Creswick Trails to host Commonwealth Games

Published on 14 October 2022

The Victorian Government has announced that the Creswick Trails will host mountain biking competition in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie, said that the Creswick Trails network will be one of Australia’s leading mountain biking destinations. 

“The Creswick Trails project will deliver 60 kilometres of world-class mountain bike trails built in and around the Regional Park, State Forest and plantation lands of Creswick. Many stakeholders have invested significant time in planning and design over the past few years, including working in partnership with the Dja Dja Wurrung,” said Cr Drylie.

Work is already underway on the Hammon Park Trailhead in Creswick, which will serve as a community and youth precinct focusing on accessible play, cycling safety, cyclocross, and a site for local, regional and national events. 

The Creswick Trails will create benefits for the local economy, employment and tourism.  They will increase visitation to Creswick and the region not just for the Commonwealth Games, but also for many years after with the world class infrastructure that will be in place.  This will encourage more overnight stays benefiting local businesses and accommodation providers, which boosts employment and generates wider economic benefits.

“Mountain biking trails at this world-class level will bring considerable economic benefits to Creswick and our region through increased business opportunities and increased tourism.  The Trails will also offer the community the opportunity to be active and enhance their health and wellbeing,” said Cr Drylie.  

Tenders for the construction of the trails have closed and Council is working through the formal tender evaluation process. A report regarding the appointment of a successful tenderer will go to the 15 November Council meeting.

We anticipate that construction on the Creswick Trails will commence in early 2023 for completion in mid-2024.