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Whether you consider yourself a bush bashing mountain biking pro, you’re new to the game, or just looking for a leisurely ride, read on to discover the best mountain bike trails in Southern Queensland Country.
Are you getting tired of riding along the same old paved city cycling routes?
It’s time to get off road and put pedal to the metal on some of the State’s best mountain bike trails found in our country.
Whether you consider yourself a bush bashing mountain biking pro, you’re new to the game, or just looking for a leisurely ride, read on to discover the best mountain bike trails in Southern Queensland Country.
Glen Rock State Forest, Lockyer Valley
Point your handlebars towards the signature red volcanic outcrop, known as Glen Rock State Forest.
Work your way through rugged gorges and ridges of the park, broken up by steady downward slopes and fertile flats of the Blackfellow, Shady, Flaggy and Black Duck Creeks.
For the experienced: Begin at the car park in Goomburra National Park and ride up into the rainforests on the mountain tops of Goomburra, for a challenging, steep, and rough track into Glen Rock.
For the beginner: Take the scenic route and find your way around Christies Loop – abundant in wildlife and forest views to be taken in from the saddle. You’ll be treated to landscapes of the park’s signature red rock and Blackfellow Creek Valley when you get to the top.
No matter your experience, be sure to extend your stay with these 10 things to do in Lockyer Valley.
McEuen State Forest, South Burnett
The South Burnett is jam-packed with riding routes ranging from tenuous terrain to peaceful paths, with the McEuen State Forest most mountain bikers' top pick and home to the Wondai Bike Trails.
The trails are a short ride from the South Burnett Rail Trail and the township of Wondai, with more than eight routes built from a mix of natural and man-made terrain.
For the experienced: Test your skills with tight turns and big jumps along the blue-rated (moderate) tracks, Cannonball, Downpipe or Giant which cover 426 hectares of native bushland.
For the beginner: Enjoy the scenes of native flora and fauna at a slower pace along the Gully Track, the Green Loop ride or any of the tracks that are part of the Kingaroy to Wondai South Burnett Rail Trail, which stretches nearly 30 kilometres.
We’ve also wrapped up our top 10 things to do in the South Burnett region while you’re there.
Mount Marlay, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
The Southern Downs & Granite Belt is a mountain bikers paradise – with trails bound to get your BPM moving as fast as your pedals.
The first port of call for fearless fun seekers is Mount Marlay, with an obstacle course of trails constructed from giant boulders and granite outcrops to ride over, under and around.
For the experienced: Gain some momentum and put the tyres to the test along the Tank Slapper or the Hammerhead trails, both rated black (difficult).
For the beginner: Give the Green Granite (easy) and the Grape Escape (moderate) a go.
Either route you take, reward your efforts by quenching your thirst at the Granite Belt Brewery.
Toowoomba Jubilee Park, Toowoomba Region
If you ask anyone in the Toowoomba Region where the best mountain bike park is, they'll likely have the same answer: Jubilee Park.
Choose from 41 trails that range from green (easy) to black (not for the faint-hearted).
Here you'll find jumps, berms, and tabletops stretching across 30 kilometres of bush, dirt, and rock.
Experienced option: Hammer down the D.EX. or the Cheeseburger and feel the rush as you fly through the thick forest canopy and into the clearing.
Beginner option: Don't be put off by the name, but the Defibrillator Loop Trail is an easy ride and offers the chance of making friends with local wildlife, like wallabies, koalas, and native birds along the way.
Crows Nest, Toowoomba Region
Crows Nest is a mountain biker's Mecca with trails winding around charming and rustic farmyards, meandering glassy creeks, and rolling mountains with views stretching as far as the eye can see – perfect for sunrise or sunset rides.
Experienced option: Keen mountain bikers with time up to spare time (2-3 hours) should follow the Bald Hills Jaunt, looping along the crest of the Great Dividing Range, or the Dahl Road Crows Nest National Park running over country gravel roads and through thick bushland. Both journeys cover approximately 22 kilometres.
Beginner option: Explore the easier tracks Bum Bum Creek Loop and Gus Butel Lookout, Palm Tree Loop.
If you’ve only got a weekend spare, but still want to explore more of the region, check out our 48 hour guide to Toowoomba.
Other trails to try:
- The Goondiwindi Bike Route covers 21km, following the Macintyre River and winding through the town as well as the Goondiwindi Weir and the Botanic Gardens.
- Stenner Street Skills Park Toowoomba offers terrain for all levels, including jump tracks.
- The Yarraman State Forest with the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail from Yarraman to Wulkuraka, a popular option for mountain bike riders.
- Barambah Bush Caravan Park Murgon houses 5.5 kilometres of mountain biking trails with jumps, tabletops, berms, off camber corners and lookouts.
- The South Burnett Rail Trail has plenty of leisurely loops to choose from.
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