Why Wild Mersey Stands Apart

Tasmania has earned a reputation as one of the best mountain biking destinations in Australia, and most riders already know the names Derby and Maydena. Wild Mersey is the third piece of the puzzle, but it is not a copy of either. Where Derby leans heavily into enduro-style descents and Maydena into gravity riding, Wild Mersey offers something broader: a network designed from the ground up to serve every rider, from families rolling along gentle forest trails to experienced riders hunting technical features and steep descents.

The network spans 52 named trails across three distinct trailheads in the Mersey Valley region of northern Tasmania. With approximately 95 kilometres of purpose-built singletrack, it covers terrain ranging from flat, wide flow trails through to steep, rock-studded expert lines. The $4.5 million project spans both the Latrobe and Kentish council areas, with Stage 1 trails built by Next Level MTB and Stages 2 and 3 by Trailscapes.

What makes Wild Mersey genuinely different is the connectivity. You can ride between all three trailheads — Warrawee Forest, Bells Parade, and Railton — on almost entirely singletrack. A suspension bridge believed to be the longest in the Southern Hemisphere connects Warrawee to Railton, making it possible to link a full day of riding across different terrain types without loading the bike back onto the car.

Warrawee Forest — Where It All Begins

Warrawee Forest sits closest to Latrobe and is the most accessible starting point for newcomers to the network. With 18 trails and 17.4 kilometres of track, it operates on a modified stacked loop format where difficulty increases the further you ride from the trailhead. This means families and beginners can loop the easier trails near the car park while more confident riders push outward into harder terrain.

The soil here is what riders call "hero dirt" — it cuts cleanly and holds its shape, giving you grip and predictability that makes the trails ride well even in less-than-ideal conditions. This characteristic extends across much of the Wild Mersey network and is one of the reasons the trails remain rideable when other networks in Tasmania might be closed or degraded after rain.

For beginners, trails like Easy Does It and Bee Line offer smooth, well-graded runs that build confidence without surprises. Intermediate riders should make for Dinsdale Hill, which serves as a choose-your-own-adventure hub — you can climb to the top and pick from three different descents, all returning to the same finish point. High Voltage is a standout for intermediate riders who enjoy flow and small jump features.

The forest itself adds to the experience. Warrawee has remnants of its mining past scattered through the bush, including car-sized tree stumps from the old logging era and derelict infrastructure slowly being reclaimed by the forest. There is also a designated platypus spotting area near one of the creek crossings — a genuine novelty you will not find at many trail networks.

Bells Parade — The Heart of the Network

If you only have time for one trailhead, Bells Parade is where the depth of Wild Mersey really shows. With 19 trails totalling 50.4 kilometres, it has the longest runs, the most variety, and some of the most memorable riding in the network.

The riding here passes through dense Tasmanian rainforest, with creek crossings, fern-lined singletrack, and canopy cover that makes it feel a world away from the open eucalypt of Warrawee. Sweet Caroline (4.3 kilometres, moderate) is one of the signature trails — a flowing, well-built descent that rewards smooth riding. Gnarvana (1.9 kilometres, moderate) offers a more technical challenge on a shorter run. For riders wanting distance, Raptor Ridge stretches 10.1 kilometres and delivers a sustained moderate ride through varied terrain.

One of the best combinations at Bells Parade is the Teleport climb paired with the Green Hornet descent. Teleport is a 3-kilometre climb trail — steady rather than savage — that delivers you to the top of Green Hornet, a 2-kilometre wide-open descent that is pure flowing fun. It is one of those trails where you find yourself grinning the whole way down and immediately wanting to do it again.

For easier options, Green Mile (2.62 kilometres) and Ewoks (1.24 kilometres) are both rated easy and give newer riders a taste of the rainforest riding without the technical demands. Funky Chicken (1.5 kilometres, moderate) sits between these and the harder trails, making it a good stepping stone.

At the top end, Bells Parade has genuine expert-level riding. No Mersey is a short but intense 600-metre line that demands full commitment. Echidin' Me (650 metres, hard) and Back To School (1.06 kilometres, hard) round out the advanced options for riders looking to test their limits.

Railton — Tech, Pump Track, and the Badgers Range

The Railton trailhead brings 15 trails and 26.8 kilometres of track, but its character is different again. The town itself has a massive asphalt pump track — one of the best in the state — which serves as both a warm-up facility and a destination in its own right for younger riders and those working on handling skills.

On the trail network proper, Jack Jumper (1.54 kilometres, moderate) and Bluetopia (1.42 kilometres, moderate) are popular cross-country loops. Zen Garden (600 metres, easy) and Gold Rush (1.3 kilometres, easy) provide accessible options near the trailhead. For riders wanting to test themselves, Syked Out (1.42 kilometres, expert) delivers a proper technical challenge.

Railton's unique feature is its eChallenge trails — purpose-designed climbs that are ultra-technical and built specifically with e-bikes in mind. These are not just fire roads with a new name; they are genuine technical climbs that use the extra assistance of an e-bike motor to open up terrain that would be unrideable under pedal power alone.

For longer rides, Railton Express (9.75 kilometres) and Railton Rattler (9.5 kilometres) are easy-rated rail trail links that follow converted railway corridors. These are ideal for families, casual riders, or anyone wanting to cover distance without technical demands. They also serve as connecting routes between Railton and the broader network.

Beyond the immediate trail network, Railton provides access to the Badgers Range — bigger terrain with a mix of flow and technical riding. Badgers Run (1.97 kilometres, easy) offers an introduction to this area, with more trails in development.

Riding Wild Mersey by Skill Level

Beginners and Families

Wild Mersey is one of the most beginner-friendly mountain bike networks in Tasmania. Start at Warrawee Forest, where the easiest trails are closest to the car park and the stacked loop design means you can always turn back without getting in over your head. Easy Does It and Bee Line are confidence builders, while the Bracken Track and Tramway offer gently graded forest riding. At Railton, Gold Rush and Zen Garden provide short, manageable loops, and the pump track is a great way for kids to build skills off the trails. The rail trail links — Railton Express and Railton Rattler — are perfect for family rides where distance matters more than technical challenge.

Intermediate Riders

This is where Wild Mersey truly excels. With 16 moderate-rated trails across the network, intermediate riders can spend several days exploring without repeating a run. At Warrawee, work your way out to the Dinsdale Hill descents and ride High Voltage for flow and jumps. At Bells Parade, Sweet Caroline and Gnarvana are essential rides. The Teleport-to-Green Hornet combination is arguably the best intermediate loop in the network. At Railton, Jack Jumper and Bluetopia offer solid cross-country riding.

Advanced and Expert Riders

Wild Mersey has 12 trails rated hard or expert. The most concentrated advanced riding is at Bells Parade, where No Mersey, Echidin' Me, and Back To School deliver steep, technical descents. At Railton, Syked Out is the standout expert trail. Advanced riders should also plan for full network linkup rides — connecting all three trailheads via singletrack makes for a substantial day out with over 50 kilometres of available riding if you are selective about which trails to include at each stop.

Getting There

Wild Mersey sits in northern Tasmania's Mersey Valley, between Devonport and Sheffield. The Warrawee Forest trailhead is only 15 kilometres from the Devonport airport and the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal at East Devonport. Railton is 24 kilometres from Devonport, and Sheffield is 30 kilometres away. Riders arriving on the Spirit of Tasmania can quite literally ride from the ferry to the trails — a claim that few trail networks anywhere in Australia can make.

The network is also closer to Launceston than Derby, making it a viable option for riders based in Tasmania's second city who want a day trip without the longer drive east. For interstate visitors flying into Launceston, Wild Mersey is roughly 90 minutes west along the Bass Highway.

Towns and Services

Latrobe

Latrobe is the closest town to both Warrawee Forest and Bells Parade, and it has the most services for riders. The town has the nearest bike shop for spares, servicing, and rentals. Beyond bikes, Latrobe has cafes, pubs, supermarkets, and the House of Anvers Chocolate Factory — a worthwhile stop after a day on the trails. The town is also home to the Giant Platypus and several small museums.

Railton

Railton is known as the "Town of Topiary" thanks to its collection of shaped hedges along the main street. For riders, the key draw is Seven Sheds Brewery, which sits right at the trailhead — making it an ideal post-ride stop. The Limestone Cafe is another good option for refuelling. Railton also has the Country Hotel and a growing number of short-stay rentals, making it a practical base that is central to all three trailheads.

Sheffield

Sheffield sits about 30 kilometres from the main trailheads but serves as the gateway to Cradle Mountain and has well-established tourist infrastructure. The town is famous for its 140-plus murals and galleries. The Sheffield Hotel offers accommodation and pub meals. Sheffield makes sense as a base if you are combining Wild Mersey riding with other activities in the Cradle Mountain region.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options are spread across the valley. Devonport has the widest range, from motels to holiday apartments, and is closest to Warrawee Forest. Latrobe has guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts within easy reach of two trailheads. In Railton, the Country Hotel puts you within walking distance of the trails and pump track, and there are several self-contained rentals available. Sheffield has hotels and holiday rentals suited to longer stays.

For riders wanting to maximise trail time and minimise driving, Railton offers the most central location relative to all three trailheads.

Trail Conditions and Weather

One of Wild Mersey's practical advantages is its weatherproofing. The trail surfaces — particularly the "hero dirt" at Warrawee — drain and recover well, meaning the network remains rideable in conditions that would close many mainland trail centres. That said, Tasmania's weather is unpredictable, and winter riding will be colder and wetter than the mainland. The rainforest sections at Bells Parade can be slippery after heavy rain, so adjust your tyre pressure and expectations accordingly.

The best riding conditions are typically from late spring through autumn (November to April), though the trails can be ridden year-round. Summer days are long and mild, rarely exceeding 25 degrees, which makes for comfortable riding conditions compared to the heat of mainland Australian summers.

Planning Your Trip

A single day is enough to ride one trailhead thoroughly, but to experience the full Wild Mersey network properly, plan for at least two to three days. A sensible approach is to start at Warrawee Forest to get a feel for the trail style and dirt, move to Bells Parade for the bigger rides and rainforest terrain, and finish at Railton where you can cool down on the pump track and grab a beer at Seven Sheds.

Riders visiting Tasmania for a mountain biking trip often combine Wild Mersey with Derby (3 hours east) and Maydena (2.5 hours south). The three networks together offer a comprehensive tour of Tasmania's mountain biking, with each delivering a fundamentally different riding experience.