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.
Please note: These timelines are indicative only. The project is subject to the unpredictability of nature and weather
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
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.
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.
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.
View approval documents related to the environment review:
Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA)
Operational Emergency Management Plan
Strategic Emergency Management Plan
Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)
CEMP Audit Summary
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.
Yarra Ranges resident can park for free with a permit - Apply Online
https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment