Sea Otter comes to Australia
Sea Otter is coming to Mogo, NSW in October 2025, bringing racing, expos and a big boost to Australian mountain biking.
It has just been announced that the Sea Otter Classic will be coming to Australia in October 2025. The events draws a massive 80,000 participants in California in April each year. Sea Otter Australia will be hosted by Rocky Trail Entertainment, making only the second licensed Sea Otter event in the World outside of the US alongside Sea Otter Europe in Girona, Spain. The event will also promote the soon to be open trails in Mogo, NSW.
Sea Otter Classic Founder and Director Frank Yohannan said that he was pleased that Rocky Trail Entertainment is taking the helm to bring the excitement of Sea Otter Classic to Australia. “The team is a terrific fit with our brand. They are great organisers who bring the 'entertainment' vibe front and centre. You know, making Sea Otter on the Mogo Trails a place where the fun never stops.”
He added that the global Sea Otter network can’t wait to see the Sea Otter spirit Down Under, thanks to Rocky Trail Entertainment. “We look forward to Sea Otter Australia reaching out to embrace Australian mountain bikers and the entire cycling community. Get ready for an awesome ride, Australia – you're in good hands!”
Sea Otter Australia will be quite a mixed bag. With a diverse range of racing and riding events, including gravity enduro, downhill, cross-country, and free ride, the event caters to racers of all levels and riding styles. You can also expect a bustling tradeshow showcasing the latest bikes, gear, and industry trends. Off the dirt, the Australian Sea Otter Summit will be run with the goal of fostering crucial dialogues about trail-based tourism and industry growth.
“With Sea Otter Australia, we're not just about pinning on numbers and chasing podiums – we're about igniting a passion for cycling in every heart that rolls through our gates," says Juliane Wisata, CEO of Sea Otter Australia and one of the Rocky Trail Founders. "From adrenaline-pumping races to leisurely cruises on the trails, from industry insights at the Summit to community celebrations in the town, we're creating an immersive experience that celebrates the entire cycling ecosystem. It's about shredding, racing and riding the awesome Mogo Trails, discovering the latest gear, and connecting with fellow riders on and off the tracks – all while leaving a positive legacy for the Mogo region.”
The summit will bring together key stakeholders to discuss sustainable development and collaboration, leaving a lasting positive impact on the region, Wisata added.
Presenting Mogo to the world
Sea Otter Australia will really put Mogo on the international mountain biking map. Those who visit can discover the beauty of the region by exploring charming towns, pristine beaches, and diverse landscapes. But the event plans to leave a lasting legacy for the region.
Martin Wisata, COO of Sea Otter Australia and Managing Director of Rocky Trail Entertainment said that the event was only possible on the Mogo Trails because of the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s commitment to restoring the region after the fires.
“Our work has always been about building a community, and Sea Otter Australia aligns perfectly with the region's vision, becoming part of a resilient community”, he said. “We are inspired by the resilience of the people Mogo who have been rebuilding the landscape, the town, and lives after the 2020 fires ravaged through the region. Our team has been establishing the Mogo Trails and with Sea Otter Australia we're doing our bit to create an annual flagship event that will put the network and the region on the global cycling stage”, the Project Manager for the construction of the Mogo Trails added.
The choice of Mogo as the host location holds special significance. The region is still rebuilding after the devastating 2020 bushfires, and Sea Otter Australia presents an opportunity to showcase its resilience and celebrate its ongoing revival. Having secured a multi-year license, Rocky Trail Entertainment is committed to working closely with the local community, fostering inclusivity and ensuring the event benefits the region for years to come.
Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher said Sea Otter coming to Mogo Trails is a dream come true for the Eurobodalla. “When the planning for Mogo Trails began, we knew we wanted to build an international standard MTB destination. That was always the aim and we’ve been fortunate to have Rocky Trails Entertainment and Forestry NSW as brilliant partners in this project, always supporting our vision.”
A mountain bike fanatic himself, Mayor Hatcher said the strategy behind Mogo Trails was to support tourism and economic growth in Eurobodalla and the broader region. “South-east NSW is fast becoming the premier MTB destination in the country,” he said. “We’ve got stage one of Mogo Trails to open in a few months promising world-class riding. Narooma Trails are pumping visitors since they opened in December, and further south there’s brilliant trails at Tathra and Eden, plus all the Snowy Mountains riding just a few hours inland.
“We’re so excited to be working with Rocky Trail Entertainment to bring Sea Otter to the NSW South Coast. I can’t think of a better way to launch Mogo Trails on the world MTB stage.”
