ABOUT THE TRAIL

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The FNQ Pioneer Bike Trail has an overall length of about 270kms giving cyclists an opportunity to spend 5-7 days in a remote area of the tropical north of Australia. 

You will be cycling FNQs remote savannah and outback regions which exist along side the tropical rainforests of coastal North Queensland. This trail is only 1.5-hour drive from Cairns international airport. this is the closest access point

How to do the trail

There are a number of ways to enjoy the Pioneer Trail. Ride it over 5 to 7 days as explained on the website. The way many people will attack it will be with a support vehicle. Having said that we created the Trail so it could be done with a change of undies and a credit card. No need for specialist bike packing gear. Just a small backpack and maybe a handle bar roll.

The one thing to consider here is what sort of support vehicle will suit the ride? Most times of year a conventional 2-WD vehicle will suffice. The one obstacle along the way is California Creek. Until the last of the wet season has passed, the creek may be unpassable, for vehicles. That means that often you can get across with your bike as long as you are happy to get your feet and maybe your crotch wet. So it is still possible without a support vehicle.

Where to start

Atherton is the recommended start for The Pioneer Trail. The trail can be done in either direction but we suggest anti clockwise (follow the yellow arrows) is best as the general gradient is much easier. If you choose to do it in a clockwise direction (follow the red arrows), be aware that the last day climb from Irvinebank to Herberton is severe. This won’t be an issue of course if you’re riding ebikes.

In Atherton, the trail officially starts from The Station Café just 1km south of the town on the Herberton Road.

Best suited bikes

The trail is a conglomerate of quiet roads that have been used by local cyclists for many years. A mountain bike or good gravel bike is recommended. This is a trail of moderate difficulty and is quite remote. An eBike with wide tyres is an excellent choice.

The Atherton Bike Shed: Charlie Fenn-Smith is a bicycle mechanic and good contact. He lives in Atherton and runs The Atherton Bike Shed (M: 0414 409 483).

Bike hire: Don’t have your own bike? Peter Blakey at Dirtebikes in Atherton will rent you a bicycle (M: 0436 452 416).

Accommodation

There are accommodation facilities available in all of the townships and locations talked about in our trail notes. This information can be found under the menu heading ‘OUR TOWNS’. Some places may have limited facilities so it would be a good idea to plan your trip carefully and book your accommodation early. Charging for ebikes is available in each town at your accommodation.

Food and water

There are a few things to think about. Petford is your pinch point. While Shane and Helen at Petford are wonderful hosts you need to talk to them before you go. You will need to carry a few food items to supplement what Helen can provide. Lunch either side of Petford will need to be carried. You should not miss morning tea in Irvinbank. The ladies at the Progress Association do a wonderful job and of course you are supporting these small-town businesses.

There is almost no potable ground water on the Trail. The creeks on the Lappa are probably fine. Any creeks between Herberton and Petford are probably contaminated from the mines.

You need to plan your food carefully. Petford and the days either side have no shops. The small shop in Irvinbank is open limited hours (usually 10am to 2pm) but has enough items for your lunch and snacks. There is a good water supply in Irvinbank at the tank near the museum. Ask the friendly locals. Carry 3 litres of water each day.

History

There is a lot of history in the small towns along the way. Mainly mining history of tin and gold. Several old railway lines criss cross the region as well. You could easily spend a whole day in both Herberton and Irvinbank where there are great museums and many mining relics.

Mobile phone reception

There is phone reception in each town centre but very little along the trail. There are many sections where there is no mobile phone reception at all. A satellite phone, “In reach” or “Spot” device is recommended. 

How to get here

If you fly into Cairns there is a bus via Trans North buses from the Cairns Airport to Atherton three times a day and bicycles are allowed for a fee. You will need to remove the front wheel.

If you have your own car of course you can start the Pioneer Trail at any point.

Herberton is a good choice to start if you want to miss the single track leading to the Herberton tunnel.

Before you ride

It is very valuable for us to know how many people are using the trail and feedback from experiences on the trail. It helps us make a better trail and provide better information on this website. You can let us know before you ride the trail by filling out our ‘Intention to ride‘ form.

If you would like to provide feedback after you finish your time on the Pioneer Trail, please fill out our ‘Feedback‘ form.

Medical facilities

Hospitals:

• Atherton is the biggest town on the bike trail with all of the medical services that are expected of a regional town, including a modern and well resourced hospital (Louise St, Atherton; T: 07 40 910 211)
• Herberton (23 Grace St, Herberton; T: 07 40 961 000)

Primary Health Centre:

• Ravenshoe (27 Kuradilla Street, Ravenshoe; T: 07 40 976 223)

Ambulance centres:

• Atherton (3A Mazlin St, Atherton; T: 000)
• Mount Garnet (14 Garnet St, Mount Garnet; T: 000)
• Herberton (38 Perkins Street; T: 40 962 749).

Advice

Be aware that a vehicle (2WD) can traverse the whole trail so using a “sagwagon” for your ride is a good option. Again California Creek on the Lappa Trail is your nemesis. If you are travelling light with a small backpack and maybe a handlebar roll, you will be able to get over California Creek on your bike. A car may not be able to get across as there is a sandy bottom. You will get wet feet but you’ll get across. Check our face book page for the latest information.