Freewheeling fun – where to go mountain biking in Brisbane
When it comes to a perfect blend of fun, fitness and adrenaline, it’s hard to go past mountain biking. You get all of the physical benefits of cycling with the added bonus of being surrounded by some seriously stunning landscapes – what’s not to love? Brisbane and its surrounds are loaded with great spots to give this sport a crack. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never set foot in a forest or whether you’re a speed demon from way back – we’ve teamed up with Brisbane City Council to scout out some mountain biking trails that are perfect for every level of experience.
Mt Coot-tha
You might know it for its lush gardens and the Planetarium, but Mt Coot-tha also happens to be a prime spot for some mountain biking action. The Mt Coot-tha Forest is home to a glorious 23.5 kilometres worth of riding trails, ranging in difficulty from beginner-style tracks to more adrenaline-pumping options. For those with heaps of experience under their belt, the Pipeline Trail is the way to go – coming in at just under a kilometre, it features a 180-degree wall-ride berm, log rollovers and large drop-offs to attempt. Check out Cycling Brisbane’s trailblazing look at the mountain bike trails in Mt Coot-tha.
Bayview Conservation Park
Whether you’re chasing 30 minutes of pure downhill power or would rather take a leisurely cross-country ride, the Bayview Conservation Park can cater to you.Grass trees stud the picturesque trails that weave through the park, with the northern section boasting some of the toughest spots in Brisbane.There is also the added benefit of self-service bike maintenance poles strategically placed along the trails, so if you need to patch up you won’t have to go far.
Ironbark Gully
If you’re not the most confident rider but you’re still keen to get into mountain biking, Ironbark Gully is a great spot to start. Located within the Samford Conservation Park, the gully boasts a large skills park where newbies can test out things like berms, jumps and rock gardens before going hard on the trails. Those who are ready to take on the trails can explore the offering within the gully, or extend their ride to include the adjoining Bunyaville Forest.
Redlands Track Park
Mountain biking can be pretty intimidating if you’re not familiar with how it all works, so Redlands Track Park is the perfect place to try if you’re just starting out. The park is made up of 25 kilometres of easy-to-moderate trails that are ideal for beginners or those looking for a more low-key social ride. This one has the added bonus of being just 40 minutes’ drive from the Brisbane CBD if you don’t want to head out too far.
Daisy Hill State Forest
For an uninterrupted ride, Daisy Hill State Forest is a great place to go. There are kilometres of international-standard trails for people of all skill levels – beginners can explore hillsides of eucalypt forests while those after more of a challenge are welcome to tear up the trails studded with berms, tight corners and rock features. If you’re not from the area, book in a little time to check out the Daisy Hill Koala Centre while you’re there – get up close and personal with the cute critters for free.
Castlehill Trails
Just a couple of kilometres from the Ipswich CBD you can find Blackstone Hill, known affectionately to locals and mountain bikers alike as Castlehill. This stunning summit is loaded with trails for all levels, with the added convenience of all being connected by a single, easy-climb fire road. Novices can check out the green trails, while hardcore enthusiasts are better off tackling the black trails full of technical challenges like jumps and drops.
Ready to embrace life on two wheels? Whether you’re an experienced mountain biker or it’s your first time on the trails, Brisbane City Council’s Cycling Brisbane program has loads of helpful information on our local cycling scene.
This article was created with our good friends at Brisbane City Council.
