The focus of Australian mountain biking will shift to Olney State Forest with the Hunter Mountain Bike Association set to stage AusCycling’s 2024 GWM National Mountain Bike Championships.

The national event, proudly supported by Destination NSW, will be held across six days at Lake Macquarie, running from Tuesday, March 12 to Sunday, March 17.

From humble beginnings in 2006, the Awaba Mountain Bike Park has grown into a world-class venue over the past 18 years catering to multiple disciplines including trail riding, cross-country and gravity events.

“The longstanding relationship with the Hunter Mountain Bike Association is one of Forestry Corporation’s flagship mountain bike partnerships in state forests,” Partnership Leader Alex Capararo said.

“They are a professional club that has set the standard to show what is possible in establishing a thriving mountain bike park under the multi-use forest model used in our forests.”

In recent years, HMBA has expanded its venue developing an extensive accessible trail network, accommodating adaptive (disabled) mountain bikers, families and newcomers to the sport.

“This ongoing partnership with Forestry Corporation enables the association to continuously expand its trail network, offering increased opportunities for individuals to engage in healthy and enjoyable physical activities,” HMBA president Josh Bridson said.

“Hosting the GWM National Mountain Bike Championships presents an opportunity for HMBA to showcase not only the exceptional quality and diversity of trails at the park, but also the scenic beauty of Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley regions.

“The event promises to introduce visitors to the tranquility of native forests and the splendour of the lake and its surroundings while providing a platform to support local businesses dependent on tourism - further enhancing the region's appeal as a premier destination,” he said.

The mountain bike association has helped to take athletes through to the global stage including World Champions Jack Moir and Jason English and elite national riders Cam Ivory, Chris Aitken, Coleen Boyes and Bryan Dunkin.

The association is immensely proud of its current emerging talents including Matilda Hanlon, Amaya Shaw, Harper Nelmes, Taj Thornton, Oscar Berry and Archie Gibson.

The National Championships are expected to attract more than 1000 competitors and supporters to Lake Macquarie over the six days of competition.

The event will lead to some closures in Olney State Forest.

• Trails in the mountain bike park will be closed to the general public between Wednesday, March 13 and Sunday, March 17.
• The Downhill Trail (Monkey) will be closed to the public from Monday, March 4 for maintenance. This will remain closed until Monday, March 11, when it will be open to competitors, but remain closed to the general public.
• Jenkins Road will be closed for public access from Wednesday, March 13 until Sunday, March 17 with no access from Becks Rd to Mount Faulk Rd.
• The public is advised that Mt Faulk Road will see significantly increased traffic from Wednesday, March 13 until Sunday March 17.

Further details on the 2024 GWM Mountain Bike National Championships are available on the AusCycling website.   

Find out more about Forestry Corporation at www.forestrycorporation.com.au