Ride the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is an excellent place to learn how to ride or head for a mid-winter riding holiday.

Ride the Sunshine Coast - The Perfect Winter Escape

Explore the best MTB trails on the Sunshine Coast. Throw in the option for surf lessons, yoga and accomodation 50 metres from the beach, it makes for the ultimate winter escape.

Why the Sunshine Coast?

Winter is the best time to ride on the Sunshine Coast and also when the beaches are at their most beautiful.

Like our signature trip, we will split into 3 groups each day. This time, the least confident group will be geared toward beginners who want to learn how to mountain bike from the basics. The other two groups will split according to ability (or energy) and have opportunities to skill up with daily coaching sessions from qualified guides.

The Sunshine Coast has come a long way with Mountain Biking in the last 15 years. The trails are continually improving as the sport becomes more popular and the area gears up to host the 2032 Olympics. This trip will visit areas such as Sugarbag Rd, Parklands and Noosa. Visit Sunshine Coast has put together this informative article that sums up the areas that we will be visiting.

In this women’s retreat, you will have the option to add 2 x 2-hour surf lessons to your trip. These are $60 per session and are run by some of the best female surf instructors on the coast, right outside your accommodation. Lessons are suitable for beginners or those looking to improve their skills. Wetsuits and boards are provided. There is also the fabulous Yogi Studio next door who have options for daily yoga sessions.

Looking for a different style of trip? Head back to Our Trips page to see what else is on offer.

Itinerary

 

Day 1 - Arrive, Build Bikes, Enjoy

  • ⁠Arrive anytime after 2 pm and check into your accommodation at the Atlantis Resort. We will stay in a combination of 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments, all with sea views. The resort is right on the beach and is only 5 min from the Sunshine Coast airport.

  • Settle in, build your bikes (with assistance if you need) and enjoy the beautiful water views from your apartment.

  • For those flying in, we have airport transfers between 4 pm and 7 pm. Outside of these times, simply order a maxi taxi (if travelling with a bike). 

  • For those driving, there is ample parking onsite.

  • As everyone is arriving at different times, find your own dinner tonight. There are plenty of options a short walk from the resort.

 

Day 2 - Welcome Yoga, Ride Parklands

  • Rise and shine with some optional “Welcome to the Coast” yoga / stretching on the beach followed by a walk or swim.

  • ⁠A healthy and yummy breakfast is provided in your apartments. 

  • We head out for our first ride to Parklands, a unique riding location with singletrack weaving through the rainforest. Parklands is also where the 2032 Olympics will be held!

  • ⁠We will split into 3 groups. The first will focus on basic skills and building confidence before heading out for a ride on green trails.

  • The second and third groups will complete a skills session and then explore the forest on some longer green and blue routes. 

  • There is always the option for experienced riders to head out on their own to burn some energy and enjoy exploring for themselves (we have optional tracking devices so we can always find everyone … Parklands is a bit of a maze!).

  • ⁠Regroup for lunch which is provided and continue our rides.

  • Mid afternoon it is time to head back to the apartments for showers and downtime.

  • Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant - you are welcome to join in or relax in the apartment if you prefer.

Day 3 - Surf, Ride Sugarbag Rd

  • Today we have a few options in the morning.

  • Firstly, you can opt-in for the Surf Package when you sign up. There are 2 x 2-hour sessions during the retreat. The first of these lessons is today from 6:30 to 8:30

  • Secondly, there is an option to book in for yoga in the beautiful Yogi studio next to the resort

  • Finally, you can always do your own thing, whether a sleep-in and a luxuriously slow breakfast on your balcony or a walk on the beach.

  • Around 10 am we will head to another local favourite for mountain biking, Sugar Bag Rd in Caloundra. This smaller park is packed with great green, and blue trails and features. Again we will split into groups and explore this fabulous park. 

  • ⁠Lunch will be provided at the trailhead.

  • Mid afternoon we will head back to the apartments for showers and downtime.

  • If the weather is good a BBQ dinner on the rooftop of the resort is planned.

 

Day 4 - Eumundi Markets, Ride Tewantin

  • Rise and shine! Help yourself to breakfast which is provided in the apartments.

  • We head out a little earlier today for a full day of both riding and playing tourist.

  • Our first stop is the world-famous Eumundi Markets to wander, absorb and enjoy.

  • After this, we will head to either the Tewantin MTB area or the Noosa Trail network (we are still working out which will be the best experience, having lunch along the way).

  • If the weather is good, we end the afternoon with a swim and fish and chips at the renowned Noosa Main Beach.

 

Day 5 - Surf, Yoga, Relax, Home

  • Today we again have a few options for everyone

  • Either your second learn-to-surf lesson or alternately there is the option to book into yoga in the beautiful Yogi Studio next door.

  • Of course, a sleep-in and slow breakfast is also a wonderful option.

  • Then it is time to pack up and vacate the apartments by 11 am. 

  • We will have a bus going to the Sunshine Coast airport at this time, or alternately you are welcome to leave your bags at reception and do your own thing for the remainder of the day.

 

What is included

  • Shuttle to/from Sunshine Coast Airport & accommodation (limited times)

  • 3 days of mountain biking with qualified coaches & guides.

  • Welcome Beach Yoga.

  • 4 nights of beachfront accommodation in a shared apartment.

  • All breakfasts.

  • All lunches.

  • 1 x dinner.

  • All transport to and from mountain biking areas as indicated in the itinerary.

  • Bike mechanical support + more.

  • A beautiful keep cup.

  • For those coming on their second trip, a complimentary MTB Retreat Tee (also available to purchase)

What is not included

  • Bike Rental: This is an extra if you do not have your own bike. Click here for details

  • Non-scheduled airport shuttles from Sunshine Coast Airport (it is only 5min away)

  • No Brisbane airport shuttles (this is 60 - 90min away). If flying to Brisbane, airport transfers can be arranged through Con-X-ion.

  • Surf Lessons - These are $60 per session and can be added to your booking. This includes amazing instructors, wetsuits and boards.

  • Additional Yoga sessions - these cost $25 per session and are held in the Yogi Studio next door.

  • Beverages: In general, you are responsible for your own beverages & alcoholic drinks.

  • 3 dinners where we eat at local restaurants.

  • Specialised Riding Snacks: Although some snacks and drinks will be available each day, you might like to bring your own personal ride snacks and electrolyte replacements.

  • Airfares.

  • We strongly recommend you take out suitable insurance to cover you in the event of cancellations, accidents or loss.

  • Ride the Sunshine Coast FAQs

    The style of this trip is different from our signature Women’s MTB Retreat in NE Tasmania but is run with the same philosophy. Our aim by the end is to allow you to escape, connect and evolve. Accommodation has been carefully chosen to be as stress-free as possible. There is more downtime on this trip to ensure you can enjoy both riding and the beach.

  • Who is this trip suitable for?

    This trip is suitable for everyone as we split into ability / energy groups each day. In particular it is perfect for those just starting out as there will be a dedicated group for this. Our aim is for you to leave the retreat confident to head out on your own trails when you return home. For intermediate and advanced riders, there are great options to level up your skills with daily coaching sessions.

  • Is this a Women's Only Trip?

    Certainly is! The trip is specifically designed for women, creating a safe and inclusive environment that fosters female empowerment. It offers a unique opportunity for women to connect, support each other, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

  • What sort of a bike do I need?

    For this trip, the bike you have is the best to bring, whether it be a hardtail or full suspension. That being said, it isn’t a trip for heavy downhill bikes as there is a lot of cross-country riding (going up / flat and down). If you have the luxury of choice, a light dual suspension is the best. If you don’t want to bring your own, we have women’s specific bikes available for hire. You can learn more here

    You need to make sure your bike is recently serviced and bring some spare parts. We will have a bike mechanic along for the trip with some generic parts as we understand how important it is to keep you moving. As with all our trips, we are there to support you build and pack your bike out of the bag/box you transport it in.

  • What is the group size for this trip?

    The group will be between 12 to 15 riders and 3 staff. The larger group enables us to split into ability level and choose different routes to suit. We will have minimum 2 female bike guides, a bike mechanic and a driver to keep everyone moving

  • How do I book?

    Head to our dates and bookings page for details