There is so much going on across the weekend we have put together a Rider Information Guide with all the information you will require. Click on the button below to download the guide or you can also find all the information in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s).

Frequently Asked Questions

136km Gran Fondo, 100km Gran Fondo, 60km Gran Fondo & 48km Medio Fondo

  • Minimum Age: 12 years (Age at 8th September 2024). Riders aged 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Hartley’s to Port MTB Race

  • Minimum Age: 15 years (Age at 7th September 2024)

Lexus of Cairns Criterium

  • Minimum Age: Juniors U11

Hemingway’s Brewery Sprint

  • Minimum Age: 16 years (Age at 7th September 2024) – If the winner is under 18 years old the beer prize can only be collected by their parent or guardian

Choo Choos FREE Family Ride

  • Minimum Age: All Family Riders must be at least 4 years old on the day of the ride. Kids 3 years and younger can join the ride via a tag-along or bike seat.

136km Gran Fondo, 100km Gran Fondo & 60km Gran Fondo

  • 12:00pm Saturday, 7 September 2024

48km Medio Fondo

  • 12:00pm Saturday, 7 September 2024

Hartley’s to Port MTB Race

  • 11:59pm Friday, 6 September 2024

Four Mile Beach MTB Sprint

  • 11:59pm Friday, 6 September 2024

Lexus of Cairns Criterium

  • 11:59pm Tuesday, 3 September 2024

Hemingway’s Brewery Sprint

  • 5.00pm Saturday, 7 September 2024 unless sold out prior
  • Entries on the day will be accepted at the registration desk unless sold out prior

Choo Choos FREE Family Ride

  • 4.00pm Saturday, 7 September 2024
  • Entries on the day will be accepted at the registration desk

Where: Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Wharf St Port Douglas

EXPO Opening Hours

  • Friday 6 September: 4pm – 6pm
  • Saturday 7 September: 10am – 6pm
  • Sunday 8 September: 8am – 1.30pm

136km, 100km & 60km Gran Fondo, 48km Medio Fondo, Hartley’s to Port MTB Race & Four Mile Beach MTB Sprint

ALL riders must register for the ride and collect their registration envelope (including timing stickers) from the Registration area. Photo ID (eg. Drivers License, Passport, Student ID) and AusCycling membership details required.

You MUST pick up your registration pack on Friday or Saturday.

Locations (nominate your registration location when you enter online):

    • PALM COVE: In front of Surf Club Palm Cove, 135 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
      • Date: Friday, 6 September 2024
        • Times: 4.00pm – 6.00pm
      • Date: Saturday, 7 September 2024
        • Times: 12.00pm – 5.00pm
    • PORT DOUGLAS: Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival Expo entrance to Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Wharf Street, Port Douglas
      • Date: Friday, 6 September 2024
        • Times: 4.00pm – 6.00pm
      • Date: Saturday, 7 September 2024
        • Times: 10.00am – 6.00pm

If there is a problem with your registration pack please visit Registration at the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival Expo on Saturday (9:00am-6:00pm).

Your registration envelope will include:

  • Bike seat post number (this sticker incorporates your timing chip) and instructions for installation
  • Event wristband with matching rider number (will be placed on your wrist upon collection at the registration desk)
    • Used to identify your wave start
    • Used to identify you when collecting your bike from the secure bike storage at the finish line, if you use this service
  • Bag Tags for all participants
  • Any merchandise you may have pre-purchased and selected to pick up at the event

The Online Safety Briefing will be uploaded soon. ALL riders MUST watch this short video prior to the event to ensure you are aware of all the course updates and safety measures.

Riders can choose from a selection of bikes to ride in the event, including road bikes, mountain bikes, city bikes, hybrid bikes and gravel bikes.

136km Gran Fondo:

  • E-Bikes, recumbents, time-trial bikes or tandems are NOT permitted (para cyclists are permitted to ride modified bikes to suit their needs)
  • E-Bikes ARE NOT allowed in the 136km Gran Fondo!
  • Aero bars must be removed from road bikes

100km & 60km Gran Fondo and 48km Medio Fondo:

  • E-Bikes, recumbents and tandems ARE permitted. No time-trial bikes permitted (para cyclists are permitted to ride modified bikes to suit their needs).
  • All E-Bikes must adhere to Australian E-Bike Standards. No modifications to E-Bikes will be allowed to participate on course. All E-Bikes must be self-sufficient as no charging locations are available on course.
  • Aero bars must be removed from road bikes

Hartley’s to Port MTB Race:

The simplest question to ask when contemplating what bike to bring is how well you want to go in the race.

Q. Do you want to excel in your category?
A. Bring the lightest bike that you have. A hardtail is perfectly fine and so is a lightweight XC Dually.

Q. Do you want to have a bit of fun but also be fast?
A. Bring a bike that has 110 or 120mm of travel up front and 100 or 110mm of travel in the rear. A lot of our single trails suit this style of bike.

Q. Are E-Bikes allowed?
A. Yes! We have a special E-Bike category just for you.

Q. Just in it for fun?
A. Bring whatever bike you would like!

Lexus of Cairns Criterium:

  • Road bikes only
  • E-Bikes, recumbents, time-trial bikes or tandems are NOT permitted
  • Aero bars must be removed from road bikes

Hemingway’s Brewery Sprint:

  • Road bikes only
  • E-Bikes, recumbents, time-trial bikes or tandems are NOT permitted
  • Aero bars must be removed from road bikes

Choo Choos FREE Family Ride

  • E-Bikes, recumbents, tandems and time trial bikes ARE permitted in the Choo Choos FREE Family Ride (para cyclists are permitted to ride modified bikes to suit their needs)

There are a number of bike shops in the region who have hire bikes available. We have listed some of these below.

Port Douglas:

Palm Cove:

Cairns:

There are a number of bike shops in the region. We have listed some of these below.

Port Douglas:

Palm Cove:

Cairns:

  • Giant Cairns – 128-130 Sheridan St, Cairns City QLD 4870

During your training and preparation for the event have a look at your average speed for a similar distance and similar amount of climbing. Use this average to determine your starting wave group.

When entering you will be asked to select from the below average speed groups:

136km Gran Fondo (minimum average speed 22kmph – this allows for 2 x 10min comfort breaks/bidon refill stops):

  • 22-25kmph
  • 26-30kmph
  • Over 30kmph
  • 93km right turn to complete the 136km Gran Fondo closes at 11:25am
  • All riders must clear Great Barrier Reef Drive by 1:30pm

100km & 60km Gran Fondo (minimum average speed 15kmph – this allows for 2 x 10min comfort breaks/bidon refill stops):

  • 15-21kmph
  • 22-25kmph
  • 26-30kmph
  • Over 30kmph
  • All riders must clear Great Barrier Reef Drive by 1:30pm

48km Medio Fondo (minimum average speed 14kmph – this allows for 2 x 10min comfort breaks/bidon refill stops):

  • 14-17kmph
  • 18-20kmph
  • 21-25kmph
  • 26-30kmph
  • Over 30kmph
  • All riders must clear Great Barrier Reef Drive by 1:30pm

136km & 100km Gran Fondo events will start together in your nominated speed groups:

  • Over 30kmph 6:30am
  • 26-30kmph 6:35am
  • 22-25kmph 6:40am
  • 15-21kmph 6:45am

60km Semi Fondo event will start together in your nominated speed groups:

  • Over 30kmph 7:15am
  • 26-30kmph 7:20am
  • 22-25kmph 7:25am
  • 15-21kmph 7:30am

48km Medio Fondo will start in your nominated speed groups:

  • Over 30kmph 7:00am
  • 26-30kmph 7:03am
  • 21-25kmph 7:06am
  • 18-20kmph 7:09am
  • 14-17kmph 7:12am

There will be a bag drop service for riders participating in the 136km and 100km Gran Fondo and 60km Semi Fondo.

One small bag only can be dropped off to the Bag Drop marquee next to the Start arch on Sunday 8 September 2024, between 5:30am – 7:00am.

Please attach the Bag Drop rider number label (supplied in your registration envelope) to the outside of the bag and clearly visible.

Your bags will be available for collection from the Bag Drop area at the rear of the Marina (see map in Ride Guide).

Please ensure you are wearing your event wristband with your matching rider number to the label on your bag.

There will be a bag drop service for riders participating in the 48km Medio Fondo.

Bag drop service is to transport one small bag only to Port Douglas.

Bag must be dropped off in Palm Cove Saturday, 7 September 2024 between 12pm – 5pm at the secure bag drop area at the Registration desk in front of the Surf Club Palm Cove, 135 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove.

Please attach the Bag Drop rider number label (supplied in your registration envelope) to the outside of the bag and clearly visible.

Your bags will be transported to the finish area in Port Douglas and be available for collection from the Bag Drop point (see map in Ride Guide).

Please ensure you are wearing your event wristband with your matching rider number to the label on your bag.

Post Event Bike & Rider Transport – Port Douglas to Palm Cove

  • Bike & rider transfer from Port Douglas back to Palm Cove after the finish of the ride. Bikes will need to be dropped off to the Bike Transfer location at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina EXPO as soon as you finish the ride and before 1:45pm. See map in Ride Guide for exact location. Rider transfer will be managed by Exemplar Coaches and Limousines. They will drop you off next to the Bike Collection area in Palm Cove.
  • Departure schedule
    • 2:00pm
    • 2:30pm
    • 3:00pm
    • 4:00pm
  • COST: $60

NEW IN 2024: We will have a truck allocated to each bus transfer. Your bikes will be loaded into the appropriate truck as you check them in and each truck will travel down to Palm Cove in front of the bus transfer to meet you in Palm Cove as you depart the bus.

Bikes that are booked in for transfer back to Palm Cove should be left at the secure bike parking area at the finish line. Please ensure you notify the event staff when dropping off your bike that it has been booked in for transport back to Palm Cove and what time your transfer departs. Exact location will be advised prior and marked on the Festival site map.

Bikes will be dropped off in Palm Cove and available for collection from the secure storage area located in the Jetty Car Park at the northern end of Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove as you depart your bus transfer on Sunday, 8 September 2024.

You will need to show your wristband to collect your bike which must correspond to the seat post number on your bike.

48km MEDIO FONDO – Pre Event Bike & Rider Transport – Port Douglas to Palm Cove

  • Bike & rider transfer from Port Douglas to the start in Palm Cove. Bikes will need to be dropped off to the Bike Transfer location at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina EXPO on Saturday 7 September 2024 between 3pm – 6pm. See map in Ride Guide for exact location. Rider transfer will be managed by Exemplar Coaches and Limousines. Bus will depart from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina car park, in front of the Quicksilver shop at 5:30am and drop you off next to the Bike Storage Compound in Palm Cove where your bike will be waiting for you.
  • COST: $60

Bikes will be dropped off in Palm Cove and available for collection from the secure storage area located in the Palm Cove Jetty Car Park at the northern end of  Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove. Please collect your bikes when you arrive in Palm Cove on Sunday, 8 September 2024. Bikes MUST be collected before 6:45am.

You will need to show your wristband to collect your bike which must correspond to the seat post number on your bike.

Saturday, 7 September 2024

  • PORT DOUGLAS
    • Free parking will be available at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina and surrounding roads
    • Free parking will be available at the Port Douglas Sports Complex, Wharf Street, Port Douglas. Parking here will not be available until 6:30pm due to road closures.

Sunday, 8 September 2024

  • PORT DOUGLAS
    • Free parking will be available at the Port Douglas Sports Complex, Wharf Street, Port Douglas. Please follow directions of parking staff. Cars will have full access to this parking all day.
  • PALM COVE
    • Free parking is available in the Palm Cove Jetty car park at the northern end of Palm Cove and surrounding roads

There will be multiple Aid Stations spread across the course.

Each Aid Station will provide:

  • Winners electrolyte hydration
  • Water
  • Winners Energy Bars, Gels and Chews
  • Food
  • Premax sunscreen

Below are the locations and kilometre markers for each event:

136km Gran Fondo:

  • Thala Beach Nature Reserve – 22km, 80.9km, 99.2km & 116.9km (Toilets available)
  • Rex Lookout – 31km, 72km & 108km (Toilets available)
  • Palm Cove – 50.7km (Toilets available)
  • Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – 70.2km (Toilets available)

100km Gran Fondo:

  • Thala Beach Nature Reserve – 22km & 80.9km (Toilets available)
  • Rex Lookout – 31km & 72km (Toilets available)
  • Palm Cove – 50.7km (Toilets available)
  • Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – 70.2km (Toilets available)

60km Gran Fondo:

  • Thala Beach Nature Reserve – 15.3km & 41km (Toilets available)
  • Rex Lookout – 24.1km (Toilets available)
  • Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – 30.4km (Toilets available)
  • Rex Lookout – 32.3km (Toilets available)

48km Medio Fondo:

  • Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – 18.7km (Toilets available)
  • Rex Lookout – 20.5km (Toilets available)
  • Thala Beach Nature Reserve – 29.5km (Toilets available)

Hartley’s to Port MTB Race:

  • Cnr Quaid Rd & Black Mountain Rd – 7.8km
  • Bump Track Entry – 23.1km

Lexus of Cairns Criterium:

  • Start / Finish area

We highly recommend that you have your bike serviced by your local bike shop just prior to the event. To reduce your chances of getting a puncture on the ride even further we would suggest you fit new tyres. We recommend Schwalbe Durano DD’s as a great puncture resistant road bike tyre.

Use the checklist below:

  • Look for any holes or chunks out of your tyres and replace if worn
  • Check that you have enough tyre pressure in your tyres (our mechanics at registration can provide advice if you are unsure of the correct tyre pressure for your bike)
  • Ensure you check your brakes to see that they are working effectively
  • Check that your gears are changing smoothly
  • Make sure your chain is clean and apply fresh chain lubricant
  • Ensure your handlebars are tight and won’t twist from being straight with your front wheel
  • Check that nothing on your bike is loose as things could fall off while you are riding

Bike mechanics will be at the start line in both Port Douglas and Palm Cove on Sunday, 8 September 2024 if you need assistance before the ride begins. Please come to the Registration desk. Roving mechanical support will also be available out on course. If you require any spares or repairs made to your bike the mechanics will let you know the costs prior to fixing your bike for you. They will then provide us with your rider number, what spares were supplied and the costs. We will then send you an invoice for payment the week after the event.

Riders are to be self-reliant. Riders should carry:

  • 2 x drink bidons
  • Some food eg. nutrition, banana and/or muesli bar
  • 1 x tyre tube
  • C02 head unit and canisters or bicycle pump
  • Puncture kit
  • Front and rear lights
  • Mobile phone
  • Glasses
  • Appropriate cycling related clothing
  • Some money

Eating and drinking by the time you feel hungry/thirsty will be too late. Every rider should carry some food eg. nutrition, banana and/or muesli bar. Also, riders are encouraged to carry 2 x drink bidons. Plan to drink all your fluids by the time you get to the next Aid Station.

Each Aid Station will provide:

  • Winners electrolyte hydration
  • Water
  • Winners Energy Bars, Gels and Chews
  • Food
  • Premax sunscreen
  • First Aid kit

Cut-off times

To meet the road re-opening times which are a condition of our road closure permits, riders are required to maintain an average speed of:

  • 22kmph for the 136km Gran Fondo
    • 22kmph average allows for 2 x 10min comfort breaks/bidon refill stops. 20kmph average without stops will also get you to the finish line within cutoff.
    • Riders who fail to reach the right turn at the 91.9km mark by 11:25am will be directed to turn left and continue to the finish line and complete the 100km course.
    • Riders who fall behind the required average speed and won’t reach Port Douglas Road by the required Great Barrier Reef Drive re-opening time of 1:30pm will be given a lift to the end of Port Douglas Road where they have the option to complete the rest of the ride on open roads or stay in the SAG Wagon and get a lift to the finish line.
  • 15 kmph for the 100km & 60km Gran Fondo
    • 15kmph average allows for 2 x 10min comfort breaks/bidon refill stops.
    • Riders who fall behind the required average speed and won’t reach Port Douglas Road by the required Great Barrier Reef Drive re-opening time of 1:30pm will be given a lift to the end of Port Douglas Road where they have the option to complete the rest of the ride on open roads or stay in the SAG Wagon and get a lift to the finish line.
  • 14 kmph for the 48km Medio Fondo
    • 14kmph average allows for 2 x 10min comfort breaks/bidon refill stops.
    • Riders who fall behind the required average speed and won’t reach Port Douglas Road by the required Great Barrier Reef Drive re-opening time of 1:30pm will be given a lift to the end of Port Douglas Road where they have the option to complete the rest of the ride on open roads or stay in the SAG Wagon and get a lift to the finish line.

SAG Wagon

  • A SAG Wagon will be sweeping the back of the course.
  • If you find you have struggled with your chosen distance on the day or your bike has suffered a mechanical failure that cannot be fixed you can wait for the SAG Wagon and enjoy the air conditioned comfort and take in the views as you slowly make your way back to the finish line.

Ambulance, Police, Fire:  000

Emergency Hotline: 0455 261 555

Event Hotline: 0455 261 555

These numbers are also listed on your bike seat post number.

There will be an ambulance on course along with a designated first aid response team with two vehicles on course.

Emergency medical staff will be clearly identified with high-vis vests and name tags.

If you need to get in contact with event organisers prior to the event, please email info@portdouglasgranfondo.com.au

See details on Road Closure page under Festival Information menu.

When you cross the timing finish line on Wharf Street you will need to continue around to the waterside of the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina where you will ride through the Finish Arch. The recovery area with an outdoor shower to cool down, change rooms, food trucks, cold beers and more is on the grass next to the water. A magical spot to finish such an amazing experience on the bike!

There will be Winners electrolyte hydration, water, Winners Energy Bars, Gels and Chews and food available.

There will be a secure bike storage area near the recovery area. Follow the signs to this area and your bike will be checked in by one of the event team. Please ensure you are wearing your event wristband which has the matching number to your bike seat post sticker.

You will need to show your wristband to collect your bike which must correspond to the seat post number on your bike.

The secure bike storage area will be closed at 4pm so please ensure your bikes are collected prior to this time. Any bikes left behind will be donated to charity!

Renowned as a favourite time of year to visit, September brings warm, but not too warm temperatures, gorgeous sunshine and a low chance of rainfall. September is also the lowest humidity for the year. So, while the rest of Australia defrosts from their chilly winter months, you can enjoy riding, swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling in beautiful Port Douglas.

Average temperature: High 26.7°C Low 18.6°C

Average days of rain: 4.4 days >1mm

Bureau of Meteorology

Port Douglas holiday accommodation offers spacious self contained holiday units and apartments serviced daily or weekly located in both the heart of Port Douglas along Macrossan Street and a stones throw from Four Mile Beach and the Port Douglas waterfront. For those looking to not lift a finger, a Port Douglas resort may be more your style.

BOOK NOW TO ENSURE YOU DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR PREFERRED ACCOMMODATION!

Click HERE for accommodation options.

The Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival is an officially sanctioned AusCycling event. If you have a valid AusCycling membership number you will be asked to enter this as you enter online. You will also be required to show proof of this AusCycling membership number to pick up your registration pack at the Festival.

Below are the requirements to participate in each event:

136km Gran Fondo

  • It is recommended that individuals consider their own insurance.

100km Gran Fondo

  • It is recommended that individuals consider their own insurance.

60km Gran Fondo

  • It is recommended that individuals consider their own insurance.

48km Medio Fondo

  • It is recommended that individuals consider their own insurance.

Hartley’s to Port MTB Race

  • It is recommended that individuals consider their own insurance.

Lexus of Cairns Criterium

  • Open to anyone who holds an AusCycling “Race All Discipline” license (no trial memberships). Please note that your entry does not include any insurance for bikes and accessories. It is recommended that individuals consider their own insurance.

Hemingway’s Brewery Sprint

  • It is recommended that individuals consider their own insurance.

Choo Choos FREE Family Ride

  • AusCycling membership NOT required. Please note that your entry does not include any insurance for bikes and accessories. It is recommended that individuals consider their own insurance.

Details can be found within our Terms and Conditions waiver below.

The Event Management takes no responsibility for any property whether lost, damaged or stolen before, during or after the Festival.

It is recommended that all participants in the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival should consider their own travel insurance needs.

Pandemic Cancellation Policy

Should the Event Organisers cancel or postpone the event due to a pandemic, or if state border closures prohibit riders from attending, riders will have the option to defer their registration to the 2025 event free of charge or receive a refund on their entry fee minus a $25 administration fee. Any merchandise already purchased will not be refunded but can be sent with the customer to pay postage costs.

Pandemic Safety Plan

Event Organisers are working closely with the Qld Government and following advice from Qld Health to put on a pandemic-safe event. In addition to the below safety protocols, Event Organisers will also closely follow the guidelines as outlined by Qld Health at the time of the event.

  • Smaller waves of riders at the Start Line
  • Signage and information available to encourage social distancing for all event staff, event participants and spectators at Start and Finish Lines, Festival Expo area and at all Aid Stations
  • Implementing contact tracing methods
  • Making hand sanitiser stations available throughout the Festival Expo, Registration and Aid Stations
  • Cleaning and sanitising common use surfaces and areas (such as toilets) at regular intervals
  • Briefing staff, volunteers and officials on event pandemic-safe practices
  • Appointing a pandemic Marshall on event day
  • The serving of food to be done wearing disposable gloves at the Festival Expo and Aid Stations

We strongly advise participants and / or spectators not to attend if they are displaying any pandemic symptoms.

Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival Terms & Conditions Waiver