The Cessnock and Hunter Valley region is a great one to get on your bike. There are lots of cycle trails to enjoy with your kids. We’ve put together a collection of our favourite family bike rides and mountain bike trails in Cessnock to suit a variety of ages and abilities. Explore historical and cultural sites, experience nature or a view of the vineyards.
Check out our list of Cessnock and Hunter Valley bike paths.
Hermitage Way Cycleway
If you want to get out for a bike ride with kids, Hermitage Road has a dedicated cycleway that runs from the New England Highway through to Broke Road. You’ll pass more than a dozen wineries along the way that are unfortunately closed to the public at the moment.
Distance: 10.6km from the New England Highway through to Broke Road
Type: Flat
There are lots of other spots in the Hunter Valley to cycle along asphalt, gravel roads and mountain bike tracks. If you’re looking for safe places to ride please refer to the online Hunter Valley Cycle Map.
Werataka National Park
If your family has mountain bikes, go for a ride on Deadmans mountain bike loop in Werataka National Park. It’s an easy 8km cycle through Hunter Valley bushland. The trail starts near Astills picnic area and goes along a dirt track. Just beware that after rains, it can be muddy with a few grooves left by cars.
Distance: 8km circuit
Type: Flat
For more information, visit the NPSW website about Deadman’s Mountain Bike Loop.
Old Great North Road Bike Ride
Mountain bike along part of the Old Great North Road. It’s an important piece of Australia’s history and part of the Convict Sites of Australia World Heritage Area. Built between 1826 and 1836, the Old Great North Road contains the oldest surviving stone bridges in mainland Australia, including Clares Bridge and Circuit Flat Bridge. To keep to COVID regulations, you can start at Mogo campground, off Wollombi Road.
Distance: 43km one way but you can break it up into smaller sections.
Type: Graded hard by NPSW
For more information, visit the NPSW website about Old Great North Road Bike Ride
Mountain Biking in Olney State Forest
Head out for some mountain biking at Olney State Forest. The Hunter Mountain Bike Association manages a mountain bike track in Olney State Forest under a Forest Permit. For more information on the track and to learn about membership of the Club, visit their website.
You might also like:
Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.