Manjimup Trail Bike Hub

The Hub's Vision

The Manjimup Trail Bike Hub seeks to create a destination that embraces trail bike riding and becomes a significant visitor attraction in (and around) Manjimup. The Manjimup Trail Bike Hub concept is about delivering an overall experience that, while focused on the trails, also extends to every aspect of trail bike riding.

The Hub seeks to establish Manjimup as the centre for trail bike riding in Western Australia (and Australia). It will drive a considerable increase in tourism for Manjimup, from across Western Australia as well as from interstate and international markets. The Hub will include new trail development across a range of different trail bike rider types, but also put in place a management system that can conduct marketing to drive demand. The overall concept for the Hub moves beyond just the physical space of trails and trail bike riders riding them. It is about creating a destination that embraces trail bike riding, so there will be a range of support mechanisms, including accommodation, restaurants and cafes that cater for trail bike riders. The concept includes the development of speciality shops catering to trail bike sales, repair and maintenance. The Hub concept is about creating this overall atmosphere and delivering a complete visitor experience for trail bike riders.

The Manjimup Trail Bike Hub includes the following stages:

• Pre Stage: Establish management and governance (COMPLETED)
• Stage 1: Develop the Manjimup Adventure Bike Rider Experience
• Stage 2: Develop the Manjimup Trail Bike Tourer Experience
• Stage 3: Create private property family use facilities
• Stage 4: Develop the Manjimup Single Track Explorer Experience
• Stage 5: Develop the Manjimup Family Explorer Experience
• Stage 6: Develop the Manjimup ATV and Side by Side Explorer Experience

An incorporated organisation has been established, the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Association Inc., for the implementation and ongoing management of the Hub. The committee of the MTBHA Inc. consists of a small group of passionate volunteers with an interest in trail bike riding, business opportunities to serve bike riders, and promoting the Manjimup region as a trail bike destination.

Please note that for those people who would like to help the MTBHA Inc. with trail construction and trail maintenance, future volunteer opportunities will become available at a later stage.

Implementation of stages 1, 2 and 4 underway

Through extensive preliminary works which started in 2017, funding has now been secured for stages 1, 2, and 4: $980,000 through the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships program matched to a $576,500 contribution from the Shire of Manjimup. The funding will set the wheels in motion for the trail planning processes, implementation and commercialisation of the funded project, which include:

1. Mapping and publishing routes and loops suitable for trail bike riders.
2. Construction of a Trail Centre to provide information and facilities to trail bike riders.
3. Developing a Trail Bike Friendly Business Program (including businesses providing; food, accommodation, facilities, services and equipment).
4. Developing a marketing campaign (including website, maps and merchandise).

Stage 1 Objectives

• Design a variety of routes between Manjimup and destinations in a 300km radius. Minimum of 4 routes of 250km length each (may have overlapping components) to destinations including: Nannup, Northcliffe, Pemberton, Quinninup, Walpole, Denmark, Greenbushes and an interesting ride on-road Perth to Manjimup.
• Develop, launch and promote the Trail Bike Friendly Business Program and directory.
• Launch the Hub with initial products and services aimed at adventure bike riders.
• Establish supporting systems - marketing, business program and online information.

Please note that for those people who would like to help with trail construction and trail maintenance, future volunteer opportunities will become available at a later stage. There will also be additional opportunities to join Trail Tourers and Single Trail Explorer Reference Groups and work closely in the development of riding routes and networks specific for these bike types, these will be advertised separately.