Sunshine Coast Hinterland MTB

Location

About This Trail

Sub-tropical MTB destination on Queensland's Sunshine Coast spanning Mooloolah, Parklands, Glasshouse Mountains and Ewen Maddock with 100+ km of trails. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland MTB destination is Queensland's most significant mountain bike region, encompassing several discrete trail networks spread across the rolling country between Brisbane and Noosa. Unlike the single-park destinations of Tasmania and Victoria, the Sunshine Coast offering is a multi-precinct destination — riders typically sample several networks across a multi-day trip, basecamping in the coastal towns of Mooloolaba, Caloundra or Noosa, or in hinterland towns like Maleny and Montville. The principal precincts are: Parklands Conservation Park (Nambour), the largest single network with around 50km of purpose-built singletrack across green to black-diamond grades and a regular venue for state-level XC and enduro events; Mooloolah River National Park, a flatter, faster network ideal for intermediate trail riders with around 30km of singletrack and several flow trails; Ewen Maddock Dam, a family-friendly precinct with shorter loops near a scenic reservoir; and the Glasshouse Mountains forestry trails, a more remote network of fire-road and natural singletrack winding around the iconic volcanic peaks. Smaller networks at Wild Horse Mountain, Beerburrum and Caloundra round out the riding options. The terrain is sub-tropical — open eucalypt forest, palm gullies, lateritic red soils and exposed sandstone in the Glasshouse country. Surfaces are mostly hardpack and grippy in dry conditions but can become slick after the heavy summer rains the region is famous for. Trails are managed by Sunshine Coast Council and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, with strong community input from clubs including Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Club. There is no chairlift uplift; rides are pedal-access with shuttle services available through local operators for some descents. The Sunshine Coast functions as a year-round MTB destination with a milder climate than the Tasmanian or Victorian alpine destinations, but it has a clear seasonal sweet spot. Winter (May-September) is dry, mild and the optimal riding window. Summer (December-March) is hot, humid and prone to thunderstorms with trails frequently closed after rain. Cyclones and tropical lows occasionally affect the region. Facilities are spread across the precincts. Multiple bike shops in Maroochydore, Nambour, Caloundra and Noosa offer hire including high-end full-suspension and e-MTB. Coaching, guided rides and shuttle services are available. Accommodation is plentiful — beachside resorts and apartments on the coast, hinterland B&Bs and farm-stays in Maleny and Montville, plus camping at Ewen Maddock and other reserves.

Highlights

Facilities