For five days, the NSW South Coast was home to thousands of bike riders of all kinds. Photo: Sea Otter Australia.
The organisers of a mountain biking festival say they are being “inundated with positive feedback” and are already starting planning for next year’s event.
Marketing director of Rocky Trail Group and Sea Otter Australia CEO Juliane Wisata told Region the inaugural festival began with nerves.
“There was the pressure to live up to the classic event … the festival was really successful and really rewarding,” she said.
“We feel tired, but really energised, because of the feedback we’re getting.”
The five-day festival was held from 22 to 26 October. It marked the first time the world’s largest cycling festival brand came to the Southern Hemisphere and boasted rides, demonstrations, events and exhibitions.
Not even wild wind that blew away their first day of set-up could stop them from pedalling ahead with the festival.
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Ms Wisata said Sea Otter saw thousands of riders and enthusiasts through the gates, with many staying and spending in the region.
“Most of them arrived on the Monday and Tuesday before to do rides beforehand and to set up … Most certainly, we were not booked out, but there were a lot of accommodation places that had us staying with them.”
A full impact report is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Beyond the financial impacts, she also said it was a chance for visitors and locals alike to explore the region’s bike paths.
Sea Otter Australia was built around participation, meaning the more than 1500 attendees could tackle a series of “rides and races” at trails around Mogo and Narooma.
These events included e-bike and endurance races, as well as cyclo-cross events.
Previous SBS Television host Michael Tomalaris lent his famous voice to the festival as an announcer, which Ms Wisata said provided “a really nice backdrop”.
There was also an expo and trade summit featuring more than 100 businesses, industry leaders and land managers.
A food zone kept everyone fuelled (while a Sea Otter beer was also on hand for thirsty adults).
It meant there was a “really visible” contingent of athletes in their gear and cars with bike racks driving around the coast.
Ms Wisata was satisfied the parking planning (which included a dedicated space at Hanging Rock oval and nearby overflow carpark, as well as shuttles between towns) was enough to manage demand.
Ms Wisata also thanked exhibitors, businesses and sponsors for their support during the festival.
“They pulled out all the stops – they exceeded our expectations,” she said.
“They truly supported us … I see them as foundational partners of this event.
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Ms Wisata and her team are also getting the wheels turning on a future event, with a date locked in for 2026 and a “bigger and better schedule”.
They’ll be making their return from 21 to 25 October.
“We’re already getting inquiries from exhibitors for next year … we expect a lot of people who’ve been here this year to return.
“We’re already getting accommodation inquiries, so we’re straight back into it.”
More information on the 2026 event will be released closer to the event.
