Suggested Routes
Crater Loop
Hilly loop ride with long climbs on major roads with moderate traffic depending on timing. There is limited mobile phone coverage on this ride and few refreshment stops.
Distance: 62 klms
Fitness Level: Experienced rider
Start: Atherton [-17.277238, 145.472734]
Map: Crater loop [PDF]
Granite Gorge Loop
Gentle hills on quiet bitumen roads through farmland. Traffic is generally low (depending on time) for most of the route. Chewko Road is windy and narrow with a poor road surface in some areas. Be aware of on-coming traffic and cane trucks between June and December.
Distance: 52 klms
Fitness Level: Moderate to Experienced
Start: Mareeba [-17.010873, 145.425443]
Map: Granite Gorge Loop Map [PDF]
Mount Uncle Loop
Gentle hills on quiet bitumen road through farmland and bush. Park at Mount Uncle Distillery and ride to the end of Springmount Road and back. There are no refreshment stops en-route – only at the ride start and finish. The outward journey descends slightly and there is usually a tailwind. That means the return journey ascends into a headwind! The route passes the Arriga Sugar Mill so be wary of cane trucks between June and December. The road surface is generally good and excellent riding terrain.
Distance: 54 klms
Fitness Level: Moderate to Experienced
Start: Mount Uncle Distillery, Chewko Road Walkamin [-17.110740, 145.415304]
Map: Mt Uncle Loop map [PDF]
Short Kairi Loop
Easy loop ride with farmland scenery. Moderate traffic depending on timing. There are a number of alternate shorter or longer options including Beantree Road, Mountain View Drive, Rockley Road. Add another 10 klms for an excellent lakeside ride from the dam wall to the end of the bitumen and back.
Distance: 28 klms
Fitness Level: Beginner/moderately fit
Start: Start in Atherton [-17.277238, 145.472734]
Map: Atherton-Kairi cycle trail map [PDF]
Long Kairi Loop
Moderate loop ride with farmland scenery. Low traffic except for highway sections.
Distance: 45 klms
Fitness Level: Moderately fit
Start: Start in Atherton [-17.277238, 145.472734]
Map: Atherton-Kairi cycle trail map [PDF]
Short Malanda Loop
Moderate to long loop ride through hills and scenic farmland. Mostly quiet roads and includes some sections of highway. Take care descending on Cook Road in either direction; the road surface/causeway at the bottom of the hill is rough, and it is difficult to see on-coming traffic. Although quiet, Ball Road is narrow, with broken edges. Be cautious of passing or oncoming traffic. Single file on highway sections.
Distance: 58 klms one way
Fitness Level: Experienced rider
Start: Malanda [-17.353364, 145.590256]
Map: Short Malanda Loop [PDF]
Long Malanda Loop
Long hilly ride that requires high level of fitness. Farmland scenery on mostly quiet roads and includes some sections of highway. Topaz Road is windy and narrow; be careful of on-coming traffic. Take care descending on Cook Road in either direction; the road surface/causeway at the bottom of the hill is rough, and it is difficult to see on-coming traffic. This is an excellent scenic ride on a sunny day!
Distance: 93 klms one way
Fitness Level: Experienced rider
Start: Malanda [-17.353364, 145.590256]
Map: Malanda Loop [PDF]
Watsonville Mill – Herberton to Watsonville Ride
A good “out and back” ride on quiet roads leaving from Herberton. This is mostly uphill from Herberton with winding decent into Watsonville – an excellent ride for practising climbing skills or if wet elsewhere.
Riders must be self-contained as there is no water, food stops or phone reception en route.
Take care descending range as road surface can be rough.
Distance: 12 klms one way
Fitness Level: Experienced rider
Start: Herberton [-17.216737, 145.4979223]
Map: Watsonville Mill [PDF]