Riders - Day 1

Saturday, September 20, 2025

The ride begins! Riders have three options for their starting point:

1. Skyrail, Smithfield - Take on the challenge of climbing the Kuranda Range. 123km
2. Centenary Park, Kuranda - Begin in Kuranda and free-ride (without a pack) to Mareeba, where you'll join your pack. 108.5km
3. Rotaract Park, Mareeba - Skip the Kuranda Range and jump straight into pack riding. 69km

Supporters - Day 1

Saturday, September 20, 2025

If you're dropping off your rider at Skyrail or Kuranda, please drop off your rider and continue driving to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

If your rider is starting from Mareeba, you're welcome to stay and see them off from Mareeba Rotary Park. However, we encourage you to leave when the packs are having their briefing and go straight to the lunch stop at the Mount Molloy CWA Hall. This will help avoid passing the packs on the way, which could lead to a build-up of traffic in a very busy section.

After lunch, continue on to Mount Carbine, where you’ll reunite with your rider at the campground.

For safety reasons, we ask that supporters do not follow riders along the route. Instead, please drive directly to the designated stops.

Riders - Day 2

Sunday, September 21, 2025

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.

Supporters - Day 2

Sunday, September 21, 2025

After seeing your rider off from Mount Carbine, head towards the lunch stop, Palmer River Roadhouse. Here, you have the opportunity to enjoy a free lunch (selection of sandwiches) or support the Palmer River Roadhouse by purchasing something from their menu.

Continue on to Lakeland after lunch, where you can set up camp at the Lakeland State School while you wait.

Riders and supporters will gather for dinner at the Lakeland Hotel, a great chance to relax and celebrate the journey so far. Cheer on the riders as the Highest Fundraiser and King and Queen of the Mountain Jerseys are awarded in recognition of outstanding efforts on and off the bike.

Riders - Day 3

Monday, September 22, 2025

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.

Supporters - Day 3

Monday, September 22, 2025

This morning, we need you to leave the camp before the riders and head straight into Cooktown. This is a very busy stretch of the road, and the safety of our riders is paramount. We know it is an early start, but we do know that you want everyone to arrive safely in Cooktown.

On arrival in Cooktown, take some time to look around or find your accommodation or set up your camp. It is a very historical town with a lot to offer.

At 12:30 PM, be on the waterfront near Endeavour Park and cheer on your rider as they successfully make it to Cooktown. Then join us in celebrating with them at the RSL for lunch.

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. All registered riders, supporters and volunteers are welcome to attend, but additional guests must purchase a ticket to join the celebratory dinner.

Riders - Post-Ride

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

A return bus service to Cairns is available for unsupported riders, including bike transport, for an additional $65 per person. The bus will depart from Cooktown after breakfast on Tuesday, September 23. Riders taking this option should ensure their gear is packed and ready for departure in the morning.

Tuesday to Friday, September 23-26, 2025

For anyone with gear on the luggage truck, collection will be available at Cairns Hospital from around 2pm on Tuesday, September 23, 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.

Supporters - Post-Ride

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Supporters and their riders are free to leave at their own convenience, as you will have your own vehicle to return to Cairns. Whether heading straight home or choosing to extend your stay in Cooktown, the choice is yours!

Tuesday to Friday, September 23-26, 2025

If you or your rider have gear on the luggage truck, collection will be available from around 2pm on Tuesday, September 23, and can be picked up anytime between 9am and 4pm 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.