It makes sense that our latest issue focuses on Queensland. But there’s much more to do than we could cover. Here’s a guide to some of Queensland MTB hotspots.
Toogoom
A group of locals created a fantastic trail network just minutes away from Hervey Bay, a sleepy holiday town. There are now over 40 km of trails for all levels, from beginners to experienced riders. There is a Joey trail and a skills area for the children. The shelter shed provides shade to adults who do not ride and allows them to watch out while the kids are entertained. There are also public toilets, showers, and cafes at the Toogoom Road end for those who want to enjoy a coffee, beer, or a full meal after their ride.
There are 11 km of trails to explore, including cross-country and flow trails. Do not be fooled by the lack of apparent elevation. The flowing nature of these trails is great for beginners but will also give even the most experienced riders a good workout. Four one-way flow tracks with technical features such as jumps, berms, and log drops are available to all levels of riders. The technical features are marked with A and B lines to ensure that everyone can safely navigate the trails.
The other side of the street has about 30kms of singletrack and a fire road. This area is currently under construction and there are no official maps (although the trails are legal). If you’re looking for some fun, old-school technical trails, this is where to go. This site has more elevation, so those who enjoy climbing will find some fun little lung-busters.
How to get there? The Toogoom Mountain Bike Trails are located 20 minutes west of Hervey Bay. The main trailhead is on the corner of Oregan Ck Road & Toogoom Rd, opposite the Toogoom Community Hall.
Daisy Hill
Daisy Hill, located in the South of Brisbane is a popular mountain biking destination for riders from Queensland’s capital. Many of the trails have been redesigned to add more flow and challenge.
Daisy is one of Brisbane’s flatter trail destinations. It’s easy to spend 3 or more hours exploring the singletrack, which combines both old-school hand-built trails and flow-style terrain.
Parking is easy and there are plenty of options for a full day of riding. The XCO park and skills area at Underwood and the rocky gravity riding in Cornubia can be reached within minutes. Daisy can get a little busy on weekends. There are also few water stations, so make sure you plan.
How do I get there? Take the M1 South and take the Springwood Road exit.
Mackay
Mountain biking is a growing industry in Mackay. Mountain biking is gaining popularity in Mackay thanks to a school-based program. Rowallan Park is the closest trail to the town. It’s owned by local Scouts, but the mountain biking club maintains and builds the trails. The singletrack is about 10km long, which may not seem like much but it will keep you on your feet. Keep your eyes open for more news. There are currently some constructions going on at Kinchant Dam, including the building of gravity trails.
Rowallan Park and the work done by the local club have been so impressive that Mackay won the Queensland XCO State Champs for 2016, and then again in 2017, This year’s racing will take place between 30th September and 1st October.
There’s more backcountry mountain biking in the Pioneer Valley. You can explore the forest up to Eungella, and even beyond. The riding in this area is spectacular and unique. This is the largest rainforest south of Cairns. Mackay Mountain Marathon attracts riders from all over the country who want to experience this platypus-infested, unique part of Australia.
How do I get there? It’s a quick drive from the CBD. Just put Rowellan Park in your phone.
Hidden Vale
Hidden Vale Adventure Park has a goal to open 100 km of trail. Spicers Hidden Vale Resort offers free riding on its private land. (A $10 fee to cover maintenance of the trails is currently being discussed.) Hidden Vale also hosts several events throughout the year including the Flight Centre Cycle Epic.
Hidden Vale’s trails are a mix of new and old. The older trails are cut by hand, and the rocky and rutted terrain makes for a physically and technically challenging ride. World Trail’s team has recently constructed new trails that are much more flowing (they removed a lot of rock to do this). Smooth berms, jumps and gentle gradients are used to play off the smooth gradients near the Hidden Vale homes. You’ll also find steep climbs and brutal descents in the idyll surrounding a working cattle farm.
How do I get there? Hidden Vale can be reached in just over an hour via the Warrego Highway. Turn left to Rosewood and then continue on Grandchester Road.
Noosa
We have written about Noosa as the ideal location for a winter mountain biking getaway. The trails are great, the beach is beautiful, and it’s a family-friendly destination. Wooroi is a small but vibrant mountain bike park located just outside Tewantin. It has something for everyone. Riding with your kids? Near the carpark, you will find wide, flat and simple trails. You and your friends? Gravity trails offer a lot of chances to go big. Wooroi invites you to run down its steep western flank after an easy road ascent.
The Noosa Hinterland offers a variety of off-road rides. The Noosa Trail Network is a great place to go for long adventures. It’s mostly dirt roads and farm tracks, but the breathtaking scenery and epic climbs/descents are worth checking out. Adam Macbeth’s article on backcountry riding is featured in Issue 160, released in March 2017.
How do I get to Noosa? Noosa can be reached in about an hour and a half from Brisbane. Noosa is only a short drive away from the Wooroi Trail Network, which goes via Tewantin.
Rockwheeler’s Mountain Bike Club in Townsville has been growing the trail network of this tropical city and now hosts national-level competitions. It’s about time that this quiet achiever got some recognition. Pallarenda is where the National XCM will be held next week, and Mt Douglas has a larger trail network carved out of a large red hill outside of town.
Townsville is a great winter destination. With its incredible weather at least six months out of the year and plenty of riding at Magnetic Island (and much more in our issue 160 released in March 2017, you can find even more information). The reef offers a variety of activities, including a relaxed atmosphere and great mountain biking trails.
How do I get there? Pallarenda Trails are just a short drive from the town. Mt Douglas lies just behind James Cook University.
Atherton
Atherton is one of Australia’s earliest mountain biking destinations. It was founded with the idea that Aussies should not have to fly to enjoy epic all-day riding. Atherton, a town in Queensland located about an hour from Cairns, boasts 100 km of trails. Expect epic climbs and descents as well as plenty of jumps and flowy trails.
The UCI Mountain Bike World Championships are coming to Cairns. Any spectators should pack in a trip to the Tablelands to experience Atherton as many visiting professionals will do before and/or after racing.
There are many outdoor and gastronomic activities to enjoy on the tablelands that rise above Cairns. A trip up the range would not be complete without a stop at the stunning Lake Eacham or the huge Curtain Fig Tree. It’s also a great spot to spend some time mountain biking at Davies Creek.
How do I get there? There are several options, but the most direct route is the Kennedy Highway.
