Mountain biking in Brisbane
Mountain biking has become a popular recreation activity in Brisbane, and with its choice of city-bordering and regional mountain biking areas, it’s not hard to see why. Discover the best places to go mountain biking in Brisbane, and what to do while you’re in these breathtaking neighbourhoods.
Daisy Hill Conservation Park
A short drive south of Brisbane City lands you in the Logan City region, where you’ll find nature-abundant Daisy Hill. Daisy Hill Conservation Park is a popular mountain biking spot for its exciting trails and proximity to Brisbane, but there’s also plenty of things you can do while you’re in the area. Right next door you’ll find Daisy Hill Koala Centre, where you can visit the cuddly mammals and enjoy a picnic or barbecue in the grounds below. Refuel at nearby local favourite St Coco Cafe, and pick up take-home eats from Doughnut World. Unsure of where you’d like to eat? You can discover the markets and flavourful eateries of Logan City. Still seeking thrills? Logan City is home to speed-centric adventures, including go-karting at Kingston Park Raceway, the BMX & Skate Parks, motorbike experiences with EagleRider and Big Swing for fast-paced golfing fun.
Hidden Vale Adventure Park
A 12,000-acre property where mountain bikers can roam free and enjoy cycling at their own pace, Hidden Vale Adventure Park is only a one-hour drive from Brisbane City. The park is ideal for cyclists of all ages – from beginners to athletes – and has a range of bikes for hire, if you’re not yet a committed mountain biker. Once you’ve been filled with the thrill of hours spent mountain biking, it is just a short 40 minute drive into Ipswich where you are guaranteed a great feed. Ruby ChewsRuby Chews is a perfect example of the high standard of burgers in Ipswich and Pumpyard BreweryPumpyard Brewery shows the quality of brews in the town. If you’re unsure where you want to go, hit up a food and heritage trail, where we have laid out the perfect day of food just for you! If you're staying the night, there are plenty of places to discover where to set up camp or enjoy your creature comforts in the region’s accommodation offerings.
Mt Coot-Tha and Gap Creek, Mt Coot-Tha Forest
There are two thrilling rides both located in Mount Coo-tha that featured easier trails and challenging terrain for riders of all expertise levels. Mt Coot-Tha offers a combination of trails to choose from, making this location a great option for those riding with kids or those who are still learning the mountain biking ways.If you’re feeling exhausted from the excitement of the tracks, you can head to the Summit Cafe to catch your breath (and then have it taken away again by breathtaking city views). Then, you can visit the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium for a unique experience beneath a starry-skied dome. Or if you aren’t done with exploring the grounds at Mount Coo-tha, you can explore the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha to explore the plant life and take it easy on the lawns with a coffee.
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
A popular locale among cycling and mountain biking types, Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) has become a must-do for pedal pushers. Spanning 161 kilometers, where you can either complete the challenge all at once, or in shorter segments, too.
Those who begin their Rail Trail ride in Yarraman (at Yarraman Station Park) can finish in Ipswich (at Wulkuraka Station) and treat their legs to a luxurious rest and solid night’s sleep at Spicers Hidden Vale as a reward for their efforts.
D'Aguilar National Park
Natural beauty abounds at D’Aguilar National Park, where mountain biking devotees can get active outdoors and take in the scenery of this verdant patch of Brisbane’s Moreton Bay region. Better yet, once you’ve worked up a sweat mountain biking, cyclists can cool off in the ‘Rocky Hole’ swimming hole – an idyllic and refreshing end to a ride. Riders can also camp in the National Park, and make a weekend of their time in.
A half hour’s drive from the D’Aguilar National Park lies expansive Ocean View Estate, with its wide vineyard views, lovingly crafted wines, and enticing food menus. You can also laze on the lawns with a picnic here and stretch your legs. Those who prefer plush bedding to camp mattresses can also book a stay at Ocean View Estate.
Kooralbyn Valley Mountain Bike Park
High on the must-try lists of Mountain Bikers sits Kooralbyn Valley Mountain Bike Park in Brisbane’s Scenic Rim region. On these sprawling grounds, riders will be kept busy with a large trail network to explore. The bike park is also host to a range of mountain biking events throughout the year.
After your ride, stop in at Tamborine Mountain for robust pub lunches at The Bearded Dragon, or eco-forward fare and coffee from an innovative cafe named Picnic Real Food Bar. Or if you are looking for some more excitement you can take on the Treetop Challenge at Thunderbird Park, or walk the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.
Samford Conservation Park and Bunyaville Conservation Park
Mountain bikers, nature lovers, and bird watchers flock to Samford Conservation Park and Bunyaville Conservation Park for a breath of fresh air just a 20-minute drive outside of Brisbane City. In these leafy sanctuaries there are trails for all ages and skill levels to try out, making these parks a family-friendly mountain biking spot. At Bunyaville Conservation Park, visitors can fire up a barbecue and picnic under a forest canopy, take a bush walk and hop in the lakes for a post-ride swim.
While mountain biking through Samford, head to Samford Village to fuel up with delicious baked goods from Samford Patisseries Cafe and explore a fascinating treasure trove of wizard-inspired wares, The Store of Requirement.
If you are looking for riding trails closer to Brisbane City, you can cycle the Boondall Wetlands Bikeway, Redcliffe Peninsula over the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge and take in the waterfront breezes; or head to Bracken Ridge BMX Track to find your two-wheeled thrills on a newly created, purpose-built facility.
Start planning your mountain biking adventures for when you next #VisitBrisbane.
