Finch Hatton MTB

Stage one of Finch Hatton MTB is completed!

Mayor Greg Williamson and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert officially opened stage one of Finch Hatton MTB on Sunday, April 21.

Stage one includes a 14.5-kilometre network of mountain trails, a pump track and a trailhead site for riders and the community to enjoy.

Mayor Williamson said the trails had been built to international standards by global leaders in mountain bike trail design and construction – World Trail.

“World Trail has done a magnificent job and these trails will put Mackay on the national and international map as a mountain bike destination, with massive economic benefits for the entire region,” Mayor Williamson said.

Council would like to thank the following businesses and organisations for their support and assistance with this project:

• Queensland Government, Department of Tourism and Sport
• Mackay Regional Council project team
• Mackay Mountain Bike Alliance
• The contractors and consultants responsible for planning, designing and building the facility (World Trail, J Mac Constructions, Bike Tracks Australia, Destination Marketing Store and Swell Design, Dot Dash, BH Building, Veris, Ranges to Reef and Off Camber Shuttle Service)
• Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation
• Widi Aboriginal Corporation
• Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation
• Kungurri turntable group
• Finch Hatton Progress Association
• Eungella Community Development Association
• Local businesses and residents.

The planning and investigation works for stage two (an 82-kilometre trail network that includes a wilderness trail from Eungella to Finch Hatton) are underway and will continue until 2025. Council will continue to keep the community informed on the progress of stage two, with construction forecast to commence in 2026.

For further information about the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails visit www.finchhattonmtb.com.au.

Finch Hatton MTB to be officially opened with family fun day!

The Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails will be officially opened with a fun day for the whole community.

While the trails have been available to the public for about seven weeks, the official opening, on Sunday, April 21, will also mark the opening of the full trailhead site for visitors.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the trails had been in the planning for many years and it was fantastic to now have stage one officially opened.

“The opening will include a fun community day, with market stalls and food vendors as well as a free barbecue, inflatable slide and rock-climbing wall for the kids,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We invite everyone to head out to the trailhead, bring your bikes, have a go on the pump track and check out the fantastic trails that are open for everyone to use,” he said.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Queensland Government was pleased to have invested $500,000 in the Finch Hatton MTB trail network.

“I want to thank Mackay Regional Council, the Mackay Mountain Bike Alliance and all other stakeholders for their dedication to this project that will put the region on the world map for mountain biking,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“The trails and the trailhead will further enhance Queensland’s great lifestyle, attracting visitors from around Australia and the world and strengthening our visitor experience,” she said.

The fun day will be from 10am to 1pm on Sunday, April 21, at the Finch Hatton MTB Trailhead, 44 Anzac Parade. An official plaque unveiling will take place from 9.30am for invited guests.

Uplift shuttles will be available by Off Camber Mountain Biking. Book ahead at offcamber.com.au/mtbshuttles.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.