Located in Far North Queensland (FNQ), Smithfield MTB Park is no stranger to the global spotlight. As Australia’s oldest mountain bike park, its legacy began in the late 1980s, forged by a group of trailblazing riders known as the mud cows. Their passion created a cultural cornerstone of Australia’s outdoor adventure scene.
The park’s unique position—cradled between the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest tropical rainforest—offers riders unmatched terrain, biodiversity, and breathtaking scenery. It’s no wonder the region is becoming a training hub for Olympians and elite athletes. Yet, it’s equally suited for adventurous families, weekend warriors, and travelers seeking something extraordinary.
Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Upgrade a Go
The long-awaited upgrade to Smithfield MTB Park is more than a tourism boost—it’s a victory for community perseverance.
Promised as part of an election commitment in September 2024, the project honours decades of advocacy by local champions.
Visionaries like Glen Jacobs, founder of World Trail, have been pushing for this transformation for over 30 years.
They’ve been joined by mountain biking icons Mick and Tracey Hannah, the tireless Cairns MTB Club, and countless volunteers whose efforts are finally coming to fruition.
The Upgrade: Smithfield 2.0
A landmark $15 million investment will reimagine Smithfield MTB Park as Australia’s #1 MTB Racing Destination. Key components of the upgrade include:
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Trail Expansion: From 32 kilometres to over 85 kilometres of trails, with 50 km of new routes suitable for all skill levels.
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Infrastructure Enhancements: New car parks, updated signage, and improved access roads to handle rising visitor numbers.
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Event-Ready Facilities: Designed to host world-class competitions while supporting grassroots riders and local clubs.
This expansion is projected to attract over 75,000 riders annually, with a potential economic return of $95 million per year. The Smithfield development alone is forecast to contribute $90 million annually to the economy through visitor expenditure.
Smithfield has already etched its name into the international MTB circuit. It was the first venue in the Southern Hemisphere to host a UCI Mountain Bike World Cup (1994) and later the World Championships in both 1996 and 2017. With the upcoming upgrades, it’s poised to set a new benchmark for MTB excellence in the Southern Hemisphere.
This bold new chapter for Smithfield MTB Park is not just about trails—it’s about transformation. With strong partnerships between government, local councils, clubs, and riders, this development will solidify Cairns as the ultimate riding destination in Australia.
Whether you’re an Olympian in training or a family looking for your next adventure, Smithfield MTB Park is where nature, culture, and adrenaline collide.
Funding
This project is fully funded by the Queensland Government.
- Total investment: $15.5 million
Current status
The planning study has been completed with completion scheduled for September 2028.
Previous Speeches about Smithfield Mountain Bike Park
