Works commence on first stage of Omeo Mountain Bike Trails project

Work has commenced on the first stage of Eat Gippsland’s Omeo Mountain Bike project – which will be backed by an additional $3.2 million investment from the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund to deliver the project’s second stage.

Back in April 2021, East Gippsland Shire Council awarded a contract to Common Ground Trails for the construction of the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails ‘high priority’ trails, representing 56 kilometres of the 121.8km trail project. Common Ground Trails will be familiar to the Omeo community, as the company constructed the hugely popular Omeo Pump and Skills Track in 2020 (pictured above)

The new investment builds on the Government’s existing $1 million to support the first 57 kilometre stage, including cross-country and downhill tracks of varying difficulty ranging from beginners through to experienced mountain bikers.

Stage two works will create an additional 64 kilometres of bike trails, bringing the total Omeo Mountain Bike project to 121 kilometres of connected tracks which will meet Mountain Bike Australia’s criteria for national events.

Once complete, the trail project is set to capture nationwide demand for outdoor adventure, winding through Mount Sam State Forest and the Oriental Claims Historic Area parkland. The project will boost Omeo’s reputation as an all-year-round tourism destination with the first trail expected to be ready by March next year.

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green advised “this project puts Omeo on the world map as an internationally recognised destination for mountain biking and means more people will be able to discover and enjoy this beautiful part of East Gippsland.”

East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Mark Reeves adds “The start of stage one works is what we’ve all been waiting for. The sky’s the limit for cycle-tourism in the Omeo region and further funding for stage two will ramp up enthusiasm locally and further afield.”

Image: CGT Omeo Pump Track