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Rainforest MTB park opens in Queensland

Thrill seekers are testing their skills in a subtropical rainforest in North Queensland with the official opening of the first stage of a world-class mountain biking attraction.

The Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails are a network of single-track, one-directional paths set in the foothills around the town of Finch Hatton in the Pioneer Valley, inland of Mackay.

While the trails have been accessible to the public for around two months, an official opening was held on Sunday April 21 with food vendors, market stalls, activities for the kids and musical entertainment.

While the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike trails consist of around 13km of airflow trails, a pump track and the trailhead site, it will eventually form part of an expansive network called the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails.

This will comprise 95km of single-direction trails built to international standard and snaking through the lush valley between Finch Hatton and the town of Eungella.

The second stage of the project will include another trailhead site at Eungella to act as a key service hub for the trails, and the 82km of trails in between that will take riders through cloud rainforest and national park.

“The trails and the trailhead will further enhance Queensland’s great lifestyle, attracting visitors from around Australia and the world and strengthening our visitor experience,” said Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert.

According to Mackay Regional Council projections, the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails could attract more than 30,000 riders a year within 10 years, including 5000 overseas visitors, and generate an additional $18 million in economic benefits for the region.

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