Tropical North Queensland has a bounty of amazing mountain-bike parks but for sheer recognition one name stands above them all – Smithfield.
This iconic rainforest trail network is the oldest mountain-bike park in the country and the crucible of our top-level downhill racing scene, hosting the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup way back in 1995, then again in 2014 and 2016. In 1996 and 2017 it hosted the UCI World Mountain Bike Championships.
Located an easy 20-minute drive north of Cairns airport, this world-famous facility offers more than 60km of green, blue and black-rated trails that twist through spectacular vine-clad jungle, over clear-flowing streams and along jagged ridges that overlook the Great Barrier Reef.
New trails are regularly added to this ever-changing network: the latest is the 4.3km blue-rated Pipeline trail, opened in July 2019.
All trails are marked with their level of difficulty and can be ridden in a variety of loops, allowing you to create a riding itinerary that suits you best, from a quick blast to a full-day exploration.
Several bike-hire businesses are located close to the park and commercial shuttle services support its most famous downhill runs, including the World Cup and Nationals DH trails.
The green trails that hug the lower reaches of the park have few technical challenges and are perfect for beginners, younger riders or families who want to build their confidence, hone their skills or just have fun.
The blue trails are where more experienced riders can experience the gnarled, testing short and long climbs and steep, technical and fearsomely fast descents that Smithfield is famous for.
Black trails include the park’s most challenging tests for riders – and its biggest thrills – but are only for those with advanced-level skills.
Here’s a few other things to do while you’re in Cairns.
With endless picturesque places on the doorstep, you’re spoilt for choice as soon as you touch down in the tropics. Send your holiday posts to the top of the feed with these Instagram locations near Cairns.
Mighty mountain ranges and Wet Tropics Rainforest create the optimum environment for a myriad of extraordinary waterfalls. Fall in love with these 20 waterfall wonderlands only a short drive from Cairns.
With such a vibrant foodie culture, finding the best cafes in Cairns can be overwhelming. Fuel your caffeine addiction with these local favourites for a guaranteed quality cup of coffee.
Are your campsites better described as camp palaces, or do you just roll with the bare essentials? Whether you’re at one end of the spectrum or the other, lace up your hiking shoes, load up your 4WD (or hatchback) and string your fairy lights around these camping sites near Cairns.
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