Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride (C2K)
Get ready to pedal through stunning landscapes from Cairns to Karumba on the C2K Bike Ride - an adventure of a lifetime awaits!
Welcome to the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride (C2K) event! 🚴♂️ Get ready to pedal your way from Cairns to Karumba on June 27, 2026 at 6:00 AM (Australia/Brisbane Time). Starting at the lagoon in Cairns, this scenic ride will take you through breathtaking landscapes and outback scenery. Don't miss this opportunity to challenge yourself and enjoy the thrill of cycling with fellow enthusiasts. See you there!
Get ready to pedal through stunning landscapes from Cairns to Karumba on the C2K Bike Ride - an adventure of a lifetime awaits!
Welcome to the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride (C2K) event! 🚴♂️ Get ready to pedal your way from Cairns to Karumba on June 27, 2026 at 6:00 AM (Australia/Brisbane Time). Starting at the lagoon in Cairns, this scenic ride will take you through breathtaking landscapes and outback scenery. Don't miss this opportunity to challenge yourself and enjoy the thrill of cycling with fellow enthusiasts. See you there!
Cairns to Karumba – Australia’s Premier Long-Distance Cycling Adventure
Ride the legendary 780km journey from coast to outback. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a weekend warrior, or an adventure seeker, the C2K Bike Ride offers an unforgettable experience across Queensland’s stunning landscapes.
What Is C2K?
The Cairns to Karumba (C2K) Bike Ride is Australia’s longest event ride, stretching across five Shires at the base of Cape York. It’s more than just a ride—it’s a week-long celebration of community, challenge, and connection.
- Ride at your own pace—full distance or selected sections
- All-inclusive support: meals, luggage transport & logistics
- Enjoy breathtaking sunsets, outback skies & warm hospitality
- Join riders from across Australia and around the world
Who Can Join?
C2K is suitable for all levels of riders—road cyclists, e-bike riders, and social riders alike. If you’re moderately fit, you can take part. And if climbing isn’t your thing, support vehicles assist with tougher sections like the Kuranda Range.
A Global Cycling Community
Riders from England, Germany, Ireland, Holland, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, the USA—and every corner of Australia—have joined the adventure. Many return year after year to relive the camaraderie and magic of the ride.
Your Outback Holiday on Two Wheels
Forget the stress of planning. With our dedicated volunteer crew, you’ll enjoy:
- Three delicious meals daily
- Hot showers and comfortable campsites
- Seamless navigation from town to town
- A week of fresh air, freedom, and unforgettable memories
Supporting Local Communities
We encourage you to drop some funds (preferably the folding kind, rather than the noisy kind ) into the tins of the local community groups that cater for us along the route. C2K proudly supports these communities by paying for their catering services during the event.
Good to know
Highlights
- In person
Refund Policy
Location
1 Pier Point Rd
1 Pier Point Road
Cairns City, QLD 4870
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
Day 1 - Cairns to Atherton (96km)
[Total ascent of 1215.96 m and has a maximum elevation of 780.94 m] Your Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride adventure begins at the Cairns Lagoon Car Park, where all riders set off together for the first 7km. At Smithfield, the route splits: Road riders stop here and regroup Adventurers wanting a challenge can tackle the Kuranda Range climb – a tough 15km uphill ride with a 7% gradient Those preferring an easier start can be driven up to Kuranda Village First Stop – Kuranda After regrouping, riders form into packs and continue through the Tablelands towards Mareeba Aerodrome, where a delicious lunch is hosted by the Mareeba Lions Club. Afternoon Ride – Atherton Tablelands From Mareeba, the ride continues through scenic Tablelands countryside, passing through Atherton town before arriving at the BIG4 NRMA Atherton Tablelands Holiday Park – the first overnight stop on your 780km outback cycling journey.
Day 2 - Atherton to Mount Garnet (108km)
[Total ascent of 1150.12 m and has a maximum elevation of 1,162.6 m] The second stage of the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride takes riders from Atherton to Mount Garnet, covering some of the most challenging terrain of the journey. Herberton Range Climb The ride begins with the Herberton Range, a 5km uphill section that sets the tone for the day. The first 30–40km include steady climbs and rolling hills through the town of Herberton, making this one of the toughest starts of the ride. Conditions here can often be cool and damp, so riders are encouraged to pack warm cycling gear. Lunch in Ravenshoe – Queensland’s Highest Town From Herberton, the route continues to Ravenshoe, the highest town above sea level in Queensland. Riders stop here to enjoy a well-earned lunch before regrouping into packs. Final Leg to Mount Garnet
Day 3 - Mount Garnet to Mount Surprise (118km)
[Total ascent of 465.83 m and has a maximum elevation of 799.35 m] On Day 3 of the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride, riders journey from Mount Garnet to Mt Surprise, enjoying the scenic and remote landscapes of Queensland’s Outback. Morning Tea at 40 Mile Scrub Riders pause at the 40 Mile Scrub for a relaxing morning tea or lunch stop, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Cycling Along Gulf Development Road After leaving 40 Mile Scrub, the route follows the Gulf Development Road. Riders encounter narrow bitumen and rough edges, along with occasional large vehicles, so traffic awareness is essential. Gradually, the road levels out and the surface improves, providing a more comfortable ride toward Mt Surprise. Overnight Stay – Mt Surprise The day concludes in the township of Mt Surprise, where riders can camp at the Discovery Park Mount Surprise and rest up for the next stage of their outback cycling adventure.