North Queensland has so much to offer, from its tropical climate, lush rainforests, stunning beaches and unique mountain bike trails.
From the 5th-10th of September, Cairns will be hosting the 2017 Mountain Bike World Championships for 300 riders from 35 countries. Anyone coming to participate in this event should take this chance to explore. Start planning your itinerary of things to see and do in between watching these exhilarating races in the tropical rainforests of Northern Queensland. Make sure you also check out the MTBWC special package deal, available for mountain bike and motorhome hire with Let's Go Motorhomes!
Smithfield Conservation Park
These 4.3 and 1.9 kilometre races will be based in Smithfield Conservation Park, which is full of rainforest gullies, eucalyptus woodlands. This is the perfect location, as they are filled with unique and challenging mountain bike trails. There are a number of viewing points along the courses for the 20, 000 spectators expected throughout the event. The courses have seen some impressive upgrades overseen by professional rider Glenn Jacobs. The atmosphere will be buzzing in anticipation throughout this sure-to-be successful event, so get amongst it!
Cairns City
The city centre is filled with bustling cafes and restaurants that proudly feature fresh local seafood. Set on the foreshore is the Esplanade Lagoon, where you can get a reprieve from the heat and look out at the Trinity Inlet. Locals are happy to tell you about their favourite spots to visit nearby, whether it’s their favourite nearby waterfalls, walking trails or beaches. They’ll also be quick to warn you about which gorges are safe to swim in!
Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation
Once you’ve had a feel for the city, venture out to the Daintree Rainforest, the world's oldest tropical rainforest. Self-driving will allow you to stop in at the many lookout points along this 2-hour drive north of Cairns. The Daintree Discovery Centre features an aerial walkway, so you can look at the views from above the treetops. Cape Tribulation is a mere 30 minutes away from here and you can spend hours exploring the many walking trails.
Great Barrier Reef
This part of the world should be on anyone’s bucket list, as it’s the meeting point of two World Heritage-listed sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. With Cairns being the closest access point, UCI Mountain Bike Race participants and spectators should take time aside to explore. There are many tours available, many of which will teach you to snorkel or dive. It’s the largest coral reef system in the world and is the home of hundreds of species of colourful sea life.
Palm Cove
Palm Cove is a beach community and a popular holiday destination. It’s named after the palm trees that line the white sand beach. There is a spacious caravan park, so hire a motorhome for the event and then take the opportunity to explore more of Queensland. Palm Cove is a great place to base yourself, as it’s just five minute drive from Smithfield Regional Park. Let’s Go Motorhomes has a caravan depot conveniently located in Cairns, so organise yours today.