Warburton Bike Park successfully launched the first 30km of trails on Saturday, 19th July. This soft opening saw over 1100 riders enjoy their first experience of the network.
"After years of planning and development, we're thrilled to have opened the first 30km of the Warburton Bike Park network, and to be delivering this incredible asset for our community," said Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child.
The trails, built by contractors World Trail, were praised by riders both experienced and beginner. The current stage of trails available is made up of predominantly green trails, and the network includes trails connecting Warburton and Wesburn.
Parking attendants were on-site at the Wesburn Park trailhead, and trail conditions monitored by team members across the weekend.
Warburton Bike Park is undertaking a staged rollout approach to allow more effective management of operations. This approach is common for new visitor experiences and has proven successful at other mountain bike destinations.
"The team is already looking ahead to Autumn 2026, when we anticipate opening the next stage of trails, with at least an additional 30 kms, which will cater to a broader range of skill levels and riding styles, and will include services such as shuttles and further visitor services," said Cr Child.
With a further $3M of funding secured following the recent Federal election, the full Southern Network will comprise 125km of trails and is due for completion in 2028.
The trails have been built to be accessible year-round; however weather conditions do impact the experience, especially as the newer trails settle. The Warburton Bike Park team continues to monitor conditions, and riders can find trails reports and updates on the website.
