For our family, riding together is just plain fun! Whether we’re getting a thrill on a downhill track, testing out our technical skills on a pump track, getting from A to B in the city, or going on a longer journey such as the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, we just love to get out as a family and get active on two wheels. Here are some of our favourite spots to ride around Ipswich:
Ipswich Cycle Park
If you haven’t checked out this new facility in Ipswich, then you’re missing out. It’s a 1.7km asphalt criterium circuit that is open to the public between 4am and 10pm, except when being used for events.
It’s a perfect place to train or for families to get in a decent fun ride without having to worry about cars. Full details here.
Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve
Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve is a mountain biker’s paradise and it’s so close to the Ipswich CBD.
With tracks to suit a huge range of abilities and experience levels, there’s something here for everyone from families to elite downhill riders.
For families or beginners, check out the Blackleg Gully Circuit (easy) and practice technical skills in the skills park and pump track.
More experienced riders can ride the popular downhill black diamond (very difficult) rated tracks such as World Cup and Inca.
Brassall Bikeway
Perfect for families and kids who are just getting started on the bike, the Brassall Bikeway is also a fast and fun way to commute through Ipswich as it links the suburbs of North Ipswich, Brassall, Wulkuraka, Karrabin and Pine Mountain with the Ipswich CBD.
If you’re looking for a bit of excitement try the Mihi Junction Trails that come off the Brassall Bikeway next to the Mihi Creek Bridge.
Mihi Junction Trails
A perfect introduction to mountain biking – this 1.5km cross-country mountain bike trail is suited to all ability levels.
It’s a ton of fun and a perfect spot for kids and families. For more advanced riders, a large pump track offers a range of berms, rollers and jumps.
The trails flow straight off the Brassall Bikeway near the corner of Haig St and Collins St, Brassall. Drinking water is located next to the large steel sculpture near the end of Haig Street.
Hidden Vale Adventure Park
With more than 100km of purpose-built and well maintained trails, Hidden Vale Adventure Park is world class. It’s privately owned and you’ll pay a small fee (currently $10 per day and kids under 16 free when accompanied by a paying adult) but it’s worth every penny to enjoy the smooth flowing trails on the property.
There are plenty of trails that are rated Green (easy) that are suitable for beginners or kids, and plenty of harder trails to challenge more experienced riders. If you don’t have your own bike, you can hire one onsite.
White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Reserve
The increasingly popular White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate is not only a great place to hike, it’s also a good option to ride.
Leaving from Paperbark Flats Picnic Area (access via School Rd), the trails are designated as multi-use so watch out for horse riders and walkers.
The tracks are not technical at all so you don’t have to worry about obstacles or features – perfect to get started in off-road cycling.
Options include the Six Mile Creek Track, the White Rock Multi-User Trail and the Yaddamun Trail.
*As per Cultural Protocol the Traditional Owners have requested no one climbs White Rock.
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
Enjoy a longer journey that will take you a few hours and treat you to some picturesque country views on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
Starting out at Fernvale and finishing in Ipswich CBD – it’s not just a bike ride, it’s an experience that you won’t forget.
You have to cross the Brisbane Valley Highway once, as well as some quiet county side roads, but otherwise it’s all off the road and traffic free so it’s a perfect trip for a family.
As you approach Ipswich, the rail trail connects with the Brassall Bikeway, and if you follow that all the way into the Ipswich CBD, you will have ridden close to 30km.
