The Great Outdoors
Bike your way around Ipswich
Ipswich is well known as a great sporting community. We really have it all. From the multiple soccer fields, our two water based hockey fields in Raceview, the netball, football, athletics complex at Limestone Park. And an indoor facility which caters to many disciplines throughout the year.
Little known to many are the wonderful mountain bike tracks which are scattered around. Quiet during the week, these hills within Ipswich come bustling to life on weekend mornings. The most prominent would be Castle Hill in Blackstone and Hidden Vale Adventure Park out at Grandchester.
Brassall
For little ones, beginners or someone just wanting a quick spin on their commute home is a small 600m track located off the Brassall Bikeway. There is a bike repair stand at the beginning of the loop and a shaded seat for parents who may have forgotten their bike. This trail is perfect for all ages although training wheels are not recommended due to a quick switchback near the entrance of the trail.
Castle Hill
There is an assortment of obstacles to keep everyone on their toes with a combination of rock gardens, drops, switchback turns and plenty of jumps ranging in size. Keep an eye out for mine shafts and smoke rising from these as Castle Hill was once a major site for coal mining.
Plenty of off street parking is available on Mary Street at the scout hall. You can jump on your bike straight from the car and hit the trails right away. Early in 2017, the South East Queensland Wild West MTB series was held at Castle Hill.
Hidden Vale Adventure Park
Located 40 minutes from the Ipswich CBD and 70 minutes from Brisbane CBD is the picturesque Hidden Vale Adventure Park situated within Spicers Hidden Vale. This MTB park boasts over 50kms of single track trails and stunning views out to Brisbane.
This park hosts the Flight Centre Epic once a year and attracts 2000+ riders, including professionals, from all over Australia. Well-signed trails will lead you through the park over balance beams, sea-saws, bridges and more, over a variety of terrain. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a crashed light plane.
All ages and skill levels are welcome here; just don’t forget to sign in at the barn before you hit the trails. After your ride there is food and beverages available for purchase – which is a must after a long day on the trails.
