HOW IT ALL
BEGAN
Starting with a small team, no trails and only a dream of what to achieve for the town.
Credit Sunbird Photography
"GEORGIE AND DAVE WANTED TO BRING THIS EXPERIENCE TO NAROOMA WITH THE ASSOCIATED TOURISM BENEFITS THAT IT WOULD BRING TO THE TOWNSHIP."
Founding members Georgie Staley and David O’Brien, passionate MTB tourists, brought their vision of a thriving mountain biking community to Narooma in 2016. Starting with a small team and no trails, they envisioned a trail system that would not only attract tourists but also benefit the local community's health.
By 2019, they formed a club and began building trails with basic tools. Their efforts led to a Bushfire Local Economic Recovery fund grant from the Federal and NSW State Governments in 2021, allowing for professional trail construction and additional facilities.
The local uptake in mountain biking grew remarkably, with the club now boasting 150 members. The 85km trail network is already attracting tourists and there have been even more local families riding.
There have been 2 new bike shops open in town and a local business offering shuttles which have employed local people.
We want to make Narooma a significant mountain biking destination for both the Regional, National, and International markets. We are just 3 hours from Canberra and 4.5 hours’ drive from Sydney which gives everyone plenty of options to visit Narooma Trails no matter where they live in Australia.
Our future goals include trail upgrades and further infrastructure improvements with view to funding a full-time maintenance person. All donations and sponsorship are gratefully received.
The first “Club” photo. We did a post on Narooma Notice board and 7 people showed up to start the process. They were: Dave O’Brien, Georgie Staley, Jyothi Forman, Mitchell Collins, Noel Bate, Wayne Byard, Jeremy Tague & Toby Stewart.
Credit Sunbird Photography