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A ride through the rainforest’s Flora & Fauna

Written by Finch Hatton MTB Crew
12 July 2025

Riding at Finch Hatton MTB isn’t just about berms, jumps, and descents. It’s about riding through a living, breathing rainforest. Whether you’re lacing through the ferns on Green Whistle or catching your breath on Tasty Fig, you’re surrounded by a lush ecosystem that’s as thrilling as the trails themselves.

Here’s a peek at what’s growing, glowing, and going wild out there

Rainforest Royalty: The Plant Life

Finch Hatton MTB is woven through a patch of sub-tropical rainforest that’s packed with vibrant greenery. Expect to see towering strangler figs, moss-covered rocks, and ferns that burst out of every corner. Some of the plant life here is centuries old, giving the forest that magical “lost world” feel.

Pro tip: Look out for the massive Kauri pines near the edges of the gorge. They’re local giants and absolutely stunning when the mist rolls in.

Soundtrack of the Trails: Birds & Critters

If you think the whoosh of tyres is the only sound you’ll hear, think again. The rainforest is alive with the calls of rainbow lorikeets, whipbirds, and the occasional screech of a cockatoo. Early riders have even reported spotting a shy bush turkey or two.

The kookaburra’s around Finch Hatton MTB are even apart of the family! The newest trail addition was named after a kookaburra who consistently hung out with Jobe, snatching worms out of the dug up soil during construction.

Keep an ear out on the quieter climbs. There’s a fair chance you’ll hear something flapping, rustling or chirping above.

Small but Mighty: Reptiles & More

Sunshine on the trail? You’ll probably see a lace monitor sun-baking or a sleepy skink darting into the undergrowth. Finch Hatton’s rainforest is home to a host of harmless reptiles that do their best to stay out of your way (but definitely add to the vibe).

Not to mention the butterflies, seriously, there are dozens of species, often drifting across the trail like they own the place. It’s kind of magical.

Whether you’re bombing through berms or pausing mid-ride to soak it all in, the natural world around you is part of the experience here. The trails might get your heart pumping, but the rainforest gets your spirit humming.

So next time you’re out here, don’t just ride through it, take a second to ride with it. Finch Hatton’s wild side is always ready to surprise you.

Mackay Regional Council acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Mackay Region the Yuwi, Widi, Barada Barna and Birriah peoples, and the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their custodianship and connection with land, waters, and communities.

We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present.

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