Twin Bridges Track and Wangetti Trail forge ahead

Bicycle Queensland welcomes the news from the Queensland Government that progress on the Wangetti Trail project will resume, with the reopening of the Twin Bridges Track also set to move ahead – amongst other infrastructure projects in the region.

The Twin Bridges Track is one of a number of iconic routes on the Atherton Tablelands. A combination of old forest roads and old Aboriginal trails, the route runs from Black Mountain Road, heading east and descending into a valley before climbing back out, exiting onto Black Mountain Road just south of the historic Bump Track – which delivers riders to Port Douglas.

The trail has been used for a range of local events, and was part of the penultimate stage of the 2017 Crocodile Trophy, a UCI classified stage race that found its home in Far North Queensland for over a decade. While the route would often be damaged in the wet season, it has been closed since 2020 due to bridge deterioration and cyclone including to bridges. Contractors have now been engaged to restore and reopen the trail, which will offer new opportunities for locals and visitors to experience the region’s natural beauty by bike or on foot.

While separate from the original Wangetti Trail alignment, the reopening of Twin Bridges will complement a broader project by connecting key sections of Far North Queensland’s coast and hinterland. Works on the Ellis Beach to Wangetti link are expected to begin following the 2026 wet season, which will ultimately create a continuous trail access from Palm Cove to Port Douglas.

For mountain bikers, there is more good news. The Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROQ) has built its Regional Mountain Bike Strategy for 2024-2034, tying together 12 regional councils and numerous mountain bike trail networks. These include Atherton, Smithfield, Kuranda, Davies Creek, Cardwell and of course Wangetti. Their plan sets out long-term plans for mountain bike trail and infrastructure development and management, along with developing multi-day adventure cycling routes (ie: bikepacking) to link the region together.

Smithfield will take the limelight, as it should given its proximity to an international airport, beaches and countless places to stay. Having hosted two World Championships, numerous World Cups and three Crankworx events, Smithfield will be getting updated trail infrastructure that should bring in more major events. Expect an 85km network by late 2028, thanks to a $14-15 million dollar expansion from the Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation and the Destination 2045 tourism plan alongside the Wangetti Trail.

Atherton has a $1 million refurbishment happening, thanks to Queensland’s disaster recovery program. The glow up will make essential repairs to about 47km of the existing 55km network, with the work undertaken by Contour Works.

Davies Creek is also working on a refurb. The fast trails have been showcased in events like Reef to Reef, but the focus is on being an all-abilities trail hub, including a 14km epic style trail and flowing singletrack. With a campsite, swimming holes and an interpretive trail – the upgrades will be made possible thanks to community funding from the Community Gambling Benefit Fund, Bendigo Bank and more.

The Wangetti Trail is slated to run 95km from Palm Cove to Port Douglas. With about 8km open to Ellis Beach, there is a lot of work to do, but this trail will have the highest appeal in the region, traversing one of the most beautiful stretches of coast line in Australia. It could be one of Australia’s Great Rides.

For Bicycle Queensland, this range of projects highlight the importance of investment in a mix of safe, accessible trails that support both recreational and adventure riding, while still pursuing more demanding trails to attract events – all while delivering economic and social value to regional towns.

“Bicycle Queensland has been part of advocacy in Far North Queensland for decades, supporting groups like the Cairns Bicycle User Group to get good outcomes on the ground,” said BQ CEO Prof. Matt Burke. “BQ helped pioneer cycle tourism in the region, bringing events like Cycle Queensland through. We will continue to support these efforts, working with other partners like Outdoors Queensland to get a better state trail network in place. We’ll continue to fight got links like the Wangetti and the Atherton-Mareeba Rail Trail. We also hope to help seed more regional cycling events up north very soon.”

With adventure rides like the FNQ Pioneer Bike Trail taking shape, trail upgrades and more, Far North Queensland is shaping up to be a mountain biking and adventure riding capital for the dry season.