TNQ Writer
Discover the thrilling ups and exhilarating downs of the Bump Track, one of Tropical North Queensland’s most iconic mountain bike trails.
You’ve recharged your batteries in Tropical North Queensland’s most famous resort town, Port Douglas. Now your muscles are twitching and you’re ready for a proper two-wheeled adventure. It’s time to answer the call – the thrills of the iconic Bump Track are waiting to be savoured.
8am – Rolling, rolling, rolling
Make your way to the start of the Bump Track via the Triple-R trail
You’re rolling easily along the Triple-R trail south out of Port Douglas – the route used by the classic Tropical North Queensland mountain-bike race – towards the Mowbray Valley and the bottom gate of the Bump Track. First an Indigenous trail, then a vital link to the mountain regions during the 1800s mining boom, this famous 6km thread of dirt through the rainforest climbs almost 400m from sea level within a couple of kilometres.
8.45am – Up, up and away
Ride through dense rainforest
Ride through dense rainforest
Begin the steep climb
Begin the steep climb
Lookout on the Bump Track
Lookout on the Bump Track
Creek crossing
Creek crossing
You’ve made it to the bottom gate of the Bump Track, where a wall of rainforest stretches up and out before you – that’s where you’re headed. Onto and into this tunnel through dense vegetation, which soon becomes a strenuous climb as you haul yourself up steep grades and over the constant series of water bars. Then the super-steep Slatey Pinch, where you’ll probably need to get off the bike and walk. Don’t forget to look behind you for amazing views through the canopy back down to the coast.
9.30am – Picture perfect
Robbins Creek
You’ve huffed, puffed and sweated up this tough climb, taking care not to be snagged by the infamous thorny vine known as ‘wait-a-while’ that prospers in these parts. Now the Bump Track has finally crested and you can enjoy several kilometres of smoother ups and downs through the beautiful rainforest before a final steep climb down to, and up from, Robbins Creek, a mountain stream so picturesque you’ll just have to stop a while.
10am – Roller-coaster ride
You’re at the top of the Bump Track and if you were suitably equipped with supplies and wanted to make this a monster full-day ride, you could head south on Black Mountain Road. But that’s for another day. You’re here to find out what the Bump Track is all about – that unforgettable roller-coaster ride down.
10.30am – The afterglow
You’re back at the bottom gate with a beaming smile and the smell of your brakes filling the air. You’ve barely pedalled the last few kilometres but your heart is beating fast – you’ve just eaten up a track that took you an hour-odd to climb in an adrenaline-charged rush of sweeping turns, jumps, river crossings and pure, unadulterated speed. It’s time to head back into Port Douglas. But before you do, cool down and reflect in the lovely, deep freshwater pool at Spring Creek, just around the corner.
12.00pm – Go explore
Hemingway's Brewery Tasting Paddle
You’ve retraced the Triple-R trail back into Port Douglas – what next? Your day is only beginning in Tropical North Queensland, so grab a beer and lunch at Hemingway’s Brewery before a lazy afternoon on Four Mile Beach.
An alternative route
Skip the strenuous climb up and enjoy the ride down
If you’re not up for tackling the Bump Track’s big climb, Bike ‘n’ Hike Adventure Tours or Dan’s Mountain Biking will shuttle you from your hotel to a starting point near the top, then guide you on your journey.
