Omeo - Mountain Bike Destination Project

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The nationally significant mountain bike project located at the base of Sam Hill (Mt Sam) is well under way. Construction is well advanced with approximately 25km of trails completed and in operation, and a bike wash which was completed in December 2023.

Council was appointed as the Committee of Management over certain sections of the Bingo-Munjie Forest Park, specifically focusing on the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails.

The trail network will ultimately provide approximately 100km of trail suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders with a combination of cross country, challenging climbs and jump runs for those who love some airtime.



About the project

East Gippsland Shire Council, with the support of the Victorian State Government and the Australian Federal Government, is aiming to construct a nationally significant mountain bike complex in Omeo to drive economic activity for the region and reimage the township as a gateway for adventure tourism.

Located at the base of the Mount Sam State Forest, Omeo is well suited for the development of a mountain bike trail network, including gravity and cross-country trails that will connect with the township and to nearby places of interest such as the Oriental Claims historic area, Dry Gully Creek and Livingstone Creek.

Initial scoping for a mountain bike trail network was carried out in 2016 with a feasibility report then developed in 2017.

Following confirmation of financial support from all levels of government, detailed design, and ground truthing was carried out in 2019-20. The final trail network and supporting infrastructure is documented in the Omeo Mountain Bike Trail Network Masterplan 2020.

The trail network has been designed with consideration of a broad range of factors including, but not limited to, land tenure, existing land use, accessibility, Aboriginal cultural heritage, historic heritage, and ecological factors and expectations of the mountain biking market.

The project has been fully designed with the construction phase segregated into Stage 1 and Stage 2 components. Funding has been secured for both sections.

Construction has now commenced.

The first stage will include:

  • 56 km of cross-country and downhill gravity trails
  • Switchback climbs for over 500m up nearby Mt Mesley
  • A loop parallel to Great Alpine Road leading to the historical Oriental Claims area
  • A descending trail of over 500 vertical meters from Sam Hill summit linking to Mt Mesley and culminating in Livingstone Park

The initial stage of the Omeo MTB project provided for the Pump and Skill Track. A design and construct contract carried out by Common Ground Trails has been in use since its completion in December 2020, and is a popular spot for locals and travellers young and old.


Easter 2023 Trails Milestone

Ten kilometres of Stage 1 (56km total) trails was completed in April 2023.

We have chosen to have these trails handed over so we can manage and maintain them as locals start to ride them in.

We anticipate this first 10km ‘taster’ will be predominantly trialled by local riders and includes a blend of fun beginner and intermediate cross-country and gravity trails with great views over Livingstone Creek and Omeo. All can be accessed from the trail head at Livingstone Park.


Social media sites roll out

We’re pumped to launch our new Facebook and Instagram pages. Hit Like and join the discussion about the latest trails and upgrades. Tag us or hashtag #RideOmeo when you post your Omeo photos and trail tips. Let’s create a community.


For more information regarding project updates please subscribe or contact Council Officers at feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au.

Should you wish to search for other projects in your town, simply type the town name in the search bar.


The nationally significant mountain bike project located at the base of Sam Hill (Mt Sam) is well under way. Construction is well advanced with approximately 25km of trails completed and in operation, and a bike wash which was completed in December 2023.

Council was appointed as the Committee of Management over certain sections of the Bingo-Munjie Forest Park, specifically focusing on the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails.

The trail network will ultimately provide approximately 100km of trail suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders with a combination of cross country, challenging climbs and jump runs for those who love some airtime.



About the project

East Gippsland Shire Council, with the support of the Victorian State Government and the Australian Federal Government, is aiming to construct a nationally significant mountain bike complex in Omeo to drive economic activity for the region and reimage the township as a gateway for adventure tourism.

Located at the base of the Mount Sam State Forest, Omeo is well suited for the development of a mountain bike trail network, including gravity and cross-country trails that will connect with the township and to nearby places of interest such as the Oriental Claims historic area, Dry Gully Creek and Livingstone Creek.

Initial scoping for a mountain bike trail network was carried out in 2016 with a feasibility report then developed in 2017.

Following confirmation of financial support from all levels of government, detailed design, and ground truthing was carried out in 2019-20. The final trail network and supporting infrastructure is documented in the Omeo Mountain Bike Trail Network Masterplan 2020.

The trail network has been designed with consideration of a broad range of factors including, but not limited to, land tenure, existing land use, accessibility, Aboriginal cultural heritage, historic heritage, and ecological factors and expectations of the mountain biking market.

The project has been fully designed with the construction phase segregated into Stage 1 and Stage 2 components. Funding has been secured for both sections.

Construction has now commenced.

The first stage will include:

  • 56 km of cross-country and downhill gravity trails
  • Switchback climbs for over 500m up nearby Mt Mesley
  • A loop parallel to Great Alpine Road leading to the historical Oriental Claims area
  • A descending trail of over 500 vertical meters from Sam Hill summit linking to Mt Mesley and culminating in Livingstone Park

The initial stage of the Omeo MTB project provided for the Pump and Skill Track. A design and construct contract carried out by Common Ground Trails has been in use since its completion in December 2020, and is a popular spot for locals and travellers young and old.


Easter 2023 Trails Milestone

Ten kilometres of Stage 1 (56km total) trails was completed in April 2023.

We have chosen to have these trails handed over so we can manage and maintain them as locals start to ride them in.

We anticipate this first 10km ‘taster’ will be predominantly trialled by local riders and includes a blend of fun beginner and intermediate cross-country and gravity trails with great views over Livingstone Creek and Omeo. All can be accessed from the trail head at Livingstone Park.


Social media sites roll out

We’re pumped to launch our new Facebook and Instagram pages. Hit Like and join the discussion about the latest trails and upgrades. Tag us or hashtag #RideOmeo when you post your Omeo photos and trail tips. Let’s create a community.


For more information regarding project updates please subscribe or contact Council Officers at feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au.

Should you wish to search for other projects in your town, simply type the town name in the search bar.

  • Project Update - March 2024

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    CLICK HERE to view the February project update


    Media Release: Omeo MTB Trails Project update - February (eastgippsland.vic.gov.au)

  • Project Update - 31 January 2024

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    New images have been added to the photos tab.

    Photos - Omeo Mountain Bike Destination Project





  • Project Update - 19 December 2023

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    CLICK HERE to view the December project update


  • Project Update - 13 October 2023

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    Council have been appointed as the Committee of Management (CoM) over certain sections of the Bingo-Munjie Forest Park (formally Mt Sam State Park), specifically focusing on the Omeo MTB Trails.

    One of the most notable aspects of this appointment is the endorsement of the trail corridor network for the Omeo MTB Trails in Bingo-Munjie Forest Park. This is a significant development that promises enhanced trail management, preservation and an improved experience for all trail users.

    Importantly, the Department of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action (DEECA) has appointed Council as the land manager for Mt Sam Road. This allows us to collaborate on road maintenance and potential enhancements for a better and safer trail network.

    CLICK HERE to view the September / October project update



  • Project Update 8 June 2023

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    Trail construction is progressing on stages 1 and 2 simultaneously. In stage 2 Trail XC 14 on Mt Sam has 5124 metres completed.

    This will compliment stage 1 trails being progressed in the same area. Other Stage 2 trails are planned to commence shortly.

  • Project Update 21/03/2023

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    Taking shape

    Trail building is pushing towards the completion of about 10km of trails to be ride ready by Easter. The construction of trails continues concurrently on other Stage 1 and 2 sections.

    Fabrication of a significant piece of trail crossover structure, which will allow riders to pass under and over one another on different trails near the swimming pool at the Livingstone Park trail head, is progressing off site ahead of Easter.

    Trail map, rider information and trail marker signage will be in place over the coming weeks.

    Construction has started on the Oriental Claims Bridge (pictured below). This work is important for the finalisation of the first 10km of trails and links the Oriental Express and Mine Bender trails, creating a loop ride from Livingstone Park to the Oriental Claims and back.

  • Project Update 20/03/2023 - Stage 1

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    Easter trails milestone

    We anticipate that 10 kilometres of the Stage 1 (56km total) trails will be structurally complete by Easter.

    We have chosen to have these trails handed over so we can manage and maintain them as locals start to ride them in.

    The first 10km do not deliver on the overall promise and experience the trails will bring once fully developed. We anticipate this first 10km ‘taster’ will be predominantly trialled by local riders and includes a blend of fun beginner and intermediate cross-country and gravity trails with great views over Livingstone Creek and Omeo. All can be accessed from the trail head at Livingstone Park.

    We will not be actively marketing the trails as open. This will also give us the chance to iron out any teething issues with managing the trails.

    This is exciting and new for us all!

  • Project Update 16/11/2022

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    The Omeo MTB project was represented at the Omeo Show by Common Ground Trails staff Deon Baker and Jack Richardson and EGSC Project Supervisor, Ian Cameron on Saturday 12 November. Trail maps and images of trails under construction were on display, providing interested community members with an insight into the project overall and the progress to date.


  • Project Update 9/11/2022

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    Stage 1

    While the recent rain has made for damp on-site conditions, Common Ground have still been able to make good progress and are on track to have stage 1 'ride ready' for Easter 2023.

    Stage 1 includes the easy / beginner trails commencing in Livingstone Park and an easy loop connecting to the Oriental Claims. The actual length of trail to be ready for Easter will depend on the site conditions over summer, for example significant rain events or extreme heat days.

    A site meeting will be held with all Emergency Services stakeholders to discuss the proposed emergency management for the trail network. Attendees will also inspect and review the current works.

    Stage 2

    Trail construction of stage 2 has been awarded to Common Ground Trails and the construction schedule is agreed and in place with preliminary works underway in preparation for construction commencement.

    Oriental Claims Bridge

    The fabrication and construction contract for the Oriental Claims Bridge has commenced with local contract Whelcon Pty Ltd winning the tender. This bridge will be a key element of trail XC3.

Page last updated: 13 Mar 2024, 08:41 AM