Kiwarrak Forest Bike Track
You’d be excused for not having heard of trails in Kiwarrak State Forest as this superb network of singletrack is more commonly known as the Taree Tip Trails – so called because of the forest’s close proximity to the Taree Tip.
You’d be excused for not having heard of trails in Kiwarrak State Forest as this superb network of singletrack is more commonly known as the Taree Tip Trails – so called because of the forest’s close proximity to the Taree Tip. However, we can assure you that the trails are anything but rubbish!
The trail network has been steadily growing in recent years and has long been a popular destination for riders from the mid-north coast of NSW.
The local club, Manning-Great Lakes Tip Riders, host regular races however this year Taree was put firmly on the map by hosting a round of Chocolate Foot’s prestigious SRAM Singletrack Mind Series. Glowing reviews on the trails from competitors confirmed what the locals already knew – Kiwarrak State Forest is a mountainbiker’s paradise with fun, flow, and challenge for everyone.
Toilets No
Drinking Water No
Parking Yes
Trails Signposted No
Mobile Reception Weak with Telstra, Optus unreliable (likely not available)
Shelter No
BBQ Facilities No
Accommodation Plenting of accommodation from camping to hotel in Taree. Also cabin accommodation in nearby Tinonee
While in the Area Taree is in the Manning Valley, just north of the Great Lakes region of NSW which features the stunning triple lakes system of Myall, Smiths, and Wallis, offering great kayaking, swimming, fishing, and walking. Taree itself is situated on the magnificent Manning River, featuring the Taree Heritage walk, river cruises, and is a source of the region’s fabulous oysters. Nearby coastal towns of Old Bar and Saltwater are good for surfing, fishing, and safe lagoon swimming
Local Bike Shops There are two bike shops in Taree, Bourke’s Bikes and Pedal Power Cycles
Local Club Contacts The crew from the Manning-Great Lakes Tip Riders (mgltr.asn.au) are always keen for an excuse to ride! Best way to contact them is through Facebook – facebook.com/MGLTipRiders. As mentioned above, it’s well worth arranging for a tour guide
Regular Events Manning-Great Lakes Tip Riders are a proactive lot with monthly club races of different formats – XC, endurance, and gravity enduro. Kiwarrak State Forest is an annual fixture for the Gnatpak mid-north coast XC series, and in 2014 it will again be host to a round of the Singletrack Mind Series and the Brownie Points Burner marathon
Getting There
Kiwarrak State Forest is south-west of Taree with the current trail entrance just 7km from Taree town centre. From Taree, head south on Manning River Drive and turn right at the roundabout to head west along The Bucketts Way. Or, coming from the Pacific Highway, take the southern Taree exit and continue straight through two roundabouts heading west on The Bucketts Way. Approximately 2km along The Bucketts Way turn left into the forest entrance and 50m later you will find the carpark.
Technical Nature
The beauty of the trails at Kiwarrak is their diversity. Most of the trails are suitable for riders of all abilities, perfectly crafted for flow – and the faster you ride, the more challenging they become!
What is now known as the ‘Chocolate Foot’ loop consists of fast, relatively flat trails that weave their way through the eucalypt forest with some fantastic swoops through rainforest gullies. However, if you’re after gap jumps, wall rides or, say, a massive see-saw, these can all be found in the forest.
The area has plenty of elevation featuring traversing singletrack climbs and the occasional steep fire trail, rewarded by flowing descents with drops and jumps.
You’ll Need
There are no facilities at the trailhead so make sure you’ve got the essentials. Taree is 7km away so supplies are relatively close.
Distances
Kiwarrak State Forest boasts some 40km of singletrack, in addition to plenty of fire road. The marked Chocolate Foot loop is 10.25km plus the kilometre from the trailhead.
In August this year, the inaugural Brownie Points Burner marathon offered an 80km loop with 2700m of climbing, almost entirely within Kiwarrak State Forest.
Local Knowledge
With a veritable maze of singletrack to be explored, it’s worthwhile contacting the local club to see if you can tee up a tour guide. Currently, the 10km Chocolate Foot loop is the only marked route, however planning is underway for comprehensive signage.
Best Time of Year
Most of the year offers perfect riding conditions, with the exception of summer months when Taree can be fairly hot and steamy. Rain can render some of the trails through lower gullies unusable, but there are plenty of other trails that remain largely unaffected by wet weather.
