Ride the Rainforest: Winter Adventures at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park
- BELLBRY LODGE
- Jul 19
- 2 min read
While the southern states rug up, Tropical North Queensland invites you outdoors. Just six minutes from Bellbry Lodge, Smithfield Mountain Bike Park offers an unforgettable winter experience - where the air is warm, the trails are dry, and the rainforest hums with life.
“Winter riding, without the layers. This is warmth, wilderness, and world-class trail riding.”
Australia’s oldest and most iconic mountain biking network, Smithfield boasts more than 60km of graded trails carved through ancient jungle. First shaped for the 1995 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, these world-class tracks continue to attract thrill-seekers from around the globe - yet remain open, free, and yours to explore all year round.
Image credits: Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Green Season Flow
Beneath the emerald canopy, your tyres wind through a living landscape - over ridgelines, across mossy bridges, and past glimpses of the Great Barrier Reef. Crisp mornings give way to sun-drenched afternoons, perfect for riders of all levels to experience Smithfield’s flowing lines and tropical terrain.
“Trade frosty mornings for flowing trails under the canopy.”
With green, blue and black-rated trails to choose from, you can tailor your ride to suit your pace - from a short blast through the trees to an epic, full-day loop. And with the forest floor dry and grippy through winter, there’s no better time to ride.
Ride the Trails of Champions
Smithfield isn’t just scenic - it’s steeped in mountain biking legend. This is where the sport's biggest names have made their mark, with the park hosting the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in 1995, 2014 and 2016, and the World Championships in both 1996 and 2017.
“Smithfield’s roots run deep—and its relevance rides on.”
And in May 2025, Smithfield welcomed the world once again as the official Australian stop of the Crankworx World Tour - a global celebration of gravity-fuelled riding that cements Smithfield’s place among the elite.
Trail Variety for Every Rider
Smithfield’s ever-evolving network means there’s always something new to explore. The 4.3km Pipeline Trail, opened in 2019, is a favourite among intermediate riders - offering smooth lines, rainforest flow, and a perfect introduction to the park’s charm.
Need gear? Bike hire and shuttle services are available nearby, so whether you’re new to the sport or returning for your fifth visit, all you have to do is show up and ride.
Return to Warmth
After the ride, return to the quiet luxury of Bellbry Lodge. Sink into your heated private plunge pool, steam rising into the evening air as the rainforest exhales around you. Rinse off the trail in your open-air shower, then wrap up the day with a drink on the deck as the sun dips low behind the palms.
“Chase adventure by day. Soak in stillness by night.”
📍 Smithfield Mountain Bike Park is just a 6-minute drive from Bellbry Lodge. Open year-round, with free access to all trails. Bike hire and commercial shuttles are available through local operators in Smithfield and Cairns.
