While this is a relatively compact network it packs a fair bit of trail into a small space. The formal trail network (shown on the Parks Vic maps) is around 12 km of single-track, but there are other less formal trails that share the space and it’s hard to tell which are which when you’re on the ground. The majority of the sanctioned tracks are rated intermediate with one green connector trail at the bottom of the hill. The less formal trails are more difficult and feature bigger features, so check before you commit if you decide to ride these tracks.

The trails across the network are hand-cut and so quite narrow, but the trail-builders have squeezed plenty of interest by using the terrain well and dropping in features in just the right places. Descents are immense fun with long sweeping turns cutting through between the trees on good dirt, with jumps, drops and berms a-plenty.

It must be said, there is a bit of climbing to do to open the door to downhill goodness. However, the main up-tracks cut across the hills with switchbacks to keep the gradients under control, so you’re at the top before you know it. Some of the switchbacks will test out your skills though as there are a few technical examples here.

The trails can be accessed at either end of the park, but there’s parking and facilities at the southern end. Here parking, toilets, water and BBQs are available at the main Silvan Reservoir car park, or just a few hundred metres down the road is the Greygums car park. From here, bike access to the trails and a trail map is about another hundred metres down the road via the management only track (don’t try to get through the gated water utilities facility).

Altogether, novice to expert riders will have a blast at Silvan for a good few hours until hauling the rig uphill again becomes too much, or the call of the trail ales becomes too loud.