TNQ Writer
Exploring the Atherton Tablelands on two wheels and looking for a place to stay? Here are some accommodation options for your mountain biking adventure.
More than 70 kilometres of trails at Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park. Another 25 at Davies Creek Mountain Bike near Mareeba. The Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail, the Baldy Loop and countless other gravel-road rides. If you’re going to make the most of mountain biking in the Atherton Tablelands – or are looking to also experience the region’s many other attractions – you’re going to need more than a day to do it. So book yourself in at one of these conveniently located, bike-friendly facilities and stay a while.
BIG4 NRMA Atherton Tablelands Holiday Park, Atherton
This eco-certified park, ideally located just minutes from the centre of Atherton and even closer to the town’s mountain-bike park, can shack you up in anything from a two-bedroom eco villa, three-bedroom cabin or cosy cottage to a powered or unpowered van or camping site. Its wide-ranging facilities include everything you could hope for at the end of a long day’s ride, including a bike-washing area, pool, laundry and free Wi-Fi.
Bike and Bird, Atherton
As its name suggests, mountain bikers are welcome at this beautifully renovated and fully self-contained Queenslander, located at the southern end of town and within easy riding distance of Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park. With five bedrooms, a full swag of facilities and sleeping spots for up to 11, it’s an ideal home away from home for larger groups of travelling mountain bikers.
Kookaburra Lodge, Yungaburra
This boutique motel, hidden away in a quiet location among fragrant gardens, offers luxury accommodation for couples or two riding buddies just a short drive from Atherton and its mountain-bike park. At the end of the day you can take advantage of its bike-washing area, work space and secure bike storage. When you’re done tinkering, it’s just a short stroll from this peaceful village’s shops and restaurants.
On the Wallaby, Yungaburra
This eco-friendly backpacker’s lodge is a one-stop shop for the travelling cyclist with its bike-storage facility and hire service, the latter offering access to quality dual-suspension mountain bikes. Take your pick from a huge range of accommodation options to suit every need, from affordable dorm-share beds, campsites and campervan sites to double and twin rooms.
Allawah Retreat, Tolga
Allawah Retreat’s self-contained lodges for two sit high in the treetops on 150 acres of native bushland, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Atherton Tablelands. Bikes can be stored securely on their spacious decks, which feature heated spas and double hammocks for the ultimate post-ride relaxation. Located between Atherton and Mareeba, right near the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail, this luxury accommodation puts you just around the corner from all the region’s key two-wheeled attractions.
Jackaroo Motel, Mareeba
This establishment is a popular choice for racers competing in the Crocodile Trophy long-distance mountain bike race each year, offering a selection of tidy, spacious and comfortable budget-friendly rooms and a full selection of facilities, including a large swimming pool. They’re happy for you to store your bike in your room.
Mareeba Bush Stays, Mareeba
Photo by instagram.com/kiki_79
If you’ve got an RV or caravan, are fully self-sufficient and looking for a beautiful spot to park up each night away from the crowds, try this RV park, located within easy driving distance of all the key Tablelands mountain-bike attractions. It has five hectares of unallocated parking space high atop a ridge to choose from, allowing you to bag the best views of this beautiful bushland setting and maximise your privacy.