Smithfield MTB Park

Smithfield MTB Park Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Trail head, around 20 km north of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, is one of Australia’s most iconic mountain biking destinations. Set within Smithfield Conservation Park, the trails climb from the coastal lowlands into spectacular tropical rainforest, delivering everything from approachable green singletrack to technical cross-country, enduro and World Cup-level downhill terrain. The current official network is around 30 km, with green, blue, black and double-black riding available. Smithfield has played a huge role in Australian MTB history. The venue has hosted the 2014 and 2016 UCI Mountain Bike World Cups and the 2017 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, along with national racing and Crankworx competition. Riders can still experience trails shaped by that racing heritage, including the famous World Cup and Nationals downhill terrain, alongside a much broader network of XC and trail riding. The lower green trails provide the best introduction, with shorter loops and relatively few technical challenges for beginners, younger riders and families. From there, Smithfield quickly steps things up. Blue trails introduce the park’s characteristic steep climbs, roots, rocks, rainforest singletrack and fast technical descents, while black-rated trails are designed for advanced riders comfortable with considerably more demanding features and terrain. For experienced riders, Smithfield is famous for its gravity riding. Trails including Cuss Cuss, MP39, Stumpies, Happies and Nationals DH make use of the steep rainforest slopes, with features including large berms, drops, rocky sections and fast descending. Commercial shuttle services are also available for some of the park’s major downhill runs, allowing riders to maximise their descending time. There’s also a major transformation coming. The Queensland Government is investing $15.5 million to expand Smithfield to an 85 km nationally significant MTB network, with more beginner trails, intermediate and advanced riding, upgraded trailhead facilities, improved signage, skills areas and better shuttle access. The final masterplan is due in 2026, construction is expected to begin in 2027, and full completion is targeted for late 2028. RTS Tip: Smithfield rewards riders who build up gradually. Start on the lower green trails to get used to the tropical conditions before heading higher into the blue and black network — the combination of heat, humidity, steep climbing, roots and technical rainforest terrain can make trails considerably tougher than the distance suggests. Download the current map and check trail conditions with the Cairns Mountain Bike Club before riding, particularly during the wet season. With the huge expansion now planned, also expect the network and access arrangements to evolve over the next few years.