Where to go mountain biking in Brisbane

Whip past an abandoned plane, blaze through champion-designed trails or roll along Australia's longest rail trail—it’s all possible mountain biking in Brisbane’s backyard.

Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker chasing gnarly drop gaps and hard-hitting berms, or a beginner just starting out, you’ll find it here in Brisbane. And with 283 days of sunshine each year, every day is a good day to get out on two wheels.

Unsure where to begin? We’ve got you covered with our guide to 10 of the best Brisbane mountain biking trails.

The trails are calling—are you ready?

Daisy Hill Conservation Park

Brisbane's mountain biking home amongst the gum trees, Daisy Hill Conservation Park offers 22-kilometres of trails just 25-minutes from the city.

Amongst the tall eucalypts and Melaleuca forests you'll find trails for all skill levels, from the popular 'Possum Box' flow track, through to black diamond 'Nirvana' with its crazy drops.

You’ll also find picnic areas, BBQs, family-friendly shared trails (try ‘Stringy Bark’) and even the Koala Conservation Park where you can have a cuddly encounter with a koala.

Looking for more? Keep the action rolling at the nearby Underwood and Cornubia MTB Parks.

Hidden Vale Adventure Park (HVAP)

Imagine taking off on two wheels as you ride by an old plane—it’s just one of the highlights at Hidden Value Adventure Park, Australia’s largest privately owned MTB park.

For $20, you can make HVAP’s 110-kilometres of blue and green trails (located at Spicers Hidden Vale Retreat) your own mountain biking playground. The trails are meticulously maintained and well-equipped, with bike hire, shuttle buses and guided tours available.

Done for the day? Hit up ‘The Barn’ for a Barn Beef Burger or spend the night at Spicers and feel brand new.

Gap Creek Reserve (Mt Coot-tha)

Ride through the bush at Gap Creek Reserve and you'd never know you're only 25-minutes from the city.

Brisbane’s closest trails offer 25-kilometres of dedicated MTB singletrack as well as 31-kilometres of shared use trails. All skills are catered for, with highlights including the popular ‘Rocket Frog’ and the black diamond ‘Pipeline Trail’ featuring a 180-degree wall-ride berm.

The park has everything you need, with picnic areas, BBQs and water stations, while Forbes MTB and Endless Trail offer guided experiences.

Bayview Conservation Park

XC riders, this one’s for you!

Ride amongst grass trees and candlestick banksias as you test yourself on the 60-kilometres of trails in the heart of the Redlands—just watch out for goannas and koalas!

The home of the RATS Cycling Club, the trails here are mostly blue and green (we recommend starting with ‘Sorceress’). You'll also find all the facilities you need from showers to picnic tables.

Check out the Redlands Track Park and Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area for other MTB options in the Redlands Coast area.

Bunyaville Conservation Park
Iron Bark Gully (Samford Conservation Park)

These neighbouring Conservation Parks together form a mountain biking haven offering everything from long distance trails under leafy canopies through to a challenging skills park.

Bunyaville features 30-kilometres of mostly blue and green trails (check out ‘Wayne’s World’) as well as ‘Carnivore’ and ‘Jurassic’, two black diamond trails with bite.

Meanwhile, the smaller Iron Bark Gully offers favourites such as ‘Whip Snake’, featuring log roll overs and switchbacks, and a skills garden perfect for newbies looking to learn some tricks.

Families can hit the shared trails or enjoy a BBQ or picnic, with firewood, picnic areas and drinking water available. Oh, and you can even bring Fido on shared trails – providing they’re on a leash.

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Make tracks to Australia’s longest rail trail and ride into the 1800s as you explore this 161-kilometre trail along the disused railway between Ipswich and Blackbutt.

Breathe in fresh country air as you learn about the early settlers, explore heritage listed tunnels and bridges and stop in at charming little towns.

Tackle the full trail (be careful: some sections don’t have mobile coverage or water stations) or pick off shorter sections—some legs, such as Blackbutt to Benarkin, are even suitable for little legs.

You can also hire a bike or e-bike with Out There Cycling or take guided or self-guided tour with Australian Cycle Tours.

Mt Joyce Recreation Park, Wyaralong Dam

For a ride fit for champions, head to Mt Joyce Recreation Escape Park, designed with input from Australian mountain biking legend Nathan Rennie.

Nestled on the banks of gorgeous Lake Wyaralong in the Scenic Rim, the park features 25-kilometres of singletrack trails.

The park is well equipped and offers trails for all skill levels (‘Bovine Groove’ is a favourite for intermediate riders), the black diamond trails here are very challenging and for advanced riders only.

For something slower paced, try the 30-kilometre shoreline trail around the lake—you’ll feel like you’re pedalling through a postcard.

D’Aguilar National Park

Looking to head off the beaten track? Then get on your bike and head to D'Aguilar National Park, where forest trails wind around scribbly gums, sub-tropical rainforest and emerald green water holes.

The most popular ride is the 22-kilometre South Boundary Road trail from Gap Creek to Mt Nebo. It’s rated green but features heart pumping climbs which reward you with stunning views out over Enoggera Reservoir.

Any of the management roads in the National Park can be ridden (unless signposted otherwise), but you’ll need a high level of fitness and a topographic map (available from the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre).

D’Aguilar National Park isn’t just for the pros, though. For something slower paced, try the trails and skills course around the Discovery Centre.

Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve Mountain Bike Trails (Ipswich)

If you like your adrenalin fix served with a side of history, then head to Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve, the site of a former coal mine. Here you’ll find open mine tunnels, hand-dug mine shafts, and relics of a three-story mansion, as well as 16-kilometres of mountain biking trails.

Recently updated with new facilities and a skills park, most of the trails are for intermediate to advanced riders. Think off-camber turns, loose shale rocks and sharp turns.

Beginners and families are invited to the party too, though. Check out ‘Backleg Gully’, an undulating singletrack suitable for all ages.

What to do in Brisbane

Why not turn your mountain biking adventure into a holiday?

The host of the 2032 Olympics, Brisbane has it all: al fresco riverside dining, world class arts and culture and major events, all served with blue skies and laidback charm. Think big city vibes but with the top button undone.

The lifeblood of Brisbane is the Brisbane River, which carves its way through the heart of the city and out into Moreton Bay. Around the river you can climb the Story Bridge, eat and drink at Howard Smith Wharves, or take a dip at the man-made Streets Beach at South Bank Parklands.

If nature is more your thing, head to Lone Pine Sanctuary and hang out with kangaroos, or step out into the stunning Scenic Rim, named one of Lonely Planet’s Hottest Destinations. Alternatively, head out on a day trip to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) where you can dive the Tangalooma wrecks.

To see it all, you’ll need to stay a few nights. Choose from luxe city hotels like the Calile Hotel or W Brisbane, island getaways like Tangalooma Island Resort or country retreats like Spicers Hidden Vale. See here for your guide to Brisbane’s best accommodation.

From rooftop bars to top-tier restaurants, there’s something to tickle your tastebuds. All you need is an empty stomach and our guide to Brisbane’s best restaurants.