Omeo has celebrated the opening of a 114-kilometre mountain bike park, offering trails for riders of all abilities and cementing the town’s status as a year-round adventure destination.
The $10 million park, officially opened last Friday, December 5, delivers world-class riding across Sam Hill and Mount Mesley. Council CEO Fiona Weigall described the park as “a proud moment for Omeo, made possible by the perseverance, ideas and advocacy of the community.”
Local councillor Sonia Buckley, Omeo resident Natalie O’Connell, trail constructor Ben Lohse, and mountain bike committee member Leigh Fulton spoke at the launch, highlighting the town’s connection to the new network. Cr Buckley noted the long-term benefits, calling the park both an “economic driver and community builder,” with trails already bringing new energy to the town.
The network links the alpine slopes to the town centre and reflects nearly a decade of community vision, planning and partnership. Following the ribbon-cutting, local and visiting riders were among the first to explore the trails, with celebrations continuing across the weekend, including live music, social rides and a film night. Local businesses reported strong visitation as families explored
the network.
The project received support from the Victorian Government, the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and East Gippsland Shire Council.
The opening also coincided with the completion of two other major projects in Omeo. The streetscape upgrade along Day Avenue has reshaped the town centre into a safer, greener, and more welcoming space with new pedestrian links, street trees, decorative paving and seating. Meanwhile, flood-recovery works at Livingstone Park have strengthened the township’s main recreation area — the trailhead to the bike park — with rock chutes, vegetation and erosion protection. A weir upgrade is planned for early 2026.
Federal Labor Senator Raff Ciccone, who could not attend in person, praised the park and streetscape upgrades as “a significant investment in regional Victoria, delivering economic, recreational and tourism benefits for the Omeo community and the East Gippsland region.”
He acknowledged contributions from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which funded $1.5 million towards the bike park and $125,000 towards the streetscape works.
“With over 114 kilometres of world-class trails winding through Mount Sam State Forest and above the township, this project strengthens Omeo’s reputation and supports the town’s continued growth,” Senator Ciccone said.
“It’s a fantastic example of what’s possible when all levels of government and the local community work together to create lasting improvements.”
