Things to do
Mountain Biking & Cycling
Get Pedalling
If there was ever a place that was made for cycling it’s Tropical North Queensland, the only place in the world where you can ride alongside two World Heritage areas – the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Then there’s the Cairns region, which has more than 700km of easily accessible tracks radiating out from five different MTB hubs.
There are trails to suit every rider, from downhill adrenaline junkie to more relaxed family adventures. Test yourself against the world’s best on the Smithfield Trail. It’s the highest profile rainforest trail system in world and hosted the 2014 and 2016 Mountain Bike World Cups, as well as being home to the 2017 UCI World Mountain Bike Championships.
Australia’s oldest operating downhill trail, the Kuranda DH, has produced several World Cup stars and more than a few legendary tales of two-wheeled thrills and spills. There’s plenty of more placid rides too, such as the gentle two-hour meander through the rainforest on the Musgrave Track on the Cassowary Coast or along the family-friendly golden sands of Mission Beach.
The tropical climate around Cairns means you can ride here at any time of year – the Atherton Tablelands are cooler with less humidity and are ideal for mid-summer. It’s about as much fun as you can have on two wheels.
Mountain bike in the Australian bush at the Atherton Mountain Bike Park
Mountain bike in the Australian bush at the Atherton Mountain Bike Park
The twists and turns of the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park near Cairns
The twists and turns of the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park near Cairns
Cutting through the cane fields on the RRR Course near Port Douglas
Cutting through the cane fields on the RRR Course near Port Douglas
For a leisurely ride, hire a bike and cruise along Mission Beach
For a leisurely ride, hire a bike and cruise along Mission Beach
Ride the reef & rainforest
Cycle along the beach at sunrise or ride your way through the Wet Tropics with these hot tips
5 Detours while cycling the Cassowary Coast
Take a break from pedalling to stop and smell the roses… or in this case, the heliconias, at these incredible detours from Cairns to the Cassowary Coast.
Riding the Misty Mountains Trails near Mission Beach
The Misty Mountain trails consist of a number of scenic rides from the coast to the rainforest. Ride the wilderness tracks and explore the Cassowary Coast with these hot hints.
Mission Beach – The best kept secret in mountain biking
From the moment you turn off the highway, away from the never-ending cane fields and through the twists and turns of the Djiru National Park, you’ll be captured. Get set for your perfect mountain biking getaway in Mission Beach.
5 Mountain biking trails from Cairns to Cardwell
Discover the lush tropical rainforest by bike with a list of five great trails that you too should head out and ride – stat! From the Mission Beach Mountain Bike Park to Musgravea Trail, these iconic routes are the perfect way to explore the Cassowary Coast.
48 hours mountain biking the Cassowary Coast
From making first tracks at sunrise along the coast to meeting friendly local wildlife in the ancient rainforest, uncover the secrets of the mountain biking trails of Mission Beach and surrounds.
