Description

Our first overnight bikepacking ride in a while, and it's a cracker! The road into Newnes has been closed for ages due to a landslide, but there's a back way in through the Glowworm Tunnel.

Newnes is a ghost town, a former shale mining area that's now returning to wilderness. Our ride will cut through some spectacular bush, and with no real facililities it's a true self-sufficient bikepacking experience!

On the way in, we'll ride from Bell train station into the Newnes State Forest. After traversing the Newnes Plateau, we'll descend the steep Old Coach Road, and head down to the Wolgan River. The dirt road then follows this to the Newnes Campground, where we'll camp.

The next day, we'll ride back up the hill, but this time walk through the Glowworm Tunnel, before returning the way we came, ending up at Bell Station.

We'll be leaving at 9am from Bell Station. The 6.24am train from Central will get you to Bell Station at 8.54am.

This is an intermediate difficulty trail. 2" tyres minimum are recommended.

You can see the route here.

More information about Newnes campground is here.

Ticketing

The ride will be free, and will operate on a ballot system.

To enter the ballot, purchase a ticket for the ride via Humanitix (it's free!).
Two weeks before the ride, the ballot will be drawn and successful entrants will be contacted via email.
If you receive an email, confirm your availability. All that's left to do is to show up and ride!

What to Bring

A bike that can handle rough dirt trails (2" tyres minimum recommended, depending on skill level)
All your food for the whole weekend - there's nowhere to buy food along the way.
Water (2L minimum recommended) - you'll be able to treat and drink water from the Wolgan River at the campground.
All of your camping gear - tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, something to treat water (tablets/drops/filter/sterilizer), a head torch
Suitable clothing for all the weather conditions we might encounter, including rain.
Hand soap and toilet paper
Two spare inner tubes
A patch kit and tire levers
A mini pump
A multi-tool
A chain tool and quick link

If you're not sure, we've written a bikepacking gear guide.