The best gravel rides in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve
4.2
(9)
105
riders
9
rides
Gravel biking in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve offers a network of trails through a landscape characterized by woodlands and rolling hills. The reserve provides varied terrain suitable for gravel bikes, including unpaved paths and fire trails. Riders can expect a mix of ascents and descents, navigating through natural bushland environments. The area's topography contributes to diverse route options for different skill levels.
Best gravel bike trails in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Uriarra Village – Cotter Dam Spillway loop from Kambah, a 37.3 miles (60.0 km) trail that takes 4 hours 35 minutes to complete. This challenging route features significant elevation gain and scenic views near the Cotter Dam.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is View from Dairy Farmers Hill – Forest Singletrack Trail loop from Rivett, a difficult 29.7 miles (47.8 km) path. This route offers panoramic views from Dairy Farmers Hill and traverses varied forest singletrack.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Scrivener Dam – National Arboretum Singletrack loop from Rivett, a 24.4 miles (39.4 km) trail leading through woodlands and past the National Arboretum, often completed in about 3 hours.
- Gravel biking in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve is defined by woodland trails, rolling hills, and varied unpaved surfaces. The network offers options for both moderate and difficult ability levels.
- The routes in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 6 reviews. More than 160 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
5.0
(1)
4
riders
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
3.0
(2)
35
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
22
riders
40.1km
02:29
380m
380m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
13
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
8
riders
27.7km
01:52
260m
260m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve covers 637 hectares of native bushland on Canberra's northeast edge, adjacent to Mount Majura Nature Reserve. There is a network of shared trails that wind through eucalypt forest, leading to beautiful views of Lake Burley Griffin and the city from the summit. Aside from the popular trails, the reserve also protects critically endangered grassy woodlands and diverse habitats that support threatened birds, rare plants, and native wildlife.
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The Cooleman Ridge Bicentennial National Trail (BNT) runs along the western edge of Cooleman Ridge Nature Reserve. This is a multi-use trail so keep an eye out for your fellow trail users and keep you eye out for kangaroo and the many species of birds that call the nature reserve home.
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This 187-hectare protected area sits along the southern stretch of Weston Creek. It's a popular location for hikers, mountain bikers, horse riding, and dog walking.
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Scrivener Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Molonglo River, completed in 1963, and is responsible for creating Lake Burley Griffin as a recreational and ornamental body of water. Named after surveyor Charles Scrivener, the dam is about 33 metres high and 319 metres long, with hydraulically operated fish‑belly flap gates that precisely control the lake levels and provide flood management capability. The dam also carries a roadway and the walking/cycling path, and helps form the backdrop to one of Canberra’s key engineering landmarks.
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The East Basin is part of Lake Burley Griffin, spanning from the Kings Avenue Bridge towards the Jerrabomberra Wetlands and Dairy Flat. While walking or biking around East Basin, there are often rowers, windsurfers, dragon boaters, and stand-up paddleboarders on the water.
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The National Arboretum in Canberra has beautiful cycling tracks that run across the whole place. It’s perfect for mountain or gravel bikes. The natural scenery combined with the zen of flowing tracks and change in elevation means you could simply ride forever.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve?
Gravel biking in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve features a network of trails through woodlands and rolling hills. You'll encounter varied terrain, including unpaved paths and fire trails, with a mix of ascents and descents through natural bushland environments.
How many gravel bike trails are available in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve?
There are over 10 gravel bike routes available in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve, offering diverse options for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored these trails over 160 times.
Are there challenging gravel bike trails for experienced riders in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve?
Yes, Farrer Ridge offers several challenging routes. For experienced riders, consider the Uriarra Village – Cotter Dam Spillway loop from Kambah, a 37.3-mile (60.0 km) trail with significant elevation gain and scenic views near the Cotter Dam. Another difficult option is the View from Dairy Farmers Hill – Forest Singletrack Trail loop from Rivett, which offers panoramic views and varied forest singletrack.
Are there gravel bike routes suitable for beginners or families in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve?
While Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve primarily features moderate to difficult trails, the National Arboretum Singletrack – Forest Singletrack Trail loop from Coombs is a moderate 11.5-mile (18.5 km) route that could be a good option for those looking for a less strenuous ride, though it still involves some elevation. Always check the route details to ensure it matches your group's ability.
When is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve?
The best time for gravel biking in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve is generally during the cooler, drier months of autumn and spring. Summers can be hot, and heavy winter rains can affect trail conditions, making some sections muddy or slippery.
How long do gravel bike rides typically take in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve?
Ride durations vary significantly based on the route and your pace. For example, the moderate Scrivener Dam – National Arboretum Singletrack loop from Rivett typically takes around 3 hours, while longer, more difficult routes like the Uriarra Village – Cotter Dam Spillway loop from Kambah can take over 4.5 hours.
Where can I park or access the Farrer Ridge gravel trails?
Access points to the Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve trails are available from various surrounding suburbs like Kambah, Rivett, and Coombs. Specific parking information can often be found in the tour descriptions on komoot, such as for the Lake Burley Griffin – View from Dairy Farmers Hill loop from District of Weston Creek.
Which gravel bike routes offer the best scenic viewpoints in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve?
For panoramic views, the View from Dairy Farmers Hill – Forest Singletrack Trail loop from Rivett is highly recommended, as it includes vistas from Dairy Farmers Hill. Other routes may offer glimpses of the surrounding bushland and distant hills.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy the most about gravel biking in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 6 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the natural bushland environment, and the diverse route options that cater to different skill levels.
Can I expect to see wildlife while gravel biking in Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve?
Farrer Ridge Woodland Reserve is a natural bushland area, so it's common to encounter local wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and various bird species. Riders should remain vigilant and respect the natural habitat.
What essential gear should I bring for gravel biking in Farrer Ridge?
Given the varied terrain and potential for longer rides, it's essential to bring plenty of water, snacks, a repair kit (including spare tubes and a pump), a first-aid kit, sun protection, and a charged phone. Wearing a helmet is mandatory, and appropriate cycling attire is recommended for comfort.
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