Mountain bike trails 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.

Bayview Conservation Park, officially Bayview Conservation Area, is a huge bushland riding playground between Redland Bay and Mount Cotton, around 45 minutes south-east of Brisbane. Covering almost 1,000 hectares, the reserve has around 60km of mountain bike and shared-use trails, with everything from easy, flowing beginner singletrack to more technical blue-rated trails featuring roots, rocks, berms, creek crossings and punchy climbs. Popular trails include Birdcage, Chicken Run, The Maze, You’re Kidding, Sock Puppet, Doom Hippy, Shark Tail, Sorceress and Vegie-mite, with plenty of options to link trails together into anything from a family-friendly loop to a solid few hours in the saddle. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, start from the German Church Road main day-use area, where you’ll find parking, toilets, picnic facilities, a bike wash-down area and easy access into the network. Bayview’s sandy and loamy trails can be affected by heavy rain, so check conditions and closures before riding and stay off wet trails. With so many intersecting trails, having the official map or Trailforks handy is also well worth it.

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.

The Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails offer around 18km of purpose-built riding through Russell Park, surrounded by the spectacular landscape of Queensland’s Bunya Mountains. The network includes three one-way MTB loops plus a shared-use trail, with riding ranging from easy through to easy/intermediate. Cruise the 4.7km Wilf’s Free Pass or 5km Oh Chute!, step things up on the 6.25km Serpent Spin, or use the 1.3km Wamga Way shared trail to connect towards Dandabah. Expect forest singletrack, roots, rocks, switchbacks and sections of steeper descending, with connections to picnic areas and lookouts making this a great network for riders wanting to mix mountain biking with a bigger Bunya Mountains adventure. RTS Tip: Make sure you check the live trail status before driving up the mountain, as the network can close following prolonged wet weather or for maintenance. Download the trail map before setting off too — mobile reception can be unreliable. Don’t skip the bike hygiene stations at the trailheads; they’re there to help prevent the spread of phytophthora and protect the Bunya Mountains environment.

Bunyaville Conservation Park is a popular mountain biking playground on Brisbane’s northside, combining purpose-built singletrack with an extensive network of shared forest trails and management roads. The park has 10 officially designated MTB-only trails, predominantly blue intermediate with two black difficult options, plus plenty of connecting trails for building longer cross-country loops. Highlights include the flowing Gum Nuts, creek-crossing Creek Trail, twisty Zig-zag, climbing-focused Sugar Glider and Mini Van, while experienced riders can step things up on Jurassic and the steep Carnivore. Expect classic SE Queensland riding with roots, rocks, creek beds, punchy climbs and natural technical features, all within easy reach of Brisbane. RTS Tip: Bunyaville is best explored by linking the MTB trails with the shared network, so grab the official map before setting off and create your own loop. Jurassic and Carnivore are rated difficult, so newer riders should stick with the intermediate trails until they’re comfortable with the terrain. Avoid riding after heavy rain or when trails are soft and muddy, and remember that cyclists must give way to walkers and horses when using shared trails.

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.

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.

Cornubia Forest Park in Logan is a brilliant slice of mountain biking between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with a compact network of purpose-built singletrack woven through almost 200 hectares of protected bushland. The riding is predominantly intermediate, with trails including the 3.1km Birdwing, 1.8km Spangled Drongo, 1.7km Wallum Froglet, 1.5km Stupidly Happy and 1.2km Ginger Gully, plus the easy Flowmy Loamy and black-rated Resurrection for riders looking to step things up. Expect classic South East Queensland riding with flowing forest singletrack, roots, rocks, short climbs and fast descents, with fire trails and access tracks making it easy to link together different combinations. RTS Tip: Cornubia is particularly good for intermediate riders, but check the grading before dropping into unfamiliar trails — Resurrection is rated difficult while most of the network sits at blue intermediate. Download Trailforks before you ride and avoid the trails during or immediately after wet weather; Logan City Council recommends staying off if your tyre tread is sinking around 2cm into the surface.

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.

Daisy Hill Conservation Park, around 25km south-east of Brisbane, is one of South East Queensland’s most popular mountain biking destinations, with an extensive network of dedicated MTB and shared-use trails running through beautiful eucalypt forest and important koala habitat. From the Daisy Hill Trail Hub, riders can tackle loops including the 5.2km Spotted Gum Circuit, 5.7km Stringybark Circuit and 9km Buhot Creek Circuit, then branch onto purpose-built MTB trails such as Possum Box, Lace Monitor, Jumping Ant, Flying Cloud, Jims, Bronzewing and Bees Knees. With easy and intermediate options, one-way descents and plenty of connecting trails into the wider Koala Bushland Coordinated Conservation Area, it’s a brilliant network for beginners, families and experienced riders alike. RTS Tip: Start from the Daisy Hill Trail Hub, where you’ll find parking, toilets, water, a warm-up track and bike service area. If it’s your first visit, use one of the signed circuits as your backbone and add MTB-only trails as you go — it makes navigating the huge network much easier. Download the official MTB map before riding and remember that many of the connecting trails are shared with walkers and horse riders.

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.

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.

The Emerald Creek Ride is a scenic mixed-surface adventure from Mareeba to Emerald Creek Falls on the northern Atherton Tablelands. Covering approximately 32 km one way, the route leaves Mareeba on sealed roads before winding through rural residential areas and farmland, eventually transitioning onto forested dirt roads as you make your way towards the falls. Rated around beginner to moderate for fitness, this is less about technical mountain biking and more about enjoying a longer gravel and backroad adventure through the changing landscapes surrounding Mareeba. The reward at the end is Emerald Creek Falls in Dinden West Forest Reserve, where Emerald Creek tumbles from the rainforest-clad Lamb Range through open eucalypt woodland and across huge granite boulders. Once at the day-use area, it's worth swapping the bike for walking shoes and exploring the falls. A 1.9 km return Grade 3 walking track leads to a lookout with views across the falls, valley and northern Atherton Tableland, while a more challenging 1.6 km return track heads towards the bottom of the falls. RTS Tip: Remember, the published route is 32 km one way, so if you're riding out and back you're looking at roughly 64 km for the day. Carry plenty of water and supplies and be prepared for the unsealed forest-road sections. Give yourself some extra time at Emerald Creek too — the falls and surrounding granite country are well worth exploring before you point the bike back towards Mareeba.

Finch Hatton MTB Trails, in Queensland’s lush Pioneer Valley west of Mackay, is a purpose-built mountain bike destination set against spectacular tropical rainforest and mountain scenery. The current network features 17 trails ranging from easy green adventures through intermediate flow and jump trails to difficult black-rated lines, with something for beginners, families and experienced gravity riders. Pedal up the 3.24km G’Day G’Day climbing trail before dropping into trails such as Green Whistle, Tasty Fig, Your Shout and Bung Eye, or step things up on difficult lines including Chuck A Sickie, Off the Rails and Big Bickies. Back at the town-centre trailhead there’s also a huge 400m+ pump track, bike wash, water, toilets, picnic facilities and shuttle pick-up, making Finch Hatton an easy place to settle in for a full day of riding. RTS Tip: Use the pump track for a warm-up, then pedal G’Day G’Day to access the network or check whether shuttle services are operating if you want to save your legs for the descents. The trails are free to ride and open year-round during daylight hours, weather permitting, but tropical weather can affect conditions quickly, so check the current trail status before heading out.

First Turkey MTB Reserve, tucked into the foothills of Mount Archer just 15 minutes from Rockhampton’s CBD, is one of Central Queensland’s premier mountain biking destinations. Managed by the volunteer-run Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club, the reserve has around 40km of trails and more than 30 individual lines, ranging from green beginner trails through to black gravity terrain. The hub-style network makes it easy to climb once and choose your descent, with local favourites including Finley’s, Scrub Turkey, Wild Pig, Megatron, Cactus, Whitey, Think Tank and K-9. Expect a brilliant mix of flowing singletrack, rocky technical sections, roots, jumps, berms and natural features, with both cross-country and gravity riders very well catered for. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, climb Finley’s to Turkey’s Nest and choose your descent from there — Scrub Turkey is a good starting point, while intermediate riders can progress to Wild Pig or the hugely popular Megatron flow trail. First Turkey is generally open around the clock, but closes after heavy rain, so always check Rocky MTB’s current trail conditions before heading out.

Gap Creek, tucked into Mt Coot-tha Forest just west of Brisbane’s CBD, is one of the city’s most popular mountain biking spots, with a dense network of dedicated MTB and multi-use trails catering for beginners through to experienced technical riders. The 2.3km Gap Creek Circuit is a great warm-up, while trails including Rocket Frog, Bellbird, Cockatoo, Cubberla Creek and Whipbird Way add flowing singletrack, rocks, roots and technical features. Newer riders can build confidence on the 450m Skink Link, while experienced riders can tackle Pipeline, the most difficult official trail in the park, featuring large drops, log rollovers and a 180-degree timber wall-ride. RTS Tip: Start from Gap Creek Reserve picnic area, where you’ll find parking, toilets, water and shaded areas right beside the trails. If it’s your first visit, warm up on Gap Creek Circuit or Skink Link before exploring the harder lines — and definitely inspect Pipeline’s technical features before committing. Stick to authorised MTB and multi-use trails and remember to give way appropriately when using shared tracks.

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.

Glenview – Ferny Forest, on the eastern side of Ewen Maddock Dam near Landsborough on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is one of the region’s best introductions to mountain biking. The purpose-built Ferny Forest MTB Loop is approximately 12–13 km, winding through blackbutt forest, lush fern gullies and melaleuca wetlands with scenic viewpoints across Ewen Maddock Dam. The trail is designed primarily for beginner riders and families, with mostly flat terrain, gentle undulations and very few intimidating technical features. Rather than big climbs or steep descents, Ferny Forest is all about twisty, flowing singletrack, giving newer riders the chance to practise cornering, pumping and carrying momentum through the forest. That doesn't mean experienced riders won't have fun. The relatively smooth terrain makes Ferny Forest a great place for a fast XC lap, and the later sections include some particularly enjoyable flow where riders can work on pumping the trail for speed. The original trail was developed in 2015 by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Trailworx and volunteers from the Bushrangers MTB Club, which continues to assist with maintenance. The scenery is a big part of the ride. The trail passes through dense ferns and forest before opening to views across Ewen Maddock Dam towards the Glass House Mountains, making it feel more like a forest adventure than a suburban beginner loop. Access is available from the Steve Irwin Way rest area, with parking close to the trail. The dedicated MTB loop is primarily for mountain biking, while walkers and runners are directed towards the main multi-use tracks around the dam. Riders should also follow the marked riding direction around the circuit. RTS Tip: Ferny Forest is an excellent choice for a first proper MTB ride with kids or someone new to singletrack. There are no lung-busting climbs or major technical features, but there's enough twisting and flowing trail to make it genuinely fun as skills improve. Stronger riders can use it for a quick fast lap or combine it with other trails around Ewen Maddock Dam for more distance.

Glossy Black Reserve, hidden among the suburbs of Reedy Creek on the Gold Coast, packs around 8km of purpose-built mountain bike trails into a compact patch of native bushland. The network is designed around green easy and blue intermediate riding, with eight dedicated MTB trails including Jumpin’ Ant Hill, Lazy Lizard, Rabbit’s Run, Cockys Climb, Drop Bear, Cascades, Test Run and Fledgling. Expect flowing singletrack, switchback climbs, berms, rollers, creek crossings and optional jumps and technical B-lines. Drop Bear is a standout for intermediate riders, delivering a fast descending run filled with berms, rollers and optional jumps, while Fledgling provides a short progression trail for beginners. RTS Tip: A great first lap is to climb Jumpin’ Ant Hill, continue through Lazy Lizard and finish with the flowing descent of Rabbit’s Run. Most of the dedicated MTB trails are one-way, while connecting fire trails are shared with walkers, so follow the directional signage and keep an eye out at crossings. Parking around the reserve is limited and surrounded by residential streets, so riding to the trailhead is encouraged where possible.

Gordonbrook Dam Mountain Bike Trails, around 20 minutes north of Kingaroy in Queensland’s South Burnett, offer 13.8km of purpose-built singletrack across 11 trails right beside the scenic Gordonbrook Dam. Developed by the South Burnett Mountain Bike Club, the network caters from novice riders through to experienced XC racers, with green trails including First Crack, Chunnel, Bandicoot, Joeys and Antechinus, blue-rated Peanuts, Paper Scissors Rock and Big Dog, and the challenging 4.7km black-rated XCO OMG race loop. Expect flowing cross-country riding mixed with berms, jumps, rock features and technical A and B lines, with Tackers, a short beginner trail beside the main car park, giving younger riders somewhere to get started. RTS Tip: Turn Gordonbrook into a bigger adventure by riding there from the South Burnett Rail Trail at Memerambi. The signposted Gordonbrook Dam Route follows a mix of bitumen and gravel country roads out to the dam, where you can hit the singletrack before riding back. The lower trailhead has parking, basic toilets, picnic tables and shade, but no drinking water, so fill your bottles before setting off.

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.

The Hillview Drive Trail in Kilsyth South, Victoria, is a local shared trail offering an easy-going ride through the leafy eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Following the Hillview Drive corridor and connecting into surrounding paths and reserves, it’s well suited to casual riders, families and anyone looking to add some traffic-free kilometres to a neighbourhood ride. Rather than being a destination trail on its own, its value is in the local connections it provides, making it handy for exploring the wider Kilsyth, Bayswater and Dandenong Creek cycling network. RTS Tip: Use Hillview Drive Trail as part of a longer local loop rather than riding it in isolation. Check the map for nearby shared paths and trail connections before you head out—you can easily turn this short section into a much bigger eastern Melbourne ride.

Set in the Gold Coast hinterland near Advancetown, Hinze Dam is a scenic spot for a relaxed recreational ride surrounded by bushland, water views and rolling hills. The dam precinct has shared pathways and quiet areas to explore by bike, making it particularly suited to families, casual riders and anyone looking for an easier outing away from the busier coastal paths. With picnic areas, lookouts and visitor facilities around the dam, it’s a great place to combine a ride with a longer stop and enjoy a different side of the Gold Coast. RTS Tip: Hinze Dam is more about enjoying the surroundings than chasing big kilometres. Take your time, stop at the lookouts and make use of the picnic areas. If you’re looking for a longer or more challenging ride, the surrounding Gold Coast hinterland has plenty of options to add to your day.

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

Jubilee Park in Toowoomba, Queensland, is one of the region’s premier mountain bike destinations, with more than 28 km of purpose-built singletrack spread across 313 hectares of bushland on the Toowoomba escarpment. Developed and maintained with significant support from the Toowoomba Mountain Bike Club, the network caters for riders from beginner through to expert, with everything from hand-built XC singletrack and machine-shaped flow to rock gardens, drops, jumps, technical descents and dedicated downhill riding. Jubilee Park is also home to Queensland’s first legal downhill mountain bike track. Popular trails include Dirty Granny, Centrelink, Turkey, Rollercat, Viper, Highlife, Reaper, Cheeseburger and the double-black Mackenzie Frenzy, while numerous linking trails allow riders to create longer loops and gravity-focused sessions. With access from Bridge Street, Harvey Street and Amos Road, Jubilee Park is a must-ride destination for mountain bikers visiting Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. RTS Tip: Jubilee Park has a huge amount of variety, so check the trail grading before dropping into something unfamiliar — the difficulty can quickly progress from flowing green and blue trails to serious black and double-black terrain. Stick to the signed official MTB trails, as unsanctioned “pirate” trails also exist throughout the escarpment and are not part of the authorised network. For a first visit, download the trail map and use the short linking trails to build a loop that matches your ability and riding style.

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.

The Landsborough & Mooloolah area offers a great introduction to mountain biking on the Sunshine Coast, linking the trails around Ewen Maddock Dam with Dularcha National Park. Expect mostly wide, relatively flat trails through forest and alongside the dam, with optional hills and side trails for riders wanting to add a little more climbing and challenge. The area works particularly well for beginners, families and recreational riders, while the various connections make it easy to build a longer ride. One of the highlights is the old rail trail through Dularcha National Park, connecting Landsborough and Mooloolah. The roughly 3km route follows part of the former railway alignment and passes through a 100m heritage-listed railway tunnel built in 1890. From Mooloolah you can retrace your route or use the Mooloolah Connection Road bikeway to create a larger loop back towards Ewen Maddock Dam. RTS Tip: Bring a light for the Dularcha railway tunnel — it curves enough that the middle gets properly dark! For a bigger adventure, start at Maddock Park, ride the dam trails into Landsborough, continue through Dularcha to Mooloolah for a coffee, then loop back via the bikeway. There are also optional hillier trails along the way if you want to add some extra climbing.

Lomandra MTB, in Samford Conservation Park on Brisbane’s north-western fringe, is the main trailhead for a well-established network of purpose-built mountain bike trails and shared forest tracks. The riding is predominantly intermediate, combining flowing singletrack, natural features, sustained climbs and fast descents through open eucalypt and ironbark forest. The official network includes eight MTB-only trails, with the Lomandra trailhead providing access to Pipeline, Water Tank, Mopoke, Green Tree Snake, Sunrise and Whipsnake, as well as connections towards Lorikeet, Sunset, Bandicoot and Kombi. Most trails are intermediate-rated, while Whipsnake is difficult, delivering a 2.3 km one-way descent for more experienced riders. A good way to explore the network is to leave the Lomandra warm-up area via the 600 m Green Tree Snake, then climb Lomandra Road towards Three Ways Road. From here, several official loops can be created, including a return via Kombi, a Bandicoot–Sunset combination, or Lorikeet. This makes it easy to keep adding distance and difficulty as your confidence and fitness build. Kombi is one of the network’s signature descents, running for approximately 2.7 km one way, while Bandicoot provides another substantial 2.46 km of trail. Shorter trails around the Lomandra hub are useful for warming up or linking into the larger network. The dedicated Lomandra warm-up area gives riders somewhere to practise before heading onto the main trails. Beyond the MTB-only singletrack, Samford Conservation Park also contains an extensive network of shared trails, where cyclists must give way to walkers and horse riders. Nearby Bunyaville Conservation Park can also be reached by bike or a short drive for even more riding. RTS Tip: For your first Lomandra ride, head out on Green Tree Snake, climb towards Three Ways and return via Kombi for a great introduction to the network. Most of the purpose-built trails are blue/intermediate, so newer riders should take their time rather than assuming the warm-up area means the whole network is beginner-friendly. Avoid riding after heavy rain or when the trails are soft and muddy, and download the official map before setting out — there are plenty of intersecting forest roads and trail options.

Mapleton Forest, within Mapleton National Park in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, offers a mix of dedicated mountain bike and shared-use trails through tall blackbutt forest, rainforest, palm groves and drier woodland. The riding is predominantly intermediate, with natural surfaces, moderate climbs, creek crossings and some steeper sections giving the network an adventurous cross-country feel. The Mapleton Day-use Area is a great starting point, with several rides branching into the forest. Highlights include the 19km Oaky Creek Lookout MTB Trail, offering views across the Conondale Range and Mary Valley, plus the 7.8km Turpentine Trail, 6.7km Piccabeen Circuit and 8.5km Kureelpa Falls Circuit. The latter drops around 200m before climbing back out, with the option to walk down to Kureelpa Falls along the way. RTS Tip: For a first visit, start from the Mapleton Day-use Area, where you’ll find parking, toilets and picnic facilities. Remember that several trails are shared with walkers and horse riders, while the Oaky Creek route also crosses the separate Gheerulla trail-bike track — give way and take extra care at crossings. Avoid riding in strong winds due to the risk of falling branches, and check Queensland Parks alerts before heading out.

Mount Cotton, on Queensland’s Redlands Coast south-east of Brisbane, is home to the Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area, a 186-hectare reserve offering an impressive network of purpose-built mountain bike and shared-use trails. The riding climbs through open eucalypt forest and pockets of dry rainforest on the slopes of Mount Cotton, with everything from easier flowing contour trails through to technical blue and dedicated black-diamond MTB trails featuring more challenging obstacles and features. The broader network includes around 25 km of shared and multi-use trails plus dedicated downhill riding, making Mount Cotton a great destination for trail, enduro and cross-country riders looking for mountain biking close to Brisbane and the Redlands. A major highlight is the variety of terrain. Riders can tackle flowing singletrack, sustained climbing, rocky and technical sections and gravity-focused descents, while the summit area provides expansive views across South East Queensland. The main trailhead on West Mount Cotton Road has parking, toilets, drinking water, shelter and a bike repair station, making it easy to base a few hours of riding from one location. Some trails also provide adaptive mountain bike access. Mount Cotton also sits close to Bayview Conservation Park, which has around 60 km of additional bushwalking and mountain bike trails, making the Redlands Coast an excellent area for riders wanting to explore several MTB networks over a weekend. RTS Tip: Check the latest Eastern Escarpment trail map before riding. The Summit Track and Metamorphic Trail were realigned in 2026 after public access through an adjoining section of private property ended, so older maps and GPS routes may no longer be accurate. Stick to the signed entrances and trails, start within your ability and work up to the black-diamond gravity lines once you know the terrain.

Mount Joyce MTB Trails Mount Joyce Mountain Bike Trails, at Lake Wyaralong in Queensland’s Scenic Rim, offer around 25 km of purpose-built IMBA-standard singletrack in a spectacular lakeside setting north-west of Beaudesert. Accessed from the Eastern Trail Access at Wyaralong Dam, the network ranges from beginner-friendly green trails through blue and black terrain to serious double-black riding, making Mount Joyce a destination for everything from recreational cross-country riding to technical gravity sessions. The event-standard network includes steep climbs and descents, rocky terrain, technical trail features and longer flowing sections, with impressive views across Lake Wyaralong and the surrounding Scenic Rim. The dedicated MTB trails sit within a much larger recreation network at Wyaralong, where riders can also access multi-use trails around the lake. More than 40 km of multi-use tracks and trails extend through the wider area, providing opportunities to combine the purpose-built singletrack with longer cross-country and adventure rides. The Shoreline Trail is another option for riders wanting to explore beyond the main MTB network. What makes Mount Joyce particularly appealing is the progression available within one trail system. Newer riders can stay on the easier trails while experienced mountain bikers can tackle steep grades, rocky technical sections and advanced gravity terrain. The combination of substantial elevation, purpose-built singletrack and the Lake Wyaralong backdrop makes it one of the standout mountain biking destinations between Brisbane, Ipswich and the Scenic Rim. RTS Tip: Mount Joyce can be hot, exposed and physically demanding, so carry plenty of drinking water and don't underestimate the climbing between descents. Double-black trails are intended for very experienced riders, so check the current trail map and grading before dropping into an unfamiliar line. Access conditions can also change due to weather, fire management or maintenance, so check the latest Seqwater Wyaralong recreation alerts before travelling.

The Mount Marlay MTB Trails in Stanthorpe, Queensland, deliver a unique mountain biking experience on the granite terrain of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt. Located just 1.5 km from Stanthorpe’s main street, the compact network makes excellent use of Mount Marlay’s roughly 100 metres of elevation, with trails ranging from beginner-friendly cross-country riding to seriously technical black and double-black gravity lines. Expect exposed granite slabs and boulders, rocky technical features, flowing singletrack, berms and challenging descents, with panoramic views across Stanthorpe and the surrounding Granite Belt. The easier side of Mount Marlay includes Green Granite, Rusty and The Grape Escape, providing a great introduction to the distinctive granite riding. On The Rocks and Hammerhead step up the technical challenge and can also be used for climbing towards the summit, while experienced riders can tackle gravity trails including Tankslapper and Gnarly Marlay. Tankslapper and Gnarly Marlay are downhill-only, with the harder trails packing a surprising amount of technical riding into relatively short distances. Another advantage of riding Mount Marlay is the sandy, granite-based soil found around Stanthorpe. Unlike many clay-based Queensland MTB networks, the local trails can often recover quickly after rain, although riders should still check current conditions before setting out. With Passchendaele State Forest and Broadwater State Forest also offering riding nearby, Stanthorpe makes a great base for a bigger Granite Belt mountain biking weekend. RTS Tip: Don’t underestimate Mount Marlay because it’s a compact network — the harder trails make full use of the granite and black really does mean black here. Start with Green Granite, Rusty or The Grape Escape to get a feel for the surface before progressing onto the technical gravity lines. If you’re heading for Tankslapper or Gnarly Marlay, inspect unfamiliar features first and follow the designated downhill direction.

The Mount Morgan MTB Trails, around 40 km south-west of Rockhampton in Central Queensland, offer approximately 25 km of purpose-built mountain bike trails surrounding the picturesque No. 7 Dam recreation area. The network consists of five main loops ranging from green beginner trails through to blue intermediate riding, combining cross-country singletrack, rocky natural terrain, sustained climbs, flowing descents, berms, jumps and optional technical features. Set amongst ironbark forest and the historic hills surrounding the former Mount Morgan mining township, the trails offer impressive views across the dam and surrounding Central Queensland landscape. The five main trails are Gangulu Trail, Bungoona Trail, Miners’ Mercy, Mundagarra and Cutter’s Run, each offering a slightly different riding experience. Gangulu and Miners’ Mercy provide longer XC-style riding and views across the eastern side of the dam, while Bungoona adds climbing, descending, drops, jumps and gap features. Mundagarra rewards a substantial climb with a flowing descent packed with berms and jumps, while Cutter’s Run delivers another fast, flowing descent with views towards Mount Morgan’s historic mine stack. The trailhead at No. 7 Dam makes Mount Morgan particularly good for families and groups, with free parking, toilets, picnic tables, barbecues, a large shaded playground and outdoor exercise equipment. Access to the MTB trails is free, and the network is open around the clock, making it an easy addition to a Rockhampton or Capricorn Region mountain biking trip. For riders travelling through the region, Mount Morgan pairs brilliantly with First Turkey MTB Reserve in Rockhampton. Together, the two networks provide more than 50 km of riding, with Mount Morgan offering predominantly green and blue trails while First Turkey adds a larger selection of technical and gravity-focused terrain. RTS Tip: Mount Morgan is a great network for beginner and intermediate riders, but don’t assume all the blue trails are cruisy — some head into steeper, rockier and more remote terrain. Carry plenty of water in Central Queensland’s warmer months and download the trail map before leaving the trailhead. If you have time after your ride, explore historic Mount Morgan or make it a two-park MTB trip by adding First Turkey in Rockhampton.

Mount Peel Bushland Park, on the south-western edge of Toowoomba near Drayton, Queensland, offers a growing network of purpose-built mountain bike trails through more than 123 hectares of native bushland. The riding is predominantly green-grade singletrack, making Mount Peel particularly well suited to beginner mountain bikers, families, kids and riders wanting to build confidence before progressing to Toowoomba’s more technical MTB networks. The park also contains more than 4 km of shared-use firebreaks linking its trail areas, five peaks and several lookouts with views across Toowoomba and the surrounding Darling Downs. The standout ride is the 6 km Wakka Wakka Trail, a one-way clockwise singletrack circuit made up of four stacked loops. Riders can exit at the intervening firebreaks to create shorter rides, making it easy to tailor the distance for younger or developing riders. Other dedicated MTB trails include the 1.25 km Bunda Trail, 825 m Wakka Bunda connector, 2.75 km Darla Trail and 3.04 km Gumbi Gumbi Trail, providing plenty of options for linking together a longer Mount Peel mountain bike ride. The trails feature relatively gentle gradients, good sight lines and limited technical obstacles, with a mixture of flowing singletrack and easy climbing rather than the jumps, drops and technical gravity terrain found at nearby Jubilee Park. Wildlife is another part of the experience, with kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, birdlife and occasionally koalas found throughout the reserve. Main riding access is available from the Darling Street and Westminster Street trailheads. RTS Tip: Mount Peel is a great choice if you’re new to mountain biking or riding with kids. Start with the shorter stacked loops of Wakka Wakka and add more as confidence grows, then use Wakka Bunda to connect into the wider network. Pay attention to trail direction — several MTB trails are strictly one-way, while Wakka Bunda is two-way. If you’re ready for something more technical afterwards, nearby Jubilee Park offers the natural next step into Toowoomba’s blue and black MTB trails.

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.

Nerang National Park MTB Trails Nerang National Park on the Gold Coast, Queensland, is one of South East Queensland’s best-known mountain biking destinations, offering 20 officially designated MTB trails covering around 34 km, plus an extensive network of shared management trails. Just inland from the Gold Coast and around 12 km from Surfers Paradise, the network winds through open eucalypt forest, casuarina groves and pockets of dry rainforest, with riding ranging from easy beginner loops through to fast, rocky and highly technical black-diamond terrain. Beginners can start on trails such as Training Wheels, Casuarina Grove Circuit, Goanna and Goanna Loop, while intermediate riders have a huge selection including Petes, Rocky Horror, Three Hills, Happy Valley, Wombats, Baileys, Elevator and Explosions. Expect plenty of classic Nerang riding along the way — natural rock, creek crossings, punchy climbs, fast flowing sections, rock gardens, log drops and technical corners. One of Nerang’s biggest claims to fame is its connection with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Three difficult one-way trails — GC2018 Loop 1, Loop 2 and Loop 3 — were purpose-built for the Games and designed to challenge world-class XC riders. Loop 1 incorporates jump-style features, Loop 2 tests technical climbing and fitness, while Loop 3 combines climbing with a fast descent packed with humps, jumps and berms. Experienced riders can also tackle Taipan, a difficult one-way high-speed descent featuring rock slabs, jumps and other technical features. The combination of purpose-built singletrack, old-school natural riding and shared trails makes Nerang particularly good for riders who want to build their own longer Gold Coast MTB loop rather than simply repeat a handful of bike-park descents. The park is also important wildlife habitat, with riders potentially spotting koalas, glossy black-cockatoos, echidnas and other native wildlife while exploring the forest. RTS Tip: Download the official Nerang National Park MTB map before you ride — some trails are one-way while others are two-way, and the shared trails are also used by walkers and horse riders. MTB riders must give way to both walkers and horses on shared trails. Avoid riding during or immediately after heavy rain, stay on the 20 sanctioned MTB trails, and if you’re new to Nerang, start around Casuarina Grove and Goanna before progressing towards Three Hills and the much harder GC2018 and Taipan trails.

The Noosa Biosphere Trails are one of Queensland's premier nature-based cycling destinations, winding through the spectacular Noosa Hinterland. These shared-use trails traverse forests, rolling farmland, national parks, lakes and mountain lookouts, offering a fantastic mix of gravel roads, natural trails and scenic backcountry riding suitable for mountain bikes and gravel bikes. The network caters to everyone from casual riders through to experienced adventurers looking for full-day or multi-day journeys. Ride The State is currently creating dedicated ride pages for each of the Noosa Biosphere Trails. Each page will include ride descriptions, maps, facilities, rider tips, difficulty ratings, nearby businesses, accommodation and local recommendations. Coming Soon to Ride The State Cooroora Trail (Pomona – Cooran) – 10km Yurol Trail – 14km Woondum Trail (Cooran – Kin Kin) – 22km Wahpunga Trail (Kin Kin – Lake Macdonald) – 25km Kurui Trail – 11km Weyba Trail – 30km Kin Kin Loop Coastal Pathway (planned extension within the Biosphere network) In the meantime, you can access trail maps, current trail conditions and closures through the official Noosa Biosphere Trails resources: Noosa Biosphere Trails Noosa Cycling & Walking Routes Visit Noosa – Noosa Biosphere Trails Please note that some trails may be temporarily closed or undergoing upgrades as the Noosa Trails Masterplan is progressively delivered, so it's always worth checking the latest trail conditions before you head out.

The Cooroora Traverse is one of the best short gravel adventures in the Noosa Hinterland, offering a more off-road experience through the heart of the Noosa Trail Network. Beginning near Cooran, the route winds through forests, farmland and quiet gravel roads while providing spectacular views of the iconic Mount Cooroora. With a much higher percentage of unsealed riding than many of the region's other gravel routes, riders can expect flowing forest trails, rolling gravel roads and occasional technical sections featuring rocks, roots and uneven terrain. The ride also passes through the welcoming hinterland towns of Cooran and Pomona before returning towards Noosa. Despite its relatively short distance, the varied terrain provides an engaging ride for those looking to step beyond beginner gravel routes. Ride Highlights Spectacular views of Mount Cooroora Extensive riding on the Noosa Trail Network Forest and farmland scenery Visits to Cooran and Pomona Fun mix of flowing gravel and technical trail Suitability Best suited to confident gravel riders with some off-road experience. A gravel bike with wider tyres is recommended, while many riders may prefer a flat-bar gravel bike or hardtail mountain bike for greater comfort on the rougher trail sections. Wet conditions can significantly increase the technical difficulty.

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.

Parklands Mountain Biking Trails Parklands Conservation Park, just north-east of Nambour on the Sunshine Coast, is a favourite for riders who enjoy natural, old-school mountain biking. The park has 13 dedicated MTB trails plus around 15km of shared trails, winding through tall eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies, rocky platforms and creek lines. Expect roots, rocks, tight turns, switchbacks, steep pinches and technical natural features rather than smooth machine-built flow. The dedicated network includes 2 easy, 8 intermediate and 3 difficult trails, giving riders plenty of options to link together different loops. Lush provides a good introduction for newer riders, while trails such as Tazer, Blue Tongue and Road Rage step things up with increasingly technical terrain. There’s also a mountain bike skills area near the Radar Hill Road trailhead. RTS Tip: Parklands is known for being rocky, rooty and technical, and the network can be surprisingly tricky to navigate on your first visit, so download the official Queensland Parks map or Trailforks before heading out. Trails can become slippery and muddy after heavy rain and may be temporarily closed to protect them, so always check current park alerts before riding.

The Promisedland MTB Trails, in Cordalba State Forest near Childers and Bundaberg, Queensland, offer a substantial network of dedicated mountain bike singletrack through rugged forest and rocky gullies. Located around 46 km south-west of Bundaberg and 14 km north-west of Childers, the network has grown from its original 20 km to around 38 km of riding, with trails ranging from easy beginner loops through intermediate singletrack to more difficult technical options. The terrain has a distinctly natural cross-country MTB character, weaving through tall open eucalypt forest, patches of vine scrub and rocky gullies. Riders can expect dirt and root-covered singletrack, short climbs, flowing sections, rocks and technical features, with fire and management roads used to connect different parts of the network. Most of the riding is aimed at intermediate riders with moderate fitness, although there are green options for newer riders and black trails for those wanting more challenge. The official trail map includes shorter options such as the 800 m Joey Trail, along with trails and connectors including Grass Tree, Start Straight, Dingo, Cow Bones and Drifty Bars. Longer loops can be created by combining multiple trails, making Promisedland suitable for anything from a quick introductory ride to several hours exploring Cordalba State Forest. The network was developed through a partnership between Mountain Biking Bundaberg Inc. and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, with local volunteers playing an important role in building and maintaining the trails. Facilities at the main trailhead include parking, shelter and toilets, making it a useful MTB destination for riders travelling through the Bundaberg and Childers region. RTS Tip: Promisedland has plenty of intersecting trails, so download the official Cordalba State Forest MTB map before riding and use the easier loops to get your bearings before linking together a longer ride. The terrain can be rocky and conditions hot, particularly through the warmer months, so carry plenty of water, tools and spares. For a first visit, start around the Hilltop trailhead and build your ride from there — there’s enough singletrack here to make Promisedland far more than a quick roadside MTB stop.

Ross Dam/ Ross River offers a beginner-friendly cross-country mountain bike network along the foreshore of Lake Ross, around 30km south of Townsville. The trails combine flowing singletrack, fire roads, short pinch climbs, rocky creek crossings and fun descents, with beautiful views across the dam and surrounding ranges. The network is generally suited to beginner and intermediate riders, making it a great contrast to some of Townsville’s more technical MTB areas. (rockwheelers.com.au) Access to the MTB trails is tightly controlled because Ross Dam forms part of Townsville’s drinking water supply. Riding access is currently available to eligible Townsville Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Club members on weekends and public holidays, subject to completing the required induction and following the conditions of entry. General public access to the MTB trails is prohibited. (rockwheelers.com.au) RTS Tip: Don’t arrive expecting to simply ride in — Ross Dam MTB access requires current Rockwheelers membership, completion of the Ross Dam induction and sign-in before every ride. Access is generally permitted from 5am Saturday to 6pm Sunday and 5am–6pm on public holidays, with trails closed during wet weather unless specifically approved. Check the latest Rockwheelers access information before heading out

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.

Ironbark Gully / Samford Conservation Park MTB Trails, around 20 km north-west of Brisbane, is a popular South East Queensland mountain biking destination offering a mix of dedicated MTB singletrack and longer shared-use forest trails. The riding winds through open eucalypt forest and gullies, with a character that ranges from flowing contour trails to rocky technical sections, berms and fast descents. The official network is predominantly intermediate, with several difficult trails for experienced riders, making Samford particularly good for riders wanting to progress beyond beginner-level MTB. The current Queensland Parks network includes 12 designated MTB trails, plus a purpose-built warm-up area at Lomandra MTB. Intermediate options include Pipeline, Water Tank, Fitness Trail, Lorikeet, Bergin Creek, Bandicoot, Kombi, Mopoke, Green Tree Snake and Sunrise, while Sunset and Whipsnake are graded difficult. Pipeline and Water Tank offer relatively flat contour riding, while Fitness Trail introduces more climbing and undulating terrain. For riders chasing descending, Kombi is a roughly 2.7 km one-way intermediate trail running downhill towards the Lomandra trailhead, while Bandicoot delivers around 2.46 km of contouring singletrack including a natural rock garden before linking directly into Sunset. Sunset steps things up with a difficult, one-way descent featuring natural trail features and berms. Whipsnake, at around 2.3 km, provides another difficult downhill option for experienced riders. The Lomandra trailhead is the best starting point for exploring the network. Queensland Parks recommends using Green Tree Snake to access the shared trail network before climbing gently towards Three Ways Road. From there, riders can choose several suggested loops, including returning via Kombi, combining Bandicoot and Sunset, or taking Lorikeet, a fast and rocky intermediate descent. Samford also works brilliantly as part of a bigger Brisbane MTB adventure. Nearby Bunyaville Conservation Park has another dedicated mountain bike network, and the two parks can be linked by bike or reached with a short drive. Riders looking for longer and more demanding backcountry-style riding can also explore permitted MTB routes within nearby D’Aguilar National Park. RTS Tip: Start at Lomandra and use the warm-up area before heading onto Green Tree Snake and climbing towards Three Ways Road. For a solid intermediate loop, work your way towards Kombi or Lorikeet; confident riders can combine Bandicoot into Sunset for a more technical finish. Shared trails are also used by walkers and horse riders, with cyclists required to give way. Avoid riding after heavy rain or when trails are soft and muddy, and check current park alerts before heading out.

Scribbly Gums MTB Trails Scribbly Gums, within the Redlands Regional Track Park at Alexandra Hills, is one of Brisbane’s most accessible mountain biking areas and a particularly good destination for beginners, families and developing riders. Around 25 km south-east of the Brisbane CBD, the network covers approximately 152 hectares of bushland, with more than 30 trails and around 32 km of riding. Most trails are graded green or blue, and the relatively flat terrain means you can clock up plenty of kilometres without the sustained climbing found at many other South East Queensland MTB parks. The riding is predominantly flowing cross-country singletrack, winding through open eucalypt forest and the scribbly gums that give the area its name. Surfaces are generally smooth and hard-packed but can become sandy in places, with plenty of twists, small rises, roots and natural features to keep things interesting. Rather than big gravity descents, Scribbly Gums is about maintaining momentum, linking trails together and enjoying fast, fun XC riding. A great feature of Scribbly Gums is how easily riders can build different-sized loops. A popular mapped option is the 20 km Scribbly Gums Loop from Kinross, which links around 25 individual trails and has roughly 236 m of climbing. It’s rated as an easy MTB route overall, making it a good option for riders wanting a longer XC ride without highly technical terrain. The trail network also connects into the wider Redlands Track Park and Hilliards Creek riding areas, allowing locals to piece together much longer rides. Scribbly Gums is especially useful for riders building fitness or confidence before progressing to more demanding South East Queensland destinations such as Daisy Hill, Bayview or Mt Cotton. RTS Tip: Scribbly Gums is a brilliant choice if you're new to MTB or riding with kids — start with a few of the shorter green trails, then link the blue trails together as confidence grows. Don’t let the lack of big hills fool you: the maze of interconnected singletrack makes it easy to turn a quick ride into 20 km or more. Download the current trail map before heading out, as there are plenty of intersections. Also check current trail reports before riding; some sections can be temporarily closed or affected by fallen trees and works.

Seeonee Park at Limestone Creek, between Rockhampton and Yeppoon, is a cross-country mountain bike network managed by Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club (Rocky MTB). Set within the 600-acre Scouts Queensland property, the network offers a collection of XC trails catering for a range of abilities, with natural singletrack, climbs and descents through the bushland. It’s particularly popular as an endurance training ground and regularly hosts club social rides, cross-country races and regional competitions. Compared with Rocky MTB’s larger First Turkey network, Seeonee is a smaller and more XC-focused riding area, making it a great option for riders looking to build fitness, practise cross-country skills or get in some training laps. RTS Tip: Seeonee Park is privately owned by Scouts Queensland and MTB access is restricted to Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club members during designated hours — it isn’t a 24/7 public trail network. Check the current access times and conditions with Rocky MTB before heading out.

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.

The Toogoom Mountain Bike Trails and Skills Park are located in Vernon State Forest near Toogoom, around 19 km north-west of Hervey Bay on Queensland’s Fraser Coast. Developed in partnership with the Fraser Coast Mountain Bike Club, the official network winds through open eucalypt woodland and forested hillsides, offering everything from easy beginner singletrack to faster, more technical descents. The official network includes 11 named trails plus a skills park. Easier options include Joey (675 m) and Sidewinder (450 m), while riders can progress onto trails including Snakes and Ladders (1.4 km), Downhill Madness (700 m), Glass (650 m), Krankshaft (670 m), Kamikaze (600 m) and Outer Limits (3.6 km). The mix of two-way and directional trails allows riders to link together different loops depending on ability and available time. Toogoom doesn’t have huge elevation, but the trails make good use of what’s available. Expect flowing dirt and loose-gravel singletrack, berms, short climbs, quick descents and technical features, with the easier climbing trails making it particularly good for riders developing their descending skills. Bicycle Queensland describes the core network as around 13 km of green and blue riding, suitable from beginners upwards. For riders wanting a bigger adventure, a designated MTB link trail connects Toogoom with the Takura Trail on the other side of Vernon State Forest. This allows experienced riders to extend well beyond the main trail network and build a substantially longer forest ride. Facilities make Toogoom particularly good for families and groups. The main trailhead off O’Regan Creek Road includes parking, a covered picnic area, toilets and the skills area, while Toogoom itself is only a short ride or drive away for a post-ride stop near the coast. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, start with Joey and Sidewinder, then work your way onto the longer and faster trails once you’ve got a feel for the loose Fraser Coast surface. Confident riders can link Kamikaze, Downhill Madness and Outer Limits into a bigger session, while the Toogoom–Takura link is worth adding if you want more distance. Some trails are one-way, so check the official map and directional signage before dropping in.

Underwood Park at Priestdale, south-east of Brisbane, offers a fun mix of off-road riding within a large recreation reserve. The bike trails make use of the park’s bushland and undulating terrain, with short singletrack sections, climbs, descents and features that are great for building confidence and bike-handling skills. Its accessible location and compact network make it particularly handy for a quick local session, families and riders looking to practise without committing to a big day on the trails. RTS Tip: Underwood Park is ideal for sessioning and skills practice, so explore the network at an easy pace first and then revisit your favourite sections. The trails can be affected by wet weather and heavy use, so avoid riding muddy sections and check current conditions before heading out. On race days additional parking is located across from Rochedale Rugby League Club

Victory Heights Recreational Trails, just minutes from the centre of Gympie, Queensland, is a fantastic community trail network covering around 60 hectares of remnant eucalypt forest and seasonal creek country. Around 25 km of well-maintained singletrack winds through the reserve, with riding designed for everyone from young kids and first-time mountain bikers through to experienced riders looking for jumps and technical challenges. Mountain bikers have a mixture of green, blue and black trails, including 14 one-way MTB-only descents. The harder trails incorporate jumps, drops, rocks and other technical features, with popular descents including Sideline, Gully, Double Mocha, The 4x4, Popgun, Double Espresso, Six Rocks, Dropside and Wreck It Rod. There are also around 17 km of shared-use singletrack and 5 km of fire roads, making it easy to build longer XC-style loops. Victory Heights is particularly good for families and skills progression. A dedicated 2 km kids bike track gives younger riders room to develop confidence, while a beginner-grade jump line provides an introduction to getting wheels off the ground. The network’s mix of easier trails and optional technical riding means families and groups with different skill levels can still enjoy the same destination. The Bath Terrace trailhead is well set up for a riding day, with off-street parking, public toilets, drinking water, visitor information and a bike washdown area. Shelters and picnic tables are also available near the kids track. The trails are developed and managed with significant involvement from the Cooloola Trail Care Alliance, which holds regular maintenance and trail-care days. RTS Tip: Victory Heights is a great place to progress your riding without needing to travel far from Gympie. Newer riders can start around the kids track and green trails before moving onto the blue network, while experienced riders should seek out the 14 dedicated descents for the jumps and technical features. All trails are clearly marked as either MTB-only or shared use, so watch the signage and give way appropriately on shared sections. With water, toilets and a bike wash at the trailhead, it’s also an easy place to settle in for a few hours and keep adding loops until the legs say otherwise.

The Wondai MTB Trails, located in McEuen State Forest just outside Wondai in Queensland’s South Burnett, offer around 20 km of hand-built cross-country singletrack through 426 hectares of native eucalypt bushland. The network has existed in various forms for decades and is now rejuvenated and maintained by the South Burnett Mountain Bike Club, creating a great regional riding spot for beginner through intermediate riders. The network includes trails such as The Giant (3.2 km), Mongoose (2.6 km), Superhighway (2.1 km), Waterloo (1.94 km), Rubarco (1.5 km), Cannonball (1.2 km), Gully Track (835 m) and Downpipe (590 m). Most are blue-rated, while Rubarco mixes green and blue terrain and a short green link connects Mongoose and Superhighway. Expect classic natural XC riding with flowing singletrack, gullies, rocky creek beds and short climbs mixed with purpose-built features. Superhighway has been upgraded with gully crossings, jumps and berms, Giant includes berms, jumps and rock gardens, while Downpipe provides a short downhill-focused hit with berms, drops and rocky features. One of the network’s biggest advantages is its connection to the South Burnett Rail Trail. A dedicated green link trail connects the MTB network directly with the rail trail, making it possible to ride from Wondai rather than drive to the forest. The rail trail can also be incorporated into much bigger rides towards Kingaroy or Murgon. The main MTB access is from Wondai–Charlestown Road, where a dedicated car park was constructed in 2020. From there, the interconnected layout makes it easy to combine several trails into a longer loop rather than repeatedly riding individual tracks. RTS Tip: Wondai is a great network for XC riders and anyone progressing from rail trails into proper singletrack. Use the green rail-trail link to access the forest, then start with the easier options before moving onto Giant, Mongoose, Superhighway and Downpipe. If you want a bigger day, combine the MTB network with the South Burnett Rail Trail for a ride that mixes singletrack and easy cruising. Download the current trail map before heading into McEuen State Forest, as there are plenty of intersecting trails and forestry tracks.

The Wooroi MTB Trails, within Tewantin National Park just outside Tewantin and around 15 minutes from Noosa Heads, are one of the Sunshine Coast’s best-established mountain bike networks. Starting from Wooroi Day Use Area, riders can explore 11 official MTB routes through tall eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies and semi-heath country, with easy, intermediate and difficult riding available. The trails are managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service with assistance from the Noosa Trailblazers MTB Club. The network packs plenty of variety into a relatively compact area. Trails incorporate well-known sections including Hovea, Indy, Glider, Secrets, Glossy, Bloodwood, Crosscut, Milk Maid, Trailblazer, Day Dream, Keelback, Turn 10 and Snake. Expect classic subtropical riding with flowing singletrack, roots, short punchy climbs, fast descents, berms and natural technical features, with some management-track connections between sections. Newer riders can begin with Hovea, an easy 1.3 km official circuit following mostly management tracks. From there, the intermediate routes range from around 3 km to 12 km, making it easy to progressively explore more of Wooroi. A particularly good introduction for capable riders is the roughly 11.5–12 km perimeter-style loop incorporating Top Track and Milk Maid, which samples several vegetation zones and gives a great overview of the network. More experienced riders can tackle Wooroi’s three difficult routes: Keelback (800 m), Turn 10 (1.5 km) and Snake (600 m). Turn 10 and Snake are one-way trails, while Keelback is two-way, so riders need to pay attention to directional signage when linking trails together. The trailhead is easy to access from Noosa–Cooroy Road, with parking, picnic tables and tap water available at the Wooroi day-use area. There are no toilets at Wooroi itself, so plan accordingly. The forest is also known habitat for wildlife including koalas, glossy black-cockatoos and white-bellied sea-eagles, adding a distinctly Noosa feel to the ride. RTS Tip: For your first Wooroi visit, use Hovea as a warm-up, then step onto the intermediate network and work towards Milk Maid, Indy and Glider before considering the difficult trails. Some sections are shared with walkers and several trails have mandatory riding directions, so check the official map before setting out. Most importantly, avoid riding during or immediately after wet weather — Wooroi’s trails can close after heavy rain to prevent damage, so check current park alerts before travelling.