Founded to encourage riders to explore beyond city limits, goodnessgravel is back for 2025 with a quartet of destinations across New South Wales. With revamped routes and two new additions, Parkes and Bulahdelah are joining the lineup.
To get the inside word on what’s in store for 2025, we chatted to event founder Will Levy, who’s no stranger to epic adventures and the mastermind behind what is goodnessgravel.
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What is goodnessgravel?
Also known for his work with twowheeltours, Levy has spent over 15 years in the industry guiding riders domestically then expanding internationally, including tours such as the prestigious ‘Haute Route’.
Then came a major turning point—Covid.
“The year before Covid hit, we had 16 tours lined up for 2020. Then, we went from 16 to one,” Levy recalls.
With years of event experience, including managing the Bowral Classic for the inaugural three years, Levy saw an opportunity to shift gears. He reached out to over 100 rural councils across New South Wales with a simple pitch: “You’ve got all this amazing infrastructure, and no one’s going overseas. Why not promote it for gravel tourism?”
And just like that, goodnessgravel was born.
Not trying to be the Aussie version of Unbound Gravel
Since its launch in 2021, the series has quickly become a must-do for those seeking adventure but without the pressure of a race. With 14 events hosted across New South Wales, it’s not about where you finish at the end of the day, but about the experience.
“Everyone who registers gets their number for life. That’s something I’m really proud of,” Levy says.
“It’s nice to know when you’re at the start line, and you see someone with a rider plate—not a race plate, a rider plate—on their handlebars, and it says number one.
You think, wow, why are they number one? And they tell you, ‘I was the first person ever to sign up for a goodnessgravel event.’ That gives me goosebumps,” he says.
With over 2,000 riders participating to date, goodnessgravel isn’t trying to be the next Unbound Gravel or mass-participation mega-race, it was created to get riders off the beaten path and into stunning regions of New South Wales.
“It’s about bringing people to rural towns, riding amazing roads, and hanging out with like-minded people for a weekend away,” says Levy.
Each goodnessgravel event offers at least two course options, ensuring there’s a ride for everyone. Whether you’re hammering the pedals at 30kph or soaking up the scenery at 18kph, there’s a place for you.
“We have a lead car, or lead moto in front, so those who are riding hard feel protected,” Levy explains.
“But, 95% of the rest of the people? They’re stopping, having a great old time, eating a Tim Tam or some Pizza Shapes, and listening to some live music,” he continues.
While these are all challenging routes, all the courses have been designed to be rewarding, not punishing.
This year, the goodnessgravel calendar shakes things up with the introduction of Parkes and Bulahdelah, replacing the long-standing, Mogo and Gundy stops.
The decision to change locations was driven by the desire to keep things fresh, introduce new landscapes and showcase the incredible unpaved riding that exists across regional New South Wales.
“We want to keep our riders on their toes,” says Levy.
goodnessgravel Orange | The Mount Canobolas Monster | 15 March 2025
Orange kicks off the 2025 goodnessgravel series on 15 March, setting the tone for another year of exciting gravel adventures.
This year, Orange gets a little shake-up. Riders will now experience something new right from the start, as the event kicks off with a route through some private property—an exclusive opportunity which only goodnessgravel participants will get to enjoy.
This means the traditional climb up the first hill from Lake Canobolas will be skipped, which might be a welcome relief for returning riders. But, don’t worry, the course still includes a different, challenging ascent up Mount Canobolas.
Each destination brings its own flavour, but Orange? That’s the real citrusy beast.
No goodnessgravel event is complete without its signature WWW (Will We Walk?) climb, a brutally steep section that leaves most riders questioning their gear choices, and Levy remains sure that Orange holds the crown.
“They’ve got to climb up Mount Canobolas, which is pretty damn high,” says Levy.
And he’s not exaggerating, at 1,390 meters, it’s the highest point between Sydney and Perth. So if it feels like you’re climbing forever, well, that’s why!
And what’s waiting at the summit? A donut.
“If that’s not motivation, what is?” jokes Levy.
Winding through the heart of the Central Tablelands, Orange provides a pair of course options. The long course of 125 km serves an impressive 2,400 meters of elevation, and the shorter, 60 km option packs a punch with 1,500 meters of climbing.
At the finish line, the party continues. Will points out that the quicker you finish, the quicker you get back to the village, where waiting for you is a complimentary sausage sizzle. Catering for all dietary requirements, and of course you get a Lindt chocolate ball. Because after all that gravel grinding, who doesn’t deserve a little luxury?
But it’s not just the climbs, donuts, or breathtaking gravel roads that make goodnessgravel unique. It’s the small details.
This philosophy shines through in everything from handmade, beeswax-dipped rider plates to the cotton event bags and course-printed buffs given to the riders. No mass-produced, plastic-wrapped clutter here.
A small but meaningful nod to sustainability, instead of plastic zip ties, goodnessgravel uses pieces of twine to attach rider plates. Even the rider plates serve a second purpose.
“They’re made by a company in Brisbane that produces reusable food wraps, so technically, you could use your rider plate to cover a capsicum in the fridge,” Levy laughs.
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goodnessgravel Glen Innes | Red Range and Autumn Leaves | 12 April 2025
The second event of the 2025 goodnessgravel series heads north from Orange to the picturesque town of Glen Innes on 12 April. Just a four and a half hour drive from Brisbane and seven hours from Sydney, located in the heart of the New England Highlands. Glen Innes sits at 1,000 meters above sea level and offers a stunning backdrop of autumn colours to those who take part in this event at this time of year.
“Glen Innes is such a beautiful area, especially in the autumn, with the colours changing. It’s stunning,” Levy says of the course.
The three loops on offer cater to all kinds of gravel enthusiasts, the long course is a 125 km route with 1,700 meters of climbing, the 75 km ride serves up 1,000 meters, or the Piccolo, a 25 km ride with 450 meters of elevation, aimed for folks wanting a taste of the gravel goodness without an all-day mission.
If you’re familiar with the champagne gravel of Glen Innes, you already know what’s in store. For the newcomers, get ready to head through the town of Red Range, where a sea of golden poplar trees will greet you. And as the route unfolds, the landscape transforms as riders explore the granite areas, where massive boulders line the unpaved paths.
“Riders come back and tell us they didn’t see a single car for hours,” adds Levy. “And that’s the beauty of riding in such remote areas.”
The serenity of riding without the distractions of the city traffic is a hallmark of Glen Innes, with folks being able to enjoy the natural surroundings and know that they’re well supported by the goodnessgravel crew. The event is equipped with roaming mechanics on motos and roaming medics in cars, ensuring riders are never alone in these isolated areas.
What sets goodnessgravel apart isn’t just the challenging route, or magnificent views, it’s the local community’s involvement with these events.
“We’ve had the Westpac Rescue Helicopters volunteer at our rest stops and sausage sizzle for three years now. We can’t run these events without local help. It would be impossible.” adds Levy.
For many riders, the Glen Innes event serves as a reminder of the hidden gems across New South Wales.
“Most people pass through the town at 60km/h on the New England Highway, but if you go east or west, the roads and scenery are amazing,” says Levy.
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goodnessgravel Bulahdelah | The Winter Gravel Extravaganza | 19 July 2025
Next on the goodnessgravel event calendar is one of the new destinations of Bulahdelah, a winter option for those looking to embrace Australia’s winter season, taking place on 19 July.
Located only one and a half hours from Newcastle or under three hours from Sydney, this event offers an accessible gravel riding experience for cyclists of the area and beyond.
Levy notes, “There’s a solid band of cyclists in that area, and it’s great to offer them something close by.”
Winter may be in full swing, but goodnessgravel is excited to see how riders embrace the chillier conditions.
“We’ve run events in July before, and it’s always a fantastic experience,” Levy says.
“We’re lucky here in Australia and it’s nice to host a gravel event in the middle of winter. Riders can really get into the spirit of it with proper winter clothing, and the days are still long, but at least we won’t be riding through snow!” says Levy.
There are two courses on offer at Bulahdelah, the long course of 125km with a hearty 2,000 meters of elevation, and the 80km route, which still packs a punch with 1,200 meters of elevation.
The ride kicks off at the local showground and heads out along these beautiful ridge lines. Levy tells us the views are absolutely stunning.
Over the range, riders reach the Bunyah rest stop, where you’ll be treated to some live music, local vibes and community spirit.
“The local crew runs the rest stop, and they bring the good stuff. It’s a perfect place to refuel and soak up the atmosphere. And, the long-course riders get to pass through Bunyah twice, so you can grab a second helping,” he says.
One of the best parts about Bulahdelah? The private property sections you’ll ride through.
“That’s one of the perks of our event. You get to go through some private property that you wouldn’t be able to access on your own. It’s a unique experience and not something you get on your average ride,” Levy explains.
With two significant climbs and hill bombs, there is plenty of action, but it’s well spread through the day.
“We’ve designed the course to have some challenging climbs in the first and last third of the ride,” says Levy. “That way, you’re not stuck doing all the hard stuff at once. It’s spread out, so it’s a little more manageable but still tough.”
And just when you think you’re heading back into Bulahdelah, goodnessgravel is throwing another sweet, little loop in for good measure.
“A sneaky little bonus, and just when you’re feeling like you’re done, you get to go on one more adventure,” Levy laughs.
goodnessgravel Parkes | True Love Travels on a Gravel Road | 1 November 2025
Bringing some more fun and flair to the gravel scene is the final event in the goodnessgravel event series. Parkes, set for 1 November, is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Canberra and just under five hours from Sydney.
This iconic town is home to the Parkes Observatory from the Australian comedy—The Dish! And, its annual Elvis Festival, earning its title of the “Elvis Capital of Australia,” will certainly greet gravel with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe and is the first goodnessgravel event to have an official soundtrack.
“This one’s a bit different,” Levy says. “Parkes is known for its big dish, and while the terrain isn’t quite as rugged as the other locations, it still has its challenges.”
Parkes offers three courses in 2025, the long course of 130km with 1,200 meters of elevation, a 110km option with 1,000 meters and a 50km short course with 350 meters of elevation. While it might be the flatter option compared to its other goodnessgravel siblings, don’t be fooled—it’s still no walk in the park.
“Parkes is not the plains of New South Wales, but it’s definitely a flatter area. And, we’ve actually found all the hills in Parkes,” laughs Levy.
“The long course still has over 1,200 meters of elevation over 130 kilometres, so it’s not completely flat. But, definitely more gentle, as most of our other long courses are getting up to 2,000 meters and above of elevation,” he says.
Speaking with the local community, they’re also really excited about the event. Levy tells us the locals are all about the Elvis Festival, so they’re expecting a couple of Elvis songs to liven up the day.
“Parkes is a great place for newcomers,” says Levy. “It’s not as brutal as some of the other locations in terms of elevation, so it makes for a great entry point into gravel riding.”
For riders starting to dip their toes into the gravel riding waters, the 50km course brings a sweet introduction with a manageable loop, whilst the longer courses still provide a decent challenge for seasoned gravel go’ers.
What about Mogo and Gundy?
Mogo and Gundy are taking a break from the goodnessgravel series this year.
“They haven’t been ruled out from further editions. While these two locations won’t be part of the 2025 calendar, it’s not goodbye forever,” he says.
For the goodnessgravel team, the event is much more than just gravel riding. It’s about giving back and supporting the towns and organisations who make these events possible.
“We’ve had scouts, tennis clubs, and public schools run rest stops,” says Levy.
Each community’s involvement brings its own charm to each event, and goodnessgravel makes sure to create meaningful experiences, and $10 AUD from every entry goes back into the local community.
goodnessgravel isn’t just about one big ride—it’s about making a weekend of it.
“We encourage people to stick around and make the most of the area,” says Levy. “After the event on Saturday, we share some suggested recovery rides for Sunday, so riders can get some extra kilometres in and enjoy the local scenery.”
Levy’s goal is to turn each event into an adventure.
“It’s not just about driving in, riding, and heading home. We want people to really experience the region,” he explains.
How do you enter goodnessgravel?
Entries for all four goodnessgravel events are open now over on the goodnessgravel website. Head there to secure your spot; while you’re there, you can find plenty of info on options for accommodation and more.
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