This exciting 8 day tour of some of Far North Queenslands truly spectacular forest, waterfalls, townships and out of the way spots is a must for the outdoor enthusiast!
What’s it all about?
Eight unforgettable days of cycling: climbing through the rainforest covered mountains in the Wet Tropics area between Innisfail, Ravenshoe and Cairns.
- Over 500kms on mostly remote dirt roads with minimal traffic.
- Spectacular scenery including waterfalls and gorges, rainforest and open forest, hard to access country that many locals have not seen.
- An intimate and friendly ride with a maximum of 65 riders.
- Fully supported and self paced (within reason).
- Fresh home-cooked meals and free scroggin.
- Charity event to support the work of the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre.
The route is tailored each year to suit the unpredictable tropical weather and to make it the most exhilarating track for the riders. Here is an outline of what you can expect. We transfer from Cairns to Innisfail to start cycling. We ride up through the central section of Wooroonooran National Park going past the MaMu Rainforest Canopy Walk and Nandroya Falls and camping alongside beautiful Henrietta Creek.
We will then ride through the rainforest to Ravenshoe and Little Millstream Falls. From there we head south-west through open forest to Yourka Reserve, a Bush Heritage Australia property. You can help out on the property if you are interested and/or visit Herbert River Falls and the stunning Herbert River Gorge. This area has some magnificent swimming holes. After Yourka Reserve we will head through the western side of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area to Koombooloomba Dam. From there the route heads north along Tully Falls Road past the spectacular Tully Falls to the gorgeous historic village of Herberton and then across some exciting trails to Tinaroo Dam. The last day finds us riding through the rainforests of the Wet Tropics past Copperlode Dam down Lake Morris Road to Cairns.
Day 1
Cairns to Innisfail by train. Ride to Henrietta Creek campsite on the Palmerston Highway. (~30 kms)
This is the only section of the tour where riders will need to ride in a pack. The pace is set to accommodate all riders. At Henrietta Creek campsite riders will be able to swim in the creek or walk to the stunning Nandroya Falls.
Day 2
Henrietta Creek to Ravenshoe (~ 66kms). Camp at Ravenshoe Pony Club.
This day’s ride is within National Park for more than two thirds of the day on 4WD tracks. The morning is on graded gravel road to the South Johnstone River for a break. Then the afternoon winds through back roads and tracks to Ravenshoe.
Day 3
Ravenshoe to Yourka Station (~48 kms) Camp at Yourka Station
The first 7kms is on bitumen road with the rest on dirt. The route goes past Vine Creek and Blunder Creek around the back of some stoney, hilly country along gravel roads. The final stretch is through Ben Avon station to Yourka Station – a property managed for conservation by Bush Heritage Australia.
Day 4
Option 1- Rest Day, Option 2 – Herbert River Falls and return (~105 kms), Option 3 – Yourka Gorge and return (~40kms)
We camp two nights at Yourka Station which allows for some adventures for the day or a rest. The Herbert River Falls ride is particularly challenging. This area is particularly remote and was also where the Survivor 2000 series was shot. Yourka Gorge is much closer and offers an opportunity for a guided walk with the Bush Heritage staff.
Day 5
Yourka Station to Koombooloomba Dam (~65kms). Camp at Cricket Pitch campground on Koombooloomba Dam.
The route is along private station roads and the Powerlink access roads. This is an exciting and adventurous day’s ride through wilderness. Some sand and steep inclines.
Day 6
Koombooloomba Dam to Wondecla (~67 kms). Camp at Tepon Equestrian Centre.
This day is on back roads via some spectacular highlights including Tully Falls lookout and lunch (with swim) at the Little Millstream Falls. The end from Ravenshoe to Wondecla is lovely, fairly flat country.
Day 7
Wondecla to Tinaroo (~65 kms). Camp at Black Gully Env Centre.
The day’s ride is about 70% sealed road, with the rest on dirt with moderate to very steep down hills. The morning is through the Herberton Range National Park and travels past Halls Falls. The afternoon is a flat and easy ride through the tablelands including an icecream stop at the Shaylee Strawberry Farm.
Day 8
Tinaroo to Cairns via Clohesy river (~90 kms)
Rated by last year’s riders as the best day of the tour. There are a number of challenging hills, a jaunt across the irrigation canals of the Mareeba Dimbullah irrigation scheme and a series of 6 river crossings heading down to Copperlode dam. Spectacular rainforest is the highlight.
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Where: Far North Queensland Wilderness
Organiser: Cairns and Far North Environment Centre. Contact Marie or Sarah on 4032 1746
See map below for indication of the route. Day notes to left.
How to get there
Event start is Cairns Railway Station for a train ride to Innisfail for the commencement of the tour.
Notes
Sponsors: Rutten Technology Services . Local web-development company specialising in Content Management Systems.
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