What to pack for a day of shredding at Finch Hatton

There’s nothing better than a day riding through the rainforest, chasing flow and good times at Finch Hatton MTB. But if there’s one thing to remember, it’s that a little bit of prep goes a long way.

Here’s what you should always throw in the car before you hit the trails. It keeps things safe, fun, and it means you can full send it from the first climb to the last run.

A Solid Full-Face Helmet

When you’re dropping into trails like Pando’s Alright or Green Whistle, you want your helmet dialled in. A full-face gives you that extra protection for the bigger hits, without feeling bulky on the climbs.

• Cost: You’re looking at around $150 to $400 depending on the brand.
• Why it’s worth it: You’ll ride looser (and grinning harder) knowing your smile is well protected.

Trail Gloves

The rainforest can be slick. Grip is everything. A decent pair of gloves means you can hold your line through the roots and berms, even when your hands start getting sweaty.

• Cost: Around $30-$80.
• Why it’s worth it: Better grip, better confidence — plus, they’ll save your palms if you come off. Happens to the best of us.

Hydration Pack (Water + Snacks = Happy Days)

It gets warm out here. Tropical, misty, and sweaty warm. A hydration pack means you’ve always got water on hand, plus room to stash a snack, multi-tool, and a spare tube.

• Cost: Around $80 to $200 for a good one.
• Why it’s worth it: Trust me. A mid-ride muesli bar tastes better than a bonk halfway up Berber’s Gully.

Lightweight knee pads

The kind you can pedal in without feeling like a robot. You’ll thank yourself when you’re hitting the rollers and tabletops out here.

• Cost: About $80-$150.
• Why it’s worth it: Protection without the bulk. Perfect for pushing your limits without stressing about skin loss.

Trail Map

With over 16 trails already weaving through the rainforest (and more coming!), it’s worth knowing where you’re going. On the Finch Hatton MTB website, they offer a free trail map download which is awesome! Alternatively, you can download the Trailforks app or their website and view all the sick trails there.

• Cost: Both are FREE!!
• Why it’s worth it: More time riding, less time saying “uhhh… where are we?”

A Big Dose of Stoke

Honestly, one of the few non-negotiable. Finch Hatton isn’t just about riding, it’s the mist hanging in the valleys, the parrots bombing through the trees, the waterfall you find when you take the long way home. Come ready to soak it all up.

• Cost: Once again, absolutely nothing!
• Why it’s worth it: It’s the best bit of the ride, every time.

Quick tip before you come:

Check the latest trail conditions over on finchhattonmtb.com.au, check out these other great stores for more information on prices and MTB: Corry Cycles Finch Hatton & Mackay Cycles. And don’t forget, there’s café’s, breweries, and swimming holes nearby if you want to turn it into a full day of adventure.

See you out there!