ITINERARY AND INFO PACK
TAG invites you to join one of our exciting 5 to 8 day cycling tours on the magnificent Atherton Tablelands of North Queensland. In this document you will find comprehensive information including Trip Itinerary, Tour Price and General Information.
We encourage guests to read this document in detail before the trip and to direct any queries to us.
TOUR ITINERARY:
Days 1 & 2; Tinaroo Dam and Lamb Ranges circuit
After settling into your accommodation in Yungaburra we have an early afternoon transfer to Danbulla Forest about 30 minutes from the village. Today’s ride is an easy 32km cycle on good formed gravel through World Heritage rainforest adjacent to the shores of the beautiful Lake Tinaroo. We have opportunities for wildlife viewing and safe swimming and a coffee at the trails end before our transfer back to Yungaburra.
Day 2 requires an early start for our exhilarating 42 km Lamb Range circuit. Road grade is steep and road base is formed gravel. This superb, but challenging ride offers absolute tranquillity as we cycle though a variety of forest types in the World Heritage area to the north of Lake Tinaroo. We have an opportunity to walk to the Mt. Edith lookout which offers panoramic vistas to Mt. Bartle Frere – the highest mountain in Queensland. Lunch will be prepared by your support crew in this stunning environment making it a day to remember. At the end of the ride we transfer back to your accommodation in Yungaburra.
Days; 3 & 4; Yungaburra and Crater Lakes circuit
Day 3 is at an easier pace as you cycle on bitumen back roads through outstanding rainforest and open farmland from Yungaburra to visit and swim in our iconic volcanic crater lakes Eacham and Barrine and Malanda Falls. You also have the opportunity of walking the 3 km or 6 km circuit tracks of the Crater Lakes to marvel at the pristine rainforest before a picnic lunch and your transfer back to Yungaburra. Today’s cycling distance is for you to choose but we cater for trip distances of between 25 km to 50km.
Day 4 is a rest day around the beautiful village of Yungaburra. Your TAG guide will meet you for an early morning stroll along the Peterson Creek Botanical and Wildlife Walk to spot our unique Platypus and Tree Kangaroo. You can choose to have the balance of the day to yourself or arrange an alternative itinerary of your choice.
Days 5 & 6; Millaa Millaa – Dairyland, Waterfall and Canopy walk circuit
Today we have an early transfer from Yungaburra to Millaa Millaa about 45 km south. We enjoy a supported ride on bitumen as we visit 7 magnificent waterfalls including the iconic Millaa Millaa Falls and we then cycle downhill through heritage listed rainforest to the exciting Mamu Canopy Walkway. Today’s total cycling distance is approximately 50km. Accommodation for day 5 is rural style B&B’s or the Millaa Millaa country pub.
An early start on day 6 allows us to support you on a 35km ride on bitumen via the Old Palmerston Highway to Ravenshoe – the highest town in Queensland. The ride is mainly on quiet country roads through hilly dairy pasture lands. An extension ride for the adventurous is to branch off the Old Palmerston Highway after about 20km and cycle a further 40 km on maintained gravel through the superb, isolated Misty Mountains to the Mamu collection point. Tonight we have a choice of country style accommodation in Ravenshoe.
Days 7 & 8; The Lappa and Irvinebank – a unique Outback Experience
Day 7 requires an early transfer of 45 km between Ravenshoe and Mt. Garnet for the start of the Lappa Trail – the only operational Rail Trail in North Qld. You are fully supported on this remarkable 50 km journey which meanders in splendid isolation through beautiful range country. The Lappa line was built in 1902, taken over by Queensland Railways in 1914 and closed in 1960. This is a remote locality with only a hint of former habitation and the ride offers superb views over rugged ranges and fords beautiful creeks. The ride is challenging and the road surface is good gravel for about 15km then fair sandy gravel for the balance 35km to Lappa. Tonight we enjoy an authentic, secluded bush camp adjacent to the Paperbark fringed Emu Creek before turning in.
Day 8 is a peaceful, supported 40 km cycle on good maintained gravel between the historic rail siding of Petford and the mining settlement of Irvinebank. We have numerous snack and smoko breaks and the opportunity to swim in refreshing creeks. At the end of the day we transfer back to your overnight accommodation in Yungaburra before your transfer to Cairns or beyond.
8 DAY TOUR PRICE
- Assuming 2 guests $2,500/guest
- Assuming 3 guests $2,000/guest
- Assuming 4 guests $1,500/guest
- Assuming 5 guests plus $1,250/guest
OUR SHORTER TOUR ITINERARIES CAN BE DESIGNED BY TAG AND GUESTS TO SUIT GUESTS SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT OF LEVEL OF FITNESS, TIME AVAILABLE AND BUDGET. TOUR PRICES WILL VARY ACCORDINGLY.
This price includes the following services:
•Itinerary planning and scheduling
•Guest pick up and drop off in Cairns
•Accommodation booking and confirmation
•Use of our Cannondale F7 bikes and cycling helmets
•Maps, wildlife books, snacks, lunch and smokos for cycling days 1,2,3,5,6,7,8
•Support vehicle, bike trailer and guide for days 1,2,3,5 & 6. Support vehicle, bike trailer and 2 guides/driver for days 7,& 8. Tented accommodation and all meals on day 7
•Expert knowledge of the local environment and interpretation.
This price excludes the cost of accommodation of your choice in Yungaburra and the cost of accommodation for nights 5 & 6 in Millaa Millaa and Ravenshoe – call us to arrange. Also if you require a specific flat bar bike the $150/week hire cost is excluded. Please see details under ‘Accommodation’ and ‘Bikes and Equipment’ at General Information below.
GENERAL INFORMATION
ACCOMMODATION:
The tour is based in Yungaburra, a vibrant Heritage Village on the central Atherton Tablelands of North Queensland. Guests are responsible for choosing the standard of accommodation they require in Yungaburra for nights 1 – 4 inclusive and night 8.The village offers a broad range of accommodation with tariff ranging from about $100/ – $220/night, twin share. Please feel free to go to www.yungaburra.com for accommodation links. Accommodation for nights 5 and 6 is costed at $150/night twin share and accommodation for night 7 is a tented camp. Please let us know the standard of accommodation you require in Yungaburra and whether you require us to book on your behalf.
ARRIVALS:
If you are arriving into Cairns by plane please advise us of your flight details in advance of your arrival. As part of the tour TAG offers transfers to Yungaburra about 90 minutes south west of Cairns. If you choose to cycle up the challenging 20km Gillies Highway en route this can be arranged. Your TAG guide will take you to your chosen accommodation in Yungaburra and the tour will commence in the early afternoon as per Day 1 of the attached itinerary.
BANK ACCOUNT:
Please refer to our Booking Form for payment details
BIKES AND EQUIPMENT:
We provide modern Cannondale F7 mountain bikes and safety helmets. Your guide will be carrying group spares. If you choose to bring your own bike please ensure that you bring your own spares including sized tube and tyre. If you choose to ride on bitumen and good formed gravel only we have access to Schwinn Flat bar Road bikes at a hire cost of $150/week.
CLIMATE:
Winter on the Atherton Tablelands are characterised by cool mornings, warm days and crispy evenings. The wet season typically runs from January through to the end of April but drizzle may occur through to July.
CLOTHING:
We recommend guests consider bringing the following cycling and evening clothing for the tour:
•Appropriate cycling clothes – shorts and long sleeve sun shirt
•Bandana
•Appropriate, closed cycling shoes – our bikes do not have clip on’s
•Lightweight long pants for evenings
•Casual day shirts and shorts
•Mid layer top for evenings
•Comfortable shoes for evenings
•Sun hat/cap
•Swimming togs
•Lightweight waterproof jacket
•Backpack or duffel bag – approx. 50 litres for spare clothes and sleeping gear.
•15 litre backpack with minimum 2 litre hydration pack and cycling gear
•Sleeping bag – 2 season/medium weight and bag liner for camping night 7
•Small pillow
•Water proof stuff sacks x 2 for sleeping bag etc.
We have some good sleeping bags and mats available for hire or loan – just ask us.
Note: Overnight gear will be carried by support vehicle.
Miscellaneous
•Camera and spare batteries
•Head torch and spare batteries
•Small personal first aid kit and toiletries
•Small towel
•Sun glasses
•Sunscreen/insect repellent
COMMUNICATIONS:
Mobile coverage is reasonable throughout the Tablelands except on days 7/8 of the tour. The tour briefing will give numbers for emergency contacts during the tour
MEALS:
Smokos and healthy packed lunches are provided on all supported cycling days and a camp dinner is provided on night 7. If you have a special dietary requirement please note it on the Booking Form
ROAD SAFETY:
We expect guests to abide by all normal and expected cycling rules and etiquette. YOUR GUIDE AND/OR SUPPORT CREW ARE THERE TO ENSURE INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP SAFETY BUT TAG RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DIRECT GUESTS IF OBVIOUS SAFETY BREACHES ARE NOTICED
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
Your TAG guide will be carrying a First Aid kit, mobile phone and EPIRB for emergencies
SUPPORT SERVICES:
The TAG team will be supporting all rides in a 10 seater Toyota Hi Ace van and 7 bike trailer. If cyclists are flagging they have the option of hitching a ride for the rest of the day trip or until they are adequately recovered
TAG POLICIES:
Please refer to TAG Policies for comprehensive information on refund, minimum impact and other policies
WATER:
The support vehicle will be carrying adequate drinking water. We recommend guests provide a personal water container of choice – at least 2 litres. Our bikes have bottle holders, so please bring your own bike bottle
The TAG team looks forward to supporting your cycling adventure!
