The new pump track at Redhead is now open and is already proving popular with kids on bikes, skateboards and scooters. If you’re interested in taking the kids to other bike pump tracks in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region, we’ve done our research and found two more, plus another two due to open by the end of the year.
For those unfamiliar with the concept of a pump track, it’s a circuit of rollers, banked turns and jumps that can be ridden on a bike without much pedaling. Riders create momentum to ride around the track by moving, or ‘pumping’, their body up and down.
Maitland/Tenambit BMX Club
While not officially a pump track, this BMX track will keep kids of all ages happy with its compacted dirt surface and mounds, jumps and berms. The track is well maintained with a large sports field, walking trails and a playground nearby.
The Tenambit BMX Track is maintained by the Maitland BMX Riders and is used for their official training on Tuesday and Friday nights. The track is also used for events so it is definitely worth checking the organisation’s Facebook page to see if there is an event scheduled. Otherwise, it’s ride at your own risk.
Read more about Maitland/Tenabmit BMX Track.
Redhead Pump Track
The first of its kind in Lake Macquarie, the Redhead pump track overlooks Redhead Beach.
Designed by industry leaders, Velosolutions, the track design features different routes. The shortest route is 134 metres while the longer route on the circuit measures 158 metres.
As well as the track, the facility features shaded seating, a water station and a bike repair station with a pump and various tools. If the kids haven’t exhausted themselves on the pump track, you might like to visit nearby Webb Park Playground or stroll the Ken and Audrey Owens Walk.
Read more about Redhead Pump Track.
Salt Ash Pump Track
There’s a great little pump track located near the Salt Ash Community Hall in Michael Drive, Salt Ash. Although it’s aimed at amateur riders, the asphalt track also features a couple of higher banks and raised berms for the more adventurous rider. Little ones will love the small road signs dotted around the track, pedestrian crossing and bike parking area.
Nearby you’ll find a fenced kids playground, a covered picnic bench, bbq and toilets.
Wallsend Active Hub
Located between the playground and the sports courts at the Wallsend Active Hub, Federal Park, this pump track is targeted to younger kids. It’s suitable for bikes, scooters and skateboards.
After visiting the pump track at Federal Park, consider riding the nearby Wallsend to Glendale Tramway Track, it’s a lightly graded 3.9 stretch from Cowper Road, Wallsend to Frederick Street, Glendale.
Read more about Wallsend Active Hub.
Pasterfield Park
Head to Cameron Park. There is a dirt bike pump track at Pasterfield Sports Complex. This is in addition to all the other things you can do at this spot. This huge community area combines a playground, fitness area, netball courts, skate park and an AFL and cricket field.
Read more about Pasterfield Sports Complex
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In the future…
With pump tracks gaining popularity, here are two more planned for the region:
Cessnock Regional BMX Facility
Construction has commenced on Stage 1 of the Cessnock Regional BMX Facility which will feature an asphalt pump track. Completion of Stage 1 is expected by the end of August 2023.
The BMX facility will be open to visitors of all skill levels and is expected to provide high-quality riding facilities. It will be located at Carmichael Park, Bellbird as part of an active youth precinct that will also include a multipurpose court.
Read more about the Cessnock Regional BMX Facility here.
Largs Skate Park
Maitland Council have advised that the new Largs Skate Park will feature a pump track alongside the skate park elements of a half pipe, volcano and grind rails. Construction has already started and is expected to be finished by the end of 2023.
View the design concept of the new Largs Skate Park here.
You might also like:
30+ Skate Parks in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
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8 Playgrounds With Scooter Tracks in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
Meg is a born and raised Novocastrian whose interests include gardening, reading and writing poetry. In between writing for Newy With Kids and working as a School Learning Support Officer, Meg enjoys camping and travelling with her family and exploring Newcastle and all it has to offer. Meg has two energetic kids and is passionate about kids having the opportunity to be outdoors as often as possible.