Iconic, world class, rugged and extreme are all words which feel familiar on Tasmania's West Coast.
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But now they are being very specifically applied to a new set of mountain biking trails soon to be opened at Queenstown.
The heavily-touted trail network being built by Tasmanian company Dirt Art on the exposed faces of Mount Owen has drawn international attention since being announced in 2019.
The first four trails, North Owen Descent, The Long Spur, Chamouni Traverse and Summit Loop, will be open to the public from July 23.
The multi-million dollar project is funded by the Tasmanian and Commonwealth governments, and is one of the West Coast Council's most significant public infrastructure projects.
"This is one of the most difficult, but also most rewarding projects that Dirt Art has undertaken, and we can't wait to get feedback from the first riders," said Dirt Art managing director Simon French.
The chief executive of tourism group West by North West, Tom Wootton, said the trails will build on Tasmania's already strong reputation as a mountain biking mecca and that he had already begun to hear strong feedback about the project.
"It also bolsters the West Coast adventure tourism offering, which already boasts some of the state's best walks and river experiences."
For more information, including shuttle options, visit the West Coast Mountain Bike trails website.