Motorbike Adventure South of Canberra: Through Tinderry Nature Reserve and Beyond

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a motorbike adventure, especially when it takes you through winding trails, stunning reserves, and hidden gems in the Australian countryside. Today, Rick Kidston and I set off from Canberra for a ride through some breathtaking landscapes, making stops at interesting spots and meeting locals who guided us along the way.

​Setting Off: The Journey Begins

​We started early, heading south from Canberra towards the Tinderry Nature Reserve. Our planned route would take us through some less-traveled trails, with our ultimate destination set for Bredbo. Riding through the Tinderry area is always a treat, with its natural beauty and rugged terrain. The road ahead was both challenging and rewarding, offering fantastic views and the fresh thrill of an open trail.

​An Unexpected Detour

One of the highlights of the trip came when we were navigating along Good Good Fire Trail (FT). Partway through, we encountered a locked gate blocking our path. Rather than turn back, we decided to take a detour and attempt to get back on track via the Old Good Good FT. That’s where things took an unexpected turn—we accidentally wandered onto private property. Thankfully, this mishap turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
While figuring out our next move, we ran into a friendly local who seemed unfazed by our accidental trespass. After some friendly conversation, he pointed us in the right direction, guiding us around the locked gate and back to Good Good FT. It's moments like these—where you meet helpful locals and take detours off the beaten path—that really make an adventure unforgettable.

​Exploring Ruins and Old Structures

​After rejoining Good Good FT, we stumbled upon an old ruin that we speculated might once have been a gold fossicker’s homestead. These remnants of history, nestled in the quiet of the wilderness, made us wonder about the people who lived and worked here long ago, searching for gold in the rugged hills. From there, we rode down to an old weir, another fascinating historical marker on our journey.

​Crossing the Bredbo River and Lunchtime in Bredbo

​Continuing on from the weir, we made our way down to McGuigans Crossing on the Bredbo River, a scenic spot perfect for a short rest. Soon after, we reached Bredbo and decided to grab some lunch at the local pub. The pub grub did not disappoint! Sitting down for a hearty meal, we took a break, reflected on the ride so far, and prepared ourselves for the next leg of the journey.

​A Few More Detours and a Fuel Stop

After lunch, we took the highway to Ballingara Road and, instead of heading up Shannons Flat Road, diverted down Jones Plains Road, eventually reaching Shannons Flat. This is where I ran into a small setback: my fuel tank was nearing empty. Fortunately, I had a 5-litre fuel bladder ostrapped to the rack on my bike, so I was able to top up and keep going without much delay.
With the fuel issue sorted, we made our way into Namadgi National Park. 

​Reflections on the Ride

​Today’s journey was a perfect blend of planned trails and spontaneous detours, reminding us of the true spirit of adventure. From locked gates to local encounters, ruins, and river crossings, every element made for a memorable day out. If you're ever in the Canberra area and are up for a ride through some stunning and challenging landscapes, I highly recommend the route we took—with or without the unexpected stops.
We rode through a diverse range of landscapes, filled with wildlife. We encountered a surprising number of wild goats and, on a more sombre note, spotted several deceased wombats along the road, one even floating near the weir. 
My tips:- Remember to pack extra fuel, respect private property, and always be open to whatever the road has in store. Here’s to more rides and more discoveries on the open trail!
The two GPS traces for the ride:
Part 1. Weir Da F#ck
Part 2. Shannons Flat