Go the distance for a good cause

REGISTER NOW:

53

Entrants

12

Teams

Get started in just 3 steps

From September 20 - 22, be part of an unforgettable journey as riders, supporters, and volunteers unite to improve cardiac care in Far North Queensland.

REGISTER

Sign up as a rider, supporter, or volunteer.

Riders: Take on the challenge and cycle the 318km from Cairns to Cooktown for cardiac services in FNQ.

Supporters: Be there to cheer riders on as they roll out in the morning and welcome them as they arrive at camp each afternoon.

Volunteers: Lend a hand behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. Click here to learn more about volunteering on the Cardiac Challenge.

FUNDRAISE

All riders must raise $500 to participate, while adult supporters need to raise $200.

Fundraise solo or form a team to amplify your impact! Contact us for an Authority to Fundraise to run events like sausage sizzles or raffles and hit your target faster. Every dollar raised gets you closer to the coveted yellow Highest Fundraiser jersey.

Show off your team pride by wearing your team jersey on Day 2 - a great photo moment! Just remember, the official Cardiac Challenge jersey is mandatory on Days 1 and 3.

TRAIN

With daily distances ranging from 80km to 125km, preparation is key!

Whether you're an experienced cyclist or new to long-distance riding, we've got resources to help. Use our training program as a guide, or create your own routine to suit your fitness level.

Join our three official Copperlode training rides to tackle climbs before the big event, or connect with fellow riders at the year-round Sunday rides, departing from opposite Seabreeze Cafe at the Cairns Hospital.

Click here to learn more.

Registration Fees

RIDERS

ADULT (17 YEARS & OVER)

$380 (until May 31)
$420 (from June 1)

CHILD (14 -16 YEARS)

$200

CHILD (UNDER 14 YEARS)

$150

Registration Fees

SUPPORTERS

ADULT (17 YEARS & OVER)

$280 (until May 31)
$320 (from June 1)

CHILD (14 -16 YEARS)

$135

CHILD (10-13 YEARS)

$115

CHILD (7-9 YEARS)

$85

CHILD (UNDER 7 YEARS)

FREE

All registrations close in:

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.

Remember, all riders (including children) must fundraise a minimum of $500 in addition to their registration fee, while adult supporters must fundraise a minimum of $200. If you need help with fundraising, feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help.

REGISTER NOW:

Want to help out? Apply as a volunteer instead:

RIDE MAP

SCHEDULE

RIDERS

SCHEDULE

SUPPORTERS

PRE-RIDE

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Kick off your hill training with the first official training ride along Lake Morris Road to Copperlode Dam. Keep an eye out for the $5 breakfast wraps at Campbell's Lookout, with all proceeds supporting the Cardiac Challenge.

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Build your endurance with the second official training ride along Lake Morris Road to Copperlode Dam. Make sure to buy a $5 breakfast wrap at Campbell's Lookout, with all proceeds supporting Cardiac Challenge.

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Get some last-minute training in before the big event! This is the third and final official training ride. Don't forget to grab a $5 breakfast wraps at Campbell's Lookout, with all proceeds supporting Cardiac Challenge.

Wednesday to Friday, September 17-19, 2025

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.

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Join us for the Pre-Ride Briefing for riders and supporters at Brothers Leagues Club from 5:30pm for a 6pm start. 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!

PRE-RIDE

Wednesday to Friday, September 17-19, 2025

Supporters get a kit too! Make sure you collect your kit, including your supporter shirt and meal wristbands. If your rider(s) can’t make it, you’re welcome to collect their kit.

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Join us for the Pre-Ride Briefing for riders and supporters at Brothers Leagues Club from 5:30pm for a 6:00pm start. Get key event details, including safety, logistics, and how to cheer riders on at the right times and places.

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
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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fundraiser

Leaderboards

Top Individuals

Top Teams

Thank you to our sponsors

MAJOR SPONSOR

This year marks the sixth anniversary of the QSuper, part of Australian Retirement Trust, sponsorship of the Cardiac Challenge. Their support means all funds raised during the event find their place in hospitals and clinics in Far North Queensland.

SPONSORS

#cardiacchallenge

Follow our socials