Your Guide to Mountain Biking in the Southern Downs
The Southern Downs is fast becoming a mountain biker’s paradise, with new trails, plenty of town facilities and a growing community dedicated to providing new trails. The mix of granite rock and numerous soil types make the Granite Belt a truly unique destination for mountain biking. And the best bit? The Southern Downs is also home to over 50 wineries and breweries, two national parks and plenty of country experiences, making it the perfect weekend destination and less than three hours from Brisbane.
1. Mount Marlay
Discover the fun of mountain biking on granite at Mt Marlay, where you’ll find trails to match all levels of difficulty, from beginners to experienced riders. Mt Marlay is so close to the beautiful town of Stanthorpe, just 1.5kms from the town’s main street’s shops and cafes.
Since opening in 2018, the trails have been attracting both mountain biking enthusiasts and families giving it a try for the first time on the less challenging trails.
The Southern Downs is famous for its spectacular granite boulders and interesting granite outcrops and its here visitors can experience the thrill of riding on that granite.
There are trails suited to families, teenagers or those pushing their skills a little and also ‘black’ rated tracks which are the most challenging and attract experienced mountain biking enthusiasts.
- Green Granite (green – beginners)
- The Grape Escape (blue – little more challenging)
- Hammerhead (black – experienced riders)
- Tankslapper (black – experienced riders)
- Plus an additional black trail planned for future development.
For more information, check out the Trailforks website trails or contact Southern Downs Mountain Biking Club Inc.
2. Girraween National Park
Image by @darlingdownsoutdoors
There are two great mountain biking trails in Girraween National Park. They are the Peak Trail and the Creek Trail. Information about these trails can be found on the Parks and forests website maintained by the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
Peak Trail | Girraween National Park
Creek Trail | Girraween National Park
These trails are connected, so it is possible to to do them both at the same time.
3. Passchendaele State Forest and Broadwater State Forest
Image by @emma.rhymer.mtb
Also in the Stanthorpe area there are two popular firetrails to ride at Passchendaele State Forest and Broadwater State Forest, both lovely and shaded trails for mountain biking.
A distinct advantage is that the trails are on sand base, so when other trails around Queensland which are clay based are still unsuitable to ride after rain, Stanthorpe’s trails are ready to ride pretty much straight after a rain event.
People using the trails say: “They are exciting trails, all within a really compact area and that makes it really special.”
“The sensation of riding on the granite is something special.”
For more information visit Trailforks website page that profiles the Stanthorpe trails and also follow The Stanthorpe Mountain Biking Club on Facebook.
4. Trails near Main Range National Park
Image by Keith Murray
Main Range is an area of great natural beauty, offering breathtaking mountain views and magical water crossings. It is home to a number of remarkable creatures, including platypus. These trails are on public roads that are used by motor vehicles, so it is important to take care, stay safe, and be aware of your surroundings.
5. Durikai State Forest
Image by @darlingdownsoutdoors
Durikai State Forest is 40 kilometres west of Warwick along the Cunningham Highway. There are three entry points into the forest but the main one is the unsealed Durikai Road. Turn left off the highway onto Durikai Road and continue for around 700 metres to where Thane E W Road departs to the left. This intersection is the trailhead for the Durikai State Forest MTB Trails, and Thane E W Road is where you will be headed as soon as you get on the bike. It is worth noting that none of the roads on this trail are sealed and hardly any are signposted.
While You’re Here
Make a weekend of it by checking out these other things to do in the area:
- Here’s a local’s guide on spending 24 hours in Stanthorpe.
- Travelling in Spring or Summer? Here’s our top 7 must visit waterholes to check out.
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