Hidden Vale Adventure Park Bike Track

Hidden Value Adventure Park (HVAP) truly is a Place that Rocks. With a network of 50 odd kilometres of singletrack, spliced together by fire trails and enveloped by rock-gardens, this oasis, just an hour and a half from Brisbane, is mountainbike heaven. Before you go rushing out, remember HVAP is private property and so you must either be a club member, entered into one of the many races, obtain a day pass ($10) or yearly pass ($33) in order to ride.

With majority of trails only in action since 2006, the network features cross-country and trail riding, a dedicated skills area and a few wooden features throughout the park.

The trails at HVAP vary around the park but one thing that is a constant is the endless barrage of rocks, drop- offs, log rollovers and sweet, sweet seemingly never-ending twisting and turning singletrack.

The individual trails themselves aren’t too long (most are around the 2-4km mark), with the Epic trail the longest at 8km. But you can string together your favourites for as a loop as your legs can handle.

General riding is based from Spicers Hidden Vale which is accessed from Grandchester Mount Mort Rd. Riders can either download trail maps or they can be obtained from Spicers Hidden Vae reception, but make sure you are prepared for riding in the relative wilderness. Spares, food and water must be carried at all times to ensure all riders’ safety, and every good mountainbiker knows it’s best to not ride alone. With South East Queensland on the warm side remember that snakes may be on the move, so be vigilant while riding.

The skills park should also get a mention as not a trail but an area that has been developed to test a rider’s skills by negotiating manmade features such as long log balance beams, wooden bridges, see-saws and table- tops. It gives riders of all abilities an opportunity to test their skills.

Getting There

From Brisbane, HVAP lies around one and a half hours from Brisbane by car. Head out along the Warrego Highway, turn left at Marburg onto the Marburg Rosewood Rd. At Laidley turn right onto the Rosewood Laidley Rd and travel west to Grandchester. Cross the railway at Grandchester and veer left onto Grandchester Mount Mort Rd to Spicers Hidden Vale. Trail maps can be obtained from Spicers Hidden Vale and also found at the online at fb.com/hiddenvaleadventurepark.

You’ll Need

You’ll need a Day Pass or a HVAP Club membership. The property is open to all HVAP Club members and Day Passes can be purchased for day trippers from the Spicers Hidden Vale reception. One day passes run at just $10. There is bike hire available too.

Hidden Vale Adventure Park is not for the faint hearted. This place is relatively remote and technical enough for a pear-shaped situation if riders are not prepared. Carry all your food and water in (and out) with you.

It gets hot out there so water is paramount, sunscreen and a first- aid kit is a must in any group. Food and refreshments are available from Spicers Hidden Vale, Grandchester Pub or nearby Laidley.

Local Knowledge

Bike choice? A dually is the sensible option as the trails are often rough. All the riding is based around the billabong – it’s perfect for a cool swim after a long ride.

If rocky singletrack climbs aren’t your thing, there is normally a fire trail alternative – bring a map for easy navigation.

Throughout the year HVAP runs a whole host of events including the famed Flight Centre Cycle Epic, plus a host of other mountain bike festivals being the KONA HV24HR and Giant 3PLUS3.

For more information visit their Facebook page fb.com/hiddenvaleadventurepark