BIKE – Outback Adventure

ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Cycle through historic mining country from Herberton to the Wild River then transfer to our overnight camp at Woodleigh Station.
We have a 7.30 am start from Yungaburra and take a leisurely drive to the historic mining town of Herberton where the cycling begins. Today’s ride is mainly on maintained gravel road and passes through dry eucalypt country skirting the attractive Wild River for much of the way. We have time to explore authentic Aboriginal Rock Art, and to enjoy snacks, smokos and a swim. Our destination is Woodleigh Station – a working cattle property on the banks of the Wild River where we enjoy a station meal, victuals and good company before turning in for the night. Accommodation is in tents/swags at a designated camp-site close to the Wild River.
Cycling distance – approximately 40km
Road surface – formed/maintained gravel
Grade – moderate
 

DAY 2 – Cycle on the former Mt. Garnet to Lappa Railway Line then transfer to our overnight camp at Emu Creek.
An early start allows us to enjoy breakfast and strike camp before the 20km transfer to Mt. Garnet, the starting point of today’s ride. The Lappa Trail is the only accessible ‘Rail Trail’ in North Qld. and one of the unusual and most appealing features of the trip is the lack of traffic which allows safe cycling. The support vehicle drops the group off north of Mt. Garnet and we are fully independent on this remarkable journey which meanders in splendid isolation through beautifully stark range country.

The original railway line was privately built in 1902, taken over by the Queensland Railways in 1914 and closed in 1960. The ride initially follows a graded road adjacent to the alignment and then runs on the original line for the balance of the journey. This is a relatively remote locality with only a hint of former habitation and the ride offers superb views over rugged ranges and fords beautiful creeks. There are excellent remnants of the former railway line including old stone bridges and narrow rock cuttings which we pass along the way. We make numerous stops for smoko and snacks and enjoy a swim at California Creek.

Our cycling destination for the day is Lappa Junction – an historic pub on the Dimbulah/Chillagoe Road where we are met by the support vehicle and transfer the10 km to our overnight bush camp on the beautiful, paperbark-fringed Emu Creek or to a rustic camp on Oaky Creek. The late afternoon is spent resting and swimming before the evening meal around a camp fire and a good night’s sleep. Accommodation is in tents/swags at a designated camp-site close to the river.
Cycling distance – optional, between approximately 35 – 50km
Road surface – formed/partly maintained, partly unmaintained gravel
Grade – moderate to hard

DAY 3 – Cycle from Emu Creek camp-site to the historic mining village of Irvinebank and then transfer to Yungaburra
BIKE – Outback Adventure
You awake to a hot mug of ‘brew of choice’ before starting the day with a swim and breakfast. The support crew will strike camp before today’s journey which is a peaceful, supported, 40 km cycle on a good maintained gravel road which winds its way through beautiful Eucalypt timbered ranges. This was part of the original coach track and there are opportunities for historic interpretation, snack and smoko breaks and a swim in refreshing creeks. Our destination for the day is the quaint Heritage Listed mining village of Irvinebank where we enjoy a well deserved drink before the pleasant transfer back to Yungaburra.
Cycling distance – approximately 40km
Road surface – formed/maintained gravel
Grade – easy to moderate

WHAT WE WILL PROVIDE

• Itinerary planning and scheduling
• Toyota Hi Ace 10 seater van with 7 bike trailer
• Cycle Guide and driver
• Guest pick up and drop off
• Cannondale F7 mountain bikes – or similar, cycling helmets and bike spares
• Safety equipment including First Aid, GPS and EPIRB
• Maps, wildlife books and binoculars for guests use
• Snacks, packed lunches, smokos, dringking water and meals
• 2 x 4 person tents, 1 x 2 person tent, camp chairs, lighting, all cooking gear, toiletries
• Interpretation of the local environment

WHAT YOU NEED TO PROVIDE

Clothing
• Cycling clothes – quick dry shorts, long sleeve sun shirt, bandana
• Robust cycling shoes – standard pedals no clips
• Evening wear – long pants, mid layer top and comfortable camp shoes
• Sun hat/cap
• Swimming togs
• Waterproof jacket – light Gortex or similar

Pack/sleeping gear
• Backpack or duffel bag – approx. 60 litres capacity with spare clothes and all sleeping gear, carried in support vehicle and available at overnight camps
• Sleeping bag – 2 season/medium weight and bag liner or swag
• Small pillow
• Water proof stuff sacks x 2 for sleeping bag and liner and clothing

Miscellaneous
• Camera and spare batteries
• Head torch and spare batteries
• Small personal first aid kit, toiletries & small towel
• Sun glasses
• Sunscreen/insect repellent
• Water container of choice, preferably a hydration pack – at least 2.5 litres which can be carried on the ride and used for spare shirt, personal toiletries, cap, snacks, camera etc. Our bikes have bottle holders, please bring your own bike bottle
Printout Gear List

More Details:

Price
Our all inclusive price for the itinerary detailed above is normally $675/guest. We have discounted this fee to $475/guest for groups of 4 or more which equates to $150/day all found. We choose to support a maximum of 6 guests to ensure group comfort and safety.

General
Guests are required to sign a TAG Disclaimer.
The TAG team look forward to facilitating your cycle trip and to making it an unforgettable experience.

MINIMUM GROUP SIZES APPLY

Please read all TAG Policies.