Public welcome to use newly completed Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails

After years of monstrous flooding prevented work from progressing, the Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails is officially complete, providing residents and tourists an outdoor adventure experience in the Western Downs.

The Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails project is officially complete. Picture: WDRC

The construction of the Western Downs new bike tracks in the Bunya Mountains has officially been completed following a long journey and many challenges.

In 2021 it was announced that the Western Downs Regional Council would develop a new mountain bike track with Common Ground Trails that would establish 30km of trails in the vicinity of Russell Park.

The bike track was expected to be finalised at the end of 2022, after it had already been delayed due to heavy rainfall.

Council spokesperson for Tourism, Events and Regional Promotion councillor Kylie Bourne said it was fantastic to announce the completion of the bike trails that are now open for the public to use.

“Designed to preserve the natural area and sensitive environment of the Bunya Mountains, the new trails feature roughly 18km of riding tracks which cater from easy to intermediate riding ability, with three dedicated loops ranging in length from 1.3km to 6.3km, and a shared use linkage trail for walkers and riders,” she said.

The Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails project is officially complete. Picture: WDRC

“The trails use the significantly upgraded Russell Park Picnic Area, Bunya Mountains Outlook (Fishers Lookout), and Rifle Bird Park as ‘trailheads’ to access the mountain bike trail network.”

Ms Bourne shared due to the “Indigenous significance” of the area, the project required careful management during the construction phase.

Maranoa MP and Nationals leader David Littleproud said he was excited to see the project completed.

“I’m enormously proud to have been able to deliver the funds for this project via the LRCI and I can’t wait to see the Bunya Mountains Bike Trails for myself,” he said.

To market the opening of the bike trails, a celebration will be held in early September with more details revealed in coming months.