Omeo - Mountain Bike Destination Project
Easter 2023 Trails Milestone
We anticipate that 10 kilometres of the Stage 1 (56km total) trails will be structurally complete by Easter 2023.
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.
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.
Although delayed during the planning process, construction has now commenced..
The first stage will include:
- 56 kilometres 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 Mt Sam 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.
For more information regarding project updates please subscribe or contact Council Officers at feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au.
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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.
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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!
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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.
