WHERE TO RIDE
Regardless of your preferred cycling discipline, the Far North offers an abundance of pedal-powered experiences for all wheel-widths and sizes - enjoy a scenic coastal road ride, or an outback adventure; soar over jungle dirt jumps, or blast down rainforest descents; roll a few laps on an urban concrete bowl, or take a spin on the velodrome.
Road Cycling / Cycle Paths
Interested in exploring the roads and bike paths of the Far North? Below are a few useful links to assist you in planning your next ride:
Mountain Biking Trails
If mountain-biking is your medicine, then the Far North has the elixir for you!
Cairns
Updated November 2017
Smithfield Regional Park - home of the Cairns Mountain Bike Club, this 278ha park (39ha designated for mountain biking) is long-regarded as the birthplace of the Australian mountain bike movement. With 30-40km of flowing cross-country trails, a dirt jump area, a pump track and two downhill courses (one of which being that used specifically for World Cup and major events) to offer, families and professionals racers are equally catered for.
Smithfield Regional Park is located behind James Cook University (Cairns Campus), just off the Captain Cook Highway travelling northbound towards Port Douglas. Link to trailforks map here.
Maps / Info: Department of National Parks, Cairns Mountain Bike Club
Atherton
Updated November 2017
Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park (AFMBP) - boasting over 50km of purpose-built singletrack, with plans for even more, AFMBP is fast-becoming the Southern Hemispheres #1 MTB destination. Thanks to the combined forces of master trail builders (World Trail, Dirt Art and Ground Creations), everything from Green loops to Double Black descents are included.
Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail - Stage 1 (Atherton - Tolga @ 7km) of the Rail Trail is officially complete, with the 30km (approx.) trail between Atherton and Mareeba being rideable in it's present form.
Maps / Info: Department of National Parks, Rail Trails Australia
Mareeba
Updated November 2017
Davies Creek Mountain Bike Park (Little Transfield) - hidden between Kuranda and Mareeba, and a short 40min drive from Cairns, this park contains over 25km of singletrack. Largely built and funded by Mareeba Mountain Goats, this scenic network of flowing trails showcases what can be achieved by a small and determined club. Little Transfield is very popular with social riders and families alike, and those looking for a solid off-road training ride.
Bee Miner - another trail built by Mareeba Mountain Goats, this raw (and lesser known) 14km loop is worth a look whilst in the Mareeba area.
Maps / Info: Department of National Parks, Mareeba Mountain Goats
Townsville
Updated November 2017
Home to one of the largest and most proactive Mountain Bike Clubs in the country (Townsville Rockwheelers), Townsville offers an impressive assortment of trails guaranteed to keep you smiling and pedaling for days.
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Mount Stuart Downhill - a 5km technical DH track
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Cape Pallarenda and Town Common (Under The Radar) - 10km of singletrack hugging the coastline, with majestic views over Magnetic Island and the city.
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Smedley's Hill Trail - Located at Cape Pallarenda adjacent to Under The Radar. This is an intermediate trail, with more technical features to challenge intermediate and advanced riders.
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Douglas Mountain Bike Reserve - escape suburbia with over 30km of singletrack right near the heart of town.
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Ross Dam - this unique trail network can only be accessed under special conditions made possible thanks to Townsville Rockwheelers.
