Best vantage points at the 2024 GWM Mountain Bike National Championships

Courtesy of Hunter Mountain Bike Association, here are their best viewing spots to watch Australia's top riders tackle the 2024 GWM Mountain Bike National Championships at Awaba Mountain Bike Park.

Downhill

1. The Rock Garden

Accessed by the spectator shuttle bus*, right to the Downhill start drop off. Walk 100m back down the road, through the gate, and down the access trail to the Rock Garden. Plenty of standing area at the top of the garden, or mid-garden on the left (rocky descent to get there). Take your metal detector along – there could be a few fillings shaken loose!

2. Biraban Tunnel

Accessed by the spectator shuttle bus, stopping at the Bangalow Rd turnoff. Walk (safely) 150m up the road, turning left into the access road and through the gate. Trail is 200m from the gate with spectator spots top, bottom, left, and right!

3. Halfway Downs

Accessed by the spectator shuttle bus, stopping at the Faulk Line start. Walk 50m up the hill, trail just inside the gate on your right. Multiple viewing spots. So many options and they’re all gnarly as!

4. Wombat Gap

Accessed by the spectator shuttle bus, stopping at the Faulk Line start. Cross the road, and walk down Faulk line, past the platform, and down the hill to the signposted "Monkey Chase" exit on the left side. 300-400m walk. Viewing spots from both above and below.

5. Guts or Glory Flyover

Accessed on foot. Walk 200m up the spectator track parallel to the DH finish, you can’t miss it. Watch them fly!

6. Uber Berm

Accessed on foot. Walk past the DH finish along Jenkins Rd and take a left turn into the bunted trail to take you up the hill. Expect a walk of around 1Km – with a steep climb to finish. Plenty of viewing spots.

Cross-country

1. Top of Faulk Off

Accessed by the spectator shuttle bus, stopping at the Faulk Line start. Cross the road, and walk down Faulk line, past the platform, and down the hill to the signposted spot. You can see the whole section from up high and there will be thrills and spills aplenty!

2. Bottom of Faulk Line climb

Accessed on foot. Walk up the access trail between the XC trail head and the container, past the toilet block. Plenty of spots to watch riders suffer.

3. Rock Drop

Accessed on foot from the top (Northwest corner) of the carpark/event village area. You can see it from just about anywhere. This’ll sort out the roadies!

4. Speed Dating/Tunnel of Love

Accessed on foot. Walk 300m up the spectator track parallel to the DH finish and follow the signs.

5. Captain's Call Gap Jump and flow berms

Accessed on foot. Walk past the DH finish along Jenkins Rd and nd take a left turn into the bunted trail to take you up the hill. Expect a walk of around 600m – who knew XC riders had wings!

*Granted Ride Mountainbike will be offering spectator shuttles from the main event centre up the hill during the Nationals for $5 per person. This is a far better option than trying to drive up as parking is very limited along the side of Mount Faulk Rd.