Three rides. Pick your pace.
There’s more than one way to explore Mackay on two wheels. You can spend the day riding purpose-built mountain bike trails through the Pioneer Valley, take an easier ride through cane country or stay closer to Mackay and see where the locals ride.
1. Finch Hatton MTB
About 50 minutes west of Mackay, Finch Hatton MTB has quickly become one of Queensland's leading mountain bike destinations, with purpose-built trails running through the subtropical landscape and foothills surrounding Finch Hatton.
The trail network was conceived, designed and constructed by World Trail, one of the world's most experienced mountain bike trail companies. Finch Hatton was chosen for more than its terrain. The town sits at the foot of the Pioneer Valley ranges, surrounded by rainforest, creeks and rolling hills, with Eungella National Park further up the range. Mountain biking has also become an important part of the town's next chapter, bringing visitors back to an area historically shaped by the sugar industry and the former Cattle Creek Sugar Mill. The restored mill administration building now forms part of the MTB trailhead.
Stage One has been designed so you don't need to be an experienced mountain biker to enjoy it. The network includes easy, intermediate and difficult trails, along with three different styles of riding: Adventure, Airflow and Mega-Airflow. Newer riders can start on the easier trails and build confidence before progressing, while experienced riders have faster lines, larger features and more technical terrain to work through.
There's more planned for Finch Hatton too with even more trails proposed in the future! The longer-term vision also includes a wilderness trail connecting Eungella and Finch Hatton. Together, the staged expansion is intended to build on what is already here and further establish Finch Hatton as one of Queensland's major mountain bike destinations.
The trailhead sits in Finch Hatton township and includes parking, toilets, water stations, a bike wash and a pump track stretching more than 400 metres. From there, riders can access the network via the easy-rated G'Day G'Day climbing trail.
Corry Cycles Finch Hatton is the local option if you haven't brought your own bike. Its hire fleet includes mountain bikes and e-mountain bikes, making it possible to arrive in the Valley without travelling with your own setup. Organise your hire before heading out, particularly if you're planning to ride on a weekend.
There's no need to try to cover the whole network in one visit. Start on trails that suit your ability, repeat the ones you enjoy and move onto something more technical if you're comfortable. Finch Hatton township is right there when you're finished, and Finch Hatton Gorge is nearby if you want to add a walk or swim afterwards.
2. Pioneer Valley Rail Trail
For a much more relaxed ride, the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail follows part of the former railway corridor through the Pioneer Valley.
The first dedicated off-road section between Gargett and Benholme opened in 2025 and runs for approximately seven kilometres. The trail has a gravel and crusher-dust surface and passes through the Valley’s agricultural landscape, with cane fields, creeks, mountains and working railway infrastructure all part of the ride.
A simple way to experience it is to begin around Gargett and ride the dedicated section out and back. It’s a good option for people who enjoy cycling but wouldn’t necessarily consider themselves mountain bikers, and there are no jumps, technical descents or trail features to worry about. Take some water, allow enough time to stop along the way and turn around whenever you’ve ridden far enough.
More experienced cyclists can extend the ride using the mapped connections between Mirani and Gargett, which combine sections of rail trail with quiet country roads. Longer routes can also continue through the Pioneer Valley towards Finch Hatton, although these include on-road sections and are better suited to confident road riders.
The trail passes through working agricultural country, so riders need to stay on the designated route and take care around road and railway crossings. Farm entrances and cane railway infrastructure also need to remain clear.
If you’re already spending a day exploring the Pioneer Valley, the rail trail is an easy activity to work in without making cycling the focus of the whole day. Ride in the morning, stop somewhere in the Valley for lunch and continue towards Finch Hatton or Eungella afterwards.
3. Rowallan Park
Around 10 minutes north of Mackay, Rowallan Park has been home to the Mackay & Districts Mountain Bike Club for many years and offers a different riding experience again.
The 42-hectare bushland property contains approximately 15 kilometres of singletrack developed and maintained by the local mountain bike community. The riding is more cross-country focused than Finch Hatton, with short climbs and descents, berms, switchbacks, rock gardens, jumps and other natural and built trail features spread throughout the network.
There are options for riders with different levels of experience, including easier trails and alternative lines around some of the more technical features.
Rowallan Park is different from Finch Hatton in one important respect. The trails are located on Scouts Australia property and managed in conjunction with the Mackay & Districts Mountain Bike Club, rather than operating as an open public trail network. Visiting riders should check the club’s current access requirements and riding information before heading out.
The club also runs organised rides, races, skills activities and Come & Try sessions throughout the year. If your visit lines up with one of these, it’s a good way to ride the park and meet some of the people who maintain and use the trails regularly.
Getting a bike before you ride
Not travelling with a bike doesn't rule out a day of riding.
Corry Cycles Finch Hatton is the most convenient option if Finch Hatton MTB is where you're heading. You can organise a mountain bike or e-mountain bike through the store and pick it up locally rather than bringing your own bike into the region. Booking ahead also means you can confirm the right bike and size will be available for the day you want to ride.
For servicing, repairs or anything you've forgotten before heading out, Mackay Cycles at City Gates has a workshop alongside its range of bikes, parts and riding equipment.
If you're hiring, organise the bike before you head into the Valley rather than relying on availability when you arrive.
You don’t need to be a serious mountain biker to enjoy Mackay Isaac on two wheels. There are purpose-built trails, easy valley rides and local singletrack to choose from, with plenty of ways to make a ride as relaxed or challenging as you like. Pick a trail, find your pace and enjoy a different way of seeing the region.