The Mount Morgan Mountain Bike Trails network is a relatively new MTB trail reserve in the Rockhampton hinterland town of Mt Morgan.
Built around the picturesque No. 7 Dam, the bike park features approximately 20 kilometres of green and blue trails suitable for novice and intermediate riders.
The main trailhead is at 2 Byrnes Parade, Mount Morgan. Located right next to a large community playground and picnic area, there is plenty of parking even on the busiest day.
A full map sign is located near the trailhead. There are also a small number of them along the trails, but be prepared, the signage here is sporadic and a bit confusing.
Mount Morgan Mountain Bike Trails are owned and maintained by Rockhampton Regional Council. I like the concept and layout but the trails have a history of not being terribly well maintained.
Note that since 19th July 2023, I have been trying to gain fruitful discussions with Rockhampton Regional Council about helping to restore and maintain the Mt Morgan trail network. Work needs to be done but I'm confident of a great outcome if we all get together.
Facilities @ Mount Morgan
Drinking water, toilets, and family areas are abundant near the trailhead. There are no shops on site so bring whatever supplies you might need with you. If you want refreshments before or after riding, there are plenty of good eateries in the main street of Mount Morgan.
If you need parts or accessories, the nearest bike shops are 30 kms away in Rockhampton, so take any possible spare parts with you. Several hotels provide accommodation. The Silver Wattle van park has received good reviews from riders.
Trail Ratings
Trails cater for novice and intermediate class riders. There are no black trails in the park. Included in the details of each trail below is a symbol to indicate its degree of difficulty as per the IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System.
(Green Circle) Easy
(Blue Square) Intermediate
DISCLAIMER: TRAIL CONDITIONS CAN AND DO CHANGE. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED AS A GUIDE ONLY.
Easy mountain bike trails @ Mount Morgan
Gangalu
Gangulu is the main trail that encircles most of the dam. It's beautiful and scenic and fun. Gangulu is just under 10 kilometres long, however a flaw in its original design, means that you have to turn around as it just … ends. Non-locals will either need to turn around and head back, or take the Cutter's Run blue trail which might be beyond their ability. So basically, around 20 kilometres, not 10.
You might also try the fire trail down to River Street, then take the first right onto Byrne's Parade then right again to return to the trailhead. This creates a loop albeit with a bitumen section at the end, which is pretty scenic, of about 13 kilometres.
There is a definite unfinished feeling to Gangulu trail due to the creek below the dam wall being state land, not city. It's a shame because the trail rides nicely for the most part. If it actually formed a loop which didn't use the main road, Gangalu would be ideal for school sports competitions or even a 6-hour adult XC race.
Miner's Mercy
Miner's Mercy is a very picturesque green trail near the beginning of the park which runs through open native scrub and alongside a small creek-hewn gorge. Miner's Mercy remains in near-pristine condition for much of its length, due in large part to the fact that there's no signage to show riders the way. Few people know it exists. Miner's Mercy joins Gangulu in two places. Only one end is marked and the other end which has an actual sign is very confusing (sign has since disappeared).This is another potentially good trail ideal for beginners and intermediates alike. A short loop created from Miner's Mercy and the first part of Gangalu would make a perfect 3-hour XC course.
Intermediate mountain bike trails @ Mount Morgan
Bungoona
At its core, Bungoona is a great little trail with really nice views at the top. It is probably the least neglected trail at Mount Morgan due to its close proximity to the trailhead. That said, it's difficult to tell where Bungoona ends. Theoretically, it comes out on Gangulu but there is no signage to indicate where one should go at the bottom.
Cutter's Run
The final trail forking off Gangalu, Cutter's Run begins with an almost 100 metre climb followed by a fast and technical blue descent. A well-built trail by Trailworx.
Mundagarra
Midway along Gangalu, Mundagarra is a steep climb with a steep descent. This one will test your skills.
Nearby Mountain Bike Parks:
