8 Best Places to Ride Dirt Bikes Near Melbourne

Date Posted:21 October 2026 


Looking for places to ride dirt bikes near Melbourne? Whether you're chasing motocross laps, somewhere the kids can practise, or a day out on the forest roads, Victoria has plenty of riding country to explore.

The important part is knowing where your bike is actually allowed. A motocross bike at a private ride park is one thing; a registered trail bike heading into a State forest is another. Memberships, ride days, seasonal closures and registration rules all make a difference.

We've put together eight Melbourne and regional Victorian riding destinations, including Broadford, Wonthaggi, Ride Park at Parwan, Bunyip, Neerim, Yarra State Forest, the Wombat region and the Otways.

There's also a Firestorm riding map, links to official riding information and a short bike-preparation checklist before you head off.

Last reviewed:

Firestorm Motorcycles / Melbourne Riding Guide MX TRACKS. FOREST ROADS.
PICK YOUR NEXT RIDE.

From motocross tracks and family riding to a day exploring the bush, find somewhere that suits your bike and the way you ride.

8 RIDING DESTINATIONS MX TRACKS PRIVATE RIDE PARK FOREST ROADS & TRAILS

Check your bike and the rules first: Private ride parks and motocross clubs can allow off-road-only bikes under their own conditions. On public forest roads, you need a motorcycle licence or learner permit and a registered bike. Victoria allows full or recreational motorcycle registration subject to its conditions. Use only roads and tracks legally open to your motorcycle, and check seasonal closures.

Melbourne Dirt Bike Riding Map

Our Firestorm map covers the eight destinations in this guide. Red helmets identify motocross venues, orange marks the private ride park and green shows broader forest-riding regions. It's a useful starting point for planning a day trip or weekend away.

Firestorm Melbourne dirt bike riding map showing Broadford, Wonthaggi, Ride Park Parwan, Bunyip, Neerim, Yarra, Wombat and Otway regions
Firestorm's Melbourne Dirt Bike Riding Map. Select to enlarge. Map markers indicate approximate regions, not exact access points, approved routes or current road openings.
RED HELMET — MX & Clubs Organised motorcycle venues, practice days and race tracks. Check the operator before arriving.
ORANGE HELMET — Private Ride Park Recreational motorcycle facilities with venue-specific entry, bike and safety requirements.
GREEN HELMET — Forest Riding Legal vehicle roads or specifically authorised motorcycle trails. Not unrestricted off-road access.

Victoria's public-land boundaries and permitted activities can change. In particular, the Wombat area now includes newly established national park land, and Neerim has a designated trailbike network with its own conditions. Use current official maps rather than relying on the markers above for navigation.

What Sort of Riding Are You After?

Want MX Laps?

Broadford and Wonthaggi are two established venues worth checking for practice days and events.

Taking the Kids?

Ride Park at Parwan has mini-bike facilities and different tracks for developing riders.

Heading into the Bush?

Bunyip and Neerim are good starting points for researching authorised trail-bike riding.

Load the Trailer Private Ride Park — Family Riding & MX Practice

If your dirt bike isn't road registered and you want a day on purpose-built tracks, a private ride park is generally the simplest place to start. Check the park's current openings and the track that suits your ability.

01 PRIVATE RIDE PARK

Ride Park — Parwan

Location: 395 Parwan South Road, Parwan, VIC

Want to spend the day working on corners, jumps and getting comfortable on the bike? Ride Park near Bacchus Marsh is designed for exactly that, with purpose-built motocross tracks for different abilities.

There are beginner-friendly riding options as well as more challenging main and pro tracks. The Mini Moto World area has three tracks catering for smaller bikes, making it a useful option if the kids are getting started.

Why Go: Groomed MX tracks, junior riding areas and a straightforward recreational riding format.
Check Before Leaving: Current operating hours, entry fees, track availability and protective gear requirements. Opening days can change, so don't assume the park is operating every weekend.

Ride Park — Official Website →

Race Tracks and Practice Days Melbourne-Area Motocross Venues

For riders who enjoy riding an MX track, these two venues have plenty of history. Just remember that a recognised competition track isn't necessarily open for casual riding every Saturday and Sunday.

02 MX & MOTORSPORT COMPLEX

Broadford State Motorcycle Sports Complex

Location: 260 Strath Creek Road, Broadford, VIC

Broadford is one of Victoria's most established motorcycle sport venues. It's not just a single motocross track — the complex caters for several disciplines, including motocross, junior MX, dirt track, speedway and enduro.

It's a good place to investigate if you want proper organised practice or an event day, especially if you're looking to progress from casual riding into club motorsport.

Why Go: Established motorsport facilities and several motorcycle disciplines in one location.
Check Before Leaving: The event calendar and specific track access. Some sessions are club-run or arranged through venue hire rather than unrestricted casual riding.

Broadford — Official Website →

03 SAND MX / CLUB VENUE

Wonthaggi Motocross Track

Location: West Area Road, Wonthaggi, VIC

If you've followed Australian motocross, you'll probably know Wonthaggi. The sand-based track is a regular stop for national-level racing and has hosted the opening round of the ProMX championship.

Sand tracks are great for improving momentum, body position and throttle control, but they can be tiring if you're not used to them. Wonthaggi is best approached as an organised motocross venue, not a public ride park.

Why Go: A recognised sand motocross circuit with a strong Australian racing history.
Check Before Leaving: Dandenong Motorcycle Club events, approved practice dates and current access arrangements. Don't turn up expecting casual riding.

Dandenong Motorcycle Club Information →

For Registered Trail Bikes Forest Roads & Designated Trail-Bike Riding

Heading into the forest is a different sort of ride. Instead of doing laps, you're choosing a route, watching the surface ahead and dealing with whatever the weather has left on the tracks.

Victoria has plenty of public-land riding opportunities, but don't confuse a narrow singletrack through the trees with a legal motorcycle trail. Unless a track is specifically authorised for motorbikes, stick to open, formed vehicle roads.

Victorian Riding Rules: You must hold a motorcycle licence or learner permit, and your bike must have full or recreational registration as appropriate. Recreational registration has road-use restrictions, so it isn't a substitute for full registration when riding on prohibited connecting roads. Check track closures, stay on authorised routes, and never use informal singletrack.

Official Guidance: Explore Outdoors — Trail-Bike Riding in State Forests.

04 DESIGNATED PARK ROUTES

Bunyip State Park

Region: Gembrook / Tynong North / Labertouche, east of Melbourne

Bunyip is one of the better-known places for trail-bike riding east of Melbourne. It has steep country, forest scenery and designated vehicle routes that can make for a challenging day on a registered bike.

Parks Victoria identifies routes including Gentle Annie and Blue Range via Little Bunyip Track. The area has steep sections, rocky surfaces and seasonal closures, so it's worth knowing what you're getting into.

Why Go: Proper hill-country riding and clearly documented routes for permitted trail-bike use.
Check Before Leaving: The latest Parks Victoria route map, seasonal closures and designated vehicle zones. Parts of the park are non-motorised.

Bunyip Trail-Bike Routes — Parks Victoria →

05 DESIGNATED TRAILBIKE NETWORK

Neerim State Forest — Trailbike Network

Region: Neerim South / West Gippsland

Neerim is particularly interesting because it now has a formally designated trailbike network. A Victorian Government determination published in April 2026 authorises registered off-road motorcycles within a defined riding area, subject to conditions.

That makes it different from simply exploring ordinary forest roads. Riders must keep to the authorised network, follow directional signs and obey any signed trail closures.

Why Go: A specifically designated motorcycle riding network in forest country.
Check Before Leaving: The current official network map and access conditions. The 2026 rules specify weekday access from 7am or sunrise, whichever is later, and weekend access from 9am, with riding ending by 8pm or sunset, whichever is earlier. A motorcycle licence or learner permit and registration are required.

Neerim Restrictions & Forest Closures →

06 STATE FOREST ROADS

Yarra State Forest

Region: Warburton / Yarra Valley

The Yarra State Forest region offers thick forest scenery and winding mountain roads, making it an appealing area to investigate for registered trail bikes and dual-sport motorcycles.

It's the type of country where surface conditions can change quickly. A formed gravel road can become slippery after rain, and a route that looks fine on an older map may now be closed or restricted.

Why Go: Mountain forest scenery and opportunities to plan a longer ride using legal roads.
Check Before Leaving: Current forest maps, the exact road classification, seasonal restrictions and any adjoining national park boundaries. Recreational registration may limit the roads you can use to reach the forest.

Check Yarra Forest Maps & Access →

07 CHANGED PUBLIC-LAND BOUNDARIES

Wombat Forest Region

Region: Daylesford / Trentham / Central Highlands

Wombat has long been a name Victorian trail-bike riders know. But this is one area where checking recent information is especially important.

In October 2026, part of the former Wombat State Forest became part of the newly established Wombat–Lerderderg National Park. That means older trail maps and recommendations may not reflect today's land boundaries, management rules or permitted roads.

Why Investigate: A well-known forest-riding region with extensive gravel-road country.
Check Before Leaving: The new national park boundary, current vehicle access and activity restrictions. Do not assume that roads or trails previously used by dirt bikes remain open under the new arrangements.

New Wombat–Lerderderg Park Information →

08 FOREST-ROAD TOURING REGION

Otway Forest Riding Region

Region: Otway Forest Park / Forrest / Colac hinterland

The Otways are a completely different riding experience from the drier tracks closer to Melbourne. Tall forests, changing weather and winding gravel roads make the area appealing to riders who enjoy an organised day of forest-road touring.

There are also sensitive rainforest and conservation areas throughout the wider Otways. Unauthorised singletrack riding is illegal and has been the subject of enforcement action, so route choice matters.

Why Go: Impressive forest scenery and the chance to explore the region on permitted formed roads.
Check Before Leaving: The distinction between Otway Forest Park and Great Otway National Park, current road openings, land-manager restrictions and wet-weather conditions. No bush-bashing or informal singletrack.

Explore Otway Public-Land Maps →

Which Melbourne Dirt Bike Riding Spot Should You Choose?

For a Casual MX Day

Ride Park at Parwan is a good place to get some laps in, with tracks for different abilities and smaller bikes.

For Organised Motocross

Broadford offers several motorcycle disciplines, while Wonthaggi is well known for its challenging sand motocross track.

For a Challenging Trail Ride

Bunyip State Park offers some demanding terrain. Check the designated routes and seasonal closures before heading out.

For Designated Trail-Bike Riding

Neerim has a designated trailbike network, with specific riding times and access rules.

For Exploring Forest Roads

Yarra State Forest has some great scenery and winding forest roads. Stick to the legally open routes.

For a Weekend Away

The Otways are worth exploring on permitted forest roads. Wombat is another option to research, but check the updated park boundaries first.

Before You Load Up

There's nothing worse than getting to the track and finding something wrong with the bike before you've even done a lap. Give it a proper once-over in the shed and make sure you've packed the essentials.

Firestorm / Before You Load Up CHECK IT IN THE SHED.
NOT AT THE TRACK.

A few quick checks at home can save a lot of wasted time at the track. Sort the simple stuff before you leave so you can spend more time on the bike.

01 / TYRES Check Your Grip

Inspect tyre wear, damage and pressures. Make sure they're suitable for the terrain.

02 / BRAKES Check Your Brakes

Inspect brake pads, levers, fluid levels and throttle operation.

03 / DRIVE Chain & Sprockets

Check chain tension, lubrication and worn sprocket teeth.

04 / SPARES Pack the Basics

Tools, a spare lever, cable ties and puncture gear can save a ride.

Need to Replace Something Before the Weekend?

Don't Forget the Ride-Day Essentials

Check that you've packed your helmet, boots, goggles, gloves, fuel and plenty of drinking water. If you're trailering the bike, make sure your ramps and tie-downs are in good condition.

Heading into a State Forest? Have your licence, appropriate registration, offline maps and planned route sorted. Check current road closures and let someone know where you're riding.

Heading to a Motocross Track? Check that it's open, that your bike is eligible, and whether you need to book or register for the ride day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can I Ride a Dirt Bike Near Melbourne?

Options include Ride Park at Parwan, organised motocross at Broadford and Wonthaggi, designated riding routes at Bunyip and Neerim, and permitted forest roads in the Yarra, Wombat and Otway regions. Each location has different riding rules and access arrangements.

Can I Ride an Unregistered Dirt Bike in Victorian State Forests?

No. A motorcycle must have full or recreational registration, and its rider must hold a motorcycle licence or learner permit. You must also follow the relevant registration conditions and only use legally permitted roads or designated riding areas.

Does Recreational Registration Allow Me to Ride Anywhere in the Forest?

No. Victorian recreational registration comes with restrictions on which roads can be used. Even with the correct registration, you cannot use closed roads, unauthorised singletrack, walking trails or other prohibited areas.

Where Can Kids Ride Dirt Bikes Near Melbourne?

Ride Park at Parwan has mini-bike tracks. Broadford also has junior motocross facilities, but riding opportunities depend on scheduled events or access arrangements. Check the venue's current age, bike size, safety and supervision requirements before visiting.

Can I Ride at Bunyip State Park All Year?

Not necessarily. Seasonal road closures and other restrictions affect sections of the park, especially in wetter months. Check current Parks Victoria information and follow any closed-track signs.

What's Different About Neerim Trailbike Network?

Neerim has a formally designated off-road motorcycle network under a 2026 Victorian Government determination. The authorised area has specific riding times and conditions. Use the official network map and follow posted directions and closures.

Is Wombat State Forest Still Open for Dirt Bike Riding?

The situation has changed because part of the former State forest became Wombat–Lerderderg National Park in October 2026. Motorcycle access depends on the exact current land designation, legally open roads and applicable restrictions. Check updated maps and Parks Victoria advice before visiting.

Ready to Head Out?

Before loading the bike, check the track's calendar or park opening times. There's not much worse than driving a couple of hours only to find that riding has been cancelled.

If you're heading into a State forest, check that your registration suits the roads you're planning to use, download the current map and look for seasonal closures. Victorian weather can turn a straightforward ride into a slippery one pretty quickly.

Know another good dirt bike riding spot around Melbourne that we've missed? We'd love to hear about it.

Riding access, venue schedules, registration rules, land boundaries and public-road closures may change. This article and the Firestorm riding map are general planning guides only. They are not route instructions or proof of legal motorcycle access. Always confirm current details with the track operator or land manager before riding.