General News
14 August, 2026
Expanded cycling event wheels into town
Maryborough Rotary Club have a lot planned for their upcoming two-day cycling event dubbed Wheels and Wattle.
Maryborough may be witnessing the start of its next big thing through Maryborough Rotary Club’s Wheels and Wattle event, a two-day cycling experience planned for late September.
The local club’s inaugural weekend cycling event promises to bring tourists to the region for social cycling experiences.
While it has run in some form for over a decade, this year’s event marks the beginning of a new era.
Across two days, cyclists will be able to enjoy seven routes, both road and gravel rides, exploring the region’s natural beauty.
A handful of the rides include Cruisy Carisbrook for those of any ability, Craigie Forest Adventure’s mostly gravel route highlighting First Nations and goldrush history, and King of the Mountain which challenges riders to reach Mount Tarrengower’s summit.
Building on the legacy of the former Wattle Festival, the event is timed so local canola fields and surrounding wattles will be in full bloom.
Rotarian and the event’s communications manager Max Berry said the event will be based out of Maryborough’s “premier” Princes Park.
It offers shaded grounds and nearby amenities so riders, visitors, and their families can enjoy local food and each other’s company over the weekend.
Mr Berry expects there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy both on and off the event’s calendar.
Attendees are encouraged to explore the region’s tourist attractions, whether it’s iconic buildings or historic townships.
“We hope to encourage people to stay around for the attractions in the area,” Mr Berry said.
He also hopes the event continues to grow in years to come.
“We’re starting small this year just to get the thing on the map and we’ll build on that as a basis for future events,” Mr Berry said.
Rotarian and co-event director Anthony Ohlsen said he hopes the event will one day have the dominance of Energy Breakthrough.
“I hope the community comes onboard and they can see what’s been achieved,” he said.
Money raised through the event will go to Maryborough Rotary’s community initiatives, focusing on youth, such as through donating books to school kids.
“We can put back into the community in a bigger way than what we’ve been able to before,” Mr Ohlsen said.
The event will be held on the AFL Grand Final weekend, on September 25 and 26, with tickets on sale now.
Further information can be found on the Wheels and Wattle Facebook page.