There are three main loops: a nice easy green loop round the lake; a larger blue loop round the park; and the the black rated State XC loop. While you are definitely not far from civilisation on any of these loops, the park is big enough to give a great feeling of being out in the bush, complete with roos (albeit totally unbothered ones).

The green loop (track 1) near the lake is excellent for beginners and families and there are lots of fire-trails to explore too if you want to extend your ride.

For the more experienced, the intermediate loop makes great use of the relatively limited elevation and includes plenty to keep things entertaining including some lovely sweeping descents. Nothing too technical to deal with and plenty of B-lines.

The State XC Course (used for the 2006 Commonwealth Games) is great fun on a full suspension XC or trail bike, offering some pinchy climbing and descents with lots of interesting little jumps, drops and berms.  On this trail there are a few different lines when you get to a rocky section. The track splits and it’s not completely obvious from the signs which way to go. No matter though, all roads lead back together after passing the rocks via features of various difficulties.

There are also a couple of technical flow-type black trails (11 and 15) which have drop offs, rock features and a nice flowy feel. These can be sessioned by linking up the singletrack or hoiking it up the fire-trails to repeat.

A very short double black, which is essentially a big rock drop and some steeps is also fun, but not worth hauling a DH or enduro rig up the top for.

There’s a few places to access the trails from, with the main ones with parking being at Hallam Road North and the main entrance at the end of Horswood Road. The facilities are more extensive at the main entrance, which is where you will also find the skills track.

The Lysterfield District Trail Riders club has a busy program of social rides, races and skills classes for adults and kids, and the Lysty Chicks women’s rides series.

Altogether a fun few hours to be had here and definitely worth a visit, but pick your time as it can get very busy. Just remember to smile and say ‘hi’ to fellow riders however busy it is.