Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Project

Person riding a mountain bike through the forest

About the project  

The Warburton Mountain Bike Destination is set to be a world-class mountain bike destination. It's located around 70 kilometres east of Melbourne.

The project features up to 160 kilometres of mountain bike trails. These trails range across the hills of Mount Little Joe, Mount Tugwel, Mt Bride and Mt Donna Buang, connecting with the popular Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail and the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail. 

The project will attract visitors from around the world to experience Warburton’s natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere. It will also create more jobs and help grow the local economy. When all stages of the project are complete (in 2031), the trail network will inject more than $31 million a year into the local economy. 

 

 

Timeline

Please note: These timelines are indicative only. The project is subject to the unpredictability of nature and weather 

Key Dates

Timeline of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Project

Date Action

2024

Construction Starts

2025

Stage 1A 30km Opens

2026

Stage 1B 60km Opens. Shuttles predicted to commence.

2026-2027

Stage 1C/D predicted to open

 

Stage 1 Trail Network

The Stage 1 trail network is fully funded and in construction. This stage is located in the Southern trail network in the Yarra State Forest.

Stage 1 will deliver approximately 100km of mountain bike trail within six sub-stages. Trails will open after each sub-stage is complete over the two-year construction period.  

 

Stage 2 Trail Network

The Stage 2 trail network is currently un-funded. This stage is located in the Northern and Southern trail network in the Yarra Ranges National Park and Yarra State Forest.

Stage 2 will deliver a further 60km of mountain bike trail to the network. 

 

 

 

Environmental Review and Approval Process

Key Dates

Key Dates Action

May 21, 2020

The former Minister for Planning required an Environment Effects Statement (EES)* for the project.

December 2021 - January 2022

The EES was open for public submissions.

Early 2022

An Independent Advisory Committee (IAC) held a 4-week public inquiry.

Late 2022

The Minister provided their assessment to decision-makers.

October 2022

The Minister concluded that most of the project could proceed with modifications and an environmental management plan.


*What is an EES?An Environment Effects Statement (EES) is the most thorough environmental review process in Australia. It ensures that projects like the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination are carefully evaluated for their environmental impact.

Key approval documents

View approval documents related to the environment review:

 

 

Contact details

Matt Harrington
recreation@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Stay up to date

For the latest updates on the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination project, visit the Ride Yarra Ranges website.

On the website you can learn more about the project and trails, get project updates, and read FAQs.

 

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