YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE – Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride

[The route has a total ascent of 4182.77 m and has a maximum elevation of 1,162.6 m. ]

Take on the challenge of the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride (C2K) – a 780km cycling adventure across remote and beautiful Queensland. This fully supported road cycling tour follows the Savannah Way, with a total ascent of 4,182m and a maximum elevation of 1,162m.

Whether you’re a first-time rider or an experienced cyclist, the event caters for all abilities. Riders are grouped into packs based on fitness and pace, so you can choose the speed that suits you best – and even swap packs during the ride.

More Than Just a Bike Ride

The C2K is not only an epic cycling adventure in Queensland, it’s a journey through some of the state’s most spectacular landscapes and welcoming communities. Along the way, you’ll experience the warmth and hospitality of remote towns that make this ride so memorable.

For local children, joining the ride for the final kilometers into town is a highlight they look forward to for months. It’s a tradition that brings riders and communities together in a truly unique way.

Standard Minimum Equipment

To ensure safety and reliability during this long-distance ride, participants are required to bring:

• • A recently serviced, well-maintained road bike

  • Relatively new tyres (front and back)

  • At least one drink bottle holder (two preferred)

  • Spare parts including spokes, chain, tubes, tyres, and lube

  • A rag, pump, and basic tools (Allen keys, tyre levers, etc.)

Day 1 – Saturday, 27th of June 2026 [96km]

[Total ascent of 1215.96 m and has a maximum elevation of 780.94 m]

Your Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride adventure begins at the Cairns Lagoon Car Park, where all riders set off together for the first 7km. At Smithfield, the route splits:

• Road riders stop here and regroup

• Adventurers wanting a challenge can tackle the Kuranda Range climb – a tough 15km uphill ride with a 7% gradient

• Those preferring an easier start can be driven up to Kuranda Village

First Stop – Kuranda

After regrouping, riders form into packs and continue through the Tablelands towards Mareeba Aerodrome, where a delicious lunch is hosted by the Mareeba Lions Club.

Afternoon Ride – Atherton Tablelands

From Mareeba, the ride continues through scenic Tablelands countryside, passing through Atherton town before arriving at the BIG4 NRMA Atherton Tablelands Holiday Park – the first overnight stop on your 780km outback cycling journey.

Day 2 – Sunday, 28th of June 2026 

[Total ascent of 1150.12 m and has a maximum elevation of 1,162.6 m]

The second stage of the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride takes riders from Atherton to Mount Garnet, covering some of the most challenging terrain of the journey.

Herberton Range Climb

The ride begins with the Herberton Range, a 5km uphill section that sets the tone for the day. The first 30–40km include steady climbs and rolling hills through the town of Herberton, making this one of the toughest starts of the ride. Conditions here can often be cool and damp, so riders are encouraged to pack warm cycling gear.

Lunch in Ravenshoe – Queensland’s Highest Town

From Herberton, the route continues to Ravenshoe, the highest town above sea level in Queensland. Riders stop here to enjoy a well-earned lunch before regrouping into packs.

Final Leg to Mount Garnet

After lunch, all packs reform for the final stretch to Mount Garnet, where the day concludes with an overnight stay at the Mount Garnet Turf Club, located about 5km past the township.

This stage combines steep climbs, cooler climates, and the scenic beauty of the Atherton Tablelands – making it one of the most memorable sections of the Savannah Way cycling adventure.

Day 3 – Monday, 29th June 2026

[Total ascent of 465.83 m and has a maximum elevation of 799.35 m]

On Day 3 of the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride, riders journey from Mount Garnet to Mt Surprise, enjoying the scenic and remote landscapes of Queensland’s Outback.

Morning Tea at 40 Mile Scrub

Riders pause at the 40 Mile Scrub for a relaxing morning tea or lunch stop, surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

Cycling Along Gulf Development Road

After leaving 40 Mile Scrub, the route follows the Gulf Development Road. Riders encounter narrow bitumen and rough edges, along with occasional large vehicles, so traffic awareness is essential. Gradually, the road levels out and the surface improves, providing a more comfortable ride toward Mt Surprise.

Overnight Stay – Mt Surprise

The day concludes in the township of Mt Surprise, where riders can camp at the Discovery Park Mount Surprise and rest up for the next stage of their outback cycling adventure.

This leg combines technical riding, gradual descents, and remote Queensland landscapes, making it a memorable section of the Savannah Way cycling tour.

Day 4 – Tuesday, 30th June 2026

[ Total ascent of 504.09 m and has a maximum elevation of 559.54 m]

Day 4 of the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride takes riders through the rugged and scenic landscapes of Queensland’s Savannah country, including the challenging Newcastle Range climb.

Road Conditions & Safety

Along this route, cyclists must take care due to narrow bitumen, rough edges, potholes, and cattle grids. Road traffic includes large vehicles, with several opportunities to encounter road trains, so vigilance is essential throughout the day.

Newcastle Range Climb – 15km Challenge

The Newcastle Range is a 15km uphill section, starting with a steep climb and followed by a gentler descent. While some sections of the road are newly paved, parts remain rough or broken, and cattle may occasionally be on the road – always ride with caution.

Evening entertainment – Wenaru Pub

This day typically concludes at the Wenaru Pub, where riders gather for the Rider’s Calcutta, marking the end of a challenging and scenic day on the Savannah Way cycling tour.

Day 5 – Wednesday, 1st of July 2026

[Total ascent of 333.82 m and has a maximum elevation of 316.22 m]

Day 5 of the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride takes riders on a long and challenging journey across Queensland’s Savannah Way from Georgetown to Croydon.

Lunch Stop – Gilbert River

Riders pause at the Gilbert River for lunch. This section of the ride is hot and dry, so be sure to rest in the shade where available and stay hydrated.

Road Conditions & Afternoon Ride

Between Gilbert and Croydon, cyclists encounter stretches of newer bitumen that are wider and in good condition, but only over short sections. The afternoon ride is long and hot, passing through dry Savannah country, so plenty of water and electrolyte drinks are essential to prevent dehydration.

This stage showcases the remote beauty of the Queensland Outback, testing endurance while rewarding riders with wide-open landscapes and the unique charm of the Savannah region.

Day 6 – Thursday, 2nd of July 2026

[Total ascent of 97.78 m and has a maximum elevation of 131.71 m]

Day 6 of the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride is a long but rewarding journey from Croydon to Normanton, featuring one of the most exciting traditions of the tour – Pack 1 racing the Gulflander train. This friendly competition is always a highlight for riders.

Lunch Stop – Midway Refuel

A lunch stop is scheduled at approximately the 110km mark. Riders are advised to bring sun hats, sunscreen, and additional shade options such as tarps or pop-up shelters, as there is minimal natural shade along this section.

Afternoon Ride – Deceptive Terrain

After lunch, the ride continues to Normanton. The route may appear flat, but it includes a subtle, gradual climb before reaching the township. Shades from sponsors are provided along the route, and riders are encouraged to assist with setup and pack-down as part of the team spirit of the ride.

This stage combines endurance, camaraderie, and the iconic scenery of the Savannah Way cycling adventure, making it one of the most memorable days of the Queensland Outback cycling tour.

Day 7 – Friday 3rd of July 2026

[Total ascent of 81.07 m and has a maximum elevation of 15.0]

The final stage of the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride takes riders from Normanton to Karumba, completing the 780km adventure across the Savannah Way.

Road Conditions & Scenery

This leg is bitumen all the way, traveling across the Norman River and through expansive open downs country. Despite the smooth surface, this stage can be very challenging. Riders are often fatigued after six days of cycling, which can affect concentration and increase the risk of accidents.

Weather & Wind

Expect hot conditions and strong, dry headwinds across the open countryside. Stay alert and pace yourself to manage energy for the final push.

Finish at Karumba Point

The ride concludes at Karumba Point, where you can celebrate with a refreshing dip in the western waters of Far North Queensland – if you dare! Watch out for crocodiles, of course, as you soak in the triumph of completing this epic Queensland Outback cycling adventure.