Bike parks in Queensland

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.

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.

Boomerang Farm Bike Park in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast is a privately operated, pay-to-ride gravity park built for riders who love going downhill. The park features around 14 gravity trails and growing, ranging from green through to double-black, with flow trails, downhill tracks, freeride lines, berms, drops, rock features and some seriously big jumps. There’s also a dedicated dirt-jump area and pump track, giving riders plenty of opportunity to work on progression between runs. With shuttle uplifts available, plus an on-site café and bike shop, Boomerang Farm makes it easy to settle in for a full day of gravity laps. RTS Tip: This is private property and a paid-entry bike park, so check current opening days, trail conditions and book your rider entry before making the trip. Shuttle uplift is well worth considering if you want to maximise your downhill laps, and protective gear is strongly recommended as you progress onto the harder lines and bigger features.

Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve near Ipswich is a compact but seriously fun mountain bike network built across the rugged remains of a historic coal-mining landscape. The reserve has around 16km of dedicated MTB trails, with more than 15 IMBA-rated trails ranging from beginner-friendly loops through to steep and technical singletrack. Start out on the flowing Blackleg Gully Circuit, then explore a maze of short trails that make clever use of the reserve’s sharp climbs, gullies and rocky terrain. More experienced riders can seek out technical options including Inca, while remnants of old mine tunnels, shafts and mining infrastructure give Castle Hill a character completely different to your typical bushland MTB park. RTS Tip: The individual trails may be short, but don’t underestimate Castle Hill — the steep terrain means you can quickly rack up plenty of climbing by linking repeated loops together. Download the trail map before you ride and keep an eye out for the historical mining features as you explore. It’s a great network for sessioning different trails rather than chasing one long continuous loop.

Curtis Island, just off the coast of Gladstone, offers a completely different kind of Queensland mountain bike adventure, with remote shared-use trails winding through coastal heath, dunes, casuarina forest and spotted gum woodland. The official network is built around two main loops: the 25.8km Oceanview Loop, graded easy and suitable for newer riders, and the 29.7km Ship Hill Loop, an intermediate ride with hard-packed trail, loose gravel, sandy sections and more challenging terrain. The two loops can also be connected for a roughly 50km island adventure, making Curtis Island a great option for riders chasing distance, scenery and exploration rather than a traditional gravity-focused MTB park. RTS Tip: Getting there is part of the adventure — Curtis Island is boat access only, with a regular passenger and vehicle ferry running from Gladstone Marina to the southern end of the island. Come self-sufficient with plenty of water, food, first aid and bike spares, as this is remote riding and help can be a long way away. The trails are shared-use and some tracks also allow vehicles, so keep your speed in check and stay alert.

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.

Dularcha National Park, between Landsborough and Mooloolah on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, combines an easy historic rail-trail ride with a surprisingly good network of intermediate mountain bike trails. The 3km one-way Tunnel Track follows part of the former North Coast railway alignment and passes through the heritage-listed Dularcha Railway Tunnel, built in 1891. Riders wanting more can branch onto the 8.8km Roses Circuit or explore the MTB-friendly Myla, Gully, Ridge and Connection tracks, adding steeper climbs, uneven surfaces and more technical forest riding. It’s a great little network for linking into a longer loop while exploring dry eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies and a fascinating piece of Queensland railway history. RTS Tip: For a relaxed ride, simply follow the Tunnel Track between Landsborough and Mooloolah and return for around 6km of riding. If you want more of an MTB workout, add Roses Circuit and the intermediate side trails. Slow right down when entering the curved tunnel so your eyes can adjust to the darkness, and keep noise to a minimum as large-footed myotis bats seasonally roost inside. Remember these are shared trails — mountain bikers give way to walkers and horse riders.

Gladstone MTB Park, at the end of Koowin Drive in Kirkwood, is Gladstone’s dedicated mountain biking playground, with around 27km of riding across 36 trails and a great mix of hand-built and machine-built singletrack. The network caters for beginners through to advanced riders, with green trails such as Creek 1, Creek 2, LoFlo, Gambler and Archie’s, intermediate XC and gravity options including Rocky Road, Wild West, HyFlo, Joker, Roulette, Fine China and High Voltage, and black-rated challenges including Drop Bear and Devil’s Staircase. Expect everything from relaxed cross-country riding and twisting singletrack to rocks, berms, jumps, drops and fast gravity descents, all built and maintained with the support of Gladstone MTB Inc. RTS Tip: Gambler is a great way to work your way into the park, while the aptly named Stairway to Hell fire road gets you to the top of some of the best gravity trails if you’re happy to earn your descents. More experienced riders should check out Joker, Roulette and High Voltage, while Drop Bear steps things up with steep chutes and bigger drops. Bring plenty of water and check Gladstone MTB Inc. for current trail information before heading out.

Hidden Vale Adventure Park at Grandchester, around 30 minutes from Ipswich, is one of Queensland’s biggest privately owned mountain biking destinations, with an 80km+ trail network spread across a spectacular 12,000-acre nature refuge. The network caters from beginners through to experienced gravity riders, mixing relaxed touring trails, technical singletrack, big climbs and some seriously long descents. Highlights include the 7.5km 500 Above, one of Queensland’s longest descents, along with Devine, Skyfall, Dialled Inn, Fire Break, Jalapeno, Treedom and Remnant. Add a skills park, bike hire and shuttle uplifts and there’s easily enough here for a full day — or a whole weekend — of riding. RTS Tip: Hidden Vale is a private, paid-entry bike park, so grab your trail pass and check current trail conditions before heading out. If you want to maximise the descending, the HVAP High 5 shuttle service accesses several of the park’s major gravity trails, including 500 Above, Devine, Dialled Inn and Skyfall. Otherwise, earn your turns and explore the huge network under pedal power — just make sure you sign in and out at the trailhead.

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.

Kooralbyn Valley MTB Park, in Queensland’s Scenic Rim, is a historic mountain biking destination with a network spanning everything from approachable green trails to serious black and double-black gravity riding. The park currently features more than 20 trails plus a skills area, with rocky natural singletrack, short punchy climbs, flowing descents, berms, jumps, drops and technical features providing plenty of variety for XC, trail, enduro and downhill riders. Kooralbyn also has an impressive place in Australian mountain bike history. The original trails hosted national-level racing and were once used as a training facility by the Australian MTB team, with Cadel Evans racing here at the 2001 National XCO Championships. After the original resort closed in 2008 and the trails became overgrown, local riders formed the Kooralbyn Valley Mountain Bike Club and began restoring the old network and developing new trails. Today the park once again hosts downhill, cross-country and gravity enduro racing, including the famous Black Snake downhill course. Located on Routley Drive at Kooralbyn, the park is within reach of Brisbane and the Gold Coast and makes a great Scenic Rim MTB day trip or riding weekend. The combination of progressive trails, technical gravity riding and genuine Australian MTB history makes Kooralbyn particularly worthwhile for riders wanting something beyond a manicured modern trail centre. RTS Tip: Don’t assume Kooralbyn is only for advanced gravity riders. There are green and blue options for developing skills, but the network progresses all the way to black and double-black trails with substantial jumps, drops and technical features. Check the trail grading before dropping in, and check the park’s latest updates before travelling as events can affect normal trail access.

Tucked away beside the Caboolture River at Burpengary East, the North Harbour Mountain Bike Trail is one of South East Queensland's best-kept secrets for beginner and family-friendly riding. With around 6 kilometres of purpose-built singletrack, the network has been designed to introduce new riders to mountain biking while still offering enough variety to keep more experienced riders entertained. The trail winds through peaceful bushland within the North Harbour Heritage Park precinct, combining smooth flowing sections with natural features including roots, rocks, small rollers and optional technical obstacles. Riders can choose from several loop options, with rides ranging from approximately 2.5km, 3.75km or the full 5.25km circuit, making it easy to tailor the ride to your ability or available time. Beginners will appreciate the gentle gradients and forgiving trail surface, while intermediate riders can enjoy more challenging trail offshoots and optional features that add a little extra excitement. It's an ideal destination for families, riders progressing their skills or anyone looking for a relaxed ride close to Brisbane without the steep climbs found at many other mountain bike parks. The trailhead offers convenient facilities including parking, picnic shelters, BBQs, toilets and drinking water nearby, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring both the mountain bike trails and the surrounding Heritage Park. Riders can also enjoy riverside picnic areas and walking trails before or after their ride. Whether you're introducing the kids to mountain biking, dusting off the bike after a break or simply looking for an enjoyable cross-country ride without the intimidation factor, North Harbour delivers a fun, scenic and welcoming experience that's well worth adding to your Ride the State list.

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.

Spring Mountain Forest Park MTB Trails Spring Mountain Forest Park, in Logan’s western suburbs near Springfield and Greenbank, Queensland, offers a growing network of mountain bike and shared-use trails through a large area of lowland eucalypt forest. The park connects directly with Ipswich’s White Rock–Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, forming part of the important Flinders–Karawatha Corridor. The riding combines purpose-built singletrack with wider multi-use and fire trails, giving riders plenty of scope to create anything from a short beginner ride to a longer backcountry-style loop. The official MTB network includes Thornbill (1.1 km) and Sheoak (800 m) as the main easy trails, while intermediate riders can explore Batwing (400 m), Horseshoe Loop (1.9 km), Pinto Path (1.6 km), Monarch (2.7 km) and Surefoot (1.8 km). Together, these trails provide a good mix of flowing singletrack, climbing, rocky sections and natural bush riding without the large jumps and gravity-focused features found at dedicated bike parks. For a first visit, Thornbill and Sheoak provide the easiest introduction. Thornbill creates a playful singletrack entrance into the park before connecting with Sheoak and the wider trail network. Sheoak follows gentler slopes through stands of sheoak and large eucalypts before joining Horseshoe Loop, where rocky outcrops and undulating terrain start to add more challenge. More experienced riders can combine Monarch and Surefoot for approximately 4.5 km of backcountry-style singletrack. These trails contour through varied terrain with switchbacks, creek crossings and granite boulders before connecting with Mountain Creek Break in the valley below. Pinto Path provides another useful connection through the network, with a mix of easy and moderate gradients and some rewarding descending when ridden in the opposite direction. One of Spring Mountain’s strengths is the ability to build much longer adventure rides using the surrounding multi-use trail network. The neighbouring White Rock–Spring Mountain Conservation Estate contains additional cycling routes and bush trails, allowing capable riders to put together substantial loops through the broader conservation corridor. RTS Tip: Spring Mountain is a great option for riders who enjoy natural XC and exploratory trail riding rather than a jump-focused bike park. Newer riders should start with Thornbill and Sheoak, then add Horseshoe Loop before progressing to Monarch and Surefoot. Distances may look short on the map, but the hilly terrain, rocky sections and repeated climbing can make a bigger ride surprisingly demanding. Download the official trail map before heading out, and remember that many routes are shared with walkers and horse riders, so ride accordingly.

Sugar Bag Road MTB Park, in Caloundra West on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is a compact but feature-packed mountain bike network with riding for everyone from kids and newer riders through to experienced technical riders. Set within Sugar Bag Recreation Reserve, the network mixes natural cross-country singletrack, flow trails, jumps, berms and an extraordinary collection of timber technical features. Sunshine Coast Council describes more than 60 timber features, with riding ranging from green beginner trails through to double-black features. One of Sugar Bag’s defining characteristics is its “choose your own adventure” design. Many trails have easier main lines alongside optional technical features, allowing riders of different abilities to ride together while choosing their own level of challenge. Party Mix, at approximately 3 km, is the network’s longest individual trail and is green-rated overall but includes around 20 optional blue and black technical features. Intermediate riders have plenty to explore. Sweet Sugar incorporates ladders, bridges, a see-saw and log rides, while Honeycomb delivers natural contouring XC singletrack with off-camber sections, bridges and a rock garden. Syrup is a short one-way flow descent featuring jumps, rollers and berms that can either be rolled or ridden faster as confidence develops. Experienced riders can step things up considerably on Beez Kneez, a dark-blue signature trail with optional black features including rock-garden entries, jumps, berms, large bridges, timber rollers and wall rides. The Playground pushes into black and double-black territory with natural rock features, ladders, bridges, see-saws and an impressive 28 m log ride. For newer riders, there’s a mapped 6.4 km Beginners Loop, although official guidance suggests having at least a little MTB experience before tackling it. The trailhead also has the Sunshine Coast’s first pump track, suitable for everything from balance bikes to experienced BMX and MTB riders. Facilities are excellent for a relatively small MTB park, with parking, toilets, shelters, barbecues, picnic tables, a fenced playground, bike storage, pump track and an onsite café. The network is developed and maintained through a partnership between Sunshine Coast Council and Caloundra Off Road Cycling Association (CORCA). RTS Tip: Sugar Bag is a brilliant place for skills progression. Start with the pump track and easier sections of Party Mix, then gradually add the optional technical features rather than jumping straight onto the harder lines. Confident riders shouldn't underestimate the park because of its small footprint — the timber features, rock lines and double-black Playground can provide some serious technical challenges. Council and CORCA are continuing to upgrade parts of the network, so check current signage and trail conditions when you arrive.