Event History – Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride (C2K)

The Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride (C2K) began in 1996/97 through the Cairns School of Distance Education (CSDE) P&C Association. The event was initially established to raise funds for a multi-purpose activity centre at the school in Cairns.

Expanding Community Impact

Early in its history, the ride expanded its focus to benefit multiple communities and organizations across North Queensland, particularly programs supporting children in remote rural areas. Beneficiaries include:

  • Cairns School of Distance Education

  • State primary schools in Mt Garnet, Mt Surprise, Georgetown, Croydon, Normanton, and Karumba

  • Child care centres, sports associations, and other local organizations

Major organizations supporting this event, include:

  • Queensland Police Service

  • Queensland Ambulance Service

  • Queensland Fire and Rescue Service

  • State Emergency Service

  • Australian Defence Forces

  • Australian Quarantine and Customs Services

The C2K Bike Ride raised over close to $2 million, making a significant impact across Far North Queensland communities.

Volunteer-Driven Event

The ride was predominantly volunteer-managed, with only the catering coordinator and ride coordinator receiving honorariums due to the complexity and responsibilities of these roles. After a brief pause in 2007 to review its future, the event returned stronger than ever in 2008 and continued annually, except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resuming in 2021.

Cairns School of Distance Education (SDE)

Cairns SDE is a Queensland State School providing educational services to home-based learners from Prep to Year 12, with over 900 students across Queensland and overseas. The school offers:

  • Individualized curriculum and high educational support

  • Close professional relationships with students and home tutors

  • Educational programs for children on cattle stations, fishing boats, mining sites, and remote areas across Cape York, Gulf of Carpentaria, and Far North Queensland

Funds from the C2K Bike Ride enabled the construction of the multi-purpose activity centre, supporting classrooms for art, science, drama, home economics, and technology, as well as kitchen, bathroom, and accommodation facilities for students and families visiting Cairns.

Ongoing Impact of Ride Funds

Funds raised from the ride have also supported:

  • Introduction of telephone bridging, replacing HF radios for reliable distance learning

  • Core school subjects, languages, and special programs such as the Eisteddfod, Scouts, and instrumental music

  • Purchase of sporting equipment, playground shade, technology, computer software, educational trips, swimming pool equipment, medical equipment, and infrastructure for SDE and regional schools

Under a New Structure and Management

After the 2024 Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride, the Milboe Board was dissolved, which meant the ride ceased to exist in its original format and fundraising objectives. In 2025, the Ride Coordinator, who had managed the event since 2017, made the strategic decision to recreate the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride. The revived event now focuses on annual fundraising for a rotating charity whilst also continuing the legacy of supporting communities and schools across Far North Queensland.

The Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride continues to make a lasting difference for remote communities and students, combining adventure, cycling, and community support across Far North Queensland.