Race Through Dreamlike Landscapes in Western Australia’s Most Heart-Pumping Events

Looking to put yourself to the ultimate test in your chosen sport? Well, WA is the place to do it. Every year the state hosts a surprising array of competitions and challenges, spanning mountain biking, triathlons and water sports. Each event is unique, and each takes full advantage of the west’s extraordinary natural landscapes, from rivers and beaches to forested gorges and lakes.

Those are all the ingredients for an unforgettable experience, whether you’re coming along as a spectator or throwing your own hat in the ring. From autumn through to the start of summer, we’ve got you sorted.

Busselton Festival of Triathlon 

You don’t have to be a repeat triathlete to enjoy this weekend event which has been running in Busselton for 25 years. The three-fold competition makes the most of its scenic backdrop with a two-kilometre swim past the famous Busselton Jetty (reputedly the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere); an 80-kilometre bike ride through the ancient Ludlow Tuart Forest, where the giant tuart eucalypts (now a rare species) are more than 300 years old; and an 18-kilometre run along the Busselton Foreshore. Beginners are welcome, and there’s a kids’ version and shorter race options too. But if you just want to cheer on the participants from the sidelines, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more gorgeous locale. May 1-3; busseltonfestivaloftriathlon.com.au

The Gibb Challenge

Bike through the Kimberley region with your friends or family at this 660-kilometre team relay event, taking riders from the historic port town of Derby on the edge of King Sound through the expansive El Questro Wilderness Park, with its deep gorges and waterfalls, over the course of a week. Teams range from two to six riders, so you could go big or keep it nice and intimate. And it’s all for a great cause – raising funds and awareness for the Kyle Andrews Foundation so that it can continue to support children with serious illnesses. May 15-22; thegibbchallenge.com.au

Seven Gravel Race 

Yep, you’ve got just one day – in fact, a mere 10 hours – to complete this world-class 125-kilometre cycling course – part of the UCI Gravel World Series – which includes 3200 vertical metres of climbing. But there *is* an option to ride it without competing, and there are smaller versions of the course for younger riders of various age groups. As for the setting, you begin at Nannup Foreshore Park and then bike through charming Nannup, Bridgetown and Donnybrook in the heart of Blackwood Valley – an area filled with orchards, vineyards, and karri and jarrah forests. It’s also a popular wine region, if you’d like a well-deserved sip after the race. May 16; sevengravelrace.com

Avon Descent 

This two-day whitewater challenge has been running since 1973, when it kicked off with no rules and no officials. Today, it’s a lot more organised, but contestants still ride practically anything that floats, from kayaks to motorboats. The route begins in rural Northam, following the Avon River through Toodyay, with an overnight stop at Cobbler Pool before finishing in Bayswater. That adds up to 124 kilometres in total, with a wild array of whitewater obstacles – expect falls and rapids galore – set against Avon Valley’s scenic gorges, forests, farmland, vineyards and tidal waters. The sheer diversity of backdrop will be the reward for athletes fit enough to complete this rugged trial. August 2026; avondescent.com.au

Auscycling MTB Enduro National and Oceania Championships 

Collie, a photogenic town just two hours south of Perth in the Darling Ranges, is the entrypoint for Auscycling’s 2025 mountain bike championships, divided across multiple competition categories over two days. This is the second year the nationals have been held in Collie, using the town’s extensive network of trails – and its very lush scenery. Just be warned that this is the highest level of competition for local mountain bikers, so it’s definitely not for amateur riders. But there’s plenty for spectators to do here too, like exploring local history (memorialised in an immense artwork on the Wellington Dam wall, part of the [Collie Mural Trail](https://www.colliemuraltrail.com)); bushwalking in the jarrah, marri and blackbutt forest of Wellington National Park; bathing or paddling in the area’s many lakes, rivers and swimming holes; or tasting your way through the wineries of nearby Ferguson Valley. October 2026; auscycling.org.au 

##Cape to Cape MTB 

It’s over to Margaret River for this four-day stage race, inviting mountain bikers to make their way between lighthouse-topped Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste. Along the way, expect everything from breweries and vineyards to farm tracks and fire trails. The course totals around 200 kilometres, with about a 10th of that devoted to climbing. And of course, this being the Margaret River region, it’s also an open invitation to hit those beaches for a swim and nibble your way through the local restaurants. October 15 – 18 2026; capetocapemtb.com

Oceanpaddler WA Race Week 

The name about sums it up: this seven-day outing in Perth incorporates all kinds of seaside paddling, from surf skiing to paddleboarding and more. It combines six individual watersports events, including the Dr Benjamin Hewitt Sunset Surfski Series and the Fenn West Coast Downwinder, with ample prize money available in multiple categories. The whole things a bustling convergence of competitors and enthusiasts alike, and it shines a welcome spotlight on Perth’s coastal attractions – particularly the finale, which runs from the protected coastal reserves of Wadjemup/Rottnest Island to lovely Sorrento Beach. November 2026; oceanpaddler.com

Ironman WA 

Busselton lays claim to one of the world’s fastest Ironman courses, with its 20-year record of annual competitions bringing the very best triathletes to the stunning beach town. Swim, bike and run your way to glory against the backdrop of Geographe Bay and the wider Maragaret River region, with hundreds of supporters cheering everyone on. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and usher in summer with a huge boost in personal pride. Just imagine showing up to Christmas lunch with this story to tell. December 6; ironman.com

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Western Australia.