hero media

The Whitsundays is getting 40 kilometres of mountain bike trails

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
Get on your bike and head to Airlie Beach for a brand new mountain bike adventure.

When you think of Airlie Beach and the surrounding Whitsundays, the first pictures that come to mind are of white sand beaches, underwater creatures, boats and maybe a surfer or 10. But even on land, there’s so much to offer – from rainforest to mountain ranges. Which is why the newest mountain bike trails to be announced may just also be the prettiest: the first stage of Twin Creeks Eco Park will debut mountain bike trails, with 35–40 kilometres of singletrack just over the hill from Airlie Beach.

Conway National Park is the site of the new Twin Creeks Eco Park
Conway National Park is the site of the new Twin Creeks Eco Park.

 

We’ve already seen the rise of running tourism this year, and now that enthusiasm to get moving seems to have well and truly spilled over to the mountain biking community. And it seems the Whitsundays may just be the next go-to destination for biking enthusiasts. What with Finch Hatton – a small town west of Mackay, home to waterfalls, lush flora and volcanic boulders – nearby, and discussion of another mountain bike project connected to the Whitsunday Skyway Project (a new eco-tourism initiative bringing cable car rides that will take tourists 430 metres above sea level).

But what is Twin Creeks Eco Park? The project plans to turn a thousand acres – adjoining the Conway National Park – into an enhanced, natural playground. The approach of developers is to follow the mould of golf course living and tourism – where private homes are built along the fairway, with a clubhouse and holiday accommodation to top it off. But make that golf fairway a web of biking, hiking and running trails, open to the public. And all just 12 minutes from Airlie Beach.

a row of bike riders mountain biking near airlie beach whitsundays
Mountain bikers in the know already love The Whitsundays. (Image: Riptide Creative)

This singletrack announcement is just stage one, with 220 kilometres of vertical track and more to follow in the next 12 months. Most of the trails will be gravity-based, with some adventure-style trails taking in some of the most beautiful parts of the surrounding rainforest.

The project is being undertaken by born and bred Airlie Beach local, Ashley Rees, Kerr and Cole Claxton (who are also the owners of Ride Whitsundays bike shop and Ocean Safari Rafting) and one other. So it’s a group of people who know a thing or two about the area and how best to explore it.

Other scenic spots for mountain bikers

The Ngaro Track
Ride through Twin Creeks Eco Park, then discover more trails around Australia.

Fully onboard for a mountain biking travel takeover? There are plenty of new and favourite mountain bike parks and trails to call your name.

Discover the new Great Southern Trails, combining over 550 kilometres of dedicated MTB trails around Southern New South Wales. Stay in the state to ride 22 kilometres of bike tracks through the rugged beauty and pastoral landscapes near the Snowy Mountains at Tumbarumba Mountain Bike Park.

Or, pop over to the other side of the country at Western Australia’s Darling Range to test out Dwellingup’s new mountain bike network. Victoria has its own mountain biking capital, in the charming town of Creswick.

The Whitsundays isn’t Queensland’s only destination jumping on the MTB trend. The Scenic Rim Trail Bike tour shows travellers the lush bush, farmland and extinct volcanoes of this region just outside Brisbane on two wheels.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
View profile and articles
Things to do in Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach

11 of the best things to do in Airlie Beach

From the back of a jet ski to the seat of a mountain bike or aboard a catamaran, there are countless ways to explore Airlie Beach

Read more
the glamping tent at Tasman Holiday Park Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach

The best places to camp in Airlie Beach

Sleep in camping sites set in hectares of tropical gardens within walking distance of town in caravan parks which offer the most cost-effective way to stay in Airlie Beach.

Read more
Airlie Beach tours
Airlie Beach

The best tours in Airlie Beach for your next getaway

There’s so much to do and see in and around Airlie Beach and the best way to see all the region has to offer is on tours which range from a one hour boat trip to full day waterfall tours…

Read more
Airlie Beach restaurants
Airlie Beach

10 of best restaurants in Airlie Beach

 Dine al fresco on fresh local seafood and drink in beautiful water views at these Airlie Beach cafes, bars and restaurants.

Read more
hero media

8 unexpected experiences to have during a weekend in Moreton Bay

Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay

    Rachel Lay Rachel Lay
    Continue
    Halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, the coastline is hiding a holiday gem. Meet Moreton Bay: a region brimming with unexpected experiences. 

    Weekends are a finite resource. Each year, we must decide how to extract the most value from just 52 of them – and Moreton Bay may just be the perfect way to do it. 

    But don’t be fooled by the region’s easy accessibility. It’s somehow remained an unspoken secret among locals and travellers alike. 

    It has the fresh seafood and the island-dotted bay, but did you know about the wizarding store, the disco royalty, or the vintage train-carriage-stay tucked into a national park? 

    The best part? You can explore them all without touching your annual leave balance. 

    1. Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point 

    Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point 
    Be sure to stop for oysters. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    You could make the argument that the Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point is reason enough to spend a weekend in Moreton Bay. 

    What was once a humble, wooden oyster farming shack in the 1900s is now a seaside paradise: day beds bathed in Queensland sunshine, a jetty that pierces the sea, and a seafood menu based on their exclusive fishing partner’s daily catches. 

    Your first stop in Moreton Bay must be to try the area’s beloved Moreton Bay Bugs. Here, they’re served fresh in the sea breeze. Order the Crustacean Plate that’s prepared fresh each day. Or, try their signature baked fish tacos. 

    2. Ocean View Estates 

    Ocean View Estates 
    Stop in for wine and grazing plates. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    Tucked away in the hills of Moreton Bay, you’ll find Ocean View Estates, poured across 100 acres of sloping vineyards. Arrive via winding or scenic mountain roads. 

    Join the Wine & Dine in the Vines experience to be greeted with a glass of wine upon arrival before taking the time to stroll (wine in hand) through the grapevines. Spot the adorable herd of Highland cows before joining a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard’s operations. Sip wine straight from the vat before starting your four-course, wine-paired degustation. 

    If you can’t bear to leave, spend the night in one of the property’s quaint wine-themed cottages. 

    3. Green Thumb Farm

    green thumb farm moreton bay
    Learn about (and taste) sustainable food growing practices at Green Thumb.

    Green Thumb Farm calls Samford Valley home. This not-for-profit, educational community farm’s goal is to share sustainable food growing practices with the community. 

    Each Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday morning, you can follow the ‘farm walk’ signs through the property on a self-guided walk to witness how growing food with regenerative farming principles can support pollinators and soil to help create a more resilient food cycle. 

    To sample the produce, stop by on a Saturday morning to explore the spray-free fruit and vegetable markets. 

    4. Redcliffe KiteFest

    Redcliffe annual KiteFest
    Watch the sky change colours during KiteFest.

    Plan your visit to Moreton Bay for the weekend of the 19th and 20th of September this year and you’ll be greeted with an explosion of colour, creativity and family fun. Why? Because the Redcliffe annual KiteFest is back in town. 

    Browse the local food trucks as giant kites soar overhead, fly your own kite, let the kids try their hand at kite making with a series of workshops, and so much more. 

    For a colourful, family-friendly weekend close to Brisbane, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something better in your calendar. 

    5. Mt Nebo Railway Carriage and Chalet

    Mt Nebo Railway Carriage and Chalet
    Stay in one of the region’s most unique accommodations. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    Under the shaded canopy of the Boombana section of D’Aguilar National Park, you’ll find a lovingly restored 1920s Queensland Rail carriage and chalet. 

    The rail carriage comes complete with Wi-Fi, a smart TV, and even a barbecue. Take your morning coffee in the buffet car’s booth seating while you browse the record selection from the train’s original luggage racks. 

    Here, among six acres of picturesque mountain rainforest, you’ll find quaint gardens, tranquil views and close access to walking trails. 

    6. Hip Hops Brewers

    Hip Hop Brewers
    Try tasty craft beer flavours at Hip Hop Brewers.

    Brendale’s Hip Hops Brewers has one of the region’s most exciting craft beer offerings. Their local taproom is home to 21 different, meticulously crafted beer offerings and their mammoth selection of local wines and spirits. Hip Hops Brewers works in collaboration with local artisans and charities to deliver on their offering of drinks and events.  

    Spend an afternoon working your way through the selection at their ridiculously welcoming taproom and brewery. 

    7. The Store of Requirement

    The Store of Requirement
    Step inside for a touch of magic. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    For Harry Potter fans, The Store of Requirement is a compulsory visit. Much like the story’s Room of Requirement, the shop exists to provide whatever it is you need at the moment. Yes, that does include their own butterscotch brew. You’ll find wands, Hogwarts uniforms, and all the ingredients you’ll need for potions class. 

    You’ll even find the powder blue car Ron and Harry crash-landed at Hogwarts parked right out front. 

    8. Bee Gees Way

    bee gees way mural
    Find the groove on Bee Gees Way. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    Did you know that the Bee Gees brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice grew up in Moreton Bay? The disco supergroup called Redcliffe’s shores home before settling in at the top of the charts with hits like ‘Stayin’ Alive’. 

    Now, the spirit of disco is absolutely alive in Redcliffe thanks to Bee Gees Way. 

    The 70-metre outdoor museum pays homage to the band and was developed in collaboration with the band’s Barry Gibb. The experience is completely free and meanders along the Redcliffe foreshore. Walk down memory lane with photos, album covers, personal stories from the band, and exclusive interviews with Barry all about Moreton Bay. 

    Once the sun has set, catch the free light show set to the band’s greatest hits. 

    Trade the everyday for Moreton Bay, plan your weekend getaway now at visitmoretonbay.com.au.