The Cessnock and Hunter Valley area has some of the best family bike riding in the region, from flat wine country cycleways to bushland mountain bike loops in Werakata National Park. Whether you’ve got toddlers on balance bikes or older kids ready for a longer ride, there’s a trail here to suit.
We’ve rounded up our favourite family bike rides and mountain bike trails in the area, with distances, difficulty and practical tips so you can pick the right one for your crew.
Werakata National Park: Deadmans Mountain Bike Loop
Werakata National Park, just outside Cessnock, is home to one of the best family-friendly mountain bike trails in the Hunter Valley. The Deadmans mountain bike loop is an easy, mostly flat 8km circuit through ironbark and spotted gum bushland, starting and finishing at Astills picnic area.
Despite the name, it’s a genuinely relaxed ride. You’ll pass through quiet bush that’s home to native birds, including some rarer species, so it’s worth bringing binoculars if your kids are into spotting wildlife. In spring, wildflowers line parts of the track.
Distance: 8km circuit
Type: Flat, unsealed
Best for: School-age kids and up who are comfortable on a bit of dirt track. Little ones on balance bikes may find the surface tricky in places.
Good to know: The track can get muddy after rain, with grooves left by vehicles in spots, so check conditions before you head out. There are no facilities within the park itself, so use the toilets and picnic shelters at Astills picnic area before you set off.
Astills picnic area is also a lovely spot for a family picnic before or after your ride. We’ve covered it in more detail, along with other nearby picnic spots, in our guide to the best picnic spots in Cessnock and the Hunter Valley.
For trail conditions and closures, check the NPWS Werakata National Park page before you go.
Hermitage Way Cycleway
If you want a flat, easy ride that doesn’t involve any dirt tracks, the Hermitage Way Cycleway is the pick. This dedicated cycleway runs 10.6km through wine country, from the New England Highway through to Broke Road, passing more than a dozen wineries along the way.
Distance: 10.6km one way (New England Highway to Broke Road)
Type: Flat, sealed path
Best for: All ages, including younger kids on their own bikes, thanks to the flat sealed surface. It’s also pram-friendly if you’re bringing a bike trailer.
Good to know: Shade is limited along parts of the cycleway, so pack hats, sunscreen and plenty of water, especially over the warmer months. You don’t need to ride the whole thing. Plenty of families do shorter out-and-back sections and stop at a family-friendly cellar door along the way.
If you don’t have your own bikes, several hire operators in Pokolbin service this route directly, which makes it an easy option if you’re staying locally or visiting for the day.
For more on the wider Hunter Valley cycle network, including other sealed and gravel routes, refer to the Hunter Valley Cycle Map.
Old Great North Road Bike Ride
For older kids and families looking for something a bit more adventurous, the Old Great North Road offers a ride through genuine Australian history. Built by convicts between 1826 and 1836, it’s part of the Convict Sites of Australia World Heritage Area and contains the oldest surviving stone bridges on the mainland, including Clares Bridge and Circuit Flat Bridge.
Distance: 43km one way, but easily broken into shorter sections
Type: Graded hard by NPWS
Best for: Older kids and teens with mountain bike experience, or families happy to tackle a short section rather than the full route.
Good to know:This one is graded hard, so it’s not a beginner ride. Pick a shorter stretch if you’re riding with less experienced kids, and check the NPWS site for current track notes.
Full details, including maps, are on the NPWS Old Great North Road Bike Ride page.
Mountain Biking in Olney State Forest
Olney State Forest, managed in part by the Hunter Mountain Bike Association under a Forest Permit, is a good option for families with more confident young riders or teens keen to try proper mountain bike trails.
Best for: Confident riders and teens. This is better suited to families already into mountain biking rather than a first-timer’s ride.
Good to know: Trail conditions and permitted access can change, so check with the Hunter Mountain Bike Association for current trail notes and membership info before heading out.
Where to Hire Bikes in the Hunter Valley
If you don’t want to bring your own bikes, there are a few hire options based around Pokolbin, close to the Hermitage Way Cycleway. Some operators also offer electric bikes, which are worth considering if you’re covering longer distances or riding between wineries in the heat. A few also offer delivery to your accommodation, so it’s worth asking when you book.
This is a handy option if you’re visiting for a day trip or staying at one of the resorts around Pokolbin and don’t want to bring bikes from home.
Family Tips for Biking in Cessnock & the Hunter Valley
A few things worth knowing before you head out:
Helmets are compulsory for all riders in NSW, including kids, so make sure everyone’s sorted before you leave home. Mornings are the best time to ride in warmer months, especially on the unshaded sections of the Hermitage Way Cycleway.
Pack more water than you think you’ll need, particularly for the Werakata and Old Great North Road trails, where there’s no water access along the way.
If you’re riding with a mixed-age group, the Hermitage Way Cycleway is the easiest one to do together, since younger kids can manage the flat sealed surface while older kids and adults can push on further.
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