Region's newest outdoor experience complete

Published on 13 July 2023

The Western Downs is now home to a brand-new adventure experience, with construction of the Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails project now complete.  

Western Downs Regional Council delivered the new recreational opportunity in partnership with the Australian Government's Local Roads Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.  

Australian Government funding was provided through an overall LRCI Program commitment of $3.4 million across several Western Downs projects. This program supports local Councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across the nation, supporting jobs and delivering benefits to local communities. 

Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Events, and Regional Promotion Councillor Kylie Bourne said it was fantastic to announce the completion of the Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails, which would offer a new and exciting opportunity for residents and visitor to explore the wonder of the Bunya Mountains.  

“The Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails project will further-enhance our region’s reputation as a destination of choice for travellers, and it’s fantastic to announce works are complete, and the trails are now able to be used by the public,” Cr Bourne said.  

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

“The trails utilise 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. 

“Due to the sensitive natural environment and indigenous significance of the area, this project required careful management during planning and construction. 

“As our tracks begin to be enjoyed, we will continue to carefully monitor and manage the tracks, and we ask the community to obey trail signage and visitor information which is in place at the trailheads and online via the Western Downs Queensland website.” 

Maranoa MP and Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said he was delighted to see the project, which promises to be a popular tourist attraction for the region, come to fruition. 

“The Bunya Mountains are one of Queensland’s most beautiful destinations and this project will allow visitors from across the country and the world to experience it for themselves,” Mr Littleproud said. 

“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 Mountain Bike Trails for myself.” 

Councillor Bourne said the new trails were already drawing in an eager crowd of mountain biking enthusiasts.  

“The community has been eagerly awaiting the completion of this project, so it’s wonderful to invite riders from all over the country – and the world – to experience this new adventure attraction and our fantastic region,” she said. 

“The Bunya Mountains is such a special part of our region with rich cultural history, pristine natural landscapes, and breathtaking views, and the new trails only enhance the visitor experience. 

“To mark the opening of this awesome new experience, we will also be hosting a massive celebration in early September, and we will share more details about this exciting event in coming months.”  

Find out more here: Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails - Western Downs Queensland

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