The 48km Medio Fondo departs from Williams Esplanade in Palm Cove in front of the Surf Club. This palm tree lined; beachside paradise will be a magical destination to begin our Medio Fondo (medium ride). This distance will open up the opportunity to ride on Great Barrier Reef Drive with no traffic to a much broader group of people. There are a few hills along the way, so we would encourage you to train for the ride, but it is well within reach of many who might be looking for a challenge.

There are plenty of Aid Stations along the course to keep you fuelled and hydrated and you will have the opportunity to experience riding your bike along one of the most spectacular roads in the world; Great Barrier Reef Drive, which will be fully closed to traffic in both directions.

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KEY LOCATIONS

  1. Start – Palm Cove
  2. Aid Station – Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – 19.4km
  3. KOM/QOM Start – 20.2km
  4. KOM/QOM Finish – Rex Lookout – 21.2km
  5. Aid Station – Thala Beach Nature Reserve – 30.2km
  6. Timing Finish Point
  7. Finish Arch – Port Douglas
  8. Recovery Area

NOTE: We STRONGLY recommend that you DO NOT ride Great Barrier Reef Drive outside of the Port Douglas Gran Fondo as it is a very busy highway that is used by sugar cane trucks, tourist buses, cars towing caravans and tourists driving up and back from Cairns. There are tight winding corners and no shoulder so stay safe and enjoy riding around other parts of the region instead.

View and Download Ride with GPS course

Download .fit file

Download .tcx file

Download .gpx track

  • Ride Date: Sunday, 14 September 2025
  • Ride Start Time: 7:00am
  • Start Line: Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove (in front of the Surf Club Palm Cove)
  • Distance: 48km
  • Elevation: 377m
  • Minimum average speed: 14kmph (this allows for 2 x 10min comfort breaks/bidon refill stops)
  • Start divided into estimated speed groups: 14-17kmph / 18-20kmph / 21-25kmph / 26-30kmph / Over 30kmph
  • Finish Line / Festival Expo Location: Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina
  • Minimum Age: 12 years (Age at 14 September 2025). Riders aged 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult
  • Registration
    • PALM COVE: In front of Surf Club Palm Cove, 135 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
      • Date: Friday, 12 September 2025
        • Times: 4.00pm – 6.00pm
      • Date: Saturday, 13 September 2025
        • Times: 12.00pm – 5.00pm
    • PORT DOUGLAS: Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival Expo entrance to Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Wharf Street, Port Douglas
      • Date: Friday, 12 September 2025
        • Times: 4.00pm – 6.00pm
      • Date: Saturday, 13 September 2025
        • Times: 10.00am – 6.00pm
  • Bag drop service to transport your small bag only to Port Douglas (must be dropped off in Palm Cove Saturday, 13 September 2025 before 5:00pm at the secure bag drop area at the Registration desk in front of the Surf Club Palm Cove, 135 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove).
  • Entries Close: 12:00pm Saturday, 13 September 2025
  • E-Bikes, recumbents and tandems are permitted in the 48km Medio Fondo. No time-trial bikes permitted (para cyclists are permitted to ride modified bikes to suit their needs).
  • Insurance: It is recommended that individuals consider their own insurance.
  • Great Barrier Reef Drive will be open to traffic in both directions at 1.30pm
  • Staying in Port Douglas Saturday, 13 September 2025? – Transfers from Port Douglas to the start in Palm Cove for you and your bike can be purchased when entering or added closer to the ride date.
  • Do you need transfers from Port Douglas to the start line in Palm Cove?
  • Do you need transfers from the finish line in Port Douglas back to Palm Cove?

Do you need bike & rider transfers? As you enter you will be given four transfer options:

  1. Bike & rider transfer from Port Douglas to the start in Palm Cove (Cost $60)
  2. Bike & rider transfer from Port Douglas back to Palm Cove after the ride (Cost $60)

NOTE: Transfers cannot be purchased individually for only the rider or only the bike. If family or friends wish to travel with you they will need to book their bus transfer directly with Exemplar

You can also add this later if you have already registered by clicking on the link in your registration email and clicking the +Add Optional Items button.

  • Great Barrier Reef Drive fully closed to traffic
  • One of the most spectacular courses in the world!
  • Numbered timing and helmet stickers
  • Rider Guide
  • Aid Stations with Winners electrolyte hydration, water, Winners Bars, Gels and Chews, food and Premax sunscreen
  • Bike and helmet check prior to registration
  • Mechanical support at start line and out on course
  • Medical support
  • Polices support
  • Toilets on course
  • Moto Scout support
  • SAG Wagon support
  • Post ride recovery area
  • Online safety briefing
  • Secure bike parking at finish area
  • Sponsor discounts
  • Destination experience discounts
DATES PRICE
Opening Special 9 September 2024 – 30 November 2024 $85
Standard 1 December 2024 – 30 April 2025 $90
Standard 1 May 2025 – 14 August 2025 $110
Late 15 August 2025 – 14 September 2025 $120

ENTER NOW

AusCycling $10 Discount

We are now offering all AusCycling members a $10 discount off our regular prices for the 136km and 100km Gran Fondo, 60km Semi Fondo, 48km Medio Fondo and Hartley’s to Port MTB Race rides. Enter your AusCycling membership number during registration.