Cairns

Destination overview

Cairns, the place that made Glen Jacobs, the first Aussie inductee to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, and it’s also home to the Kuranda DH and Smithfield trail network.

We’re not actually sure when the Kuranda DH was built, but despite its age, the downhill run is as popular as ever. With drops, roots, chutes, grippy berms and off-camber tech, it’s as much of an adventure as it is a gravity trail.

Trails to test the world’s best

Then, of course, there is Smithfield. A short drive from Cairns proper, Smithfield has hosted three UCI World Cups, two World Championships and Crankworx — talk about a pedigree. Smithy isn’t a gargantuan network, but it offers a broad spectrum of trails to please everyone, from XC and trail riders, to folks on dual crown DH bikes.

If you’re up for more of an adventure, head for the Bump Track. An old stock route used by early settlers, it’s a rough and tumble ride through dense rainforest, with a bit of old-fashioned brake melting fun thrown in for good measure.

Don’t forget your snorkel

Cairns plays host to stages of the Reef to Reef every August and the Croc Trophy in early November. Cranworkx is returning to Cairns for the second time in May 2023, heading back to Smithfield, where the worlds best will duke it out. Plus, there’s also a massive festival with live music, a gear expo, and of course, plenty of sunshine.

As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, there are boatloads of things to do off the bike, from snorkelling and scuba tours to skydiving, hiking, aquariums, museums and more.