The 136km Gran Fondo departs from Wharf Street, Port Douglas, in front of the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. Riders will turn right into Macrossan Street, the main street of Port Douglas, then making another right turn once they meet the magnificent Four Mile Beach. The course then takes the riders out of Port Douglas through the corridor of palm trees lining Port Douglas Road where the course meets Great Barrier Reef Drive, which will be fully closed to traffic in both directions.
A short diversion around the quiet country backroads of Mowbray takes the riders past sugar cane fields this region is famous for, crossing over creeks and rivers before arriving back onto Great Barrier Reef Drive.
(Read More...)KEY LOCATIONS
- Start / Timing Finish Point
- Aid Station – Rex Lookout – 31.1km
- Aid Station – Palm Cove – 51.7km
- Aid Station – Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – 71.2km
- KOM/QOM Start – 71.9km
- KOM/QOM Finish – Rex Lookout – 72.9km
- Aid Station – Thala Beach Nature Reserve – 22.2km, 82km, 100.2km & 118km
- Right-Hand Turn – 93km – CLOSES 11:25am
- Finish Arch
- 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.
- Ride Date: Sunday, 14 September 2025
- Ride Start Time: 6:15am
- Start Line: Wharf Street, Port Douglas (in front of the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina)
- Distance: 136km
- Elevation: 1,238mtrs (Ride with GPS estimate) but actual elevation gain is 800mtrs (according to Strava)
- Minimum average speed: 22kmph (this allows for 2 x 10min comfort breaks/bidon refill stops)
- Start divided into estimated speed groups: 22-25kmph / 26-30kmph / Over 30kmph
- You must reach this right turn at the 93km mark before 11:25am, otherwise this option will be closed, and riders will be directed to turn left and head in to complete the 100km course.
- Timing Finish Point – Your ride time will finish where you started the ride on Wharf Street in front of Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina
- Finish Arch – Located around the back of the 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
- Date: Friday, 12 September 2025
- 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
- Date: Friday, 12 September 2025
- PALM COVE: In front of Surf Club Palm Cove, 135 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
- Secure bag drop area at the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival Bag Drop tent near start arch on Wharf Street
- E-Bikes, recumbents, time-trial bikes or tandems are NOT permitted in the 136km Gran Fondo (para cyclists are permitted to ride modified bikes to suit their needs)
- Entries Close: 12:00pm Saturday, 13 September 2025
- 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 Palm Cove Saturday, 13 September 2025? – Do you need bike & rider transfers? As you enter you will be given four transfer options:
- Bike & rider transfer from Palm Cove to the start in Port Douglas (Cost $60)
- 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 & Chews, food and Premax sunscreen
- Mechanical support at start line and out on course
- Medical support
- Police 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 Sept 2024 – 30 Nov 2024 | $220 |
Early Bird | 1 Dec 2024 – 30 April 2025 | $230 |
Standard | 1 May 2025 – 14 August 2025 | $250 |
Late | 15 August 2025 – 14 September 2025 | $270 |
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.