Juliane Wisata will be hitting the trails with the rest of us this October at the three-day festival shaping up to be the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest cycling event ever: Sea Otter Australia.

Wisata, her husband Martin, and their team at Rocky Trail Entertainment are organising the first Australian Sea Otter fest for 24-26 October 2025 in Batemans Bay, NSW.

The original Sea Otter Classic has been running for about 30 years in Monterey, California and attracts as many as 80,000 people. Sea Otter Europe in Girona, Spain, has been running since 2017.

Juliane told us she believes it's high time that Aussies, Kiwis, and visitors from overseas can enjoy the festival, too.

“The goal is to get more people out into nature and onto bikes,” said Juliane. “Everyone can ride and race and get into activities every day.”

What is Sea Otter Australia?

What is Sea Otter all about? It's not just a race but four days of off-road cycling and festival experiences across mountain biking, gravel, cyclocross, and e-bike disciplines.

For less committed riders, there are three days of family-friendly social rides, kids activities, and shuttled experiences across the Mogo Trails Network and beyond.

You can demo ride bikes and gear on the trails, get skills coaching, and meet and greet pro athletes representing their teams or sponsors.

Sea Otter also features a three-day expo showcasing the latest bikes, gear, and cycling innovations. Industry professionals can also attend the pre-festival summit, bringing together land management, cycling, adventure, and tourism experts to shape the future of off-road cycling in Australia.

With Clif and Bridge Road Brewers as sponsors, the team at CycleHub is personally expecting some free energy bar samples to be handed out and plenty of opportunities to quench our thirst.

The Mogo trails

For most of us, Sea Otter Australia will be our first chance to experience the fabulous Mogo Trails network, which only opened in June. The 125-kilometre network extends through the forest around the village of Mogo and Batemans Bay.

Rocky Trails Destination (another arm of the Rocky Trails empire) developed the detailed design and the visitor strategy behind the trail network. Construction partner Next Level Mountain Bike brought them to life in a spectacular fashion.

While Juliane wouldn't go on record claiming Mogo is the best trail network in Australia, it currently is Australia's largest.

“We planned the trails with every kind of rider in mind, from balance bikes to hardcore downhill racers,” she said. “A lot of work went into shaping the layout and trails themselves with riding progression in mind,” Wisata told CycleHub. “There are summits or midpoints that have different types of descending trails that all finish at the same spot.”

If your group features hardcore riders as well as newbies, they can each choose different trails and all meet up afterwards at the bottom.

“I can guarantee everyone will have the same heart rate and level of adrenaline at the bottom,” Juliane laughed.

The Mogo Trails network cost $8 million to build and is a miracle of your tax dollars at work. The list of governmental organisations starts with the Eurobodalla Shire Council and Forestry Corporation NSW. Grants from the Australian and NSW Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and the NSW Growing Local Economies Fund covered the full budget.

Let's also give a shout-out here to the Batemans Bay Mountain Bike Club, which helps Rocky Trail Entertainment with volunteer working-bee days, whilst the project’s maintenance contract is ongoing.

The Sea Otter Australia Summit and Festival are just around the corner, and it's an event that promises to be a fantastic experience for everyone, from industry professionals to casual riders and families. Whether you're a seasoned racer or just looking to enjoy the vibe, here's a comprehensive list of questions and answers to help you plan your perfect trip.

Our two cents

Andrea & Dave at CycleHub are both heading down to Sea Otter Australia and are excited by what Rocky Trails Entertainment has put together for the cycling community. If you're going to be there and want to say hello, give a shout to us at inbox@cyclehub.com.au.

Quick-fire Q & A

What is Sea Otter Australia?

Sea Otter Australia is more than just a bike race; it's a massive, all-encompassing celebration of cycling. Building on the legacy of the original Sea Otter Classic in California, this event is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, bringing the world's largest cycling festival, summit, and tradeshow to Australia. The festival is a three-day extravaganza (October 24-26) that's designed for everyone, from industry leaders and professional athletes to weekend warriors and families

There will be a pre-festival event with the Schools Championships on Thursday 23 Oct where you can catch the future stars shredding the trails! The Sea Otter Australia Summit launches a two-day business conference for industry professionals on the Tuesday and Wednesday, also ahead of the Festival. The main festival then kicks off on Friday,24 October, which features an incredible range of racing events, from gravity enduro and cross-country to gravel and e-bike races. At the heart of it all is a huge Expo and Tradeshow with close to 200 brands, where you can check out the latest bikes and gear, go for a demo ride, and connect with other enthusiasts. It's a truly unique event that aims to be a game-changer for the Australian cycling scene.

What is the Expo at Sea Otter Australia?

The Expo at Sea Otter Australia is a massive three-day gathering that should be part tradeshow, part product showcase, and all fun. Held at the Event Hub at the Hanging Rock Recreational and Sports Precinct in Batemans Bay, the Expo brings together close to 200 cycling brands, from major bike manufacturers to small accessory and apparel companies. Get an up-close look at the latest innovations, connect directly with brand representatives, and rub shoulders with cycling legends.

One of the biggest highlights is the opportunity to demo bikes on a dedicated track, so you can test ride before you buy. You'll also find special activities like a Velosolutions pump track, daily product demonstrations, and exclusive festival deals and discounts.

What is the Summit at Sea Otter Australia?

The Sea Otter Australia Summit is a two-day event (October 22-23, 2025) that serves as the official start of the larger Sea Otter festival. It's a specialised conference for cycling industry professionals, executives, and innovators to come together and collaborate on the future of the sport. Unlike the main festival, which is focused on riding and racing, the Summit is designed for networking, learning, and discussion.

The Summit is held at the Batemans Bay Pavilions. This is shaping up to be an essential gathering for anyone who works in the cycling world, from brand managers and retailers to trail builders and land managers.

Where should I stay during the Sea Otter festival?

The event takes place in Batemans Bay, which is a popular tourist destination, so you have plenty of options, from cabins and glamping tents to caravan and camping sites. The main festival hub is at the Hanging Rock Recreational and Sports Precinct. Several accommodation providers are in the area, including the NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort and Clydeview Holiday Park.

Check out your options in the accommodation directory.

What kind of riding can I expect to find at the event?

Get ready for a huge range of riding, including gravity enduro, cross-country, gravel, cyclo-cross, kids, and e-bike four-cross.

You'll find trails and events for every skill level, from flowy singletracks to technical challenges. Even if you're not into racing, there are plenty of social rides, demo tracks to try out the latest gear, and shuttled experiences to explore the wider region.

Are kids welcome, and are there activities for them?

Yes, absolutely. The event is designed to be family-friendly and welcoming to riders of all ages. There are dedicated activities for kids, including a "KidsZone" with skills coaching sessions, as well as a "Kids Otter Racing" event. They can also get involved in the Sea Otter Australia School Championships. The festival hub is a great place for the whole family to hang out, with plenty of brands to check out and a fun atmosphere.

How do I get involved in the races?

Getting into a race is super easy! Just register for each race separately, as they have different entry requirements. You can register for events like the Thule Cross Country Marathon, Fox Superflow®, and MUC-OFF Ottercross on the Sea Otter Australia website. When you register for any official race, it also includes a three-day festival pass.

What if I don't want to race?

No worries at all! Sea Otter Australia is about more than just competition. The festival is a celebration of all things cycling, and there's plenty to do if you don't want to pin on a number. You can spend your days exploring the huge Expo, where over 200 brands will show off the latest bikes and gear. You can also participate in untimed social rides or join a shuttled experience to explore the incredible Eurobodalla region. The festival is all about community, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to connect with other riders, check out cool new products, and just soak up the atmosphere.

How do I get to Batemans Bay?

Batemans Bay is about four hours from Sydney, two hours from Canberra, and eight hours from Melbourne. If you don't want to drive, there are bus services from Sydney. You can also fly into Moruya Airport (MYA), which is about a 20-minute drive from the town.

What else can I do in the area when I'm not at the festival?

Batemans Bay and the surrounding Eurobodalla region are stunning, so there's plenty to do beyond the festival. You can explore the beautiful Clyde River on a kayak or boat cruise and even do a special oyster tasting tour.

Nature lovers can visit the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden or take a walk in the Murramarang National Park. And if you're looking for a fun day out with the family, the Mogo Wildlife Park is just a short drive away.

Check out the selection of options in the Explore section of Sea Otter's website.

Where should I eat in Batemans Bay?

Batemans Bay offers a diverse range of dining options, particularly for those who enjoy fresh seafood and waterfront views. For a relaxed, coastal charm with uninterrupted views of the marina, JJ's at The Marina is a top choice, known for its focus on locally and regionally sourced seafood. Another fantastic spot for waterfront dining is Starfish, which recently reopened with a new menu and a beautiful position on the Mirra Murra Walk. Sam's Pizzeria on the waterfront is a beloved local institution, serving up classic pizzas and pastas.

You can't go wrong with The Oyster Shed on Wray, located on a family-run farm gate. For those who want to venture a little further out, The Mossy Cafe in nearby Mossy Point is considered a destination in itself, and Crumb Cafe is a local favourite known for its awesome coffee and food