A new season means new trails, new destinations and plenty of reasons to hit the road.
From tropical rainforests to alpine trails, the 2027 MTB National Calendar takes riders across Australia. Whether you're racing for a national title or planning a riding getaway, here's where to go next year.
1. Cairns, Queensland
Cairns Rainforest Rumble | 30 September – 3 October 2027
Where rainforest meets world-class mountain biking, Cairns is the perfect destination to build a riding holiday around.
The Cairns Rainforest Rumble takes place at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park, putting riders amongst the tropical landscape that makes Far North Queensland so distinctive. Smithfield is already an established mountain bike destination, with the park sitting just north of Cairns and offering a backdrop of dense rainforest and the surrounding mountains. AusCycling's Cairns Rainforest Rumble features UCI-level racing alongside participation events.
Spend some extra time exploring Cairns and the surrounding region. Swap your helmet for a snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, explore the rainforest around Kuranda, or take in the tropical scenery from the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Make a trip of it: Add a couple of days either side of race weekend to experience the reef, rainforest and tropical north.
2. Glenorchy, Tasmania
MTB National Championships | 16 – 21 March 2027
If dramatic scenery is your thing, Tasmania belongs high on the list.
The 2027 MTB National Championships head to Glenorchy, just outside Hobart, bringing Australia's best riders to Tasmania for a week of national championship racing.
Once racing wraps up, there's plenty more to discover. Hobart sits on the doorstep of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, while Tasmania's mountain bike network stretches across the island. The North South Track runs from the slopes of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington down towards Glenorchy, while nearby Clarence Mountain Bike Park offers a mix of climbing, gravity trails, jumps and a pump track.
And when you're ready to give the legs a break? Hobart has plenty to fill a rest day, from waterfront walks, eating and drinking, to galleries and cultural experiences.
Make a trip of it: Base yourself around Hobart and use the championships as the starting point for a longer Tasmanian adventure.
3. Lysterfield, Victoria
XCO National Series | 5 – 7 February 2027
You don't always have to travel hours from a capital city to find a great mountain bike destination.
Just outside Melbourne, Lysterfield Park is home to almost 24km of purpose-built mountain bike trails, ranging from beginner-friendly riding through to technical trails and the former Commonwealth Games mountain bike course.
The park's State Mountain Bike Course provides a serious challenge for experienced riders, while the wider network means there's something to explore for riders of different abilities. Away from the race course Lysterfield Lake offers another way to spend the day, with walking, cycling, paddling and swimming all available around the park.
For visitors travelling from further afield, Lysterfield also makes an easy base for exploring Melbourne and the surrounding Yarra Valley.
Make a trip of it: Race on the weekend, then stick around for a couple of days of Melbourne food, culture and sightseeing.
4. Mt Buller, Victoria
DH National Series | 5 – 7 March 2027
For riders who like their holidays with a healthy dose of gravity, Mt Buller is one destination that needs little introduction.
The first DH National Series round of the 2027 calendar heads to the Victorian High Country, where Mt Buller's extensive mountain bike network offers everything from gravity trails to cross-country riding. The resort currently has more than 100km of trails, including iconic gravity trails such as Copperhead and International.
And there's plenty to do once the racing is over. Explore the alpine walking trails, take in the views from the 1,804m summit or venture further into the High Country towards Mt Stirling and destinations such as Craig's Hut and Bindaree Falls.
The wider High Country is also home to an extensive network of mountain bike destinations, rail trails, wineries, breweries and regional towns, making it easy to turn the race weekend into a longer getaway.
Make a trip of it: Give yourself a few extra days to explore beyond Mt Buller and ride some of the High Country's other trails.
5. Kooralbyn, Queensland
DH National Series | 26 – 28 March 2027
Tucked into Queensland's Scenic Rim, Kooralbyn offers a very different kind of riding getaway.
The region is surrounded by rolling hills, bushland and mountain ranges, making it a natural fit for an outdoor-focused weekend. Nearby attractions include Wyaralong Dam, Mt Barney, Mt Maroon and Mt Lindesay, while the wider Scenic Rim is known for its food, scenery and outdoor adventures.
The Scenic Rim is also close enough to Brisbane to make a weekend escape achievable, while feeling a world away from the city.
After a day at the races, swap the bike for a hike, explore the surrounding countryside or simply slow the pace and enjoy a few days in regional Queensland.
Make a trip of it: Add a few days to explore the wider Scenic Rim, with its hiking, food, nature and regional towns.
Make 2027 a year of riding adventures
From rainforest trails to alpine descents, the 2027 MTB National Calendar is the perfect excuse to race somewhere new and explore more of Australia.
Start planning your next riding getaway.
Find an event to add to your calendar.