Eden Great Southern Trails is a new regional tourism initiative developed and funded by Destination Southern NSW, connecting the NSW South Coast, Alpine, and Capital mountain biking regions under a single destination brand. The project showcases more than 550 kilometres of dedicated mountain biking trails across 10 trail networks, spanning approximately 1,000 kilometres of road-tripable adventure.
Developed as part of the broader Mountain Bike Industry Growth Project, this project provides the consumer-facing marketing platform for Southern NSW’s MTB sector, offering a cohesive brand and digital presence designed to grow visitation, boost regional pride, and strengthen the visitor economy.
(Banner image credit: Flow MTB – Gravity Eden)
Visit greatsoutherntrails.com.au to explore the trails and watch the launch video below.
About the Project
The Great Southern Trails project connects trail networks, local businesses, and communities to position Southern NSW as Australia’s premier mountain biking destination. From the alpine peaks of Thredbo and Jindabyne to the forests of Narooma and the gravity runs of Eden, the region offers one of the most diverse and accessible MTB experiences in the country. The project forms part of a holistic industry development approach, aligning with the Ride Guide and the broader MTB Industry Development Project, which together aim to strengthen both the supply (trail infrastructure, industry skills) and demand (visitor awareness, brand positioning) sides of the mountain biking sector.
Objectives
- Promote Southern NSW as a connected, world-class MTB destination.
- Increase visitation and dispersal across regional towns and trail networks.
- Support local businesses and tourism operators through MTB-aligned marketing and experience development.
- Foster collaboration between clubs, councils, and communities for long-term sector growth.
- Enhance regional identity through an authentic, adventure-driven brand.
Partners and Collaboration
The project brings together a diverse network of collaborators, including:
- MTB trail networks and clubs across 10 locations
- Local councils and tourism organisations
- Industry partners such as Converge Marketing, Threesides Marketing, TRC Tourism, Rocky Trail Entertainment, and Sapphire Coast Destination Marketing
- Design direction by egCreative
- Project managed by Destination Southern NSW, with industry leadership from General Manager Richard Everson and Industry Development Manager Jenny Robb.
Project Outcomes
- Creation and launch of the Great Southern Trails brand and website
- Development of regional marketing assets, including trail maps, itineraries, and imagery
- Launch activation at the Sea Otter Australia MTB Festival 2025
- Integration with the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) to support operator listings
- Long-term framework for collaborative marketing and digital content growth
Impact
By branding and connecting trail networks across the South Coast, Snowies, and Capital regions, Great Southern Trails boosts the region’s visibility in Australia’s rapidly expanding MTB tourism market, an industry valued at over $1 billion nationwide. The initiative encourages year-round visitation, regional dispersal, and local economic growth, while aligning with Destination NSW’s “Feel New” positioning through authentic adventure, connection, and freedom.
Explore
Great Southern Trails – Australia’s Premier Mountain Bike Destination Program Overview