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Atherton Forest MTB Park is one of Tropical North Queensland’s premier riding destinations, with a huge network of purpose-built singletrack winding through the Herberton Range State Forest and Baldy Mountain Forest Reserve just outside Atherton. The official network includes 17 trails, with more than 50km of riding through rocky gullies, creek lines, open eucalypt forest and ridgelines with sweeping Tablelands views. Trails range from flowing green beginner options through predominantly blue intermediate terrain, with difficult black sections and alternative lines for riders chasing something more technical. Best of all, you can access the network directly from the Atherton Trailhead and Skills Park on Vernon Street, making this a genuine ride-from-town MTB destination. RTS Tip: Give yourself more than one day here. Atherton’s trails are designed to link together, so you can build anything from a short beginner-friendly spin to a big multi-hour adventure. Tropical downpours can make creek crossings rise quickly and trails slippery, so check conditions before heading out and avoid riding during or immediately after heavy rain.

Cape Pallarenda and Townsville Town Common deliver some of Townsville’s most scenic mountain biking, combining coastal views, rocky hillsides, wetlands and open tropical landscape just a short ride from the city. The standout MTB trail is Under the Radar, a long, technical singletrack that winds around the slopes of Mount Marlow with rocky sections, tight corners, creek crossings and plenty of natural features to keep intermediate riders busy. The wider network links into trails and shared tracks including Smedley’s, Lagoon Trail, Shelly Cove Trail and Freshwater Trail, giving riders plenty of options to create longer loops through both Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park and Townsville Town Common Conservation Park. RTS Tip: Under the Radar is the one to ride if you’re here for the MTB, but allow time to explore the wider network too. Townsville’s heat can make this ride much tougher than the distance suggests, so an early start, plenty of water and sun protection are worthwhile. Check Queensland Parks alerts before heading out, particularly during the wet season when trail conditions and access can change.

Cardwell Forest offers a rugged tropical riding adventure just minutes from Cardwell township in Far North Queensland. Rather than a purpose-built singletrack park, the current riding uses a network of gravel roads, rocky trails and 4WD tracks through Cardwell State Forest, with up to around 40km of routes to explore. Riders can link sections around Cardwell Forest Drive, taking in highlights such as Cardwell Lookout, Attie Creek, Dead Horse Creek and the famous Cardwell Spa Pool, with views towards Hinchinbrook Island along the way. Those chasing something more challenging can explore the rougher Powerline Trail, where rocky, technical terrain adds a little more bite to the tropical adventure. RTS Tip: Don’t confuse the existing Cardwell Forest riding with the proposed Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Trails — the planned 94km, 26-trail purpose-built network is still a development project. For now, come prepared for more adventurous forest riding, download your route before setting out and remember this is a working forest, so stay on designated roads and watch for logging trucks and machinery.

Davies Creek Mountain Bike Park is one of Far North Queensland's premier cross-country riding destinations, nestled in the Lamb Range between Mareeba and Kuranda. Surrounded by open eucalypt forest, granite outcrops and crystal-clear creeks, the network offers a fantastic mix of flowing trails, technical features and spectacular natural scenery. The park features seven purpose-built trails catering to a wide range of riders. Beginners can enjoy the flowing Easy-rated loops, while intermediate riders will find plenty to challenge them on the more technical trails, including rock gardens, creek crossings, granite slabs and optional Black Diamond features that add an extra level of excitement for experienced riders. With over 27km of riding available, there are plenty of options to mix and match loops for a ride that suits your ability and fitness. The trails wind through distinctive Far North Queensland bushland, weaving between towering bloodwoods, stringybarks, cycads, grass trees and exposed granite landscapes that make Davies Creek unlike anywhere else in Australia. The combination of flowing singletrack and natural technical features creates a rewarding ride that's equally popular with local riders and visitors exploring the Cairns region. Beyond the mountain bike trails, Davies Creek is also a fantastic destination to spend the day. Cool off in the clear waters of Davies Creek, enjoy a picnic beside the creek, or stay overnight at one of the nearby campgrounds. Scenic drives, walking trails and abundant native wildlife make it an ideal location for riders travelling with family or looking to extend their adventure. Whether you're chasing flowing cross-country trails, technical rock features or simply an unforgettable ride through one of Queensland's most scenic national parks, Davies Creek Mountain Bike Park deserves a spot on every mountain biker's Ride The State bucket list.

Douglas Mountain Bike Reserve is Townsville’s premier mountain biking playground, with around 45km of volunteer-built trails spread across 116 hectares at the base of Mount Stuart. Built and maintained by Townsville Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Club, the network uses a stacked-loop design, with easier trails closer to the trailhead and increasingly technical terrain as you venture higher into the reserve. There’s something for almost every level, from green and blue cross-country trails through to black and double-black lines packed with rocky technical sections, jumps, drops and natural features. Add a skills park, pump track, timber features and wall ride, plus sweeping views across Townsville, and Douglas is a seriously impressive riding destination just minutes from the city. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, start low and work your way up through the stacked network — the black and double-black trails are a significant step up from the easier loops. The main trailhead is off Angus Smith Drive, and Townsville’s heat can be brutal, so ride early or late, carry plenty of water and save the middle of the day for something cooler.

Mount Stuart Downhill, overlooking Townsville in North Queensland, is a long-established gravity mountain biking area offering around 5 km of technical downhill trails running on both sides of Mount Stuart Road. Rising to 584 metres above sea level, Mount Stuart provides substantial elevation for Townsville MTB riders, with steep, rocky singletrack, granite slabs, drops, jumps, rock faces and fast technical descending. The trails are best suited to experienced downhill and enduro riders, with sections rated up to double-black and terrain that demands confident bike handling and suitable gravity equipment. One of the defining features of Mount Stuart DH is the ability to self-shuttle using Mount Stuart Road, with the sealed public road providing access back towards the upper trailheads. Individual downhill sections drop more than 130 metres, while the wider mountain provides around 300 metres of usable riding elevation alongside the existing downhill network. The terrain is classic North Queensland — open woodland, exposed granite rocks and slabs, loose rocky soils and spectacular views across Townsville and towards Magnetic Island. The trails have a strong connection with the Townsville Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Club, which maintains and supports riding at Mount Stuart alongside other local networks including Douglas MTB Reserve, Cape Pallarenda and Ross Dam. Mount Stuart has also hosted downhill racing and remains one of Townsville’s key destinations for riders specifically looking for technical gravity terrain. RTS Tip: Mount Stuart is serious downhill riding rather than a general trail network, so come prepared with an appropriate bike and protective equipment — a full-face helmet and knee protection are strongly recommended. Take your first run slowly, inspect unfamiliar jumps, drops and rock features and organise your shuttle before riding. North Queensland heat can also be intense on this exposed mountain, so carry plenty of water and aim for the cooler parts of the day. Most importantly, stay on the recognised trails and public access areas, as adjoining land includes Lavarack Barracks and Defence property where public access is prohibited.

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.

Explore the beautiful Atherton Tablelands by bike on the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail, a scenic shared trail following sections of the historic railway corridor through the tropical highlands of Far North Queensland. Running through the Atherton and Tolga area, the trail provides an easy-going cycling experience away from busy roads, passing through farmland, open countryside and pockets of tropical vegetation with views across the surrounding Tablelands. Following the former railway alignment means much of the riding is relatively gentle, making the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail a great option for recreational cyclists, families and riders looking for a relaxed way to explore the region. The predominantly off-road setting also makes it a handy local connection between communities and other cycling opportunities around Atherton. And there's plenty more riding nearby. Atherton is one of Far North Queensland's best-known cycling and mountain biking destinations, with the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park offering an extensive network of purpose-built MTB trails just outside town. That makes it easy to combine a relaxed rail trail ride with something a little more adventurous. Whether you're looking for cycling in Atherton, bike trails in the Atherton Tablelands, family-friendly riding in Far North Queensland or simply another way to explore the region, this historic rail corridor is well worth adding to the list. RTS Tip: The rail trail can be explored as a standalone ride or incorporated into a bigger day of cycling around Atherton and Tolga. Conditions and access can change along shared-use trails, so check current local information before setting out, respect other trail users and carry water — particularly in warmer weather.

Cairns Cycledome at Smith Park is a historic outdoor cycling track in Cairns, Far North Queensland, and the home of the Cairns Cycling Club. Located on Keeble Street in Manunda, the Smith Park Cycledrome features a 400-metre bitumen cycling track with relatively gentle banking. Unlike the steeply banked design of a modern velodrome, its large circular layout gives the facility its own distinctive character — and despite the shallow banking, the hard surface makes for surprisingly fast riding. Smith Park has been at the heart of track cycling in Cairns since the late 1950s. The land was originally left to the community specifically to support cycle racing, with the original clay track later sealed with bitumen in the early 1960s. Over the decades, Smith Park has hosted everything from local racing to Queensland titles and Australian professional championships, giving the venue a significant place in the history of cycling in Far North Queensland. Today it remains the home of Cairns Cycling Club, supporting track racing, training, junior development and cycling skills sessions. The track is also lit, allowing organised riding and racing to continue into the evening. Whether you're searching for Cairns Cycledome, Smith Park Velodrome, track cycling in Cairns, Cairns Cycling Club or cycling facilities in Far North Queensland, this historic track is an important part of the region's cycling scene. RTS Tip: Smith Park is an active club training and racing facility, so access may vary around organised activities. Check current Cairns Cycling Club information before making a special trip, particularly if you're hoping to experience track cycling for the first time.

The Historic Bump Track, in Mowbray National Park just south of Port Douglas in Far North Queensland, is a steep, rugged heritage route that has become a classic adventure for mountain bikers. The historic section is around 6 km, climbing from the Mowbray Valley up the Macalister Range towards Black Mountain Road. Riders encounter a mix of rough doubletrack, rocks, creek crossings and steep gradients through both open eucalypt forest and lush Wet Tropics rainforest, with spectacular views back across the coastal plain towards the Coral Sea. The Bump Track dates to 1877, when Christie Palmerston and William C. Leyton were commissioned to establish a route between the coast and the Hodgkinson goldfields. Historical accounts indicate the route may have incorporated an existing Aboriginal pathway through the ranges. Its development was pivotal to the establishment of Port Douglas, providing a much-needed transport connection between the mining fields and the new coastal port. By 1878 the route had been upgraded from a pack track to accommodate drays and coaches, and it became an extraordinarily busy transport corridor. Bullock teams, horse teams, packers, mail services and eventually Cobb & Co coaches negotiated the brutal climb, hauling supplies and heavy mining equipment inland and carrying produce towards the coast. On the steep descents, teamsters sometimes dragged logs behind their wagons to help prevent them from sliding uncontrollably downhill. Today, remnants of that history are still visible along the ride. Slatey Pinch features a dramatic hand-cut rock face, while the Landing marks an important stopping point near the top of the original climb. At Running or Robbins Creek, remnants of the old timber bridge remain around the crossing. The track continued to play an important role well into the 20th century and was even prepared for demolition during World War II in case it needed to be denied to an invading force. For mountain bikers, the experience is very different depending on direction. Climbing from Mowbray is a serious physical challenge, with sustained steep gradients and rough surfaces. Riding from the top towards the coast turns it into a fast and demanding descent, with loose rocks, erosion, creek crossings and steep sections requiring good bike handling. The trail is multi-use, so riders must be prepared to encounter walkers and horse riders. RTS Tip: If you're chasing the fun option, organise a drop-off towards the Black Mountain Road end and ride the Bump Track down towards Mowbray Valley — but don't underestimate it. This is a historic transport route rather than a manicured MTB trail, so expect rocks, steep gradients, creek crossings and changing conditions. Control your speed around blind corners and always give way to walkers and horses. If you choose to ride it uphill instead, bring plenty of water and be ready for a proper tropical climbing

The Irvinebank to Boonmoo Rail Trail is a remote 43 km cycling adventure through the historic mining country of Far North Queensland, approximately 140 km south-west of Cairns. More adventure ride than developed rail trail, the route links Irvinebank, Stannary Hills and Boonmoo, combining coarse gravel roads, station tracks and sections of the former two-foot-gauge tramway that once transported tin and supplies through the region. Riders pass old railway cuttings, bridge remains, mining relics and historic sites while travelling through rugged dry savannah and along Eureka Creek. The ride is best suited to mountain bikes and well-equipped riders looking for a remote gravel or rail-trail adventure rather than a maintained recreational cycle path. Sections through Boonmoo Station are on private property and require permission from the landowners before riding, making advance planning essential. The route can also be linked with the Mt Garnet to Lappa Junction Trail as part of a longer multi-day cycling adventure through Queensland’s historic mining country. RTS Tip: Treat Irvinebank to Boonmoo as a remote, self-supported adventure. There are no services through much of the route and mobile reception is limited, so carry plenty of water, food, first aid, repair equipment, offline navigation and a reliable means of emergency communication. Eureka Creek can become impassable in wet conditions, so check local conditions before leaving Irvinebank and make sure you have permission to cross Boonmoo Station before setting out.

The Mt Garnet to Lappa Junction Trail is a remote 55 km rail-trail adventure in Far North Queensland, running from Mount Garnet to Lappa Junction, around 190 km south-west of Cairns. Following the route of a former mining railway through tropical savannah country, this is far removed from a manicured recreational rail trail. Expect coarse gravel, rough station roads, sandy sections, washouts and creek crossings, with sweeping views towards the Featherbed Ranges and very little traffic or development along the way. It’s best suited to mountain bikes and experienced, self-sufficient adventure riders. The railway was originally constructed in 1902 by the Chillagoe mining interests, taken over by Queensland Railways in 1914 and closed in 1960. Riders can still see plenty of evidence of its railway and mining past, including narrow rock cuttings, old sleepers, stone bridges, culverts and cut-and-fill earthworks. Frangipani and mango trees along the route also mark the sites of former mines and homesteads, adding to the feeling of travelling through an almost forgotten part of Queensland’s mining history. The route can be ridden in either direction, although Mount Garnet to Lappa Junction generally provides the more favourable south-to-north ride. Lappa Junction sits on the historic Cairns-to-Forsayth railway used by the Savannahlander, and the old Lappa pub and small museum make an interesting finish to the journey. There is no accommodation at Lappa Junction itself, with the nearest accommodation around 23 km further away at Almaden, so transport and overnight logistics need to be planned before setting out. For riders chasing a much bigger Far North Queensland cycling adventure, Mt Garnet to Lappa can form part of a multi-day Savannah and Atherton Tablelands journey, with other remote rides including the nearby Irvinebank to Boonmoo Rail Trail. RTS Tip: Treat this as a remote outback MTB adventure, not a typical rail trail. There are no services between Mount Garnet and Lappa Junction and mobile reception is limited or non-existent, so carry plenty of water, food, first aid, repair gear, offline navigation and a reliable emergency communication device. California Creek can become impassable during the wet season, while parts of Nymbool Road can be very sandy. A vehicle shuttle or support vehicle is worth organising, as a 110 km out-and-back makes this a seriously big day.

Rowallan Park, on Glendaragh Road north of Mackay, Queensland, is the home trail network of the MAD Mountain Bike Club. Set within the Rowallan Park Scout grounds, the network offers around 15 km of purpose-built cross-country singletrack, designed to cater for riders from newer mountain bikers through to experienced XC racers. Expect a distinctly North Queensland mix of rocky singletrack, short climbs and descents, switchbacks, berms, jumps, rock gardens and tight tree-lined sections, with A and B lines providing options on many features. The riding is predominantly green and blue graded, although the naturally rocky terrain means even some of the easier trails can feel more challenging than their grading suggests. Mackay’s regional MTB strategy describes roughly 55% of the network as easy and 45% as more difficult, with a small amount of very difficult terrain. The beginner trail 101 provides a good introduction, with flowing singletrack, berms and optional features, while trails such as Pip’s Playground step things up with intermediate riding. Rowallan Park has a strong XC racing and club-riding focus. MAD Mountain Bike Club runs social rides, skills clinics, trail-building activities and competitive events here, and the venue has hosted significant regional racing. In May 2026, Rowallan Park hosted the mountain biking competition for the Mackay North Queensland Games, with categories ranging from junior riders through to Expert, Masters and e-bike racing. The park also complements the newer Finch Hatton MTB network in the Pioneer Valley. Together, the two destinations make Mackay a much stronger MTB stop: Rowallan provides the established, rocky and technical club-built XC experience, while Finch Hatton delivers a newer purpose-built trail-centre experience amongst the rainforest landscape. RTS Tip: Don’t underestimate Rowallan’s green trails — the naturally rocky Mackay terrain can make them feel more technical than a typical beginner flow trail. Start with 101 to get a feel for the surface before progressing deeper into the network. Rowallan Park is managed in partnership with the local Scouts and MAD MTB Club, so check the club’s current trail status and access requirements before riding; the club’s current site also posts whether Rowallan Park is open or closed.