Understanding Trail Gradings Before You Ride

Before you hit the trails at Warburton Bike Park, it’s essential to understand the trail grading system. This helps you choose trails that match your skill level, ride safely, and enjoy the experience without unnecessary risk.

Warburton Bike Park uses the IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System, which classifies trails based on technical features, gradient, and surface conditions. Knowing these ratings ensures you ride within your limits and avoid hazards.

TRAIL RATINGS

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EASY TRAILS

Wide trail with gentle gradient and smooth surface
Some obstacles such as roots, logs and rocks
Suitable for beginner riders with basic mountain bike skills, and off-road bikes

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INTERMEDIATE TRAILS

Single trail with moderate gradients, variable surface and obstacles
May include steep sections
Suitable for skilled mountain bikers with mountain bikes

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DIFFICULT TRAILS

Suitable for experienced mountain bikers, used to physically demanding routes
Expect large, dangerous and unavoidable obstacles and features
Challenging and variable with long steep climbs or descents and loose surfaces
Some sections will be easier to walk

What to bring

Pack smart for a safe and enjoyable day on the trails

Before hitting the trails, make sure you’re prepared.

Things to bring:

a well-maintained bike suited to the terrain
a helmet that meets safety standards
appropriate shoes for riding
gloves for better grip
protective gear such as knee and elbow pads
carry plenty of water and snacks for energy
basic repair kit including a spare tube and pump
sunscreen and a first-aid kit
a charged phone with the Emergency Plus app installed

Being prepared ensures you can focus on the ride and enjoy everything Warburton Bike Park has to offer.

WHEN TO RIDE

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PRE-RIDE, RE-RIDE, FREE-RIDE

01

PRE-RIDE

Warm up and check out the trail at slow speed before you attempt any features or jumps

02

RE-RIDE

Lap the trail a few times, slowly build speed and take your time to progress through new features

03

FREE-RIDE

When you are comfortable on a trail, you can start to build up to faster speeds and longer features

Ride Smart. Stay Safe. Know Before You Go.

Park Safety

Code of Conduct

How to report an issue

Closed trails

Trail conditions

Creating a safe, respectful and fun environment for everyone is our top priority at Warburton Bike Park. Before you ride, please take a moment to review these essential guidelines:

1. Ride Within Your Limits
Choose trails that match your skill level and experience. Pushing beyond your ability increases the risk of injury. Check out the trail rating on the our trails page and make a plan before heading out.

2. Wear Appropriate Gear
A certified helmet is mandatory. Gloves, knee and elbow pads, and protective eyewear are strongly recommended.

3. Check Your Bike
Inspect brakes, tyres, and suspension before every ride. A well-maintained mountain bike is critical for safe riding.

4. Be Aware of Others
Yield to uphill riders, announce when passing, wait for them to pull over in a safe place, say thanks and pass safely.

5. Respect Trail Closures
Never enter trails marked as closed or under construction. These areas are unsafe and riding them can damage the trail or injure others.

6. Carry Essentials
Bring water, a basic repair and first aid kit, and a charged phone for emergencies.

7. Emergency Information
In case of an accident, call 000 and provide your location. Include trail name – and if possible, the closest 500m guidepost, found along every trail.

Our Commitment to a Safe and Welcoming Park

At Warburton Bike Park, we’re dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for everyone who comes to ride. To protect this experience, we ask all visitors and riders to follow our Code of Conduct.

Users of the Warburton Bike Park must comply with the Park’s Code of Conduct when riding or undertaking activities and events in the Park. This ensures safety, respect, and the best possible experience for all.

The Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for behavior in the Park. Our focus is always on safety, respect, and ensuring the best possible experience for everyone.

On the Trails

Users of Warburton Bike Park agree to comply with this Code of Conduct.

Disclaimer: Like any sport, mountain biking involves risk of injury and damage. Please use these trails at your own risk. Users are advised to not enter the trails on severely wet or windy days.

Follow signage directions at all times.

Mountain biking by its nature includes hazards. The trails and various technical features have been designed to cater for a wide variety of rider abilities. Ride within your ability and on trails and features that are suitable to your skill level.

Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear and never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Children must be supervised at all times.

Plan ahead

Be prepared and self-sufficient. Carry what you need for the ride you’re undertaking, including food, water, appropriate clothing, basic maintenance tools and first aid. Regularly inspect your bike for signs of wear or damage.

Mobile phones are critical to emergency response for communication and locating riders. Carry a fully charged mobile phone with you and consider taking a power bank.

Consider riding with a partner or group. Whether riding in a group or solo, tell someone before you go and consider enabling location tracking on your device.

Trail information and free maps can be downloaded from the Warburton Bike Park website: www.rideyarraranges.com.au

The network of trails travel through remote terrain. Be prepared, have a map and plan your trip. Carry tools, spares, mobile phone, first aid kit, food and water. If riding alone, let someone know where you intend to ride and when you plan to finish.

Share the trail

Ride in control. Look out for other riders and if you wish to pass, wait until it is safe to do so and communicate with a friendly greeting or bell ring. Most single track is one-way. On two-way trails, give way to climbing riders.

Know your limits. Ride within your ability and according to conditions. Look out for signs and grading symbols to guide your journey. Inspect all trails, jumps and technical trail features before proceeding.

Show caution. When riding trails with limited sight lines and blind corners, and make sure you can hear what’s going on around you. Anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners.

Be visible. Never stop where you obstruct a trail, feature or cannot be seen.

Be considerate. Minimise noise near homes and remember that in multi-use areas, mountain bikers give way to horses and pedestrians. Remove trail obstructions if safe to do so and report hazards via the Warburton Bike Park website.

Trail closures

Warburton Bike Park will close on days of Total Fire Ban and severe weather events. Individual trails or areas of the park may close due to maintenance and events.

Please check the Warburton Bike Park website live trail status prior to entry and obey all trail closures signage.

Respect the environment

Ride only on open, authorised trails. Do not construct new trails or features. Respect trail closures and signage. Do not take shortcuts.

Ride only in park opening hours. No night riding is permitted in the park.

Ride through standing water, not around it. Ride (or walk) technical features, not around them.

Be mindful if and where you ride on wet days and check trail status prior to riding; both bikes and feet damage soft, wet trails.

Leave no trace. Carry out your rubbish and do not damage vegetation.

Look out for and respect wildlife, including snakes.
Clean your bike to prevent spreading weeds and plant diseases. Use the bike wash stations at trail heads.

Emergency procedures

In case of an emergency, call 000.
For the latest emergency information, download the Emergency Plus App, VicEmergency App or visit the VicEmergency website. VicEmergency is a centralised source to find emergency information and warnings, including fires, floods and storms.

Riders are encouraged to ride together whenever possible. If you are with or an encounter an injured rider on the trail, stop and assess their condition. If medical attention is required, call emergency services (000) and remain with the injured rider. Riders should wait up trail of the injured rider and communicate with incoming riders to slow down and be aware of the situation.

Emergency Marker signs are located throughout the trails. Quote the emergency marker code when calling 000. Trail distance markers are also provided at regular intervals and can be used as a reference to emergency services.

Mobile phone reception: Due to the undulating terrain, mobile phone reception may be patchy in some areas of the park. If signal is unavailable, move to higher ground. Don’t rely on reception being available at all times in all locations.

Bushfire risk

Please check the Warburton Bike Park website, CFA website and VIC Emergency App prior to entering the trail network to check the fire danger period, bushfire risk and trail closures.

Do not cook or undertake open flame activities within the Warburton Bike Park during the fire danger period.

No smoking on the trails.

In an emergency, please call 000.

Emergency marker numbers are included on each guidepost.

Issue on the trail?

For trees across trails, or any issue that could pose an immediate risk to public safety,
please call us on 1300 368 333.

Or Report and issue (responded to in business hours). Please include trail name – and if possible, the closest 500m guidepost, found along every trail.

Stay Off Closed Trails

Please do not enter or ride on trails that are still under construction, are not officially open or are closed for maintenance or repair. These areas are closed for your safety and to protect the integrity of the trail.

Why is this important?

Safety First: Construction zones often have heavy machinery, incomplete features, and unstable surfaces that can cause serious injury. Trails may also be closed for repairs, maintenance or due to an injured rider which can cause hazards to riders.
Trail Quality: Riding on unfinished trails can damage the surface and drainage, leading to long-term erosion and costly repairs.
Project Delays: Unauthorised access slows down construction and can delay the official opening of new trails for everyone.

Respect closures and signage—your patience ensures the best riding experience for all.

Check Trail Conditions Before You Ride

Before heading out, always check the latest trail conditions. This helps you plan your ride, avoid hazards, and protect the trails from unnecessary damage. Riding on unsuitable or closed trails can lead to accidents and environmental damage—so knowing the conditions is essential for safety and sustainability.

You can check our trail conditions on the Our Trails page. Trail conditions are updated weekly using the below guide.

Trail is open and in great condition

Trail is open, clear, and well-maintained
Enjoy your ride and respect trail etiquette!

Trail is open with mixed conditions

Some sections are rideable, while others may be muddy, under repair, or temporarily rerouted
Ride with care and be prepared to dismount or detour
Check signage or trail maps for updates on affected areas

Trail is open but in bad shape

Expect muddy sections, erosion, debris, or significant obstacles
Not recommended for riding unless you’re experienced and prepared for challenging conditions
Use caution and consider alternative trails

Trail is closed

The trail is officially closed due to weather, maintenance, safety concerns, or environmental protection
Riding is prohibited and may result in damage to the trail
Please respect closures and check back for updates