Warning issued after metal spikes found on mountain bike tracks in Tewantin National Park

Authorities have warned visitors to an iconic national park of metal spikes that were hidden on popular mountain bike trails, with fears yet more could still be out there.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has increased patrols in Tewantin National Park after multiple metal spikes were found by mountain bikers and rangers near popular trails. Picture: Noosa Trailblazers MTB Club Inc

Patrols have increased in a Noosa Shire national park after multiple metal spikes were found embedded on popular mountain biking trails.

The concerning find has prompted Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services to act after several metal spikes placed in the ground pointing upward were found in Tewantin National Park by cyclists and rangers.

A total of 13 metal spikes, about seven inches long, were removed from trails near Old Tewantin Rd over the past week.

QPWS rangers were alerted to the dangerous objects by the Noosa Trailblazers MTC Club Inc, which removed eight spikes from the area late last week.

In a post to Facebook, the group said it had received the report from a group of riders along a track nicknamed “Blood Gulley” on the north side of Mt Tinbeerwah.

“They were buried in the ground and concealed with leaves … result was multiple punctures,” the post said.

The scale of the spikes found in Tewantin National Park. Picture: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation

“Four of these spikes were found on the day, another four this morning (April 18).

“Both the police and QPWS have been notified. It’s difficult to know what the motivation for this clear attempt to cause harm was.”

Rangers carried out multiple sweeps of the trails using a metal detector to find any remaining spikes and removed five more spikes from the area on Wednesday.

QPWS ranger John McQueeney said the presence of such potentially harmful objects was deeply concerning.

The spikes had the potential to cause serious injuries to riders. Picture: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation

“This is the first time we have received a report of this type of malicious activity in the area,” Mr McQueeney said.

“Everyone deserves to have a safe, enjoyable experience in our national parks and any attempt to damage property or hurt visitors or wildlife is unacceptable.”

Rangers were working with police to carry out additional checks of the park over the coming days while increasing patrols of the area.

Mountain bikers and visitors were urged to be vigilant of all hazards and report any dangerous objects to QPWS immediately on 1300 130 372.

Riders were reminded to stay on designated paths, always wear safety gear and check the park alerts page before starting their journey.