Stromlo Forest Park

Stromlo Forest Park is an Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government-supported outdoor recreation facility. It is located in western area of the ACT, adjacent to the Molonglo Valley, and about 15 minutes' drive from Canberra's Central Business District.^[1]

Facilities

Follwing the 2003 Canberra bushfires, the area around Mount Stromlo has been redeveloped to provide over 35 kilometres (22 mi) of single-track cross-country and downhill mountain biking (MTB) trails, a pump track, a Four-Cross course, BMX jumps, a 1.2 kilometres (0.75 mi) criterium road cycling track, equestrian trails, and a 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) groomed grass cross-country running trail. It also contains the ACT Bushfire Memorial. The park has an event pavilion with office space and change rooms, a cafe, a MTB shuttle bus for gravity riders, a kids play area, and BBQs.

Since 2023, the park has been sponsored by University of Canberra.^[2]

Future development

The area is under active development, with current plans for a district oval. Following community consultation, a new tracks and trail masterplan for Stromlo Forest Park was released in August, 2024.^[3]

History

Prior to the 2003 bushfires, Mount Stromlo hosted some of the best and oldest mountain bike trails in Australia. In May 2006 extensive remedial work and trail reconstruction was commenced by World Trail in partnership with Canberra Off-Road Cyclists mountain bike club and the ACT Government.

Mount Stromlo hosted the 2009 UCI Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships that attracted more than 30,000 visitors from up to 40 countries. The event involved more than 750 of the world's top riders who competed in the four mountain bike disciplines of cross country, downhill, four cross and observed trials.