Noosa's Best Gravel Rides Under 50km
Pomona to Noosa
Relaxed hinterland cruising linking country towns, forest gravel and quiet backroads all the way back to the coast.
Why We Love It
- A relaxed and scenic way to experience the Noosa Hinterland by bike.
- Links the country-town feel of Pomona with the coastal atmosphere of Noosa.
- A great mix of smooth gravel, quiet backroads, forest sections, and open rural landscapes.
Distance & Elevation
- Distance: 32.9km
- Elevation: +257m / -386m
What to Expect
A scenic point-to-point ride descending gradually from the hinterland toward Noosa through a mixture of quiet paved roads, smooth flowing gravel, forest sections, and sections of the Noosa Trail Network.
The route prioritises relaxed riding surfaces and lower traffic roads, creating an achievable and immersive ride suited to a wide range of riders. Expect changing landscapes throughout the ride, from country town atmosphere around Pomona through forest-lined gravel roads and eventually the waterways and coastal feel approaching Noosa and the Lake Doonella Wetlands. Some lower-lying gravel sections can become muddy or softer after periods of rain.
Difficulty and Surface
Primarily smooth gravel and quiet paved roads with achievable gradients and minimal technical terrain. Suitable for most riders comfortable on bikes. Some gravel sections may become softer or muddy after rain which can increase difficulty. Our Overall Rating: Generally Relaxed
Paved: Approx. 17km (54%)
Unpaved: Approx. 15.9km (46%)
Summit to Sea
Scenic and achievable with longer descents and more variety. A rewarding point-to-point ride from the hinterland ridgelines to the coast.
Why We Love It
- Long flowing descent toward the coast
- Hinterland ridgelines and valley views
- Excellent variety of terrain and scenery
- Quiet roads with minimal traffic
Distance & Elevation
- Distance: 44.7km
- Elevation: +390m / -711m
What to Expect
Beginning higher in the hinterland near Cooran, Summit to Sea links flowing gravel roads, forest access tracks and quiet country lanes before descending steadily toward Noosa.
The route passes through changing landscapes including farmland, bushland, rolling hills and rainforest-lined gravel roads, offering expansive views and a strong sense of journey as the terrain gradually transitions toward the coast.
Typically, quiet roads and varied scenery make this one of the most enjoyable and accessible under 50km gravel experiences in the region.
Difficulty and Surface
Primarily quiet roads and achievable gravel surfaces suited to most riders comfortable on a bike. Some forest and unsealed sections can become softer, muddier, or slightly more technical after rain, which may increase the challenge in places. Our Overall Rating: Generally Relaxed
Paved: Approx. 23km (51%)
Unpaved: Approx. 22km (49%)
The Cooroora Traverse
Forest-lined gravel, scenic hinterland lookouts, and a more adventurous ride through the heart of the Noosa Trail Network.
Why We Love It
- Stunning perspectives of Mount Cooroora.
- Uses the Noosa Trail Network for a more immersive off-road experience.
- Beautiful forested scenery.
- A more technical ride without huge distances.
- Visits the hinterland towns of Cooran and Pomona.
Distance & Elevation
- Distance: 45.5km
- Elevation: +443m / -765m
What to Expect
Beginning high in the hinterland near Cooran, The Cooroora Traverse follows quiet gravel roads and sections of the Cooroora Trail through farmland, forest and open countryside before descending toward Noosa.
The ride delivers a constantly changing mix of rolling gravel, scenic backroads and rewarding descents with expansive views across the hinterland and surrounding ranges.
Ideal for riders wanting a longer scenic ride without stepping into highly technical terrain.
Difficulty and Surface
A predominantly off-road route utilising large sections of the Noosa Trail Network, featuring smooth gravel, forest trails, and occasional rougher technical sections with roots, rocks, and uneven terrain. Distances and elevation are achievable for most confident riders, however wet conditions can significantly increase the difficulty. Suitable for capable gravel riders, with some riders preferring a flat bar bike or hardtail MTB for added comfort and control. Our Rating – Moderate Challenge.
Paved: Approx. 10.6km (23%)
Unpaved: Approx. 34.9km (77%)
Noosa's Best Gravel Rides Under 100km
Mary Valley Bound
A scenic hinterland gravel journey from forested ridgelines to rolling Mary Valley farmland.
Why We Love It
- Unique and changing views of Mount Cooroora from different sides of the hinterland.
- A beautiful mix of forest, farmland, country towns, and rolling valley landscapes.
- Links Cooran, Pomona, and the Mary Valley into one memorable point-to-point style journey.
Distance & Elevation
- Distance: 59.5km
- Elevation: +656m / -976m
What to Expect
Beginning in the elevated forests surrounding Woondum National Park, this route descends gradually through quiet hinterland roads toward Cooran and Pomona before opening into the expansive landscapes of the Mary Valley. Riders experience a constantly changing mix of smooth gravel, quiet paved backroads, rolling farmland, forest corridors, creek crossings, and peaceful rural scenery.
The route provides unique and ever-changing perspectives of Mount Cooroora, with long stretches of flowing riding through open valleys and classic country landscapes. As the ride progresses, the terrain transitions back toward the cooler forested sections surrounding Ringtail and Yurol Forest, creating a relaxed yet immersive gravel adventure that showcases the diversity of the Noosa Hinterland and Mary Valley regions.
Difficulty and Surface
Primarily smooth gravel and quiet paved roads with generally achievable gradients and flowing terrain suited to most riders comfortable on a bike. Forest sections and lower-lying gravel roads may become softer or muddier after rain, slightly increasing the challenge in places. Our Overall Rating: Generally Relaxed
Paved: Approx. 26km (44%)
Unpaved: Approx. 33.5km (56%)
Magic Mary
A full-day gravel journey through forest, farmland, country towns, and the rolling landscapes of the Mary Valley.
Why We Love It
- Pomona makes an ideal lunch stop with a relaxed country-town atmosphere.
- Beautiful variety across forest, farmland, rolling hills, and quiet rural roads.
- Views of Mount Cooroora.
- Long enough to feel like a real adventure, while still staying scenic and achievable.
Distance & Elevation
- Distance: 84.5km
- Elevation: +915m / -1,236m
What to Expect
Mary Magic is a longer hinterland gravel ride designed for riders wanting a more complete day out on the bike. The route links forested sections, quiet paved backroads, smooth gravel roads, open farmland, rolling hills, and classic country scenery as it explores the broader Mary Valley and Noosa Hinterland.
Expect a varied but achievable ride with plenty of changes in landscape throughout the day. Riders will move between shaded forest corridors, open rural valleys, and peaceful country roads, with unique perspectives of Mount Cooroora along the way. Pomona is well placed as a natural lunch stop, giving the ride a relaxed mid-point break before continuing through more quiet hinterland roads and forested sections.
Difficulty and Surface
A longer ride using mostly smooth gravel and quiet paved roads with achievable gradients and flowing terrain. The overall challenge comes more from the distance than technical difficulty. Forest sections and lower-lying gravel roads may become softer, muddier, or more demanding after rain. Our Overall Rating: Generally Relaxed
Paved: Approx. 36km (43%)
Unpaved: Approx. 48.5km (57%)
Mary Valley Gravel
A deeper Mary Valley gravel adventure through remote backroads, rolling farmland, forest sections, and rewarding hinterland climbs.
Why We Love It
- Explores deeper and quieter parts of the Mary Valley, away from the more familiar riding routes.
- A great mix of remote gravel roads, farmland, forest, rolling hills, and country scenery.
- Feels like a true hinterland adventure while still being achievable for capable riders.
Distance & Elevation
- Distance: 96.4km
- Elevation: +1,186m / -1,507m
What to Expect
Mary Valley Gravel takes riders further into the quieter and more remote areas of the Mary Valley, linking peaceful country roads, flowing gravel, open farmland, forested corridors, and rolling hinterland terrain. This is a more adventurous route that still remains generally achievable for capable riders, but with a stronger sense of distance, remoteness, and exploration.
Expect a varied day on the bike with changing surfaces, longer gravel stretches, steady climbs, scenic descents, and wide-open rural landscapes. The ride showcases the quieter side of the Mary Valley, moving beyond the more familiar hinterland routes into areas that feel more isolated and immersive. Some sections may include rougher gravel, steeper pinches, and forest roads that can become softer or more challenging after rain.
Difficulty and Surface
Generally achievable for experienced riders comfortable on gravel bikes. Expect longer distances, steep sections, rougher rutted gravel in places, and more remote terrain. Forested areas and lower-lying roads may become softer, muddier, and more difficult after rain. Our Rating – Moderate Challenge.
Paved: Approx. 39km (40%)
Unpaved: Approx. 58km (60%)
Noosa's Best Gravel Rides Under 150km
Valleys & Vistas
Adventurous yet achievable. A long-distance gravel route for experienced riders seeking scenery, variety and a true hinterland exploration.
Why We Love It
- Stunning ridgeline views over the entire Noosa region
- Relax at the Mothar Mountain Rockpools
- Stunning views of the Beenham Valley
- Perfect mix of forests, towns, farmland and valely views
- High quality surfaces
Distance & Elevation
- Distance: 103.3km
- Elevation: +1,198m / -1,518m
What to Expect
Traversing the spectacular landscapes surrounding Woondum National Park, this 100km route links remote gravel roads, rolling climbs and scenic descents through forests, farmland and open ridgelines before returning toward Noosa.
The ride delivers expansive hinterland views, quiet backroads and constantly changing terrain while remaining more approachable than the region’s more extreme expedition-style routes.
With flowing gravel, remote scenery and a strong sense of journey, Valleys & Vistas is ideal for riders wanting a challenging but highly rewarding full-day gravel experience.
Difficulty and Surface
Challenging, due to distance and elevation more than surface. Primarily a mixture of paved and grade 1 and 2 gravel with occasional rougher sections. Suitable for confident gravel riders. Some roads may deteriorate after heavy rain, particularly in forested areas. Our Rating – Moderate Challenge.
Paved: 44.5km (43%)
Unpaved: 58.8km (57%)
Through Lake Country
Forests, lakes and gravel roads deep in the Noosa hinterland and lake country.
Why We Love It
- Stunning riding around Lake Cootharaba
- Remote forests and hinterland backroads
- Excellent route variety
- Beautiful transition from mountains to waterways
- One of the region’s most scenic big gravel days
Distance & Elevation
- Distance: 113.4km
- Elevation: +1,270m / -1,591m
What to Expect
This long-distance gravel route traverses the forests surrounding Woondum National Park before heading east toward Boreen Point and the shores of Lake Cootharaba.
Expect a constantly changing mix of gravel roads, rolling climbs, remote forest sections and open lake-country scenery before the route eventually returns toward Noosa.
The combination of hinterland terrain and lakeside riding creates one of the most varied and immersive gravel experiences in the region.
Difficulty and Surface
Challenging. Mostly Grade 2–3 gravel with occasional rougher sections and longer remote stretches. Wet weather may significantly impact some forest roads and increase difficulty.
Paved: Approx. 48km (42%)
Unpaved: Approx. 65km (58%)
Rock Pools & Ridgelines
A challenging gravel journey through rugged hinterland forests and remote backroads.
Why We Love It
- Stunning ridgeline views across the hinterland
- Mothar Mountain Rock Pools
- Incredible Beenham Valley scenery
- Rugged and remote adventure feel
- One of the most challenging gravel rides in the region
Distance & Elevation
- Distance: 107.4km
- Elevation: +1,538m / -1,858m
What to Expect
Rock Pools & Ridgelines traverses the rugged landscapes surrounding Woondum National Park, Beenham Valley and Ringtail Forest before returning toward Noosa.
This 100km route explores remote gravel roads, steep climbs, rugged descents and isolated forest access tracks through some of the wildest terrain in the Noosa hinterland region.
Expect long climbs, technical descents, remote backroads and constantly changing terrain as the route moves between forests, ridgelines, valleys and hinterland peaks.
This is a true adventure ride requiring fitness, confidence and strong gravel riding skills.
Difficulty and Surface
Advanced / experienced riders only. Includes Grade 2–4 gravel with extended rough and steep sections. Some roads and management tracks may deteriorate significantly in wet weather, with erosion, washouts, loose surfaces and ruts increasing technical difficulty. Dry conditions are strongly recommended.
Paved: Approx. 39km (36%)
Unpaved: Approx. 68km (64%)
Understanding The Challenge
Our gravel rides vary significantly in terrain, surface type, and technical difficulty. While distance and elevation are important, the biggest factor influencing how challenging a ride feels is often the terrain itself.
Many of our routes combine quiet paved backroads with gravel roads, forest trails, and sections of the Noosa Trail Network. Conditions can also change depending on weather, maintenance schedules, and seasonal impacts.
To help riders choose the right experience, we classify our rides into the following categories:
Generally Relaxed
Achievable for most riders who are comfortable riding bikes for extended periods.
These routes typically feature well-maintained gravel roads, quieter paved sections, and smoother surfaces with minimal technical riding. Suitable for gravel bikes, hybrid bikes, flat bar bikes, and eBikes.
A great option for riders seeking scenic exploration without highly technical terrain.
Moderate Challenge
Achievable for most confident riders comfortable on varied terrain and longer periods off sealed roads.
These rides may include rougher gravel, loose surfaces, forest tracks, roots, rocks, short technical sections, and more remote terrain. Suitable for gravel bikes and flat bar bikes, however riders should be confident handling uneven surfaces.
Wet weather can significantly increase the difficulty of these routes.
Significantly Challenging
Designed for experienced and confident riders seeking a more adventurous experience.
These routes often utilise more rugged sections of the Noosa Trail Network, management vehicle tracks, rough forest terrain, steeper gradients, and more sustained technical riding. While still rideable on capable gravel bikes in dry conditions, many riders may prefer a hardtail mountain bike or eMTB for additional comfort and control.
These rides are best suited to riders with strong bike handling skills and experience riding technical off-road terrain.
