Where to find the best mountain biking spots on the Sunshine Coast
Guide
By Scott Russell
Want to ride through thrilling trails and feel the sand under your feet—all before lunch? Welcome to mountain biking on the Sunshine Coast.
Come for the trails and stay for the golden beaches and evergreen hinterland of this mountain biking mecca located just two hours north of Brisbane.
Whether you’re looking to get some serious airtime, thunder through the jungle or simply cruise with the family, the Sunshine Coast’s 60 tracks have you covered. And with the region set to host the sport at the 2032 Olympic Games, the Sunshine Coast mountain biking scene is only just hotting up.
What are you waiting for? Helmets on – let’s go.
Sunshine Coast’s best mountain bike trails
Sugar Bag, Caloundra
Photo credit: Sugarbag Road Mountain Bike Trails
Imagine smashing a black diamond run before washing the adrenalin away in the surf. It’s possible at Caloundra’s Sugar Bag, located just five minutes from Moffat Beach.
‘The Bag’ (as the locals call it) is like a fun park for mountain bike fanatics, with over 60 wood features from timber rollers to see-saws. Tackle the flowing ‘Syrup’, blitz down ‘Rocky Road’ or blaze through the ‘Playground’ and conquer the 28-metre log ride and double see-saw.
New to mountain biking? Build up your confidence on the smooth bitumen pump track before taking on ‘Party Mix’, a three-kilometre bushland single-track with B-lines that make it perfect for families. After you’ve had your fix, roll back down into Caloundra for a rejuvenating dip at Tooway Creek.
Parklands Conservation Park, Parklands
Photo by @quadcrownmtb
Sights set on Olympic glory? Make tracks to Parklands Conversation Park, set to host the mountain biking competition at the 2032 Games.
Located just outside Nambour, the area offers 30km of gnarly rock and tree-root lined trails amongst towering eucalypts and lush rainforest. They say that if you can ride ‘Parkies’ you can ride anywhere. Pedal to Skills Park and conquer the logs, rocks and berms, or race down ‘Tazer’, a tricky black diamond trail with tabletop jumps and g-outs (many offering B-lines for more intermediate riders).
Parklands isn’t only for advanced riders—beginners can roll around ‘Rookie Road’ or ride through ‘Lush’, a three-kilometre ride with gentle climbs and fast sections.
Oh, and while you’re here, keep an eye out for ‘Fluffy’, the resident emu.
Mapleton National Park
Photo by @traceycroke
Ride above the clouds on fire trails situated amongst the scribbling gums and piccabeen palms of the gorgeous Mapleton National Park.
Geared towards beginner and intermediate riders, you can share these wide, mixed-use trails with hikers and runners—along with the orange-eyed tree frogs and monitor lizards that inhabit the area.
Feel the crisp mountain air in your lungs as you set off on the Kureelpa Falls Circuit where you will find the South Maroochy River cascading into a secluded gorge. Or sink your teeth into the Oaky Creek Lookout Mountain Trail. This 18-kilometre return journey rewards you with stunning views across the Conondale Range and down into the Mary Valley.
Once you’re finished, head back to the Day Use Area on the site of an old forest station and make use of the picnic or BBQ facilities before exploring the nearby town of Mapleton.
Ferny Forest Mountain Bike Loop
Blackbutt trees and fern gullies provide the scenery to this 12km loop perfect for families or riders just starting out.
Located just outside Landsborough, the track offers simple rock gardens and fun turns, but no steep climbs or descents (there’s even a short cut if you run out of steam). Spot koalas or park your bike and admire the mirrored waters of Ewen Maddock Dam, with the iconic Glass House Mountains in the distance.
For something even more relaxed, look to the ‘Main Track’ on the other side of the dam, where riders can share the track with walkers, horse-riders and even your dog (on a leash).
More of a speed demon? Then hit the loop and test your time against the riders from the local ‘Bushrangers’ club on Strava.
Noosa Trail Network
Photo by @tbsphotography
It’s famous for its stunning beaches and stylish boutiques, but Noosa’s best kept secret is its lush hinterland, where cute little towns are dotted across rolling countryside.
Explore the country charm of the region through the Noosa Trail Network, a cluster of eight spectacular routes that criss-cross through everything from dairy farms to pine plantations.
For a full day challenge, hit up the 26-kilometre trail from Kin Kin to beautiful Lake McDonald, or tackle the 22-kilometre leg burner to James McKane Lookout Park. There, you’ll feel on top of the world as you look out over the Pacific Ocean.
If eating your way around the hinterland is more your thing, try some of the shorter trails linking the townships of Cooray, Cooran, Pomona and Kin Kin.
Tewantin National Park
You’ll never know you’re only 20 minutes from bustling Hastings Street at this singletrack playground nestled amongst the pine trees and sub-tropical forests of Tewantin National Park.
Get your legs pumping on the steep climbs or blaze downhill as black cockatoos and white-bellied sea eagles fly above this park tailor-made for beginners and intermediate riders. ‘Indy’, ‘Glider’ and ‘Secrets’ form a popular green run from the Wooroi Day Use Area trailhead, while thrill-seekers can push to the redline on ‘Trailblazer’ and ‘Milkmaid’—two of the fastest flow tracks on the coast.
There’s something for advanced riders here, too. There are two black options which offer challenging rock gardens and gap jumps sure to get your pulse racing.
More great places to go mountain biking around the Sunshine Coast
If you're searching for a relaxed ride, there are many more places to build your skills and go mountain biking on the Sunshine Coast.
- Glass House Mountain Conservation Park offers mountain bike touring along a shared trail that links Beerburrum and Tibrogargan
- Eumundi Conservation Park boasts 15 km of wide, shared trails ideal for when you're seeking a little time out in nature
Bike hire and tours on the Sunshine Coast
Visiting the Sunshine Coast and want to add a ride into your holiday itinerary? These local bike rental and tour operators can gear you up - and show you the ropes.
- Bike On: hire high quality mountain bikes and e-bikes, or sign up for a tour of Noosa HInterland trails including Tewantin National Park
- EcoTekk: rent e-bikes or take an easy paced tour of Noosa beach or bushland
- VeloRoo: avid cyclists will love their weekend-long cycle tours through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
What to do on the Sunshine Coast
Why not turn your two-wheel adventure into a getaway? Choose from the Sunshine Coast’s accommodation options from secluded B&Bs and sustainable eco-lodges though to laidback holiday parks and beachside resorts.
Paddle the tea-tree infused waters of Noosa Everglades (one of the world’s two everglades systems) or take in the multi-coloured sand dunes and national parks of the Great Beach Drive, a sand highway linking Noosa to K’gari (Fraser Island).
No visit to the Sunshine Coast is complete without spreading your towel down onto the sand, and with over 100km of postcard-perfect coastline there’s a beach for everyone. Float in the gentle lapping waves of Bulcock Beach, frolic in the surf at Moolooloba Spit, or catch a wave off Coolum Beach.
If freshwater swimming holes of sparkling waterfalls are more your thing, head to the hills and take a dip at Artists Cascades, Gardner Falls or Kondalilla Falls in the Hinterland.
All this exploring is bound to work up your appetite. Have an ocean to plate experience at one of the region’s top restaurants or throw back at cold one at one of the many neighbourhood craft breweries.
All that’s left to do in book in that annual leave and steer your bike towards the Sunshine Coast.
