Smithfield MTB trails set to grow

Bicycle Queensland has welcomed plans for the biggest expansion in the history of Smithfield Mountain Bike Park, with more than 62 kilometres of new trails set to reinforce Cairns’ position as one of Australia’s core mountain bike destinations.

The Queensland Government has unveiled the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Expansion Masterplan, designed by World Trail, which will grow the existing network from around 25 kilometres to more than 85 kilometres, securing Smithfield on the ‘must ride’ mountain bike map.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and be completed by late 2028, with the expanded network forecast to attract more than 53,000 riders annually.

For mountain bikers, Smithfield needs little introduction. The rainforest-clad hills north of Cairns have been at the heart of Australian mountain biking for more than three decades. Smithfield has hosted UCI Mountain Bike World Cups and World Championships, along with recent editions of Crankworx Cairns. Of course, Smithfield’s roots cannot be confined to between the tape.

In the 1990s, Cairns riders and trail builders helped forge a distinctly Australian bike culture. Films such as Mud Cows and features on shows like Pepsi Max Extremists took the riding, characters and trails of Far North Queensland to riders around Australia and the world. Features including the Alien Tree, Jacobs Ladder, Croc Slide and the infamous Bowl of Death became part of Australian mountain biking folklore – and the majority of those features still exist in the trails. Although Jacobs Ladder became a descent and you might need a machete and some local knowledge to find the Bowl of Death.

Cairns and Far North Queensland has changed in many ways since the 90s. However the mountain bike culture remains very much alive today, having expanded into a much wider community.

The Smithfield masterplan includes new beginner, intermediate and advanced trails to suit the expansion of mountain bike popularity and use since the 90s. There are upgraded trailheads and visitor facilities, improved event infrastructure, signage and safety measures, along with a long-term framework for sustainable trail management – an essential element for an area with such high rainfall.

BQ strongly supports investment in quality off-road cycling infrastructure across regional Queensland. Well-planned mountain bike networks provide accessible outdoor recreation for local communities while also creating destinations capable of attracting visitors, events and spending into regional economies.

Smithfield is an exceptional example because its reputation already extends around the world. Expanding the network gives Cairns an opportunity to build on more than 30 years of mountain biking history while creating a trail network suited to a much broader range of riders.

That said, Smithfield should not be an isolated example. BQ believes that targeted investment in mountain biking can support healthier communities, give young people places to ride, strengthen regional tourism and create new economic activity.

The recent Smithfield announcement demonstrates what is possible when governments recognise cycling infrastructure not simply as trails in the bush, but as long-term investment in the health and vitality of Queensland communities.

“Getting your kids on a mountain bike is pretty much the best thing any parent can do,” BQ Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack said.

“Mountain biking makes you much fitter, and improves strength and hand-eye co-ordination.

“There’s even research which shows that teenagers who are involved in mountain biking develop stronger social and emotional intelligence as a result.

“And the best bit: it’s amazing fun. I can’t wait to get back to Smithfield to ride these trails when they are done.”

You can look at the complete Smithfield Master Plan online.