Nicola Rutzou
Over the past decade, gravel riding has grown in popularity around Australia. Product manufacturers have created gravel-specific bikes, shoes, helmets, clothing and other accessories. And many roadies have expanded their bike inventory by adding a gravel model. Alongside this growth, event rides have also emerged. Some of these are race-focused, but most emphasise adventure, camaraderie, and exploration, attracting cyclists who want to experience Australia’s remarkable landscapes on two wheels.
Why gravel riding is growing
Gravel bikes sit at the sweet spot between road and mountain biking: versatile, comfortable, and able to traverse dirt tracks, forest roads, and open country routes with ease. This versatility has helped spur their popularity among everyday cyclists looking for a blend of exploration and fitness. Across Australia’s cities and regions, riders are increasingly choosing gravel bikes for weekend adventures.
While data on gravel participation isn’t widely published yet, event calendars and community reports show burgeoning growth: new beginner-friendly events are emerging every season, regional towns are embracing gravel gatherings for tourism, and national calendars are expanding to include more community-oriented gravel rides.
Popular gravel bike events around Australia
Here’s a selection of gravel bike events across Australia where riders can participate in community and mass-participation formats:
New South Wales
Dirty Mudgee – Mudgee Classic
2 May 2026
Part of the Mudgee Classic weekend, the Dirty Mudgee is a true gravel adventure. In 2026, it features two gravel distances – the 90 km Grit Classic and the 55 km Dash Classic – designed to showcase the rural backroads and rolling farmlands near Mudgee.
Gears and Beers – Wagga Wagga
3 -4 October 2026
A relaxed gravel-focused ride as part of the Gears and Beers cycling festival. The event features dedicated gravel routes, including the 70 km Salty 70 and the longer 130 km Dirty 130, showcasing Riverina backroads and farm tracks near Wagga.
Victoria
Great Otway Gravel Grind – Forrest
1 March 2026
One of Victoria’s established gravel classics through the Otway Ranges, offering two main distances – a 97 km Big Ring and a 49 km Small Ring, over scenic unsealed forest roads and rolling terrain.
Gravelista – Seymour, VIC
25 October 2026
A popular gravel event that combines scenic rural riding with a relaxed community atmosphere, offering options suitable for varying levels of experience.
South Australia
RADL GRVL – Adelaide Hills
Held alongside the Tour Down Under festival, this event combines stunning vineyard and hillside gravel routes with a community atmosphere. Riders of all levels are welcome to join the ride.
Western Australia
G7 Festival of Gravel – Southern Forests & Valleys
4 – 8 October 2026
A multi-day gravel festival spanning five towns in the Southern Forests & Valleys region with varied terrain, spectacular scenery and community rides suitable for different abilities.
Ballidu Gravel – Ballidu
27 September 2026
A highlight of WA’s gravel calendar, this community event celebrates rural riding and social cycling culture.
Queensland
Gravel & Flannel – Esk
3 – 5 July 2026
A three-day gravel riding celebration with supported rides, social activities and live entertainment – ideal for riders of all levels looking for festival-style adventure.
Noosa Enduro Gravel – Noosa Hinterland
21 June 2026
Held alongside the Noosa cycling festival, this event explores scenic hinterland roads and is accessible to a wide range of riders.
Tasmania
East Coast Gravel Festival – St Helens
15 June 2026
A three-day gravel riding festival on Tasmania’s stunning east coast, featuring multiple ride options and community events that celebrate gravel adventure and exploration along coastal and rural gravel roads.
Fingal Valley Gravel Grinder – St Marys
8 July 2026
A 60 km gravel ride through the scenic Fingal Valley with support stations — ideal for riders looking for a challenging yet social gravel experience in eastern Tasmania.
We’re sure there are more gravel events around the country. Please share details of these via comments or our social channels.
Nicola Rutzou – a long-time contributor and, most recently, the editor of Bicycling Australia. Nicola is a keen Sydney-based road cyclist who writes reviews, news, and destination pieces, as well as the weekly e-newsletter for BA online.
