Cycling around Dungog
One of the Dungog Shire’s biggest draw cards is its growing reputation as a cycling paradise for bike riders of all levels and ages.
Long known as a gateway to the Barrington Tops for campers and four wheel drivers, Dungog is now on the map as a cycling destination with the Dungog Common providing some 650 acres of communal recreational tracks aimed at the experienced mountain biker right down to those of us who don’t take things quite so seriously.
Located on the western side of town, the Dungog Common offers the perfect solution for rides of all ages and levels of experience. Managed by Ride Dungog, the Dungog Common offers a huge range of options from extreme tracks aimed at the experienced mountain biker right down to those just looking for a fun experience with the family or a group of friends.
If you are more keen for a ‘pedal and a giggle’ experience on a rented bike as part of a fun-filled Dungog weekend visit, there are some great rides around the town where you can get a bird's eye view of the township at the Robert Allen Memorial Lookout opposite the local hospital. Don’t forget to visit the famous Dungog sign at the park locals affectionately named, Hollywood Hill.
You don’t even need to bring your own bike – local cycle specialists Speedy Cycles offer great rental options and are the first port of call for everything and anything you need to know about cycling in the Dungog Shire.
Annual Pedalfest
Without doubt the biggest event on the local cycling calendar for the best part of the last 25 years has been the annual Dungog Pedalfest which is back on again in September 2021.
Annually attracting hundreds of cyclists, Dungog Pedalfest holds huge appeal for just about anyone who has ever ridden a bike with the weekend schedule offering family friendly, competitive and mountain bike events with rides ranging from between an easy 6km to a more arduous 50km.
The event’s organisers are confident, given the disappointment with the 2020 cancellation, the 2021 will attract large numbers.
Dungog Pedalfest aside, the Dungog Shire is a great place to ride a bike at any time of year and given its proximity to Sydney (around a two and a half hour drive) and Newcastle (just an hour by car) or by train, it’s the perfect location for a weekend away or a three or four-day short break.
We look after you AND your bike
Where to stay in Dungog? Right in the heart of this historic town, the Royal Hotel Dungog offers all the true comforts of a traditional country establishment with a choice of accommodation to suit singles, couples, families and groups.
Plus if you’re bringing your bikes with you, the Royal Hotel Dungog also offers a lock-up bikeshed for your bikes and gear, a washdown area and a bike repair station. And the bike shed is covered with CCTV, so you can sleep easy knowing your bike is secure.
To the accommodation - each of the Royal Hotel Dungog’s fourteen deluxe guest rooms are quiet and comfortable with choices ranging from single rooms, doubles, one twin, one bunk room, and four queen rooms plus a ‘Royal Suite’.
Freshly renovated shared modern bathrooms are available for guests, including a large common lounge to enjoy, with access to a shared kitchen, with tea, coffee and continental breakfast provided.
For more information on Dungog Pedalfest, Dungog Common, local bike rental and other suggested cycling tracks, the following websites will prove most useful: