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.

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