If you have any feedback on the site or any of the trails, please drop us a short email.
Suggest an AdventureHave we missed something? Do you have an adventure to suggest? Fill in the suggestion form to let us know about it.
Sunshine Coast Council
PDF download in progressPlease wait...
Ewen Maddock Dam: Ferny Forest MTB Loop
Ewen Maddock Dam: Ferny Forest MTB Loop
Landsborough
Trail type
Skill Level
12.8km
Length
Circuit
Description
Designed especially for novice riders, this ~12 km trail explores blackbutt forests, fern gullies and melaleuca wetlands. Along the way, riders can stop and enjoy scenic viewing points overlooking Ewen Maddock Dam.
SUITABILITY
This path is primarily suitable for beginner mountain bikers and off-road recreational cyclists. Be aware that this trail is purpose-built for mountain bike riding only, walkers and runners should head to the main multi-use track around the lake. Bike riders may approach at speed from either direction and you need to give way to them at all times.
HIGHLIGHTS
A locally famous, mostly flat track for mountain biking that provides lots of fun twisty, turning trail time. With no big hills to worry about, it’s perfect for a fast lap or a relaxing roll. And a stalwart family favourite too as there are no notable hazards or obstacles either. Beginner riders and kids will not find a better introduction.
AFTERWARDS
There are other bike trails to be enjoyed in this vicinity. Check the signage board or online forums. Landsborough is the closest centre, and there is a big playground just before town for kids to enjoy.
If you are more keen for a walk, head to the north side of Ewen Maddock Dam, take the Mooloolah Connection Road on your left and a short way along you will come to Maddock Park and Memorial Park. Stop here and explore the causeway and trails on offer.
HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: Heading south on the M1, at the Caloundra turn-off, take Steve Irwin Way south and the park is approximately 6 km along on the right. Heading north on Steve Irwin Way it's just over 4 km passed Landsborough turn off with the park entry on your left.
There is signage at the entrance with a large map showing the trails you can do on this side of the Dam.
To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point though it's a windy route. Have fun!
Map
Activities and facilities
Glossary
Suitable for wheelchairs
Suitable for walking
Suitable for recreational cycling- Suitable for mountain biking
Suitable for horse riding
Suitable for kayaking
Drinking water available
No drinking water available
Barbeque on site
Picnic table on site
Toilets on site
Fires permitted
Fires prohibited
Camping permitted
Camping prohibited
-
Suitable for mountain biking
-
No drinking water available
-
Picnic table on site
-
Fires prohibited
-
Camping prohibited
Reviews
Review Date: 18/05/2019
A great family track. We took our 6 and 8 year old girls, a packed lunch and snacks and took our time to make our way through the track on our bikes. Beautiful ride with varied terrain, we especially loved riding through the ferns, we'll be back!
Reviewed By: Helen
Review Date: 08/05/2019
This is an awesome trail for just about any skill level. From gentle ups and downs to fast flowing corners(if you like it that way) to having the tracks close in and having the soft ferns brushing over you as you glide on past. Plenty of places to stop and rest or just take in the sights of this beautiful peice of the coasts hinterland. Allow a couple of hours if you have kids and take it easy or if you want to just go for it youll be back within the hour.
Reviewed By: Dean
Review Date: 09/04/2019
Picturesque ride with opportunities to stop and take in lake, fern and forest views along the way.
Reviewed By: Maggie
Review Date: 31/03/2019
This is a fantastic trail for the whole family, great ride for novice riders. It has some tight turns and small obstacles to navigate. Fantastic views of the dam along the way. If there has been recent rain, there are a number of little dips that gather water, but nothing too difficult. May be a bit tricky for smaller kids. Overall a great ride, the perfect length for some exercise! Highly recommend
Reviewed By: Christine
Review Date: 20/11/2018
A fun flowy loop! There’s often a beaut little coffee cart in the car park off Steve Irwin Way too.
Reviewed By: Ange
Review Date: 01/11/2018
Great for entry level mountain bikers, a one-way circuit that is long but also not too difficult to follow the track that takes you straight back to the car park. Take care on some of the rocky corners with the youngsters!
Reviewed By: Paul
Upload photos
Safety
IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL '000'.
Always Adventure Safely!
- Always follow any local signage, it contains key information and conditions can change at any time.
-
Use the trails with consideration for your abilities, be prepared for the adventure ahead:
- Be aware of the weather conditions, found here: http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/.
- Always wear appropriate clothing, focus on good footwear.
- Always bring more water than you think you will need.
- Be Sun Safe!
- Always let someone know where you are going that isn’t going with you.
- Just getting started try this site for good useful information: https://www.trailhiking.com.au/hike-safety/
- Sunshine Coast Council does it’s best to maintain current information but things can change so always be aware that a trail may not be as listed in this guide, and report and issues via our feedback link.
Maintenance and Enquiries
Qld Parks and Wildlife Service
National Parks, Conservation Parks and some State Forests are managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Contact details are: https://www.des.qld.gov.au/contactus/
For current information on trail conditions and alerts go to https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/#sunshinecoast
If you think something on this web site needs to change please let us know via: adventure@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Nearby Trails
This action requires a login.
To continue, click on Login/Signup below.
Explore the trail
loading...
WebGL is not supported on your platform/browser
Photo uploaded successfully, thank you.