The best skateparks in NSW and why you need to go there - Back Bone BMX

The best skateparks in NSW and why you need to go there

If you've ever been to Canberra, I think you'll agree that when it comes to skateparks, we've got some of the best in Australia.

But over one long weekend we got our eyes opened to some seriously amazing skateparks that NSW  has to offer - only a few hours west of us.

A bunch of the Back Bone crew ventured west and found (a lot of us for the first time) 5 seriously good parks that were almost too good to be true!

So where are they and what do they contain? Keep reading:

millthorpe skatepark nswMillthorpe in the morning with the sunrise.. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Millthorpe Skatepark

We got a chance to get here right before sunset and got an amazing session in. We met the legend Will Gunn there and he put on a show. There is plenty of lines to be had here, it's kind of wide open but with a mix of tight areas, which makes it a really fun park to ride. Not to mention that capsule. If you've never ridden one of these things Millthorpe is the perfect introduction to it.

Arthur Birbilopoulos Millthorpe skatepark NSW
Arthur Birbilopoulos goin' round the loop. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni 

Millthorpe is the kind of park that appeals to someone who likes jumping around, kind of like a built up, next level Queanbeyan skatepark. Well, well worth it. 

Tyrone Edwards Millthorpe skatepark NSW
Tyrone Edwards is a smooth dude. Table in the tighest section of the park. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

We woke up and got the early morning session in, then headed off to Orange, NSW (about 15 minutes away) for a quick pit stop and sesh at the park, then headed off to the next bowl.. 

Chris Harti Molong skatepark NSW
Chris Harti picked up an Akubra knock-off at the corner store - definitely a good idea. It was hot as hell out west. Blasting the foot off, Molong, NSW. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Molong Skatepark

Rolling into a town with a population less than 3000, you would not expect to see any skatepark, let alone a next level bowl that goes to somewhere around 10ft deep in the deep end. While it was steep at first, we got used to it and some serious airs were blasted by all. Sick transition that keeps you on your toes - and there's even a smaller street plaza type park there as well if that's your thing.

One tip though:

If you head out west from Canberra, expect it to get at least 5-10 degrees hotter. Pack appropriately. We were dying out there!

The Back Bone crew at Molong skatepark, NSWThe crew staying out of the sun in between runs at Molong. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Dylan Lewis at Molong skatepark NSW
It's no secret that if you take Dylan Lewis on a bowl trip, he'll be blasting. X'ed up! Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

After the Molong bowl sesh/sizzle, we moved onto one of the most anticipated stops of the trip.. Mainly because of the reviews we had heard of the town. Nevertheless we were done with being in the sun, so onward we went.

Tyrone Edwards Wellington skatepark NSWLook at this monstrous beast! Tyrone well up there in the deep beast that is Wellington skatepark. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Wellington skatepark 

Dude.

We had our doubts - there was a lot of talk of 'the town is sketchy..'. We pulled up to 10-15 kids under 12 years old, all on scooters and not shy at all. Beyond the kids and the small street section, sat a monster of a bowl. 6-7ft shallow ends in a clover shape, leading down into a 12ft tall deep end.

We all walked over to it; it looked super intimidating. 

Then came the drop in. Without a doubt, the first run was almost hilarious.

Bold statement coming up..

Russell Brindley Wellington skatepark NSWStyle master Rusty Brindley in the deep at Wellington. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Wellington bowl has got to be the best 10ft plus transition of any of us have ever ridden.

For something that is 12ft tall, it is perfect. No weird steepness, so safe, the only thing the dictates your height is the speed you can get from rolling in.

Because we were so wrecked from a full day in the sun riding I know that most of us can't wait to go back and really get a feel for it.

Without a doubt a must go to skatepark if big transition is your thing. 

Chris Harti Wellington skatepark nswChris Harti ripped in! Photo: Zac Miner

One last thing..

The kids were sick! While they were wild, they didn't have any issue dropping in on that bowl on their scooters - we're talking 11 year old girls. They even borrowed our bikes and ripped around, carving like they were Garrett Byrnes. It was sick.

Goes to show that if all someone has to ride is a 12 foot deep bowl, they'll adapt. 

The government needs to stop being scared of building the big transitions!

Anyway, onward we go, to the final park of the trip.

Back Bone BMX crew Dubbo NSW
The crew at Dubbo on sunset. Photo: Zac Miner

Dubbo skatepark

No doubt about it, whoever built Dubbo skatepark did a hell of a job. We rocked up and were gassed from a full day of riding in the sun, but we managed to get some good laps in while that burning orange ball began to set (it was something like 37 degrees at 6.30pm!)

The park itself, I'll tell you right now:

You have to go!

Tyson Jones-Peni Dubbo skatepark NSWTyson Jones-Peni dangling the foot at Dubbo. How's those Back Bone socks! Photo: Russell Brindley

There's a lot to offer at around the 9ft mark at Dubbo, plus an insane full pipe capsule that takes a bit to get used to if you want to start heading into 'upside down' territory, but is incredibly fun.

Another thing that makes Dubbo skatepark so fun is the amount of different lines you can take without trying too hard to be different. Everyone on the trip was doing their own thing in the bowls, which is pretty exciting to see. 

You know a park is good when everyone is doing something different and it all looks effortless!

Dylan Lewis Dubbo skatepark NSWDylan Lewis with one of those good lookin' lipslides he does, this time on the cinder block extension at Dubbo. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

The trip in itself was amazing, we were only 5 hours away from Canberra and along the way we'd hit 5 amazing skateparks that I can promise you won't regret riding.

Road trips are integral to BMX, experiencing new spots and growing friendships, making memories. Riding new things allows you to get out of your comfort zone, both on your bike and being in a new place.

You don't need much, jump in the car with a tent and some mates.. and if you live in Canberra, head west for the weekend - you won't regret it.

Here's some extra photos to get your stoke up even higher.. And trust me, you want to get to the last one.

Chris Harti Back Bone BMX Millthorpe NSWSun's coming up, Tama's cooking brekkie, Harti's getting pitted while Russ watches on. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Chris Harti Molong NSWChris Harti up there with the 44t Imperial! Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Tyson Jones-Peni Back Bone BMX Wellington NSWA Tyson eclipse at Wellington.. Photo: Russell Brindley

Russell Brindley Back Bone BMX Dubbo SkateparkOppo table in the deep by Rusty. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Dylan Lewis Back Bone BMX Dubbo SkateparkThis is ridiculous! Dylan casually blasted this right before we left.. 100% Death Grippin'. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Welcome To Back Bone BMX Jason Watts Video! - Back Bone BMX

Welcome To Back Bone BMX Jason Watts Video!

Jason Watts ripping one into the sunset at Weston Creek. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

We couldn't be more stoked on this. Jason Watts has been coming to the ACT jam for a number of years now and has always been stoked on the scene here in Canberra and Australia. At last year's jam, Jase spent some extra time around Canberra and we got to talking. Basically he shared the same stoke for the shop as we did for him and his riding, but particularly as the rad dude that he is and his passion for building the Australian scene. So naturally, we offered him a spot on the team. 

Jase wanted to film a welcome video as soon as it became 'official' but unbeknown to us Jason took it upon himself to contact the legend James Fox to make it happen.. We couldn't be more stoked on the outcome and look forward to working with Jase (and James) even more in the future!


jason watts bmx nimbin alley oop

Watts alley-ooped and whipped out, Nimbin. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

January 10, 2018 — Tyson Jones-Peni
The Back Bone Video - Tyson Jones-Peni Section - Back Bone BMX

The Back Bone Video - Tyson Jones-Peni Section

Tyson at the snail, 360 bermslider. Brendan Boeck Photo.

If you didn't realise that we released Zac Miner's section early for his 30th birthday, then go watch that now if you want to see it in order! Next up with the release is Back Bone co-owner Mr.Tyson Jones-Peni. Tyson's riding is as powerful and as badass as it gets. He leaves nothing left in the tank and isn't afraid to try something that he has only thought as possible in his own mind.

A large percentage of these clips are close to first try (which is very lucky considering the gnarly nature of them) and Tyson covers all disciplines of riding in a very well rounded section.

When Tyson's not working in the store and he's on his bike, this is an accurate representation of his riding at all times.

- Rhysty

Filmed and edited by Brendan Boeck with additional filming from the crew.

 

July 31, 2017 — Tyson Jones-Peni
The Back Bone Video - Will Gunn Section - Back Bone BMX

The Back Bone Video - Will Gunn Section

The Gunn at Milthorpe. Brendan Boeck photo.

Will Gunn is a BEAST. The man rides everything so insanely well, he might be the best rider ever. There is so many gnarly, gnarly clips in this that had us almost too scared to hold the camera, let alone even contemplate doing the riding. But each time, Will kept his cool and got it done all too easy.

We're stoked that there's footage in the video that spans from when Will lived in Canberra, to his trip to the USA, to his hometown parks Milthorpe and Orange where he currently resides.

B-Dog did wonders with the camera and editing as always, plus Canberra band I Exist keeping up with the brutality that is Will Gunn. Watch!

July 26, 2017 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Benn Pigot Back Bone video section and Top 5's - Back Bone BMX

Benn Pigot Back Bone video section and Top 5's

Pool hanging with Trent Rowsell. James Fox photo.

Benn Pigot is an Australian BMX legend and has been a supporter/team rider of the shop since damn near the beginning.. Not to mention one of our closest friends. Benn rips anything he rides with a casualness that just looks so good, which makes sense, because it reflects his casual, chilled demeanour off the bike. We are so stoked to have a full section of Benn in the video, and now we can bring it to you online, as well as gracing you with some of Benn's favourite things in this top 5, complete with epic shots from James Fox.   

Places on the bike:

  • Five Dock
  • Nimbin
  • Wellington
  • A good chill pool
  • Málaga (all of it)

Benn Pigot pocket air Bondi

While Bondi doesn't technically make Benn's top 5 places on the bike, the deep end, pool coping and the ocean right next to it - it certainly contains elements of his favourite places. Big pocket air in the deep. James Fox Photo.

Places off the bike:

  • Berry Springs, NT
  • Málaga, Spain
  • Bydalen, Sweden
  • Encasa 
  • Guzman y Gomez

 Benn pool table

Just look at that pool! And that table! While it looks like a dream pool to ride (judging by the blasted table Benn is folded into), what makes it so sick is that Benn found and cleaned this pool for hours with his mate Trent before laying tires on it. James Fox photo.

Music to ride to:

  • Postmortem - Slayer
  • The Number 12 Looks Like You - Category 
  • Lil Gin - Demons in my soul 
  • La Chat - Luv 2 Get High
  • Faith No More - Woodpecker from Mars

Music to hang to:

  • Da End - Gangsta Blac 
  • Ab Soul - Pass the Blunt
  • Ween - Buckingham Green
  • Ween - Mister Would You Please Help My Pony
  • Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan - Stone Cold Dead In the Market 

 Benn Pigot turndown five dock

Benn on home ground. If you haven't sessioned with Benn at Five Dock, notch that up something you must do. James Fox photo.

Bike parts:

Tricks:

  • Tables
  • Slides/skids of all sorts
  • Kick outs 
  • Turndowns 
  • There's no way I could do it, but I love seeing a good Derek Duster. 

Benn tireslide

Jeez. Soulful, stylin', all time tireslide from Benn. James Fox photo. 

Riders:

  • Mike Aitken 
  • Joe Rich 
  • Ruben Alcantara 
  • Trent Rowsell 
  • Dylan Lewis 

BMX memories:

  • When Aitken and company came to Bondi. 
  • Ever getting to see Dane Searls ride anything. 
  • New Years trip 2 years ago when I was lucky to hit Plumbus Dam and the big ass full pipe. 
  • A trip Trent Rowsell and I did late November last year to Málaga, had the chance to ride some crazy places with amazing people. 
  • At a Five Dock Jam, I saw Danny Stevenson do the biggest turndown over the spine I've ever seen.

 

June 21, 2017 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Vans BMX Pro Cup Manly recap - Back Bone BMX

Vans BMX Pro Cup Manly recap

The last two weeks has been rad for Australian BMX. BMX in general in fact. It's great to see Vans work to create such an amazing, legit contest here in Australia. Not only did Vans invite a whole bunch of international rippers to come over, but they also gave the opportunity for non-invited Australian shredders to shred together, with the top 12 to qualify for the invitational.
March 06, 2017 — Tyson Jones-Peni