About the Event
Course Map
Ellis Beach to Palm Cove
Walkers can enjoy glimpses of the Coral Sea and lush rainforest pockets along the way. The trail generally takes around 2–3 hours one way, depending on pace, making it an enjoyable and accessible experience for most fitness levels.
Starting Point: Palm Cove Jetty car park
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Event Schedule
📝 6.30am – Registration & Pre-Walk Briefing
Arrive early to check in at the registration tent and get ready for an exciting day! A short pre-walk briefing will cover safety, course details and last-minute updates.
☕ Fuel up! The coffee van will be open from 6am, so grab a caffeine boost before hitting the trails.
🚌 7–8.30am – Shuttle Bus Service
Our buses will run on a continuous loop approximately every 20 minutes, transporting participants to the start of the course.
Take your time, enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and soak up the experience with friends, family, and fellow hikers.
🎉 Things to Do at the Finish Line
🍔 Barbecue Lunch – Refuel with a delicious barbecue while celebrating your achievement. Proceeds support health care in Far North Queensland.
🎡 BDO Team Prize Wheel – Spin to win! Fun prizes and surprises await.
🎱 Yard Games – Challenge your friends or fellow participants to a friendly game while you wait for walkers and runners to return.
🎨 Face Painter – Get into the spirit with colourful face designs for all ages!
Important Safety Guidelines
We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience on the trails.
- Stay on the trail – Keeping to the marked trails reduces the risk of injury and protects the environment.
- Sign in & out – All participants MUST sign in at the registration tent before starting and sign out at the end of their walk. This is essential for safety.
- Keep left – Stay to the left and pass on the right. When overtaking, politely call out “passing!” to alert others.
- Yield to uphill traffic – If you encounter hikers coming in the opposite direction, please give way to those heading uphill.
- Be aware of your surroundings – The trails will be busy, so be mindful of others when stopping, taking photos, or adjusting gear.
- No pets – Domestic animals are not allowed in Macalister Range National Park, except for registered assistance animals.
- Stay hydrated – Water is not available on the trails. Bring at least 2 litres of water or a sports drink per person for the course and drink regularly.
- Bring fuel for the journey – You’ll be burning energy, so pack nutritious snacks like fruit, sandwiches, or electrolyte drinks. Food also will be available for purchase at the finish line.
- Protect yourself from the elements – Wear a hat, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing to guard against sunburn. Apply sunscreen before and during your walk. Insect repellent also is recommended to protect against bites.
- First aid & emergencies – In case of a medical emergency, call 000. We also recommend downloading the Emergency Plus app (by the National Triple Zero Awareness Work Group) to provide an accurate location for responders. First aid stations will be available at the start line and finish area.
