The Omeo Mountain Bike Trails project is set to double in size by December, giving riders the chance to tackle the tough climbs and fun descents of Mt Mesley.

An existing 10km of beginner-level mountain bike trail (opened Easter 2023) will be extended by approximately 13km, in time for the start of the school holidays in December. All the new trails will start and finish at Livingstone Park, in Omeo’s town centre.

East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Tom Crook said having 13km of new trail available for the summer school holidays would prove popular with locals and visitors alike.

“With more than 20km of trail open this summer it’s a great taster for riders and will support the local business community as we move towards opening more trails next year,” Cr Crook said.

“When completed, Omeo Mountain Bike Trails project will deliver over 100km of connected tracks that will meet Mountain Bike Australia criteria for national events and include cross-country and downhill tracks for beginners through to experienced cyclists.”

Recent adverse weather, creating low soil moisture levels, has impacted work on recent trail construction. Common Ground Trails (CGT) director Dave Willcox, whose company is constructing the trails network, said he had planned to have more trails available by December.

“We’re not prepared to compromise on the quality and integrity of the trails we are building,” Mr Willcox said.

"We want riders to have an unbeatable experience on the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails. The progressive opening of trails that are ride-ready, and that will stand the test of time, will support the Omeo community for the long-term. Our commitment remains unwavering in ensuring a truly world-class mountain biking experience that will keep riders coming back for more.

“We appreciate the support of the local community in helping deliver this transformational project for East Gippsland,” Mr Willcox said.

Many other trails in the planned network remain under construction and as such are not open to the public. Riders are asked not to access trails that are in a construction.

The Omeo Mountain Bike Trails Project is funded by East Gippsland Council, the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and Local Roads and Infrastructure Program Phase 3, and the Victorian Government Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund through Regional Development Victoria.

Media Enquiries: Gordon Knight – (03) 5179 5072 or Communications Team – (03) 51539500