As part of the Minns Government's plans to encourage healthy lifestyles and outdoor activities, the upgraded Narooma Mountain Bike Trails are attracting thousands of visitors, young and old, to the region while at the same time being a major boost to the local economy.
More than 63,000 riders have visited the extended Narooma Mountain Bike Trails in the first year since they opened - an almost 89 per cent increase in visitors, compared to 2023.
Following $4.1 million in funding from the Australian and NSW Government's Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, a further 58 kilometres of mountain trails have been added to the existing 30 kilometres in Bodalla State Forest.
This has created some 250 kilometres of trails across Narooma, Eden and Mogo making the region one of Australia's foremost mountain biking regions with restaurants, breweries, accommodation, bike repair shops among just a few of the local businesses benefitting.
The funding also added a new trail head carpark at the base in Bodalla State Forest, which opened alongside the additional trails in early 2024.
The Narooma township has experienced the flow on impacts of this economic boost, with visitors spending $69.5 million in 2024.
While precise figures are not available as to the direct impact of the mountain trails, local businesses are clearly reaping the benefits.
Southbound Escapes, a tour operator that offers mountain bike shuttles on the trails, went from employing two part-time workers in 2023, to three full-time workers and eight casuals.
The additional staff are a direct response to the increase in visitors to the trails, with the Southbound Escapes café and shuttle service attributing to 74 per cent of the business revenue in 2024.
In 2025, Southbound Escapes has already recorded more than 9,300 people using the mountain bike shuttles service, with mountain bikers coming from across Australia.
Local business Whale Coast Realty manages more than 153 holiday properties in the area and has also seen the overflow of benefits from mountain bike tourism in the region, recording an increase in holiday accommodation need by up to 30 per cent in the past three years.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"Since the Narooma Mountain Bike Trails project opened about a year ago, more than 63,000 riders have raced through the trails, which is a massive boost of visitors to the region.
"The NSW Government is committed to backing community projects, like this one, that not only have flow-on benefits for local accommodation providers, cafes and tour companies, but also create new local jobs.
"With the school holidays on, now's the perfect time for families to visit the trails, helping kids get out and about in nature, stay active, and take a break from their screens."
Local Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said:
"The Narooma Mountain Bike Trails have been a real game changer for our economy on the coast - they are providing a welcome boost for our fabulous local businesses.
"But they have also been warmly embraced by locals - and provide a fun and healthy activity for local families.
"I'm so proud to see the positive impact they are having on our local community."
Local State MP for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said:
"The Narooma Mountain Bike Trails have put Narooma on the map as a must-visit destination for bike riders of all ages.
"It's projects like this that not only showcase the unique charm of the Far South Coast, but also attract visitors, encourage spending, and create lasting opportunities for the community.
"With more than 63,000 riders visiting the trails in just a year, the benefits for local businesses, from cafes to accommodation providers, are clear."
Eurobodalla Shire Council economic manager, Teresa Lever said:
"While we can't contribute all the increase in spending to the trails, we know the opening of the extended trails has been a major contributor.
"One unexpected benefit of the trails is the increase in locals of all ages taking up the recreational activity. This has huge economic benefits for Eurobodalla due to improved health and social outcomes for residents."
Southbound Escapes director, Sally Bouckley said:
"The opening of the Narooma Mountain Bike Trails has added a few extra income streams to Southbound Escapes, including the mountain bike shuttles, which include a service that quickly takes riders to the top of the trail.
"We have also seen an increase in visitation to our cafe, The Hub Espresso Bar, which is a popular place for mountain bikers to grab a coffee and snack before they go riding.
"Since the opening of the park, mountain bikers are coming all year around and especially in off peak times and they are staying for longer, with most riding Mogo, Eden, Tathra and even Thredbo in the same trip.
Whale Coast Realty principal, John Murray said:
"The opening of the Narooma Mountain Bike Trails and the extended trails has improved many businesses like ours, not just in the peak period but also outside of the peak periods.
"We can see the benefits and have made changes in our business so we can offer visitors more bike friendly options because of that.
"We've seen an increased demand for our accommodation as a direct result of the mountain bike trails, and our bookings are up by almost one third since the trails opened."
