In its first year of operation, Warburton Bike Park has established itself as one of Australia's premier mountain biking destinations, with thousands of riders of all ages and abilities experiencing the network since the first stage of trails opened in July 2025.
With more than 80 kilometres of trails now open, the project has passed the halfway mark of the fully funded 125-kilometre Southern Network and attracts visitors from across Victoria and beyond.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Richard Higgins said it had been rewarding to hear the positive feedback from riders near and far.
"It's been an incredible year for Warburton Bike Park, for our riders, our community and the region. This world class asset has delivered on the potential the local mountain bike club identified all those years before," he said.
"It's been a labour of love, and we've certainly learned a lot along the way. It is one of Council's biggest infrastructure investments, and we're excited to see it up and running, an working towards our long-term goal of revitalising the Upper Yarra region."
"While it is still early to measure the full direct economic impact, we are already seeing the signs of Warburton buzzing. Riders, as well as their families and friends, are visiting the region, supporting local businesses and coming back for more. We are confident this 'must ride' mountain bike destination will continue to be a catalyst for new investment and considerable economic uplift over the coming years. It has also been exciting to see new businesses open in Warburton, adding to the already thriving hospitality scene," said Cr Higgins.
Shuttle services commenced in April 2026, with online bookings helping make it easier for riders to plan their visit. The shuttle service has already been used by more than 4,000 riders since it started at Easter.
Shuttle buses with bike trailers operate on a fee-for-use basis, designed to help maximise ride times and offer multiple pass options. Currently, the shuttles operate throughout school holidays, Saturdays and Sundays, and are available for private mid-week group bookings for schools, corporates and other organisations.
Cr Higgins said shuttle pass fees play a vital role in caring for the trails, enhancing facilities and supporting the continued development of Warburton Bike Park.
"The project is also directly supporting local employment, with local staff employed to drive shuttle buses, collecting riders from Warburton, Wesburn and the mid-mountain pick-up point before taking them to the Mt Tugwell summit. Feedback from shuttle users has been overwhelmingly positive, with our drivers regularly praised for their local insights and terrific customer service."
"The park now has a full-time trail crew maintaining the open trails. The crew helps keep riders safe while protecting the integrity of the trails and the surrounding environment," Cr Higgins said.
"Construction and trail development will continue as Council works toward completing the fully funded Southern Network by 2027."
"With the success of the network so far, we're looking forward to delivering the next round of incredible riding experiences and seeing Warburton continue to grow its reputation as a must-visit destination for the mountain biking community and visitors more broadly," said Cr Higgins.
"Warburton was identified as a prime location for a mountain bike park because of a number of natural advantages, including its terrain, elevation, climate and soil profile. The soil provides the ideal blend for durable, responsive trail surfaces. Add in the right climate and World Trail's expertise, and you get what riders call 'hero dirt'."
"World Trail is globally recognised for sustainable, innovative mountain bike trail design. Its team shapes every curve, contour, climb and descent to work with the landscape, not against it, creating trails that feel natural to ride, drain well, minimise environmental impact and support long-term maintenance outcomes."
"We're excited about what they have planned for the rest of the network."
"New trails will progressively open over the next 18 months, with the next trails planned to open around November 2026. This will include an opening event for our signature Blended Air trail, set to be a world-class black jumps trail. We're confident this trail will put Warburton Bike Park firmly on the international stage."
The opening will allow interested partners to attend, with tours of the new trails on offer. Follow the Warburton Bike Park socials and check the website for regular updates.
