For riders curious about stepping beyond the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, the High Country Gravel SQ Weekend (17–19 April) offers a low-stress way to experience South East Queensland’s next gravel frontier, without needing to plan every turn yourself.
Hosted around Crow’s Nest by Southern Queensland Cycle Trails Inc., the weekend showcases some of the best riding across both the Downs Burnett Cycle Trail and High Country Gravel South Queensland, with guided rides designed to suit a range of abilities and appetites for adventure.
The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with a relaxed, social sunset ride. This is a chance for riders arriving from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast to stretch their legs, meet fellow participants and get a feel for the terrain. “It’s up on the ridges to a high point,” says Hugh Wilson from Southern Queensland Cycle Trails Inc. “You stop and watch the sunset, it’s a great way to start.”
Across Saturday and Sunday, riders can choose between shorter and longer ride options each day, allowing participants to tailor the experience to their fitness, confidence and curiosity. Some routes head out along the Downs Burnett Cycle Trail, while others explore the rolling gravel and quiet country roads that define the High Country Gravel network.
Crucially, this isn’t rail trail riding. But it’s also not extreme or intimidating.
“It’s not a rail trail,” Hugh says. “But there’s very few cars, and the ones that are there tend to be locals who give you plenty of room. There’s no battle on the road at all.”
Accommodation options range from pubs and motels to cabins, campgrounds and Airbnbs, and riders are encouraged to stay local, eat local and explore the towns they pass through.
Escape to the Noosa Hinterland this May for BQ’s Weekend at Pomona – Bicycle Queensland’s newest off-road adventure weekend designed for intermediate gravel riders, mountain bikers, e-bike explorers, and active families with confident teens aged 12+.
Across two days you’ll discover the best of the Noosa Trail Network and the quiet backroads that weave through open farmland, forests, ridgelines and the character-filled streets of Pomona and the surrounding hinterland. Each day offers a shorter, more dedicated off-road ride option or a longer, more challenging ride that uses more gravel and back roads – all supported by experienced ride leaders, detailed digital mapping, and BQ’s on-ground event team. These routes are all on mixed terrain, swapping between road, trails, gravel roads and firetrails – so expect a bit of everything and bring a bike to suit.
Ride Options
Saturday May 16:
Off-road explorer (Cooran + Pinbarren): 32km, ~750m A scenic loop through Cooran via the Noosa Trail Network and around Mount Pinbarren before a rolling return beneath Mount Cooroora. This route is almost 80% off road, and most riders will prefer a mountain bike for the lower gearing for the climb to James M McKane look out.
Go for gravel (Woondum + Kin Kin) 79km, ~1600m A big day out looping Woondum National Park, on a mix of country roads and gravel roads – with some sections of the Noosa Trail Network. This route is about 65% off-road with just a few percent on trail making it an ideal gravel bike challenge. There’s a sting in the tail, but it should leave you with enough energy to enjoy your afternoon in Pomona.
Sunday May 17:
Gravel Explorer – Tewantin National Park: 37km, 500m A gentler morning ride with forest road flow towards Tewantin, before riding back to Pomona. This route is a mix of gravel roads and back roads, with minimal time on pure off-road trails. About 60% is on unsealed roads.
Get out there! – Black Mountain + Noosa Trails A challenging loop exploring Black Mountain and the Noosa Trail Network beyond Pomona. Picture ridgetops roads and climbs to stunning views, with fast descents back to the valleys.
Your Weekend Base: The BQ Hub – Pomona Showgrounds
The BQ Hub is your meet-point, rest stop and social space, complete with:
Ride registration & sign-on/off
Bike support: track pumps, tools and mechanic assistance
Rider support: water refills, drink mix, sunscreen & sanitiser
BQ merch & info desk
Milling space & bike parking, plus casual games for active downtime
Event costs
BQ Members: $120 Non-member adults: $175 Children 12-17: $25
Every rider receives a Rider Pack including BQ bottle, BQ neck gaiter, event plate/wristband and more. There is no event catering, but there are restaurants, cafes and a supermarket in Pomona.
Riders will be emailed downloadable route files in the weeks before the event, with a complete digital event program, via their registered email address.
Pomona is a perfect base for a relaxed cycling weekend. Between rides you can:
Explore the Pomona Markets or the Noosa Shire Museum on Saturday morning and afternoon respectively
Grab excellent coffee from local cafés or fuel up at Pomona’s pubs and eateries
Cruise to Noosa Parkrun if you’re keen for a pre-ride leg loosener
Where to stay
The world is your oyster for the Weekend at Pomona – bring your tent and book in at the Pomona Showgrounds or better yet – bring your caravan! There’s also a range of short stay accommodation providers in the greater region with options from bland to glam. You could even book a room at the Pomona Hotel – the perfect spot for live music fans. Any accommodation must be booked privately as it is not included with the event.
Pomona Showgrounds have powered and unpowered sites to book, you will need to book a powered site if you want to charge an e-bike. Camping at the Showgrounds starts at $40/night for singles, or $45 for two people. Mention you are with Bicycle Queensland for a discounted rate.
Where to eat in Pomona
There is no event catering for the Weekend at Pomona – however Pomona has a range of options for meals. If you’re booking camping at the Showgrounds there is an IGA a short walk away to get supplies. You could book a meal at the distillery, get breakfast at one of the many cafes, or head to the Pomona Hotel for a meal or refreshing drink. The Pomona Village Kitchen also does great meals – and coffee!
Ride, relax, explore – at your pace
BQ’s Weekend at Pomona is designed to be social, scenic and supportive. While ride leaders are on hand, you’re free to complete the rides at your own pace. Enjoy two days of discovering new roads and trails with friends old and new, backed by the safety and experience of Bicycle Queensland.
Join us for an unforgettable weekend in the Noosa Hinterland.
BICYCLE QUEENSLAND MEMBERSHIP
Giving riders peace of mind worldwide, advocating for a safer and accessible riding network, and growing a community which champions riding for transport, recreation and sport. Our memberships include personal accident, public liability and income protection insurance (excluding BQ Supporter) plus a range of discounts and offers including riding apparel and accessories, nutrition and more.
If you’re not a current BQ member, you have the opportunity to purchase an annual membership at a 25% discount during the event registration process. This offer is exclusively available to non-members, and during the event registration process only.
Photo from the 2021 BVRT Australia Day Ride; 44km from Fernvale to Esk. Hosted by BVRT Users Association. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is Australia’s longest rail trail and passes through amazing scenery. Join in the fun for this off-road experience suitable for all ages – there are events from 50km through to 161km. Full details are on the event website.
Photo from the 2024 BVRT Festival held by the BVRTUA. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
