Kenilworth

Kenilworth, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, offers a very different style of mountain biking from purpose-built networks such as Wooroi or Sugar Bag. Riding here is centred around the forests surrounding Charlie Moreland Camping Area and Mount Allan Firetower, with long forestry roads, sustained climbing and backcountry-style exploration rather than manicured singletrack. The classic Kenilworth ride begins at Charlie Moreland and follows Sunday Creek Road towards Mount Allan. Bushrangers MTB Club describes the traditional route as being famous for its steady climb to the fire tower, giving riders a substantial workout before reaching the high point of the ride. The club regularly uses the area for its Kenilworth rides and currently grades its longer outing as Grade 4 due to the steep initial climb. From Mount Allan, riders can return the way they came or explore further along the surrounding forestry tracks. Routes can extend towards Booloumba Creek and deeper into the hinterland, although access restrictions need to be respected and conditions can change within the working forest and protected areas. Expect wide gravel and dirt roads, long climbs, fast fire-road descents and a much more remote feel than the Sunshine Coast’s trail centres. This makes Kenilworth particularly well suited to XC mountain bikes, gravel bikes and e-MTBs, as well as riders who enjoy putting together longer adventure loops rather than repeatedly lapping short trails. Sunshine Coast Council specifically highlights the region’s hinterland forests for this style of mountain-bike exploration. The main starting area at Charlie Moreland also makes Kenilworth a good option for a ride-and-camp weekend, with the campground sitting right at the gateway to the forest. RTS Tip: Come to Kenilworth expecting an adventure ride rather than a bike park. The climb towards Mount Allan is the signature challenge, so save some legs for the return and carry plenty of water, food, spares and navigation. If you explore beyond the main out-and-back, download your route beforehand and check current access restrictions — the surrounding forest has numerous intersecting roads and tracks. For some local knowledge, Bushrangers MTB Club’s Kenilworth guide is a great starting point.