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Looking for places to trail ride your dirt bike in Queensland? From the forest roads around Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to the vast forestry landscapes of Central Queensland, there's plenty of country to explore on a properly registered trail bike.
We've put together 11 Queensland trail bike riding areas, including popular forest-road destinations such as Beerburrum, Benarkin and Mount Mee, plus the designated Gheerulla trail-bike track near Mapleton.
You'll find an illustrated riding map, tips for planning a legal ride, useful Queensland Parks links and a checklist to help you get ready for your next adventure.
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Important — these are not motocross parks. This guide covers public forest roads and designated trail-bike routes, not unrestricted off-road riding. You need a valid motorcycle licence and a fully road-registered bike. Only ride roads and tracks where motorbike access is expressly permitted. Obey closures, signs and normal Queensland road rules.
Queensland Trail Bike Riding Map
Use the map below to see where the 11 riding areas are located. The helmet colours help distinguish shared forest-road destinations from the dedicated Gheerulla trail-bike track.
The map is a regional overview, not a route guide. Always obtain the current official park or forest map and check access restrictions before riding.
Before You Ride: Queensland Forest Riding Rules
Queensland Parks allows trail-bike riding in selected parks and forests, but there are important rules that every rider needs to know.
Riders must hold a valid licence, and motorcycles must be fully road registered. Conditional or recreational registration is not sufficient for these forest rides.
Not every forestry track is open to motorbikes. In State forests and timber reserves, an unsigned road is not automatically open to vehicle use.
Expect walkers, horse riders, cyclists, four-wheel drives and sometimes large logging vehicles. Ride at a speed that suits the conditions.
Wet weather, fire danger, forestry operations and maintenance can close roads with little notice. Follow the latest signs and park alerts.
Official information: Queensland Parks — Trail-bike riding and Queensland Parks — Current alerts.
Looking for a day ride from Brisbane, Ipswich, the Sunshine Coast or Toowoomba? These six destinations are worth investigating. Some offer extensive forest-road networks, while Gheerulla has a dedicated trail-bike track.
1. Beerburrum & Beerwah State Forests
SHARED FOREST ROADSRegion: Glass House Mountains / Sunshine Coast
The Beerburrum and Beerwah forests are popular for exploring unsealed roads through pine plantations and native forest, with the Glass House Mountains providing impressive scenery.
2. D'Aguilar National Park — Mount Mee
SHARED FOREST ROADSRegion: North-west of Brisbane
The Mount Mee section of D'Aguilar offers steep country, forest scenery and a network of mountain roads. It can be a rewarding ride for riders comfortable with changing gravel conditions.
3. Mapleton — Gheerulla Trail-Bike Track
DESIGNATED TRAIL-BIKE TRACKRegion: Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Gheerulla is one of Queensland's standout destinations because it offers a dedicated trail-bike riding experience through forest country. The track is approximately 26km and includes mostly one-way riding sections.
4. Benarkin State Forest
SHARED FOREST ROADSRegion: Blackbutt / South Burnett
Benarkin's forest-road network offers an enjoyable mix of unsealed riding and country scenery. It's a good region to consider when planning a longer day out from the Brisbane or Toowoomba areas.
5. Yarraman State Forest
SHARED FOREST ROADSRegion: Yarraman / South Burnett
The Yarraman area offers a change of scenery with forest roads and rural landscapes. It makes a useful destination for riders exploring beyond South East Queensland's busier coastal areas.
6. Lockyer National Park
SHARED FOREST ROADSRegion: Helidon / Lockyer Valley
Lockyer is another Queensland Parks-listed trail-riding destination, with forest roads and changing terrain around the Lockyer Valley.
Preparing for a forest ride? Before heading into gravel, dust and changing terrain, inspect your tyres, chain and brake pads. A spare lever and basic tool kit can also save a ride.
Queensland's trail riding isn't limited to the south-east. The following areas offer opportunities to explore further afield, with a strong emphasis on road access, local conditions and preparation.
7. Byfield State Forest
SHARED FOREST ROADSRegion: Near Yeppoon / Capricorn Coast
Byfield brings together coastal-region scenery, sandy country and forest roads. It's an interesting choice for riders exploring Central Queensland.
8. Cathu State Forest
SHARED FOREST ROADSRegion: Near Proserpine / Whitsunday Hinterland
Cathu offers a chance to explore forest country in the Whitsunday region. It's a useful destination to research if you're travelling north with a road-registered trail bike.
9. Mia Mia State Forest
SHARED FOREST ROADSRegion: Mackay Hinterland
Mia Mia features unsealed forest roads in the Mackay hinterland. It's another destination for riders who enjoy quieter touring through rural and forest landscapes.
10. Barakula State Forest
SHARED FOREST ROADSRegion: Near Chinchilla / Western Downs
Barakula is known for its extensive forestry-road network and wide-open forest landscapes. It's one of Queensland's most interesting destinations for riders who like longer, less crowded trips.
11. Tuan State Forest
SHARED FOREST ROADSRegion: Near Maryborough / Fraser Coast
Tuan combines forest-road riding with the possibility of a relaxed coastal-region getaway. It's especially appealing if you enjoy camping or fishing as part of a weekend trip.
Which Queensland Trail Riding Area Should You Choose?
The best destination depends on your experience, travel distance and the kind of riding you enjoy.
Investigate Beerburrum and Beerwah, Mount Mee or Lockyer. Confirm the exact legal roads and current conditions before setting out.
Gheerulla at Mapleton is the standout option, with approximately 26km of designated trail-bike riding.
Benarkin, Yarraman and Barakula offer interesting forest-road regions to explore with suitable preparation.
Consider Byfield, Cathu, Mia Mia or Tuan, depending on your travel plans and the current access arrangements.
Trail Bike Weekend Preparation Checklist
A quick mechanical check and a few essentials can make the difference between a great day in the forest and an early trip home.
Check tyre condition, choose suitable tread for your intended surfaces, and bring the right puncture-repair gear and pump.
Inspect chain tension, sprocket wear and brake pads. Sort out any issues before your ride, not halfway through it.
Pack basic tools, a spare spark plug where appropriate and compatible clutch or brake levers for longer rides.
Plan your fuel range, carry drinking water, download maps for offline use and tell someone where you're going.
Wear a suitable helmet, goggles, boots, gloves and protective riding clothing. Prepare for heat, rain and changing conditions.
If trailering your motorcycle, inspect the trailer, ramps, wheel restraints and tie-down straps before departure.
Get your dirt bike ready at Firestorm Motorcycles. Explore the parts, maintenance essentials and riding gear that matter most for a weekend on Queensland's forest roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I legally trail ride a dirt bike in Queensland?
Queensland Parks identifies selected forest roads and designated riding areas, including Beerburrum, Benarkin, Yarraman, Lockyer, Byfield, Cathu, Mia Mia, Mount Mee, Mapleton, Barakula and Tuan. Access applies only to roads and tracks where motorcycles are permitted, not entire parks or forests.
Can I ride an unregistered dirt bike in Queensland State forests?
No. Queensland Parks requires a fully road-registered motorcycle and a valid rider licence for these forest-road rides. Conditional recreational registration isn't accepted.
Is the Gheerulla trail-bike track open to motorcycles?
Gheerulla in the Mapleton area is a designated trail-bike track, approximately 26km long. Licensed riders on fully registered motorcycles must follow the designated route, directional signs and any current closures.
Can I ride on any fire trail in a Queensland State forest?
No. Some roads are open to vehicles, while other fire trails and management tracks are restricted. In State forests and timber reserves, the absence of a sign permitting vehicle access does not mean a road is open. Always check official maps and signage.
Can kids ride unregistered dirt bikes at these locations?
These forest-road destinations aren't suitable for unlicensed children riding unregistered motorcycles. Families looking for junior tracks should choose an authorised recreational motorcycle park or an organised club activity with appropriate rules and supervision.
Do I need a permit to trail ride in Queensland forests?
Queensland Parks advises that a special permit generally isn't required for ordinary permitted recreational trail-bike riding. Organised group activities, competitive events and commercial activities may require approval. Camping can require a separate permit and fees.
Ready to Explore Queensland on Two Wheels?
Queensland has plenty to offer trail-bike riders, from South East Queensland day rides to longer forest adventures further north and west.
Choose a legally open route, check conditions, ride within your abilities and respect other forest users. And before you head out, make sure your bike and riding gear are ready for the journey.
Explore Firestorm Motorcycles for off-road riding gear, motorcycle parts, tools and maintenance essentials.
Riding access, road and track conditions, signs, maps, camping arrangements and closures may change. This article and the illustrated Firestorm map are general destination guides, not navigation instructions or proof of legal access. Always refer to current Queensland Parks guidance and local signage before riding.
