Discover New England High Country… by bike
Whether you’re relatively new to the cycling game or a seasoned pro, Tenterfield and Walcha have some fantastic routes showcasing everything our great region has to offer. So saddle up folks, and be sure to check out our guides on where to eat, shop and play along the way.
The Billyrimba Lookout
96 kilometre day ride
75 per cent unpaved gravel roads and double track
The lowdown
The majority of the roads are wide with smooth surfaces, but there are some bumpy moments as you descend into the valley – nothing someone with cycling experience and a moderate level of fitness couldn’t handle. Overall a joy to ride with some great swimming holes in the second half. For a comfy day in the saddle, a hardtail mountain bike wouldn’t go amiss.
The Tenterfield – Harrigans Lane
120 kilometre day ride
52 per cent unpaved farm and gravel roads
The lowdown
While the roads are wide and smooth surfaced, the distance and gradients make for a challenging ride. It uses 100 per cent public roads and experiences moments of infrequent traffic and some long stretches of B-road highway. Manageable for those with a reasonable level of fitness – just a heads up that the steep descents and rutted roads will pose a challenge to those new to cycling. Treat yourself to a spectacular swimming spot at kilometre 71 by the Boonoo Boonoo River.
The Walcha Gravel Ride
76 kilometre day ride
83 per cent gravel
The lowdown
Boasting an impressive 83 per cent gravel, this ride is sure to cure those paved road mile blues. Straight off the bat – the detour through Walcha is purposeful, enabling you to avoid the Oxley Highway for as long as possible, while also giving you the chance to check out the old stockyards built in the 1950s. More highlights include hitting the Macdonald River (perhaps a good day for a dip?) and reaching the top for an incredible view of the vast Moonbi Ranges.
The Walcha Overnighter
165 kilometre, overnight ride
63 per cent gravel
The Lowdown
While this one’s an overnighter, rest assured it’s suitable for most abilities. Kick off in central Walcha, then head west and pass by Woolbrook – the only town you’ll see on this journey. You’ll also weave beside, over and through the 169-kilometre-long Macdonald River, which flows mostly northwest, providing plenty of opportunities for a swim. On day two you’ll use quiet local roads to travel through rolling farmland and meet up with Thunderbolts Way. Catch views of the Barrington Tops and Mummel Gulf National Park on this breathtakingly beautiful ride.
Time to explore Tenterfield?
While in town, why not steal a moment to check out some of the local haunts? We’d recommend Bad Manners (on Manners Street, LOL) for its great coffee, gluten-free donuts and super accessible courtyard for folks who might still be travelling by bike. From there, have a wander down to Rouse Street (the main drag) and check out The Artisan’s Altitude, a relatively new venue bursting with phenomenal products local to Tenterfield, the New England and Granite Belt. We’re talking cheeses and jams, olives and oils, to name just a few! When evening comes, head to Stonefruit, where you can expect a cellar full of hand-selected wines, and a small bar menu that honours local growers and seasonal produce.
Time to explore Walcha?
For a Saturday morning pick-me-up, grab a coffee from Cafe Graze before popping next door for a culture hit at the Walcha Gallery of Art. Energy levels restored, don’t leave town before experiencing Walcha’s renowned Open Air Gallery. Currently made up of 58 sculptures and artworks, the local highlight runs from the main street along the riverbank, which happens to have paved cycle paths on either side, perfect for hopping back on your bike for an art tour with a difference. No bike? No worries. Loan-a-bikes are available from the Visitor Information Centre, open seven days a week. Grab a brochure and map from the Walcha Tourism website or visitor information centre to keep track of your discoveries. Keen to ramp things up a notch? Introducing the Walcha Sculpture Soundtrail – a highly original sound walk that guides you through a selection of the sculptures while also sharing Indigenous and historical stories along the way. Round off the day with a regional bevvy (or two!) at the Walcha Taphouse.
Want to know more?
These cycling routes are part of a collection of day and multi-day routes created by Jorja Creighton (our cover star!) aka @jambi_jambi for Walcha and Tenterfield Tourism.
If you would like to know more about Jorja, visit jambijambi.com.
If you would like to know more about the beautiful townships of Walcha and Tenterfield, and their great cycling routes, visit walchansw.com.au and visittenterfield.com.au.
