Finch Hatton MTB Trails

Overview

Finch Hatton MTB Trails is a purpose-built mountain bike destination in Queensland's Pioneer Valley, ~63 km west of Mackay. Stage 1 (14.5 km, ~16 trails) opened 21 April 2024 and was built by World Trail — best known for Derby (TAS) and Maydena. The network is unusual for tropical Queensland: it's hand-shaped flow on volcanic-rich soil, ringed by the world-heritage rainforest of Eungella National Park. Trails are one-directional, single-use, free to ride, with no bookings required.

The trailhead sits in the town centre on Anzac Parade and is one of the better-equipped in the country for a free council facility: an asphalt pump track (400 m+), water fountain and water station, amenities block (toilets), free electric BBQs, picnic tables, bike wash, and sealed parking. Shuttle access is available through Off Camber Mountain Biking; bike hire through Corry Cycles (Fri–Sun). The Mackay & District MTB Club is the local rider community.

When fully developed across Stages 2 / 2A, the network is planned to reach ~95 km of singletrack including a 36 km adventure trail linking Eungella to Finch Hatton. Stage 2A (22.1 km of new trail with two black-diamond runs) is forecast shovel-ready by September 2026. The trails are built on the traditional lands of the Yuwi, Widi, Barada Barna, and Birriah peoples.

Location & Access

Address: Anzac Parade, Finch Hatton, QLD 4756 (opposite 21 Anzac Parade — trailhead in town centre)
Region: Pioneer Valley, Mackay
Drive times: ~1 hr from Mackay (~63 km west via Mackay–Eungella Rd); ~10 hr from Brisbane; ~30 min from Mirani
Public transport: No regular PT service — car only
Parking: Free sealed parking on-site at the trailhead
Coords: -21.1391, 148.6392 (verified)

Best Season & Conditions

Peak riding season: Early autumn through late spring (Apr–Oct). Avoid the wet (Dec–Mar).
Wet-weather impact: Trails designed to be ridden in all weather where surface allows, but tropical wet-season downpours and cyclones cause closures. Cyclone Koji impacted the network in 2025 — consult Trailforks app for live status.
Fire-danger / total-fire-ban impact: Low risk (rainforest setting).
Snow / alpine season: N/A
School-holiday surge: Mackay-region school holidays drive shuttle demand; pre-book.

Managing Body & Trail Builders

Land manager: Mackay Regional Council
Trail builder / maintainer: World Trail (Stage 1 construction); ongoing maintenance via council
Local club: Mackay & District MTB Club
Volunteer / dig days: Not publicly listed
Donations / membership: N/A (free council facility)

History & Background

Stage 1 of Finch Hatton MTB Trails officially opened 21 April 2024 at a community celebration. The project is a Mackay Regional Council initiative with backing from the Queensland Government ($500,000) and additional state funding (

50,000) for Stage 2 planning. The aim is to place the Pioneer Valley on the international MTB destination map and generate regional tourism revenue (projected 31,000 extra annual visitors,

8.1M visitor spending, 110+ FTE jobs when fully built out).

Stage 1 = 14.5 km airflow trails + pump track + trailhead, built by World Trail. Stage 2A is in feasibility / planning under AEC Group and Blue Sky Trails — 22.1 km including two black-diamond trails, targeting shovel-ready by Sept 2026. The ultimate Stage 2 vision is an 82 km network including a wilderness trail from Eungella to Finch Hatton.

The town of Finch Hatton (pop. 531, 2021 census) lies in the Cattle Creek valley, a tributary of the Pioneer River. The town's name comes from Hon. Harold Heneage Finch-Hatton, a 19th-century British aristocrat-turned-grazier. The land sits within Yuwi, Widi, Barada Barna, and Birriah Country.