Warburton’s long-awaited mountain bike park is finally nearing its debut. After years of planning, assessments, and delays, the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination is preparing for a soft opening this July—and it has just received a major financial boost to support further expansion.
The Yarra Ranges Council confirmed that construction, which began in August under trail builders World Trail, is nearly complete for the first 30 kilometres of singletrack. A new website and social media presence have also launched to mark the project’s first phase.
Early Trails to Open Soon, with Much More Ahead
The upcoming soft opening will feature 30 kilometres of trail—primarily aimed at beginner riders. According to Senior Project Manager Matt Harrington, this initial rollout is just a small piece of what’s to come.
“Of the first 30 kilometres, about 22 are green trails,” Harrington told Flow magazine. “There’s one blue and one black trail from the summit of Mount Little Joe, and they’re fantastic. But we want to manage expectations.”
Harrington emphasized that while the trails will be rideable this year, the experience is not yet on the scale of more developed destinations like Tasmania’s Blue Derby. The soft opening will quietly replace construction signs with trail markers, without a large launch event. However, by the end of the year, over 80 kilometres of trail are expected to be ready, setting the stage for a full celebration.
$3 Million Funding Secured for Expansion
In a major development, the Warburton Bike Park has received an additional $3 million in funding, fulfilling a promise made by the federal Labor Government before the last election. The initial 100 kilometres of singletrack was already fully funded, but this new investment will support the development of another 25 kilometres, bringing the total trail network to 125 kilometres in the Southern Network.
“All approvals are now locked in for the 125 kilometres,” Harrington said. “That means we can continue building without delay. It’ll also add more variety to the trail network.”
The expanded plans include double black diamond descents, backcountry rides, and what Harrington calls “power climbs.”
These demanding trails are designed for advanced riders, including those on e-bikes or elite-level competitors.
“One of the climbs will be rock-heavy and extremely technical—it’ll feel like a puzzle to solve,” Harrington said. “You’ll need strength and strategy. They’re challenging, but they’ll be exciting for experienced riders.”
A Long Journey Nears Its First Finish Line
The Warburton project has been in the works for several years, navigating environmental assessments, community hearings, and planning amendments. Originally planned as a single-phase project, it was eventually split into multiple stages to avoid further delays.
Now, with construction underway and the first trails ready to open, the vision of Warburton as a premier mountain biking destination is taking shape. The town is poised to become a hub for riders of all skill levels, with green trails for beginners, technical climbs for experts, and a growing network that promises something for everyone.
For now, Harrington and the team urge patience and enthusiasm in equal measure. “This is just the start,” he said. “The best is still to come.”