REGISTRATION FEES
ADULT (17 Years & Over)
$410 (until May 31)
CHILD (14-16 Years)*
$220
CHILD (Under 14 Years)*
$180
* Riders under 18 years of age at the time of the event require written consent from a parent/guardian in order to participate. They must also be accompanied by an adult rider during the three-day journey.
Fundraising Requirement
Remember, all riders (including children) must fundraise a minimum of $500 in addition to their registration fee. If you need help with fundraising, feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help.
Schedule
OFFICIAL TRAINING RIDES
Sunday, August 2, 16, and 30, 2026
Kick off your hill training with the three official training rides along Lake Morris Road to Copperlode Dam. Keep an eye out for the breakfast wraps at Campbell's Lookout, with all proceeds supporting the Cardiac Challenge.
Location: Lake Morris Road, Kanimbla
Time: from 6am
*Pre-event rides are subject to confirmation
PRE-RIDE
Wednesday to Friday, September 16-18, 2026
Drop off your gear to the luggage truck and collect your rider kit before event day. If your supporter(s) can’t make it, you’re welcome to collect their kit.
Location: Cairns Hospital Block E Loading Dock, Digger Street, Cairns North QLD 4870
Time: 10am - 3pm
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Join us for the Pre-Ride Briefing for riders and supporters. An important session covering safety, logistics, and everything you need to know before the ride. It's also a great opportunity to meet your pack and pack leader!
Location: Brothers Leagues Club, 99-107 Anderson Street, Manunda QLD 4870
Time: Arrive at 5.30pm for a 6pm start
DAY 1 (SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19)
The ride begins! Riders have three options for their starting point:
- Skyrail, Smithfield - Take on the challenge of climbing the Kuranda Range. 123km from Skyrail to Mount Carbine. Arrive by 5.30 am for a sharp 6 am start. The up lane will be closed to all traffic between 6 am and 8 am. All riders must be on the range by 6.30 am and off the range by 8 am. Riders still on the range at 8 am will be loaded onto a bus and driven to Kuranda. Non-range riders can also depart from Skyrail via bus to Kuranda or Mareeba.
- Centenary Park, Kuranda - Begin in Kuranda and free-ride (without a pack) to Mareeba, where you'll join your pack. 108.5km from Kuranda to Mount Carbine.
- Rotaract Park, Mareeba - Skip the Kuranda Range and jump straight into pack riding. 69km from Mareeba to Mount Carbine.
From Mareeba, riders will form into their packs and make their way to Mount Carbine, stopping in Mount Molloy for a well-earned lunch break.
DAY 2 (SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20)
After a good night’s rest, riders will set off from Mount Carbine, heading toward Lakeland. This is a long but rewarding ride, with changing scenery and steady climbs along the way.
A well-earned lunch break will be at Palmer River Roadhouse, where riders can refuel before tackling the final stretch to Lakeland.
Upon arrival in Lakeland, riders and supporters will gather for dinner at the Lakeland Hotel, a great chance to relax and celebrate the journey so far. This is also a special night, as the coveted Highest Fundraiser Jersey and King & Queen of the Mountain Jerseys are awarded in recognition of outstanding efforts on and off the bike.
After dinner, riders will settle in for the night at the Lakeland State School.
DAY 3 (MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21)
The final day of the challenge begins with riders leaving Lakeland, covering 79 km to the finish line in Cooktown. Along the way, packs will pause for a group photo at Black Mountain Lookout, capturing the moment before the home stretch.
As riders approach Cooktown, all packs will regroup at the Muster Point to ride the final section together. Rolling into Endeavour Park, riders, supporters, and volunteers will come together for a group photo, marking the achievement of completing the challenge.
After the ride, everyone will head to the Cooktown RSL for a well-earned lunch. During lunch, pack leaders will announce their ‘Pack Hero’ riders, recognising those who have shown exceptional spirit and determination throughout the challenge.
The afternoon is free time to relax and explore Cooktown before the final event of the challenge—dinner at the Cooktown PCYC, catered by Cairns Spit Roast.
POST-RIDE
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
A return bus service to Cairns is available for unsupported riders, including bike transport, for an additional $75 per person. The bus will depart from Cooktown after breakfast. Riders taking this option should ensure their gear is packed and ready for departure in the morning.
Tuesday to Friday, September 22-25, 2026
For anyone with gear on the luggage truck, collection will be available at Cairns Hospital from around 2pm on Tuesday, September 22, and can be picked up anytime until Friday.
Please ensure you collect your belongings within this timeframe. If you need assistance or have any questions about your gear, feel free to reach out to the team.
