Itinerary: Gahnia and Serrata mountain bike trails near Manly

Since Garigal National Park is in the north side of Sydney (around 12km from the city), it’s an easy drive at about 30-40 minutes from the CBD. Manly’s evolved from its tourist-trap days and boasts some serious cafes for a cyclist’s fuel-up, so stop at one of the many options – from the eclectic to the nutritious – for an organic, healthy and delicious breaky. Don’t forget to order some extras for your backpack since you might need an energy hit later.

One of the best things about starting this adventure here is Manly Dam, a 4.6km ride from Manly Wharf. The classic choice for riders of all levels, Manly Dam Mountain Bike track has access points at Gibbs Street in Manly Vale and Kirkwood Street at Bantry Reserve, then you can link up to Gahnia via the golf course.

You’ve made it: you’re on the Serrata trail. A crumble of sandstone and a sign mark the entrance ahead of a steep descent through tall eucalypts. Immediately, you’ll notice how much work has gone into crafting these purpose-built trails, created by airlifting or manually carrying sandstone to the paths through tough mountainous terrain.

On its own, Serrata is a short haul, with a steep incline on Cook Street trail closing out the 2.85km loop. Link up with the Gahnia trail for a more intense afternoon of riding, winding 2.25km through dense forest before connecting with the Engravings track for the ride back to Bantry Bay Road. Remember, if you’re accessing the trails from the Manly Dam area, be super careful around the 80km speed limit Wakehurst Parkway – a renowned black spot for cars and cyclists.

Both tracks are 600mm-wide singletrack trails and are rated ‘blue’ or intermediate, and there are several forks in the road which will make even experienced riders take pause.

Before you commit, you can test your skills on the first 50m, at which point you can turn around and settle for the easier shared trails instead; please note once you’re beyond that point, there is no turning back. It’s a multiple-line course and you can do it multiple times if you’re up for doing laps.

The Serrata-Gahnia loop should total about an hour and a half, meaning you’re nearing lunch time. Zoom down Warringah Road a few km to Davidson Park, pick something up on your way there, kick off your shoes and kick back at the little waterside picnic area.

You’ll be gagging for a cold one by now, so end your day back in Brookvale at one of the cool breweries in the area. Just grab a pint of pale ale and relax with a snack or two. You’ve earned it.