Jagungal and Pilot ranges, these retreats showcase the best the mountains offer.
What Makes This Retreat Unique?
Running from March 19–23, 2025, this 5-day retreat is designed to inspire self-confidence and an adventurous outlook on life. Whether you’re new to mountain biking or looking to refine your skills, expert coach Jo Larkin (aka Bike Betty) and her all-female team of coaches provide tailored guidance that meets you where you’re at. With a low guide-to-rider ratio (1:6), every participant receives personalised support, creating an environment where growth is not only possible but inevitable.
A Perfect Balance of Challenge and Comfort
Each day begins with nourishing meals and morning yoga to set the tone. Guided rides take participants along scenic and technical trails, where they’ll test their skills and enjoy the gravity of high-country riding. Riders will also get to embark on an exciting backcountry e-bike adventure, giving riders the chance to explore more remote areas of the Kosciuszko National Park.
Between rides, there’s time to recover and reflect. Sauna sessions promote muscle recovery, while ice bath immersions and river swims offer a relaxing boost of resilience.
Accommodation is provided in the cosy Schuss Lodge in Thredbo Village, offering a warm and welcoming space to unwind after a day of adventure.
The Heart of the Retreat
At its core, the Women’s MTB Retreat is about more than just riding. It’s about building confidence, connecting with other women, and finding joy in the great outdoors. The Snowy Mountains’ rugged beauty sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure, where participants leave with sharper skills and a stronger sense of self-worth.
If you’re ready to ride, recharge, and reconnect, this retreat offers the perfect opportunity to do it all.
Retreat date March 19-23 2025
K7 Adventures Womens Ride Retreat
Mountain Bike Retreats with Louise Foulkes
Since launching in 2021, the women’s MTB retreats have quickly become a beloved tour experience, with 14 successful 5- to 7-day trips completed so far. The tours are known for exploring some of the world’s best trails, with Tasmania emerging as a standout destination.
A series of extraordinary rides on world-class trails have been carefully curated, and every trip is designed to give women the opportunity to unwind, ride, and bond in beautiful locations. When the organisers began, the mountain biking community in Tasmania was very male-dominated, and they sought to change that by creating a welcoming space for women to enjoy the thrill of mountain biking together without feeling out of place. A playful touch was added with purchasing a pink trailer to help build a community spirit around confidence-building trips. The result is a growing network of riders who return repeatedly, drawn by the smiles, the friendships, and the freedom to ride.
Why are these retreats special?
The attention paid to the individual rider makes these retreats so special. Recognising that one size does not fit all, the organisers carefully divide riders into groups based on their abilities. Whether someone is a beginner or a seasoned pro, there is a place for every rider. Slower riders can enjoy the experience without feeling rushed or anxious, while faster riders have the space to push themselves without holding anyone back. Every detail of the trip is meticulously taken care of, from finding the perfect trails to arranging all the meals. All a participant needs to do is show up, ride, and enjoy the journey. The magic happens on the trails, where the joy of biking is shared among like-minded women, allowing them to reconnect with themselves away from everyday pressures.
Many locations on offer
Many guests return for multiple trips, drawn by the adventure, camaraderie, and stunning locations. In addition to the well-established Tasmania retreats, there is exciting expansion into new destinations, including the Sunshine Coast, the South Coast of NSW, and even New Zealand. Each new location offers its own unique terrain and experiences, yet all share one common element: unforgettable mountain biking and the chance to bond in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Find out more at mtbretreat.com.au
