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Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens, offering 114km trails, boosting local tourism, recreation, and economy

Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens Friday, featuring 114 km trails, community events, amenities, and safety measures, transforming the town into a year-round alpine adventure and tourism destination.

By news@gippsland - 3rd December 2025 - Back to News

Ready to send it to the High Country? Omeo MTB Park officially opens - Friday 5 December. After nearly a decade of planning and consultation and three years of shovel work, Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens this Friday at 11.30 am at Livingstone Park. This is more than a ribbon-cutting - it’s a celebration of community collaboration and an incredible vision that is set to transform Omeo into one of Australia’s premier mountain biking destinations.

Friday’s opening also marks Omeo’s streetscape upgrades and Livingstone Park flood works, enhancing safety, accessibility, and visitor readiness for thousands of tourists annually

Trails and events

The network delivers:

• 114 kilometres of world-class gravity and crosscountry trails
• Trails for every rider - from family-friendly green trails along Livingstone Creek to double-black gravity descents with up to 590 metres of vertical drop.
• 12 loops winding through Sam Hill State Forest and Mt Mesley
• Connections to the historic Oriental Claims area and Dry Gully
• Full amenities at Livingstone Park: bike wash, showers, changerooms, pump track and skills park

And the celebration continues all weekend:

Friday 5 December

• 11.30 am: Official opening ceremony – speeches, ribbon cutting and photo opportunities
• Afternoon shuttles with Blue Dirt and Gravity Dirt (pay-as-you-go)
• Ride with the Council trail crew
• Live music at the Golden Age Hotel Omeo Mountain Bike Trails

Saturday 6 December

• Come ride with the Common Ground Team, including Jordon Virgil, head trail builder.
• 50% off full-day shuttle passes (limited tickets)
• 6.30 pm: Film premiere - Out of Sight by Sam Purdie, followed by Anytime (2024) at Omeo Memorial Hall

Town becomes mecca

Omeo’s shift from an old mining town to a serious mountain-biking drawcard is really a story about the town itself - how locals stuck together, backed by a good idea, and made the most of the landscape they live in. Most people know Omeo for its gold history, the Oriental Claims and the big hills that shape the place. But the community was looking for something that would give Omeo a lift - something that would bring visitors back, create jobs and help build a stronger future.

Talk about mountain bike trails started back in 2016, followed by a proper feasibility study in 2017. The idea was simple: use the natural terrain around Sam Hill and Mt Mesley, link the trails into town and the Oriental Claims, and build the kind of trailscape that would keep people in the area longer.

Fast-forward to today and the town now has around 114 kilometres of purpose-built singletrack. There’s everything from gravity runs and tough climbs to cruisy beginner loops - all set in the hills that define Omeo.

Community at the core

Contractors, businesses and residents were involved from the start - giving feedback, shaping the design and getting stuck into the work. Around 30 FTE jobs were created during construction.

Three projects, one vision - Friday’s opening also celebrates the completion of the Omeo Streetscape Revitalisation and Livingstone Park flood remediation works. Together, these projects have transformed Omeo into a township that’s ready to support thousands of visitors each year.

The streetscape project upgraded 250 metres of Day Avenue with safer pedestrian crossings, decorative paving, street trees, new furniture and dedicated bike parking. Livingstone Park’s flood remediation works included three rock chutes, erosion control planting and improved access – ensuring the park remains a safe and functional gateway to the trails.
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Omeo team heading to Derby

Later this month, our team will travel to Derby, Tasmania, to take part in the Professional TrailBuilders Association Sustainable Trails

Conference - PTBA’s first international conference

In partnership with Common Ground Trails, builders of the Omeo trail network, our crew will deliver a presentation called Building an MTB Park with a Purpose. It will be an in-depth look at how Omeo’s trail network was created and the community benefits Council is working to deliver.
Our team will be sharing the thinking behind the design, the lessons learned, and how Omeo’s project is contributing to a stronger regional tourism future.

Derby is the perfect place for this 9-11 December event

Once home to the richest tin mine in the world, the town has transformed into one of the globe’s premier mountain bike destinations, boasting more than 125km of purpose-built trails for every skill level. As one of the world’s standout trail-town success stories, Derby offers the ideal backdrop for exploring what makes trail communities thrive.

Over 2.5 days, trail professionals, advocates and land managers from Australia, Asia and across the world will gather to advance the trail industry. The conference will blend technical training, collaborative education, networking, field-based learning and on-trail exploration. Our crew will be there to share, learn, and bring home insights from one of the world’s leading trail communities.

Derby’s story will help guide conversations about how trail towns can grow sustainably, support their communities, and build experiences that riders travel across the world to find. Our goal is simple: to ensure Omeo continues to evolve as a purpose-built, community-focused mountain biking destination.

In partnership with Common Ground Trails, our team will present Omeo MTB Park’s design, lessons learned, and its impact on regional tourism in Derby, 9 - 11 December‍

Omeo MTB Leader James Mills

We caught up with James Mills, the leader of the Omeo Mountain Bike Trail Maintenance Team, to get an inside look at life on the trails. From cold winter mornings to planning for major events, James shares what it’s like to build and maintain some 114 km of trails, test them out himself, and watch the town grow alongside the mountain biking community.

Stay safe in summer

Mountain biking in alpine terrain is exhilarating – but it requires preparation, respect for the environment and smart decision-making. Here’s how to make
your Omeo experience safe and enjoyable:

• Pre-ride, re-ride, free-ride -Scope out trails fully before committing to a full send. Some of our trails are rare on the Australian mainland - don’t expect to nail them on your first run
• Download the Emergency Plus app - Know how to use it. In an emergency, always call 000
• Wear appropriate protective gear - At a minimum: open-face helmet, glasses, gloves, knee and elbow guards. For jumps or gravity trails, consider a full-face helmet, goggles and chest/back protector
• Set up your ICE details - Update your phone’s In Case of Emergency (ICE) information with key contacts, medications and medical history. This can be lifesaving
• Carry your medication - If you typically carry medication, bring it on your rides. Omeo has a pharmacy for prescriptions
• Report trail hazards - Use Trailforks or call Council 24/7 on 03 5153 9500. We always have staff on call for the park
• Ride within your limits - The trails are designed to challenge - but they’re also designed to be progressive. Start on easier trails and build your confidence
• Stay hydrated - Even Omeo gets hot in summer, so carry more water than you think you’ll need. Heat and altitude can catch riders out quickly, especially on long climbs
• Avoid the hottest part of the day - Whenever possible, plan rides for early morning or late afternoon
• Know the signs of heat stress - Headaches, dizziness, nausea and sudden fatigue are early warnings. If you feel any of these, stop in the shade, rest and rehydrate.
• Carry a snake bite kit - With at least two compression bandages

Emergency markers

Emergency markers have been strategically installed throughout the Omeo Mountain Bike Park – on bike trails and link roads - to provide crucial assistance in case of accidents or medical emergencies. How they work:

• Distinctive green markers are positioned at key points across the trail network and on roads such as the shuttle run to Sam Hill. And there are more coming.
• Each marker features an identification code for precise location tracking
• In the event of an incident, riders can reference the marker code when calling 000, enabling rapid and accurate response from emergency services
  ‍

What to do in an emergency:

• Call 000 immediately
• Provide the emergency marker code to the operator
• Stay with the injured rider until help arrives
• Use the Emergency Plus app to share your precise GPS location

Report non-urgent trail hazards:

• Use Trailforks, or
• Call Council 24/7: 03 5153 9500

The markers significantly reduce response times and help ensure rider safety across the park’s network.

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Darren Chester welcomed progress on the Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering a new pavilion and modern changerooms, with government funding and volunteers supporting a safer, more vibrant hub for sport and community activities.
• Latrobe City Australia Day Awards 2026 honoured locals’ achievements, service, and community leadership
  Latrobe City celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising locals’ dedication, leadership, and community contributions across service, events, youth, senior, and citizen categories.
• Be enchanted by magical vistas overlooking a winding river and forested gorge in stunning Tyers Park
  Discover Peterson's Lookout in Tyers Park, a short walk leading to breathtaking gorge and river views. Enjoy golden-hour scenery, nearby trails, wineries, eateries, and cultural attractions for a perfect Gippsland getaway.
• East Gippsland hosts first Creative Summit, celebrating local artists, culture, community and future creativity on 28 March 2026
  East Gippsland’s first Creative Summit on 28 March brings artists, performers, and creatives together to celebrate talent, connect communities, showcase projects, and shape the region’s cultural future through IMMERSIVE programs.
• Commercial mooring approved on Brodribb River, enabling new sailing tourism experience in Marlo
  A commercial mooring licence on Marlo’s Brodribb River enables a 12-metre catamaran to offer guided tours, boosting marine tourism, visitor experiences, and economic growth in East Gippsland.
• Latrobe City welcomes proposed $10B Morwell data centre boosting economy, jobs, and industry
  Latrobe City Council welcomes Keppel’s proposed $10 billion Morwell data centre, Australia’s largest, leveraging existing energy infrastructure to create jobs, support workforce transition, and drive long-term economic and industrial growth.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.
• East Gippsland Council cuts planning approval times, boosting efficiency for residents, landowners, and businesses
  East Gippsland Council has nearly halved planning permit approval times to 43 days, improving efficiency, reducing red tape, and supporting residents, landowners, and businesses with faster project approvals.
• Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
  Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation.
• Darren Chester celebrates completion of $2M Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve redevelopment ahead of grand final
  Darren Chester welcomed the $2 million Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering modern facilities, improved amenities, and new courts, officially opening September 6 as the community hosts its first grand final in 25 years.
• Bass Coast Council leaders advocating events, infrastructure, recreation, coastal protection, public transport, and environmental conservation
  Bass Coast Council leaders held 12 Parliament meetings, advocating for events, infrastructure, recreation, coastal protection, public transport, and environmental conservation, seeking government support and funding for key community projects.
• Southern Rural Water declares spill entitlement in MID, boosting farmers' allocations as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity
  Southern Rural Water has declared a spill for Macalister Irrigation District customers until 16 September, providing water above 100% allocation as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity at 98% following strong winter inflows.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants now available until 31 January 2026
  Federal MP Darren Chester is urging Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants supporting travel and competition costs. Eligible juniors aged 12-18 can apply before 31 January 2026.
• Darren Chester commends Metung Holiday Villas owners for strengthening Gippsland's tourism and visitor economy
  Darren Chester has commended Metung Holiday Villas owners Darren and Kristy Penington for their dedication to Gippsland's tourism industry, highlighting their role in supporting local jobs and promoting the region's attractions.
• Bass Coast Shire Council pop-up sessions on four local playspace upgrades and proposed new designs on 13 Jan 2026
  Bass Coast Council is upgrading four playspaces in Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, and Ventnor, inviting community feedback on two design options via Engage Bass Coast and January pop-up sessions.
• Darren Chester praises progress on the $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve with its new flood-proof multipurpose Pavilion underway
  Construction of Traralgon Recreation Reserve $6.2 million flood-proof Multipurpose Pavilion is underway, delivering modern changerooms, sports facilities, and community spaces to support local clubs and enhance Latrobe Valley participation.
• Applications open for 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program Supporting Local Skills Development until 13 February 2026
  Applications are open for the free 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program, helping locals build skills, connect with peers, and positively impact Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities. Apply by February 13.
• Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
  Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria.
• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• Sardine dining in Bairnsdale showcases fresh local seafood with chef Mark Briggs’ expert touch
  SARDINE Dining in Bairnsdale, led by chef Mark Briggs, serves expertly sourced Lakes Entrance seafood, refined dishes, and a stylish wine bar, earning six chef’s hats and drawing diners region-wide.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges community groups to prepare applications for Community Project grants round 2 from 2 until 27 February 2026
  Round Two of Baw Baw Shire’s Community Project Grants opens in February, offering community groups up to $5,000, with Applications by Appointment mandatory before submitting proposals by 27 February 2026.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland delights Wilson Lodge residents and 98-year-old Joyce, boosting wellbeing and community connection for older people
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland celebrated its oldest passenger, 98-year-old Joyce Grimer, and welcomed Wilson Lodge residents, providing free trishaw rides that promote wellbeing, social connection, and community engagement for older Australians.
• West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
  West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities.
• Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
  Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers.
• Gippsland emerges as national hub for industrial hemp, boosting sustainable alternatives to timber
  Gippsland is gaining national attention as a hub for industrial hemp, with pilot projects, crop walks, and the Global Hemp Summit showcasing sustainable alternatives and regional economic opportunities.
• Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December.
• Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
  Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery launches Autumn 2026 season, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage and environment
  Latrobe Regional Gallery’s Autumn 2026 season opens 7 February, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage, identity, environment, and connections to place, including works by Lucy Hersey and Janina Green.
• Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
  A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 10-Year Master Plan to preserve and enhance Drouin’s Alex Goudie Park
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed a 10-year master plan for Drouin’s Alex Goudie Park, guiding future improvements, protecting its natural and cultural heritage, and enhancing amenities for community enjoyment.
• Darren Chester welcomes nearing completion of $2.2M Ensay Recreation Reserve redevelopment project
  Darren Chester welcomed nearing completion of the $2.2 million Ensay Recreation Reserve redevelopment, praising community volunteers. The project delivers modern facilities, boosting sport, tourism, resilience, and connections.
• Melina Bath slams Labor government over five-year Sealers Cove boardwalk repair delays and tourism mismanagement
  Melina Bath criticises Allan government for mismanaging Sealers Cove boardwalk repairs, leaving it closed five years, harming Wilsons Promontory tourism and local businesses, highlighting broken promises and neglect of public assets.
• Farm Field Day boosts production, biodiversity, carbon reduction and income with shelterbelts on 2 December 2025
  Join us at Bushy Park on 2 December to learn from experts and farmers how shelterbelts boost production, biodiversity, carbon reduction, and farm income, with practical tips and funding advice.
• Baw Baw Shire Council invites the community to shape draft Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2026-2030 by 27 March 2026
  Council seeks community feedback on its draft 2026-2030 Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy, outlining five focus areas to strengthen business, tourism, workforce skills, infrastructure and sustainable regional growth.
• Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
  Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities.
• East Gippsland Council launches VendorPanel for streamlined, transparent procurement and supports local businesses with information sessions
  From December 2025, East Gippsland Council will use VendorPanel for streamlined procurement, offering online registration, fair opportunities, and information sessions to help local businesses navigate the platform effectively.
• East Gippsland Council seeks feedback to shape Stormwater Management Plan addressing local drainage, flooding and infrastructure challenges
  East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a Stormwater Management Plan and invites community feedback to identify flooding, drainage issues, and practical solutions, helping plan safer, more resilient local infrastructure.
• Baw Baw community gathers for first-ever lighting of towering eight-metre Christmas tree on 5 December 2025
  The community is invited to the first lighting of an eight-metre Christmas tree in Civic Park on 5 December, with festivities, live music, and safety reminders for attendees.
• East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
  Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns.
• Yarram - Explore Heesco Town murals, vibrant street art, lush rainforests, coastal walks, local cuisine, and Gippsland heritage
  Yarram, a charming Gippsland town, features over 25 Heesco murals, lush rainforests, coastal walks, local seafood, wineries, heritage sites, and the Great Southern Rail Trail.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to advance Nyora early childhood education centre, ensuring local families equitable kindergarten access
  The Nationals urge the Allan government to partner with the Nyora community, enabling a local early childhood education centre for equitable, convenient kindergarten access for rural families.
• Latrobe City Council reviews community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to refine public space improvements and concerns
  Latrobe City Council has concluded community consultation on the draft Streetscape Strategy, reviewing feedback on carpark concerns, public space improvements, and long-term enhancements before finalising recommendations.
• Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes.
• Wellington Shire Council seeks girls, young women, and 12 - 18-year-olds to help design Lions Park
  Wellington Shire Council seeks input from girls, young women, and non-binary 12–18-year-olds to help design Lions Park, creating safe, inclusive, active, and engaging public spaces for youth.