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Region:

FNQ 

Length:

175 km 

Duration:

4 hrs 

Submitted By:

Motorcycle Rides 

Ride Summary

This 175 km loop is an outstanding chance to ride along the top of Australia since the road south to Atherton essentially follows the Great Divide. In addition, the Gillies Hwy down to Gordonvale makes the “A” list of great Australian motorbike roads with just about every kind of corners known to riders. Enjoy!

Ride Description

This ride begins in Cairns traveling north on the Captain Cook Hwy towards Kuranda. Here you take the Kennedy Hwy south across some wonderfully scenic table land which is open and fast.  Then it’s back on the bike taking the Gillis Hwy, via Yungaburra and on to Gordonville.

The Gillis Hwy itself is a very well known road for riders, and for good reason – it features just about every known type of corners, especially over the Lamb Range and even down near the bottom.

Once at Gordonville, the run back to Cairns is unfortunately on the very flat Bruce Hwy back to Cairns. The boredom of this road is certainly worth the ride before it.

Directions

Begin in Cairns on the Captain Cook Hwy heading north to Kuranda then south on the (Kennedy Hwy), turn left again just before Mareeba, left again (east) just before Atherton (Gillies Hwy), which brings you to Gordonvale and the Bruce Hwy which till take you back to Cairns.


View QLD – Cairns to Atherton Loop in a larger map
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Best Thing About This Ride

The feeling of being on top of the world combined with a thoroughly exhilarating ride interspersed with interesting side jaunts.

What Else To Look Out For

Be warned that the Gillis Hwy can become quite slippery, especially after rain.