Blake Conner

October 13, 2021

Best Motorcycle Rides NSW, Australia

Find great motorbike rides in NSW, featuring epic locations, scenery and thrilling roads.

1) NSW: Yengo National Park Loop

This route starts in Gosford just north of Sydney and heads west on the Old Pacific Highway, before heading north on Peates Ridge Rd. (33), which turns into George Downes Dr. , and then Great North Rd. beyond Bucketty. From Wollombi to Broke it's called Paynes Crossing Rd. Take a left on Milbrodale Rd. Then continue on Putty Rd. before heading south between Yengo and Wollemi Nat. Parks south to Bull Ridge Rd. Putty Road is a popular motorcycle road but also popular with other traffic, so be warned. From here you work your way back to Pacific Hwy. (B83) and then back into Gosford.

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2) NSW: Oxley Hwy Thunderbolts Way Loop

This loop starts at the Pacific Highway between Port Macquarie and Wauchope then heads northwest on the Oxley Hwy toward Walcha. From here it heads southeast along Thunderbolts Way toward Nabiac. You can then jump on the A1 to complete the loop. The section through Cottan-Bimbang National Park is super twisty as is the southern section between Nowendoc and Barrington.

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3) NSW: Grafton Loop

This takes off out of Grafton up the Gwydir Highway to Glenn Innes. Linking exciting corners and beautiful scenery. This route heads back to the coast and eventually down into Grafton. There are some great curves between Tabulam and Tenterfield, and some more great sections in the Gibralter Range National Forest. The section along the Clarence River north of Grafton isn’t too hard on the eyes either.

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4) NSW: Sydney to Mudgee

This is not just about the ride, there are also two astronomical observatories along the way. The Black Stump is not far past Coolah. From there, you can head to Coonabarabran to find Siding Spring Observatory. Add these little stops along the way and this is a fun ride overall! Heading out of Richmond the route heads through the Blue Mountains National Park toward Lithgow. Then North and eventually along Lake Windamere before rolling into Mudgee.‍

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5) NSW: Albury to Bathurst

With little traffic, this is a fun bike road along the Olympic Highway to Mid Western Highway. Starting just north of the Murray River and Albury, this routes heads north on the A41 toward Wagga Wagga, where you can check out Fitzmaurice Street and grab a bite to eat along the Murrumbidgee River. Stay on the A41 and continue north through Cootamundra (plenty to eat and see here, too), and then on through Young, Cowra, Woodstock, Blayney (famous for its wine) before rolling into Bathurst. Visit the National Motor Racing Museum.

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***The Track of the same name: Bathurst in the foreground***

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6) NSW: Gundagai to Corryong

This ride links together a few well-known biking roads and has minimal traffic along the way. Starting near Gundagai, this route heads south through Tumut, which is known for its outdoor activities and nearby Kosciuszko National Park, then head south on Adelong Road and then stay on the 5 south past Batlow (famous for its Apples and Cider), and onto Tumbarumba (check out Paddy’s River Falls south of town). Tooma Road heads southeast before looping back to the southwest and toward Towong and then Corryong a former gold-rush town.

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7) NSW: Orbost to Albury

This is a bit of a trek, but it is worth the riding! Starting in the Snowy River Country of Orbost known for its parks, beaches, and forests. You’ll head northeast on the A1 toward NSW. Hang a left onto Imlay Road and starting working your way back west and making a big horseshoe after riding through Bombala and then right onto Mt. Darragh Road and all the way back to the coast and Pambula and the beautiful Sapphire Coast. If you like Oysters, this is a great place to try them! Head north to Bega before jumping on the B72 and working your way toward Corryong. From there you’ll ride some epic roads toward Tallangatta, the Murray River and eventually Wodonga.

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8) NSW: New Castle Escape Loop

Escape New Castle along this route linking together Goulburn River National Park, Yengo National Park, Wollemi National Park, and Blue Mountain National Park. This route cruises northwest towards Musswellbrook, but peels off towards Goulburn River National Park and then down towards Kandos and Lithgow. There is plenty of excitement along the way to make this a fun full-day loop.

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9) NSW: High Country Way

This route meanders from Cooma down to Jindabyne along the Snowy River for a chance to fuel up and head to Kosciuzko National Park. In the winter, this is the epicenter of Australia's ski and winter sports area. In the summer, this area is an epic escape for hiking, mountain biking, and all the typical summer mountain resort activities. Cruise up to the north to Khancoban on the shore of the Khancoban Pondage. This area is all about the mountain lifestyle, with fishing, boating and lots of outdoor activities.

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10) NSW: Rip Out of Richmond

This route departs out of Richmond and heads toward Lithglow across the Blue Mountains for some epic riding on Bells Line of Road which sits atop a plateau. Once you blast past the suburbs of Kurrajong it’s a fun and super scenic route. A recommended diversion is the village of Mt. Wilson and its scenic views. Heading toward Lithglow there is a fantastic stretch of road before you get into town. From here you continue past Lake Lyell and the Coxs River toward Sodwalls and the Tarana on your way to Bathurst. Don’t forget to visit the National Motor Racing Museum.

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12) NSW: Buckett List

This route heads out of Raymond Terrace along Newline Road, to E. Seaham Road, before jumping on The Bucketts Way (2) along The Kanuah River through towns like Allworth, Booral, Stroud, Wards River, Stratford and then into Gloucester. This area has a ton of parks and is known for its outdoor activities. The former god rush town is a great place to eat along the way. Now you’ll head due east toward Nabiac. A nice return south is along the Pacific Highway.

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13) Kangaroo Valley and Macquarie Pass Loop

Starting in the south in Bomaderry you will head north into the Kangaroo Valley on Moss Vale Road. Along the way you you’ll first hit the beautiful Fitzroy Falls on the left, which drains into the reservoir of the same name to the east. Continue north on Sheepwash Road to Wingecarribee Reservoir, shortly after which you will make a right onto Tourist Road and start heading for Macquarie Pass and some great twists and turns. You’ll head through Albon Park and then jump on the Princes Highway south to Berry and jump on Kangaroo Valley Road (7) for some great curves back toward Cambewarra.

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"You don't stop riding when you get old, you get old when you stop riding."
― Anonymous