Australia’s newest expedition adventure race, Wildside Adventure Race, is expected to take in parts of the Great Lakes, Gloucester and Greater Taree shires when it begins on October 4.

The Wildside Adventure Race will take racers through spaces rarely visited and encounter various challenges as they traverse demanding landscapes in all weather conditions, day and night. 

A race not for the faint of heart, it will require teams to spend 120 hours navigating from checkpoint to checkpoint by foot, mountain bike and kayak.

Race director Richard Old said, while the course would be kept a secret until the day before the race, competitors would spend time in each of the three adjoining shires.

“I live in Forster and I’m a big fan of the Great Lakes, Gloucester and the Manning,” he said.

“What better way to see exactly what the region has to offer than by navigating your way through it?

“We saw a need for a middle distance race in the Australian racing calendar plus we really want more people to get into adventure racing - what’s not to love about getting outside?”

Teams from across Australia will use map and compass together with their own wits and skills to navigate over an unmarked route by mountain biking, rafting, paddling, trekking, orienteering and trail running. 

They will have to problem solve, route find and persevere over a true wild expedition course that will reset boundaries and provide a life changing experience.

“The race will have everything - epic trek legs, demanding mountain biking ranging from flowing single track to rugged back country tracks, exposed ropes, white water and scenic paddle legs,” Mr Old said.

Competitors are given a maximum of five days to complete the course and will cover a distance of roughly 500km.

The race headquarters will be in Forster with various checkpoints set up across the three shires.

Mr Old said the race organisers planned to stage a similar event every two years.

“The thing with adventure racing is that no course is ever the same,” he said.

“It will be something similar and there are too many great spots to see in this region, especially in Gloucester and the Barrington Tops.”