Where to ride
You’ll find plenty of great places to ride your mountain bike, whether you are a beginner or a more serious rider. Here’s a selection, grouped by destination, to get you started.
Brisbane
Just beyond the city, a world of riding adventure beckons. The peaceful bushland of Bunyaville Conservation Park offers interwoven trails and roads to suit every skill level. Spot koalas and enjoy the open forest setting on the growing networks of trails through Daisy Hill Conservation Park. Discover one of Queensland’s best bike-riding destinations in D'Aguilar's mountain bike trail network and the exciting Walkabout Creek mountain bike skills course.
Bundaberg North Burnett
The Promisedland mountain bike trail network in Cordalba State Forest feature rugged hills among beautiful forest, suitable for riders of all abilities. Or take to the sun-dappled roads in Coominglah State Forest, beneath the shade of towering plantations and forests.
Capricorn
Byfield State Forest is one of the most popular places to ride in the Capricorn region. Explore tracks through picturesque recreation areas surrounded by rainforest-edged creeks and pine plantations.
Fraser Coast
Mountain bike riding is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Fraser Coast. Ride at leisure or build up some speed through the forest and woodlands along the Toogoom mountain bike trails in Vernon State Forest. There’s enough variety to mix and match for a unique experience on every ride.
Gold Coast
Famous for fun, the Gold Coast provides a great variety of riding trails. Glossy black cockatoos and sleepy koalas are trail-side spectators in Nerang National Park. Try out your skills with fast corners, technical features and creek crossings, or take it slower and just enjoy beautiful surroundings on the easy grade trails.
Mackay Region
For rides with the perfect balance of nature and adventure, try the fire trails and roads along the rugged Clarke Range in Cathu State Forest, and throughout the Mackay Highlands in Crediton and Mia Mia state forests, and Eungella and Homevale national parks.
Outback Queensland
Slow down, take your time and explore the unique landscapes and colourful history of Queensland's Outback by bike in Moorrinya, Lochern, Wiliyan-ngurru Caves and Blackbraes national parks. It’s a whole new way to experience the Outback; but it’s hot, dry and dusty and a long way from anywhere, so be well-prepared and have plenty of water!
Southern Queensland Country
Picturesque roads and trails are dotted through the parks and forests of Southern Queensland Country. Start your adventures at Yarraman State Forest for a great range of riding experiences, but don’t end it here—there’s plenty more to discover. Try the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail that passes through Benarkin State Forest, along with other forestry tracks, and enjoy the forest settings at a different pace.
Sunshine Coast
Balmy weather and incredible natural wonders combine to create refreshing riding adventures. Dramatic scenery and tricky trail features greet riders on trails in Tewantin National Park and Eumundi Conservation Park, while in Parklands Conservation Park you’ll pedal through a setting of scenic palm-lined gullies, eucalypt forests and subtropical rainforest.
Townsville North Queensland
Wheel your way through a region studded with outback and coastal natural wonders and a diverse range of riding opportunities. The Cape Pallarenda Trails offer riders an extensive network of riding tracks suitable for all abilities through Cape Pallarenda and Townsville Town Common conservation parks. Test your cross-country mountain biking skills on the Under the Radar trail, or the optional difficult B lines on Smedley’s trail.
Tropical North Queensland
Adventurous by nature, this region hosts a range of purpose-built mountain bike trails, making it a world-class destination for dedicated riders. The Smithfield Mountain Bike Park at Smithfield Conservation Park is a great place to start, with trails to suit beginners, families, and advanced competitors. At Davies Creek Mountain Bike Park you’ll enjoy open woodlands, granite outcrops and clear streams while Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park in Herberton Range National Park offers challenging rocky gullies and picturesque forested ridgelines.
The Whitsundays
National parks and State forests are full of riding treasures, and the chance to explore one of the Whitsundays wonders, draws riders here from all over the world. Conway Circuit in Conway National Park offers forest-framed glimpses of the Whitsunday coast and islands, while the 4 trails of South Molle Island in the Molle Islands National Park pass through grasslands and forests, to an ancient Aboriginal stone quarry and spectacular island summits.
Still want more?
Find parks and forests with cycling tracks across all Queensland parks and make sure you mountain bike and cycle with care. Enjoy your next ride!