Mt Stromlo Forest Park
Also known as: Stromlo Forest Park, SFP, UC Stromlo, Mt Stromlo
Panoramic Molonglo Valley and Canberra views; Mt Stromlo Observatory ruins; ACT Bushfire Memorial
Who in your group rides what
Whether everyone in your group gets a day at Mt Stromlo Forest Park - the grades on offer, the named zones, and how mixed abilities split up.
Green / Blue / Black / Double-black (ACT/CORC); former UCI World Cup/Champs DH and XC courses
Group split from one hub - beginners ride skills loop + pump track + green loop + flat criterium; advanced self-shuttle/climb to black DH and jump trails; regroup at car park / cafe
Excellent all-abilities hub; family/kids play area, beginner skills loop, up to elite
The riding
Decomposed granite; former pine plantation destroyed in 2003 bushfires, now open regenerating hillside with rock gardens
Granite surface, rock gardens on the back of the mountain; low fall-exposure (open hillside), high technicality on black lines; XC mostly flowing hardpack
Well-signed, professionally waymarked; trailhead maps and CORC signage; floodlit crit not confirmed (VERIFY)
Popular, busy weekends and during events; 487-space car park
Season & conditions
Year-round, effectively snow-free; durable rule - park closes at short notice on Total Fire Ban / extreme fire days (upper trails shut while base may stay open)
Autumn and spring (mild, dry); rideable year-round
2009 UCI World Championships venue (all four disciplines); 2008 UCI World Cup DH; hosts national/international and WEMBO 24-hr events
Total Fire Ban closures (upper mountain), extreme summer heat, occasional flash flooding; limited shade
Getting there & gear
Park entry free, open 365 days; paid parking (<15 min free; up to $3.90 for 6 hr+; annual pass $87)
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Dave McInnes Road off Opperman Ave via John Gorton Drive; ~15 km / 15 min from Canberra CBD
No chairlift; self-shuttle by pedalling the observatory road, or paid third-party MTB shuttle bus
Carry water (hot/dry, limited shade); cafe at base; signal generally good (peri-urban)
Event pavilion, cafe/kiosk + bike hire, toilets, 487-space paid car park, Stephen Hodge Criterium Circuit (1.2 km), pump track, 4X course, BMX jumps, skills area, kids play area, BBQs, bike wash (VERIFY)
On-site cafe + bike hire; Cycle City Hire / Handlebar Stromlo; Rent My Bike; Canberra MTB retailers ~15 min
Hazards & rescue
Summer heat/dehydration, snakes, Total Fire Ban closures, rocky technical rock gardens, shared multi-use trails
None required; coaching/hire via on-site/nearby operators
Central car park/pavilion muster point; road access to summit for evac; nearest hospital Canberra Hospital (Woden) ~15-20 min; reliable signal for 000
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand mountain-bike network report. Coordinates are approximate.