Looking for an easy way to explore Tenterfield with the whole family?
Pack the bikes, load up the snacks, and hit the trails! With its mix of quiet gravel roads, wildlife-filled bushland, and peaceful picnic spots, Tenterfield offers some of the best beginner-friendly cycling in regional NSW.
Whether your kids are new to riding or you’re just after a laid-back day outdoors, here are two scenic loops that are 100% gravel and full of fresh air, wide paths, and wow-factor views.
Boonoo Boonoo Short Circuit – 14 km / 1–2 hrs
This route is all about low-stress adventure. Starting at Morgans Gully Picnic Area, this 14 km loop is made up of wide gravel roads and car-free walking tracks that wind along the Boonoo Boonoo River.
There are plenty of places to stop for a swim, spot a wallaby, or just take in the peaceful sounds of the forest. With only a few gentle climbs and well-maintained paths, this is an ideal ride for younger kids or anyone easing into off-road cycling.
Top Tip: Bring a packed lunch and enjoy it riverside. There are picnic tables and shady rest areas scattered throughout the route.
Lindrook Loop – 20 km / 3 hrs
For families with slightly older kids (or a bit more pedal power), the Lindrook Loop is a quiet, scenic ride through Basket Swamp National Park.
The gravel roads are wide, smooth, and almost entirely traffic-free, making this a safe and satisfying loop that delivers on scenery. You’ll pass through bushland recovering from fire, spot unique birdlife, and enjoy cool mountain air at 1,100m above sea level.
Bonus: You can easily pair this ride with a visit to Thunderbolts Hideout or one of the waterfalls nearby.
Make It a Mini Adventure
Part of the magic of cycling in Tenterfield is that you’re never far from a great stop. Pack binoculars, nature journals, and swimmers — or just let the kids lead the way. These are the kinds of family days that turn into lifelong memories.
Need a few extras? Local cafes in Tenterfield offer great coffee and kid-friendly treats to fuel your ride, and there are plenty of accommodation options with room for bikes and big gear.
A Few Tips for Family Rides
- Pack layers: Tenterfield weather can change quickly
- Bring water: Natural beauty means fewer shops nearby
- Check your bikes: Gravel roads can get chunky — bigger tyres help
- Ride early: Especially in warmer months
- Keep it fun: Let kids stop, explore, and go at their own pace
“It’s a safe, beautiful place to ride. The kids loved spotting kangaroos and stopping to throw stones in the river.”
– Sam & Jo, Brisbane
Ready to Roll?
With welcoming trails and nature on full display, Tenterfield is perfect for pedal-powered family fun. Whether it’s your child’s first forest ride or just a relaxing loop with the whole crew, these gravel adventures make it easy to disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other.