The best road cycling routes in Burrawan State Forest

Burrawan State Forest features a varied landscape. While some main access roads, like Bago Road, are sealed, much of the cycling within the forest is on unsealed surfaces, including gravel roads and fire trails. Expect a mix of terrain, which can include rocky sections and more hills than anticipated, making it well-suited for gravel bikes or mountain bikes.

There are 6 road cycling routes documented in Burrawan State Forest, offering a range of distances and difficulty levels for cyclists to explore.

Yes, there is one easy route available. The Pilot Station Lookout – Kattang loop from Mary Reserve is an easy 19.5-mile (31.4 km) trail with moderate elevation gain, perfect for a less strenuous ride.

For a more challenging experience, consider routes with significant climbs. The Roadbike loop from Wauchope is a moderate 28.8-mile (46.3 km) path with notable elevation changes. Another option is the Lake Cathie Koala Reserve loop from Taskers, which is a moderate 42-mile (67.5 km) route with over 500 meters of elevation gain.

Yes, Burrawan State Forest is home to Old Bottlebutt, the largest recorded Red Bloodwood tree globally, with a girth of over 16 meters. While not directly on a cycling route, it's accessible via a 600-meter loop walking track from the Burrawan picnic area, which also offers parking and toilets.

Several routes in the area are designed as loops. Examples include the Pilot Station Lookout – Kattang loop from Mary Reserve and the Gaol Point Lookout – Rocky Beach loop from Kattang Nature Reserve, offering circular journeys through the landscape.

Parking is available at the Burrawan picnic area, which serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the forest and accessing the walking track to Old Bottlebutt.

Over 160 road cyclists have explored Burrawan State Forest using komoot. They often appreciate the diverse terrain, the natural backdrop of ancient trees and remnant rainforest, and the variety of routes that cater to different ability levels.

While the forest offers varied terrain, including unsealed surfaces, families with appropriate bikes (like gravel or mountain bikes) and experience can enjoy the easier routes. The Pilot Station Lookout – Kattang loop from Mary Reserve is an easy option to consider.

The Mid North Coast region generally offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. However, it's always advisable to check local weather forecasts before your ride, as conditions can vary, especially on unsealed forest roads.

Yes, some routes offer a blend of forest and coastal scenery. The Gaol Point Lookout – Rocky Beach loop from Kattang Nature Reserve is a longer route that leads through both coastal and forest landscapes, providing diverse views.