Finch Hatton MTB

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Mackay Regional Council is building approximately 95 kilometres of single-direction mountain bike trails in the picturesque Pioneer Valley, Finch Hatton and Eungella.

Due to the scale of the network, the network is being built in stages.

Stage one is expected to be completed this year and includes a purpose-built trailhead site, pump track and 14.5 kilometres of airflow trails in Finch Hatton.

Stage two, will be an 82-kilometre network that spans from Eungella to Finch Hatton and takes in Australia's longest stretch of subtropical rainforest. Planning and investigation works are underway and will continue until 2025. Construction is forecast to commence in 2026.

The network will be built to international standards and capable of hosting world-class events.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this project will put the Mackay region on the leisure tourism map and attract visitors from every corner of the world.

“Imagine pedalling through amazing landscapes, exploring trails of varying degrees and finishing up in the townships of Finch Hatton and Eungella and enjoying a cold beverage. It’s the perfect backdrop for any mountain bike rider,” Cr Williamson said.

The townships of both Eungella and Finch Hatton will act as key service hubs for the trails and offer starting/finishing points and additional ancillary services, such as accommodation, food and eateries, shuttle services and supporting infrastructure.

When fully operational, our mountain bike trails network is estimated to generate:

  • An additional 31,000 annual visitors, including 5,000 international riders
  • An additional $18.1M in visitor spending
  • More than 110 full-time equivalent jobs
  • Improved awareness of Eungella and the Pioneer Valley as a tourism destination.

Download the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails investment prospectus

TImelineDesignsFrequently asked questions
Planning informationBusiness informationDocument library



Mackay Regional Council is building approximately 95 kilometres of single-direction mountain bike trails in the picturesque Pioneer Valley, Finch Hatton and Eungella.

Due to the scale of the network, the network is being built in stages.

Stage one is expected to be completed this year and includes a purpose-built trailhead site, pump track and 14.5 kilometres of airflow trails in Finch Hatton.

Stage two, will be an 82-kilometre network that spans from Eungella to Finch Hatton and takes in Australia's longest stretch of subtropical rainforest. Planning and investigation works are underway and will continue until 2025. Construction is forecast to commence in 2026.

The network will be built to international standards and capable of hosting world-class events.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this project will put the Mackay region on the leisure tourism map and attract visitors from every corner of the world.

“Imagine pedalling through amazing landscapes, exploring trails of varying degrees and finishing up in the townships of Finch Hatton and Eungella and enjoying a cold beverage. It’s the perfect backdrop for any mountain bike rider,” Cr Williamson said.

The townships of both Eungella and Finch Hatton will act as key service hubs for the trails and offer starting/finishing points and additional ancillary services, such as accommodation, food and eateries, shuttle services and supporting infrastructure.

When fully operational, our mountain bike trails network is estimated to generate:

  • An additional 31,000 annual visitors, including 5,000 international riders
  • An additional $18.1M in visitor spending
  • More than 110 full-time equivalent jobs
  • Improved awareness of Eungella and the Pioneer Valley as a tourism destination.

Download the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails investment prospectus

TImelineDesignsFrequently asked questions
Planning informationBusiness informationDocument library



  • Project update #82 - February 23, 2024

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Taste test our trails from this weekend!

    Council is thrilled to announce that more than half the trails at Finch Hatton MTB will be ready to ride this Saturday (February 24).

    This is an opportunity for riders to get some tyres on the trails and help pack them down after recent delays due to weather. A mix of easy, intermediate, and expert trails will be ready to ride.

    These initial trails are the first to be accessible in stage one, with the remaining trails and the trailhead to be unveiled in the coming weeks. Visitors are advised to observe signage at the site and stay off closed trails.

    While it's exciting to welcome the first riders to the trails, unpredictable weather could lead to closure of the trails at short notice. News of any closures will be made via the Finch Hatton MTB social channels.

    Off Camber, the official shuttle service will be available from Saturday onwards. Shuttle bookings can be made online via https://offcamber.com.au/.

    Carparking, toilets and the pump track are available. Please bring plenty of water for a day out.

    A grand opening of Finch Hatton MTB stage one is scheduled for mid-April. Keep an eye out for more details at www.facebook.com/finchhattonmtb.

    Be the first to know the news by signing up to the official FHMTB newsletter, Trail Tales, at finchhattonmtb.com.au

  • Project Update #81 - January 29, 2024

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Council secures funding for stage two planning!

    Mackay Regional Council has secured $150,000 from the State Government for the continued planning and investigations of stage two of Finch Hatton MTB.

    Stage two will bring the total trails network to over 80km, between Eungella to Finch Hatton and includes an approximate 40km signature/wilderness trail, that takes in Australia’s longest stretch of subtropical rainforest.

    The planning and investigation works are underway for stage two and will continue until 2025. Construction on stage 2a is currently forecast to commence in mid 2026, subject to relevant authority approvals.

    Stage one, a purpose-built trailhead, a pump track and 14.5 kilometres of trails in Finch Hatton is nearing completion. Visit Finch Hatton MTB Facebook page for updates.

  • Project update #80 - January 10, 2024

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Trails update...

    Council has been working closely with the incredible team at World Trail to get ready to open Stage 1 of our exciting new Finch Hatton MTB destination.

    After a well-deserved break, the World Trail staff are back on site to put the finishing touches on the trails and create an unforgettable MTB experience for you all!

    We know everyone is eagerly waiting to hit those trails, and we promise to keep you in the loop.

    Stay tuned for more updates.

  • Project Update #79 - December 21, 2023

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Test your skills on the Finch Hatton pump track!

    Enjoy the thrills and test your mountain bike skills on the Finch Hatton pump track, which was officially opened to the public today (Thursday, December 21).

    The new pump track features over 400 linear metres, offering a huge range of hump styles and sizes for riders of all ages and skill level to enjoy.

    Visitors can access the pump track via the carpark at the Finch Hatton Trailhead site, or they can walk their bikes through the pathway from Bagley Street, and toilets will be made available on site.

    Visitors are encouraged to take plenty of water for a trip to the pump track and remove all rubbish when they leave.

    The opening of the pump track is an exciting milestone in the Finch Hatton MTB project. Trails are still too fresh to ride, and recent rains on the newly formed trail networks need more time to dry out and cure.

    Council looks forward to opening the trails and the remainder of the trailhead facilities in January, weather permitting. To stay up to date on the project visit Finch Hatton MTB Facebook page.

    Click here to check out the pump track.

  • Project update #78 - December 12, 2023

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Santa tries out Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails

    Santa Claus has dropped into the region early to try out the new Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails.

    His elves do quality control on most presents, but he likes to road test some of the bigger stuff.

    Click here to watch Santa shred some of our trails.

    Stay tuned for an opening date.

  • Project Update #77 - December 1, 2023

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    2023 has been a wild ride!

    Stage one (the 13.5 kilometres of airflow trails, pump track and trailhead site) is close to being completed.

    Stay tuned for the opening date.

    May your Christmas and New Year be as epic as our new Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails.

  • Project update #76 - November 17, 2023

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Tips for making your business mountain bike friendly!

    Council and award-winning destination marketing specialists, Destination Marketing Store and Swell Design, delivered two free bike ready business workshops this week.

    The workshops covered:

    • Key elements of the brand strategy.
    • Creative elements and marketing plan.
    • Practical examples of how to leverage the brand.
    • Importance of collaboration and partnerships.
    • Creating ride ready products, packages and offers.

    For those who couldn't attend, please click here to view the presentation.

    Should you have any questions, please contact council's Senior Economic Development Officer, Grier Williamson, on (07) 4961 9099 or grier.williamson@mackay.qld.gov.au.

  • Project update #75 - November 14, 2023

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    New brand to take mountain bike trails to the world!

    A 'spirited adventure with a tropical vibe" is the promise the new Finch Hatton MTB brand will make to the world.

    Finch Hatton MTB was officially launched on November 13.

    The brand and marketing strategy was developed by award-winning destination and marketing specialists Destination Marketing Store (DMS) and Swell Design Group.

    Click here to check out the brand.

  • Project update #74 - October 26, 2023

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Check out the latest mountain bike update!

    Council held two Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail community update sessions this month.

    One in Eungella on October 9 and one in Finch Hatton on October 23.

    Please click on the links below to view the presentations.

    Eungella update
    (Council provided an update on the planning and investigation works for stage two and a brief update on stage one works and the official opening)

    Finch Hatton update
    (Council provided an update on stage one works and the official opening. Brief update on stage two investigation works)

    Should you have any questions about this project, please contact council's Community Engagement Officer Rebecca Batzloff on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or email rebecca.batzloff@mackay.qld.gov.au.

  • Project update #73 - October 17, 2023

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Sign-up for a bike ready business workshop!

    Council is providing an exclusive opportunity for the local business community to see the new mountain bike brand and learn how your business can become bike friendly in preparation for the opening of our stage one mountain bike trail network.

    Award-winning destination marketing specialists, Destination Marketing Store and Swell Design, who developed the brand and marketing strategy will be delivering two free workshops in November, one in Mackay and one in Finch Hatton.

    The workshops will cover:

    • Key elements of the brand strategy
    • Creative elements and marketing plan
    • Practical examples of how to leverage the brand
    • Importance of collaboration and partnerships
    • Creating ride ready products, packages and offers.

    Workshop details:

    Finch Hatton workshop
    Monday, November 13
    11am to 12.30pm
    Finch Hatton RSL
    Online registration is required. Please click here to register.

    Mackay workshop
    Tuesday, November 14
    9am to 10.30am
    Harrup Park Country Club
    Online registration is required. Please click here to register.

    Registrations close on Sunday, November 5.

    Should you have any questions about the workshops, please contact council's Senior Economic Development Officer, Grier Williamson, on (07) 4961 9099 or grier.williamson@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Page last updated: 23 Feb 2024, 09:08 AM