Adventure Collective Journal

Adventure Collective Journal

Biking Guide is your source for global cycling adventures, biking tours, and magazine-style features about the world's best cycling destinations.

← Back to Journal
Fat-Bike Adventure through Boranup Karri Forest to Contos Beach, Margaret River

Fat-Bike Adventure through Boranup Karri Forest to Contos Beach, Margaret River

Ride fat bikes through towering Karri trees and over coastal dunes on a 2.5-hour guided tour from Boranup to Contos Beach. This accessible, wildlife-rich loop blends forest singletrack with dramatic ocean viewpoints—ideal for riders 140cm and taller.

Margaret River, Western Australia
2–3 hours
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Start early in summer

Begin at first light to avoid heat on exposed dune sections and to see more wildlife when temperatures are cooler.

Tire pressure matters

Lower tyre pressure improves traction on sand but keep enough pressure to avoid pinch flats on rocky sections.

Carry basic flats kit

Bring a compact pump and tyre levers; guides carry spares but self-sufficiency speeds up returns.

Respect dune vegetation

Stay on designated tracks—coastal heath is fragile and recovering dunes are easily damaged.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Boranup Lookout — a short skills-practice spot with quieter views than main picnic areas
  • A small coastal heath pocket just north of Contos where spring wildflowers bloom away from the main cliff viewpoints

Wildlife

  • Eastern grey kangaroo
  • Emu

Conservation Note

Dune vegetation and Karri understory are sensitive—sticking to established tracks reduces erosion and protects nesting sites for birds and reptiles.

The Noongar people have long connections to this coastline and forest; European settlers later harvested Karri selectively, shaping the current mosaic of old and regrowth stands.

What to Bring

Helmet (provided but bring your own if preferred)Essential

Protects head; guides supply helmets but a personal fit is more comfortable.

Hydration pack or water bottleEssential

Keeps you hydrated during warm coastal sections—carry at least 500–1000ml.

Grippy trail shoesEssential

Flat-soled shoes with good grip help when pushing through sand or stepping off the pedals.

Light waterproof shell

Protects from coastal spray and sudden showers during cooler months.

Common Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?

Participants must be at least 140cm tall; children of that height who can handle basic bike control are allowed with parental supervision.

How difficult is the terrain?

Terrain alternates between packed forest tracks, soft sand on dunes and short rocky sections—expect standing climbs and some walking through very soft sand.

What happens in bad weather?

Tours are canceled in heavy rain or conditions that make dunes unsafe; operators typically offer full refunds if canceled 24 hours prior or due to weather.

What is provided and what should I bring?

Guides supply fat bikes and helmets; bring water, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and a light jacket if conditions are cool or windy.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

2–3 hours

Location

Margaret River, Western Australia

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness — comfortable riding for up to 2.5 hours with short standing climbs and occasional dismounts

Free cancellation available

Ready to Explore Margaret River?

Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.

Check Availability & Book Now