Frequently asked questions

Details and community benefits

What is this project and why is it happening?

The Smithfield Mountain Bike Park expansion project will expand the existing trail network from 30 (inclusive of shuttle roads) to 85 kilometres, creating a nationally significant mountain biking destination. The project is being delivered as part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to enhance outdoor recreation and ecotourism opportunities in Tropical North Queensland. This expansion builds on more than 30 years of passion and stewardship from the local riding community, who have long advocated for the growth and development of the park.

What benefits will the project bring to the community?

The project will provide improved recreational opportunities, support local businesses, attract national and international events and visitation, and strengthen Far North Queensland’s reputation as a premier mountain biking destination. Together with nearby mountain bike parks such as Davies Creek and Atherton Forest, as well as the upcoming Wangetti Trail, Smithfield will contribute to a diverse regional mountain biking experience and support economic benefits across the region.

What does the masterplan include?

The Smithfield Mountain Bike Park masterplan provides a long-term blueprint for the future expansion and management of the park, guiding future planning and delivery of the expanded network. It has been informed by community and stakeholder feedback, technical assessments, environmental and cultural heritage considerations, and specialist trail design expertise.

The masterplan outlines the proposed trail network and styles, trail difficulties and experiences, access arrangements, trailheads and access points, shuttle access, trail junctions and supporting visitor infrastructure. Environmental, cultural heritage, detailed design and approval processes will continue to inform the development of individual trail segments and facilities.

How many trails have been designed?

Approximately 62 kilometres of new trails have been designed to expand the network to 85 kilometres, meeting national significance criteria (Auscycling) and enhancing the region’s international appeal.

When will the new trail network be open?

The expanded network is expected to be operational by late 2028. Updates will be provided as the project progresses.

Who designed the trail network?

The trail network has been designed by a team of local experts comprising World Trail and Contour Works, in collaboration with key stakeholders. Designers used advanced tools like LiDAR to align trails with the natural terrain and they have been ground-truthed through undertaking extensive field surveys.

Who is delivering the project?

This project is being delivered by a Cairns-based project team within the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), within the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

A Project Advisory Committee comprising representatives from key stakeholder organisations, including Cairns Regional Council, Cairns Mountain Bike Club, James Cook University, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, and the Member for Barron River and Assistant Minister for Tourism, provides input and feedback to support project planning.

Are there any commercial opportunities associated with this project?

Yes, the project is exploring opportunities for tourism, recreation and services that complement the expanded trail network, support local business, and enhance the visitor experience. A Registration of Interest process was undertaken to help inform future commercial opportunities and the development of a sustainable operating model for the park. Planning for future operational arrangements is ongoing.

Environment and Cultural Heritage

Why is mountain biking permitted in this Conservation Park?

Smithfield Conservation Park has long been identified as a suitable location for managed, low-impact recreation. It has a rich mountain biking history, hosting trails since the 1980s and the first UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in the Southern Hemisphere. From this, the park was gazetted as a Conservation Park in 2000 to support mountain biking and recreation, while still protecting the area’s environmental values. Its proximity to Cairns, the airport, and tourism hubs makes it ideal for ecotourism. Further information about the park’s purpose and management can be found in the Park Management Statement.

Will the project expand into the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area?

No, the trail network and facilities will remain within Smithfield Conservation Park, which is not part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

How are potential environmental impacts being managed?

The trail network is designed to minimise environmental impacts by avoiding sensitive areas and following natural contours and existing disturbed areas within and around the park wherever possible. Surveys will identify ecological and cultural heritage values, and adjustments will be made to protect them in accordance with relevant legislation.

How is cultural heritage being managed?

The project recognises Djabugay Nation as the recognised Cultural Heritage Party for the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park project area. The project team is committed to working respectfully to identify and protect cultural heritage values, with appropriate arrangements to be implemented during construction to ensure cultural heritage is managed and protected throughout project delivery.

Will the new trail network increase noise levels?

Whilst expanded trails are expected to increase visitors, mountain biking is considered a low impact recreational use consistent with the Smithfield Conservation Park Management Statement. Motorised vehicles, such as dirt bikes and quad bikes, are not permitted.

Safety

How is rider safety being considered?

Rider safety is a high priority for the expanded Smithfield Mountain Bike Park. The trail network has been designed to support safe rider progression through a range of trail difficulties, with single-direction trails used where appropriate to minimise potential conflicts.

Emergency and incident management requirements have also been considered as part of the masterplan, including consultation with emergency services. Signage and wayfinding will support rider safety through clear trail classifications, navigation, emergency information and location identification tools to assist emergency response.

Will the trails be available year-round?

The trail network is intended to be available year-round and has been designed to support continued public access during major events where possible. However, temporary trail closures may be required to protect visitor safety during severe weather events, maintenance activities, construction works or other operational requirements. Keep an eye on park alerts  for up-to-date information before visiting the park.

Trail use and maintenance

Who currently maintains the trails?

Cairns Mountain Bike Club currently maintains the trail network under an agreement with the department.

How will the expanded trail network be maintained?

The project will explore and develop an operating model for the ongoing maintenance and operation of the expanded trail network. This will consider governance arrangements, funding, maintenance responsibilities and operational requirements to support the safe, sustainable and ongoing management of the park.

To support the expanded trail network, the Queensland Government has allocated funding towards trail operations and maintenance. Over time, revenue generated will be reinvested back into the network to help fund ongoing maintenance and improvements of the mountain bike park.

Will e-bikes be allowed on the trails?

Yes, e-bikes are permitted within Smithfield Mountain Bike Park if they comply with E-Bike rules in Queensland. Motorbikes and other motorised vehicles (such as dirt bikes and quad bikes) are not allowed.

Trail access and parking

Where will the primary trailhead be located?

The existing McGregor Road trailhead will receive a moderate refresh as part of this project. A future primary trailhead is planned for the event precinct site at James Cook University. The northern access point (Panguna Street) will remain a low-key ‘ride-in, ride-out’ entry/exit.

What infrastructure will be at the trailhead site?

The project will assess potential upgrades at trailheads, including parking, signage, and other facilities to support local and visiting riders.

How will people get to and from the network?

The park is proposed to have three entry points: the primary trailhead (events precinct site at James Cook University), the existing McGregor Road trailhead, and Panguna Street (northern access point) which will remain a ‘ride-in, ride-out’ access point connecting to local active transport networks and the Northern Beaches, encouraging sustainable travel.

Is traffic being assessed at each of the three access/entry points to the park?

Yes, Traffic Engineering assessments will ensure suitable parking requirements. Traffic management strategies are being embedded in the design.

Off-street parking is planned to be available at James Cook University and McGregor Road where most access to the network is gained. Additional facilities at these locations are being planned to support rider usage to reduce traffic. Panguna Street will remain a ‘ride-in, ride-out’ access point with existing street parking.

Construction impacts

When will construction start?

Construction is proposed to begin after the wet season in early-mid 2027, with the expanded network operational by late 2028. Updates will be provided as the project progresses.

How will construction affect residents and riders?

Construction will be planned and staged to minimise disruptions to residents, park users and visitors wherever possible. Trails will remain open where possible, however temporary trail closures, changed access arrangements and construction activity may be required in some areas to support safe delivery of the project. Updates on closures and impacts will be provided regularly.

Community feedback and consultation

What community consultation has been undertaken and how was it used?

The Smithfield Mountain Bike Park masterplan builds on more than a decade of community consultation on mountain biking opportunities in the Smithfield area. Input from riders, park users, neighbouring residents, stakeholder organisations and the broader community was considered alongside technical, environmental and operational requirements to help inform the trail network design and refine the masterplan. A summary of the consultation outcomes, including how feedback was considered, is available on the project webpage.

How can I be kept up to date about the project and provide feedback?

Visit the project page or email us at engagement@detsi.qld.gov.au.