Meadowbank MTB launch: A haven for mountain biking enthusiasts

Mountain biking lovers have their wheels spinning over the launch of close to $1m in new trails – bound to impress beginners and even the most diehard enthusiasts. Details

Meadowbank MTB guide Leyla Sharman at Above and Beyond Tasmanian Seaplanes, Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

The launch of two world-class mountain bike experiences on Monday, involving almost $1m in new trails, adds more offerings as interest in the sport continues to boom across the state.

A private luxury experience has been launched in the Derwent Valley on the same day that major upgrades were announced at Glenorchy.

A new $500,000 track at Meadowbank MTB and Vineyard was unveiled on Monday and boasts 2500ha of bike trails, a winery and restaurant and even the option of taking a seaplane to fly to and from the venue.

Meadowbank MTB is located in the Derwent Valley, 65km northwest of Hobart.

Co-owner Gerald Ellis said the rare experience, believed to be a world first, would promote “enjoyment for all levels and skills”.

“Given the number of mountain bike tracks being established in Tasmania, if you’re a mountain biker anywhere in the world, Tasmania is a bit of a drawcard,” he said.

“We are hoping to get national, international and local visitors.”

Meadowbank will join a long list of mountain biking offerings in the state. It will stand alongside the likes of Derby, Maydena, Mersey and West Coast tracks that bring in thousands of tourists annually.

National mountain biking champion and Meadowbank MTB guide Leyla Sharman said Meadowbank had set itself apart from other Tasmanian trails, with its course style, location and “sick jumps”.

“It’s a really fun track and there are some great jumps in the track, a good location and the track isn’t as windy or difficult as some of the others around Tassie,” she said.

The $500,000 trail to the vineyard has been designed by mountain bike professionals and has taken two years to establish.

Meadowbank co-owner Simon Tyrrell said the extensive development time had allowed for quality jumps, drops and all-round bike enjoyment for everyone.

“These trails take advantage of the place – there are two trails to our winery, rides along the ridge of the valley with amazing views, and our Jump Park that is almost like a bowl where everyone can see what everyone is doing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Glenorchy has officially opened its upgraded Mountain Bike Park on Monday.

The trails have been redeveloped by top mountain bike trail design company Dirt Art, using a $412,000 federal government grant.