Creswick's Djuwang Baring trails kick into gear

03/12/2024

Shows two riders travelling downhill on a dirt trail, surrounded by gum trees. The rider in the bottom right of the image is slightly blurry due to their speed, and their back wheel is kicking up dust and rocks. The rider in the top left of the image is following them down the trail, leaning to the right as they take a turn in the trail.

Creswick’s transformation into a world-class mountain biking destination is now complete, thanks to the opening of the full Djuwang Baring trail network.

Supported by a Victorian Government investment of more than $2 million, Djuwang Baring or ‘long track’, winds through 60 kilometres of breathtaking trails in the heart of Dja Dja Wurrung Country.

It offers riders of all ages and abilities the chance to hone their skills and enjoy a healthy, active, and social lifestyle.

‘There’s something for everyone,’ said David Tannard, President of VOGA Cycling Club.

‘We can have young children, teenagers, grandparents enjoy these trails. It means you can get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful forest and animals we have here, while having fun on your bike.’

Djuwang Baring was designed in consultation with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) and features branding and interpretive signage designed by DJANDAK, the organisation’s business enterprise.

These signs provide directions, safety advice, and information about Country and culture that enrich riders’ experiences as they work their way from the start of the trails at Hammon Park Trailhead, up to the north of the Cosgrave Reservoir.

DJAARA Group CEO Rodney Carter was pleased to see the full trail network open to the public.

‘Sharing Dja Dja Wurrung Culture, creativity and language through this exciting project is enriching for Dja Dja Wurrung People and for all people who visit this newly activated park,’ he said.

Importantly, Djuwang Baring has already provided a boost to local businesses since the first trail sections were opened in August.

Local traders have seen a lift in visitors since the first trails opened, with people travelling across the state to tackle Victoria’s newest home for mountain biking.

‘I talk to local shopkeepers and hear about how many more people they’ve had come through their doors since the first sections opened in August,’ said David Tannard.

‘I know of people coming from Melbourne, Bendigo, Warrnambool to ride these trails. It’s great for Creswick, and it’s great for these visitors who can enjoy this fantastic trail network.’

Three riders taking a corner on the Hammon Park Trailhead, an enclosed training area of the park. Photo taken from a bird's eye view, with the black jumps visible and moving across the image in a series of circular mini trails.

The Victorian Government’s investment to establish Creswick as a premier mountain biking destination also includes more than $2 million to complete the adjoining Hammon Park Trailhead and Bike Park and a further $100,000 through the Council Support Package to support marketing and promotion of the park and trails.

Our support for Creswick’s biking projects forms part of our record investment of $45 billion across rural and regional Victoria over the past decade.

It’s part of our ongoing commitment to making our regions even better places to live, work, stay and play.

Images courtesy of Hepburn Shire Council.