Swallow Tail Pass Overnighter

Sat 10th - Sun 11th May 2025

MJoin us for a bikepacking overnighter in the spectacular Southern Highlands.

The Swallow Tail Pass loop is a firm favourite amongst Omafiets staff. Sweeping gravel descents, steady climbs, jaw-dropping vistas, lush forests, and plentiful wildlife - this ride has it all.

Starting in Mittagong on Day 1, we track Wombeyan Caves Road due west until we hit gravel and drop down to the Wollondilly River, where we break for lunch. Don't overstuff yourself: there are two significant, extended climbs to come! After lunch, we begin the slow and steady ascent towards the Caves campground and Mares Forest. This is a beautiful section of the route which showcases some of the immense ecological variety of the region (and features some stunning views to boot!). Once we climb out of the Caves campground and reach the end of Wombeyan Caves road, we hang a left and break in the gorgeous little country town of Taralga for the evening.

On Day 2, there are two route options. The shorter route will be following Bannaby Road east through the region's wind farms and rolling fields towards Swallow Tail Pass. The pass itself is a loose, occasionally steep, and moderately technical descent, but a lot of fun to ride - we'll go slow and wind our way down to the Tarlo river crossing. Ascending Brayton Road on the other side, we zip along some delightful gravel roads and rolling hills towards Canyan Leigh and Paddy's River, before an extremely brief stint on the shoulder of the M4 as we roll towards Sutton Forest for afternoon tea. A few more miles down the road, we join some of the beautiful bike paths connecting Moss Vale to Bowral, before finishing up with a well deserved stop at the Eden Brewery in Mittagong.

The longer route is geared towards riders who are keen to test their limits on a light-and-fast sprint to the sea. Leaving bright and early on Sunday, we follow the original route towards Sutton Forest for lunch, before peeling off towards Kangaroo Valley and Meryla National Park. We enter the valley via Meryla Pass - a stunning descent that drops down to Griffins Farm and traces Yarrunga Creek. The descent is loose and very steep in sections - don't be afraid to get off your bike and walk it if need be! There are several gates you will need to lift your bike up and over both before and after the pass. After stopping by the town of Kangaroo Valley, we ascend Mount Scanzi and take the scenic Bugong Road down towards Nowra. Those who are keen to catch the train back at this point can do so from Bombaderry (just note that there's a limit to 2 or so bikes per train from here!). Otherwise, we'll zoom along the coast towards Gerringong and finish our ride in Kiama after nightfall.

Route Details
Day 1: 98.7km, 1717m elevation
Day 2 (Standard): 118km, 1676m elevation
Day 2 (Ultra-Distance): 211km, 2996m elevation