Awaba Mountain Bike Park Bike Track
Home of The Hunter Mountain Bike Association for about six years now, the Awaba mountainbike park is situated about 45 minutes south west of Newcastle and only about an hour and a half north of Sydney.
Home of The Hunter Mountain Bike Association for about six years now, the Awaba mountainbike park is situated about 45 minutes south west of Newcastle and only about an hour and a half north of Sydney. It is the go-to destination for mountainbike racing in the Hunter Region.
The trails are excellent for the XC crowd with a 12km well-marked loop that is almost 100 percent singletrack. The loop incorporates some amazing, dense rainforest- style trail, which contrasts heavily with most of the track, which is typically a dry and hard-packed surface.
The track is excellent for all levels of riders as the technical challenges are only of moderate difficulty for beginners, yet more experienced riders can appreciate linking corner after corner together for hours on end on a well maintained and generally smooth track.
The gravity crowd are certainly not left out at this venue though. The “Monkey Face” downhill track is one of the most challenging tracks in Australia and you really need to be on top of your game to ride this track fast, or at all for that matter. It has quick and direct access for shuttles.
Need to Know
Toilets No
Drinking Water No
Parking Yes
Trails Signposted Yes
Mobile Reception Telstra – Y, Optus – Y
Shelter No
BBQ Facilities No
Accomodation No
While in the area Take a drive (or ride if you don’t mind a 6Km climb) up Mt Faulk Rd to the Monkey Face lookout
Local Bike Shops Breakaway Cycles Morisset, 4973 4446
Local Club Contacts HMBA.ASN.AU
Getting There
From Sydney, take the Freemans Drive exit off the Freeway and turn right at the end of the off-ramp. Drive about 2-3 kilometres and take a right on to Mt Faulk Road. Drive 2-3 kilometres to the park entrance on your right at Jenkins Road. It is well signposted to the trailhead from here.
From Newcastle, take the Toronto exit off the freeway and turn right towards Freemans Waterholes. Take a left onto Freemans Drive at Freemans Waterholes. Follow this for about 3-4 kilometres until Mt Faulk Road on your right. Follow Mt Faulk Rd for 2-3 kilometres until you reach the park entrance at Jenkins Rd on your right.
Technical Nature
The XC trail is perfect for all levels as it only becomes difficult with speed. The downhill track is for experienced downhill riders only.
You’ll Need
All your regular spares and drinking water. The closest town is Cooranbong, which has a killer bakery.
Distances
12 kilometre XC loop can be cut short if needed. 3 Kilometre downhill track.
Best Time of Year
Year-round singletrack bliss. Tends to hold onto water after rain.
