Acknowledgement:
CBUG wishes to thank Peter and Lee McMahon, who came all the way from Sydney to visit this area, for their contribution to our Web Page. These trip notes are very important and help visitors, not only from Australia, but from all over the world, plan their activites more efficiently.
So if you have been helped by these notes, please let us know. Comments. Also send us your trip notes for publication and you'll be helping the next cyclist who visits our wonderful Tropical North Queensland.
CAIRNS TO CAPE TRIBULATION BIKE RIDE - JUNE 2002 Cycling Far North Queensland - Cairns to Cape Tribulation
by PETER MCMAHON
PETER AND LEE McMAHONGeneral
This ride has the potential to be the most magnificent 150 kilometre stretch in Australia - the rain forest does come right down to the sea and parts of the Great Barrier Reef are in sight.
The road is sealed from Cairns all the way to Cape Tribulation. The road surface is very good. The weather in the 'Dry' (June to September) is perfect, with cool mornings and warm (25C to 30C) days.
The problem is the traffic, and the lack of even a road shoulder to ride on most of the way.
It is almost suicidal to ride the stretch from Palm Cove to Mossman, while the road north of the Daintree River crossing is much better - the ferry crossing at least means that the traffic heading north comes in batches and can be heard before it is upon you.
Traffic
This consists of delivery trucks, tourist buses, school buses, four wheel drive vehicles, hire cars, tradesmen's vehicles, garbage trucks, sedans - you name it. After the cane cutting season starts, on the 12th June this year, huge double length cane haulage trucks start running and, as the southern states feel the chill of winter, the caravans increase. This is a problem as the road is generally narrow and no driver can concentrate on the road all the time.
For example, a tourist bus driver may be driving the bus, using his radio and checking his manifest - how can he keep his vehicle in the middle of the lane as he rounds the corner at the same time? What difference does it make anyway, his bus almost totally fills the space available. Despite this, the fact is that more than 90 % of drivers take considerable care to give bike riders enough room and most of the remainder mean to, but just don't deliver.
CAIRNS TO PALM COVE - about 25km
Cairns metropolitan roads are wide, with good shoulders and adjacent bikeways. This is the case for about 25 km north of Cairns. The road is flat and easy. You need to be aware that the bikeway may appear to finish but it actually swaps to the other side of the road. Time taken for this section will depend on where in Cairns you start from (some accommodation 'in Cairns' may be 6km south of the town). Refreshment stop - Smithfield shopping centre
PALM COVE TO PORT DOUGLAS - about 45km
Palm Cove will provide a good breakfast and a delightful waterfront ride. Back on the highway this is the most dangerous section, with a steep climb to Rex Lookout. An early start is recommended as tourist traffic will build as the day progresses. From the turnoff into Port Douglas there is an excellent cycleway.
PORT DOUGLAS TO DAINTREE RIVER - about 42km
Generally flat from Port Douglas to Mossman and for the next 25km to the Daintree River. Narrow or non-existent shoulders, fast moving traffic.
Refreshment stops - Goodies juice bar Mossman. Crossroads café, 3km before river. Very helpful bike repair shops in both Port Douglas and Mossman.
DAINTREE RIVER TO COW BAY - about 15km
Across the river by punt, then a medium climb up from the river to Milky Pine Rd, followed by a very steep ascent about 3 km to the Alexandra lookout. A good run down to Cow Bay, with a cycleway from the highway towards the beach.
COW BAY TO CAPE TRIBULATION - about 25 km
One short steep section after the garage, followed by a steep 4km section to the top of Noah Range. Refreshment stops - Garage, Thornton Beach, Cape Tribulation.
Accommodation
While there is plenty of choice it is worthwhile to book your accommodation in advance, particularly as the tourist season strengthens. We stayed at a mixture of cabins in caravan parks, apartments and YHA hostels. Port O Call YHA, Crocodylus YHA and Cape Tribulation Beach House were excellent.
ˇ Port O Call Port St Port Douglas 61 7 4099 5422 (4099 5495 fax)
ˇ Wonga Beach Pinnacle Village 61 7 4098 7566
ˇ Redbacks Resort Wonga (hotel, meals available) 61 7 4098 7871
ˇ Crocodylus Buchanan Creek Rd Cow Bay 61 7 4098 9166 (4098 9131 fax)
ˇ Cape Tribulation Beach House 61 7 4098 0030 (4098 0120 fax)Bike Transport
If you decide to use the bus between Cairns and Port Douglas be aware that your bike must be packed in a cardboard box or equivalent for transport and check that the bus is big enough to take the bike - small buses can not fit bikes in their trailers. Check when you make your booking.
Maps
Periplus Travel Map - from HEMA Maps Brisbane - Cairns
Port Douglas Daintree Tourism Association
CBUG comment
Peter says that they will be back again. This is good tourism. People who want to come here again is proof that we are doing something right. And of course we have the natural sights and man made attractions that people will enjoy. It's a pitty that our highways between the towns aren't safer for cyclists.
Signed: Web Master.
Home