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Home to a few short dog-friendly walks, a scenic drive and a brand-spanking new Mountain Bike Park, Bodalla State Forest, on Yuin Country, is a great addition to your Narooma itinerary.
Bushwalks in Bodalla State Forest
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Australian Made dog beds
Box Cutting Rainforest Walk – Around 700m Loop
A lovely little wander through the rainforest (although with a decent climb into a valley and back out again) the walk starts on the side of box cutting road and there is some signage plus its in google maps.
It starts with steps down past a beautiful tree, before descending to the valley. There is a very steep goats track to the creek at the bottom that people have made trying to get to the little creek. I didn’t tackle it as I would have fallen down, hopefully they might add some stairs in the future so you can stop for a little paddle.
From here you start to ascend back out of the valley and come out at the top of the hill where you need to turn left/inland and walk for a short distance of around 50 metres on their gravel road to get back to your car.
Be aware there are leeches and also make sure your pup has appropriate tick prevention as they are present in this region of NSW.
Lake Mummuga Walking Track – Around 2km Loop
A just over 2km loop walk according to Foresty NSW that leaves from the Bodalla Forest Rest Area.
This carpark is about 100m north of the MTB Main trailhead carpark so is a great option for non mountain bike riders to go for a bushwalk while waiting for riders.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to fit this in, it’s on the list for next time!
Narooma MTB Trails
There are several trail heads at the new Narooma Mountain Bike Trails in Bodalla State Forest as well as 3 zones but they don’t necessarily match the trailheads – It’s a bit tricky to wrap your head around!
This park has just opened, its possible there may be more changes to trailheads and carparks so check locally for changes when you visit.
The Zones
The new and old trails are grouped into three zones, the Gravity Zone (more technical downhill), The Playground (mixed ability) & The Wilderness Zone (more cross-country)
The Gravity Zone –
Access by an up track from the main trailhead, from Red Knob Trailhead via a track or by the shuttle service from the shuttle gravity meeting point.
The Playground
Access by an up track from the Main Trail Head or can be self-shuttled to drop off point on Mitchells Ridge Road (but no parking there).
A mix of tracks for varying abilities that the signage says is designed to provide a range of features encountered across other parts of the park so riders can improve their skills.
The Wilderness Zone
Access from Red Knob Road carpark via a couple of trails or from a less official point on Box Cutting Road.
Described as more natural, narrow cross country tracks.
The Trailheads & Carparks
Red Knob Trail Head
For some reason despite being on all the new mtb park signs Red Knob Trailhead is not on google, but you can find it on trailforks as ‘Old Trailhead toilet’
The Narooma MTB Main Trail Head – Park here for Shuttles
The Main busy trailhead with carparks, toilet block and signs showing all the trails is actually located on Mitchells Ridge Road at the corner of the Princess Hwy.
This is where you park, there is not parking at the shuttle pick up points. If you are shuttling you must then ride to meet the shuttle about a 10 minute ride away (a bit of an odd set up compared to other shuttle parks, I think its so the drive is shorter rather than a long way round on the hwy). Its explained in more detail on the shuttle service webpage.
Box Cutting Trail Head
Box Cutting Road carpark doesnt seem to be an official parking area, its just marked on google as ‘Alternative Parking Narooma MTB. I don’t know why its ‘permanently closed’ on google, it had trail map signage and everything there mid January 2024. Its marked with a little MTB sign about 100m west along the road from the Box Cutting rainforest walk which is in google, and there is a small turn around and parking area down a short gravel track.
Shuttles for Narooma MTB Trails
There are Shuttles available to book though the Southbound Escapes website for the Gravity Zone.
When we visited in Jan 24 they were hoping to introduce them to the Playground zone in the future. Check Southbounds webpage for updates to this launch.
At the time of visiting you could buy a half day, full day or single uplift (a great option for the days your moving on and only have time to fit in a few runs, though half and full day pass holders have priority on busy shuttles).
Tourist Drive
There is also tourist drive you can do, there are more details on the Forestry Page. Good for a dog friendly roadtrip.