History of “The Peter Hallinan Mountain Bike Precinct at Hinze Dam”.
This short line pays but only a small tribute to someone who goes down in history as the most loyal, reliable and hardworking Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club Inc. member of all time… the late Peter Hallinan.
When it comes to petitioning Government, Land Managers and Council on the Gold Coast for MTBers to have the right to use trails and land resources, Peter led the way. Similarly with applying for and securing Government funding grants, Peter brought the Club overwhelming success. Without Peter’s initiative, drive and hard physical work there would be no MTBing at Hinze Dam.
Prior to the Stage Three dam constructions, Hinze Dam was the Club’s home XC race course. The final race course configuration, all cut in by hand during this era, had rolling, flowing sections that took riders around the water’s edge, into fun technical descents, then on a cruise through rain-forest and up a gut busting climb.
Then for quite a few years the GCMTB Club was without an XC race course with public access for recreational riders.
Establishment of the new trail system has been a combination of machine works and hand labour. With time and rider traffic, well defined riding lines are forming and a world class single track established.
Overview
The trails provide a multitude of riding options that can be accessed by the public via the Hinze Dam Information Centre, then a short ride along the top of the dam wall.
There is an easy loop called the “Family Loop” which is well sign posted and located within the centre of all the trails. Heading east takes riders on an undulating section with views of the water.
For a bit more of a challenge there is the 6KM loop that descends west and provides a challenging climb back out, whether ridden in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. Half way around this section riders will find toilet facilities, tank water and the Club race day facilities. This area can be accessed by cars and riders on official GCMTB Club XC race days only, with strict times on gate opening and closing.
Hinze Dam Visitor Centre is open from 8.30AM to 5.00PM Monday to Saturday and from 10.00AM to 4.00pPM Sundays and public holidays. It is closed Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day.
Hinze Dam Day Use Area is open from 6.00AM to 6.00PM daily. It has car parking, a playground, shelters, electric BBQ’s, drinking water and a lookout over the spillway.