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Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Expansion Project
The $15.5 million Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Trail Network Expansion Project is a key initiative aimed at extending the existing trail network to a nationally significant 85 kilometres. This project delivers on the Queensland Government’s election commitment and will transform the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park into a premier mountain biking destination. The expanded trail network is set to provide significant benefits for regional tourism, local communities, and the broader mountain biking community.
Project overview
Smithfield Mountain Bike Park, located within Smithfield Conservation Park 20 kilometres north of Cairns CBD, has a proud history as a mountain biking destination since the early 1990s.
This project involves investment in the expansion and upgrade of the mountain bike park, and developing a more diverse range of high-quality trails, to continue to elevate its reputation as a premier destination for international mountain biking into the future.
Mountain biking holidays typically involve multi-night stays, providing benefits to local tourism and hospitality sectors. With Cairns already offering world-class attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef, rainforests, and national parks, the project provides opportunity to capitalise on this growing market, attracting more visitors and boosting the local economy.
The expanded trail network will be built with a strong focus on environmental protection, ensuring Smithfield’s unique rainforest landscape as well as cultural heritage values are preserved.
While the expanded trail network is set to open in late 2028, areas in the conservation park are already open to mountain bike riders, with further information on where to ride. Trail maps and detailed information on the individual trails can be found on the Cairns Mountain Bike Club website.
Project delivery
This project is being delivered by a Cairns-based project team within the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).
A Stakeholder Advisory Committee has been established to provide project input and feedback. This includes key stakeholders, including the Cairns Regional Council, Cairns Mountain Bike Club, James Cook University, the Member for Barron River and Assistant Minister for Tourism, and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
The project is being planned and delivered in alignment with the Ecotourism Plan for Queensland’s Protected Areas 2025–2030, and Destination 2045, which outlines the government’s commitments and actions for fostering ecotourism in protected areas.
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Mountain bikers on the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Trail
Key project details
- Trail network expansion – extending from 30 kilometres to 85 kilometres, including enhancements to trailhead facilities, signage and the skills park while protecting the unique environmental and cultural heritage values of the area.
- Enhanced trails – there will be a mix of beginner-friendly green trails to more challenging double black diamond trails. All new and upgraded trails are being designed for improved safety and long-term sustainability.
- Infrastructure improvements – including trailhead upgrades and shuttle road access, which will maximise the rider experience, ensuring sustainability of the infrastructure into the future and promotion of positive tourism outcomes.
Project benefits
The project will:
- create a nationally significant trail network benefiting regional tourism, locals and the mountain bike community
- offer more diverse trails, bringing more outdoor recreational opportunities for communities and visitors to experience
- attract more events, positioning the region as a premier mountain biking destination; the mountain bike park has already hosted major national and international mountain biking events
- draw more visitors, boosting regional businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and bike services
- help to boost Queensland as a leading ecotourism destination.
Funding
The Queensland State Government is funding the $15.5 million project as part of its election commitment to drive regional economic growth and job creation outlined within Destination 2045.
Project milestones
- A trail network masterplan will be delivered in 2026 with planning approvals in place by 2027.
- It is expected construction will commence from 2027 in a staged approach ensuring the network is operational during works.
- Full project completion is on track for late 2028.
Impacts on trail users
The current trails are expected to remain open during the expansion project. Works will be staged where possible to reduce disruption, however there will be some minor impacts on riders during construction.
QPWS will keep visitors informed through Park Alerts and this page will also be updated as the project progresses.
More information
- Read the frequently asked questions about the project.
- Find out about other Park infrastructure projects across the state.
- Email: engagement@detsi.qld.gov.au