Mountain bike holidays - Airlie beach bike paths

Mountain bike holidays - Airlie beach bike paths

When people suppose of Airlie Beach, it generally inspires snapshots of sailing, snorkelling, scantily clad backpackers and seashores that stretch for miles with emerald islands glistening like jewels. But the Whitsundays has a little secret that’s received ten out, and the phrase is touring faster than a downhiller on a Strava run.

MTB trails are being developed and there’s something for everyone; from an at ease household pedal via to tough and challenging path rides. Top it off with some jaw-dropping surroundings and this phase of North Queensland really is a must-visit location. There's no scarcity of activities for any non-biking companions, so you recognize they’ll be comfortable ​mountain bike kit​ while you shred the trails.

For Townsville locals like myself, the Whitsundays serves as a southern playground and we currently loaded the auto and took the three-hour drive down the Bruce Highway to explore the tracks of Airlie Beach. Luckily my different half loves mountain biking too, so a week in Airlie to trip the trails was once a no-brainer. I’d been itching to hit the Conway Circuit – formally

known as the Great Whitsunday Walk – as I’d heard so many mixed reviews; the entirety from ‘it’s unrideable and you’d be mad to go there’ to ‘it’s completely awesome!’

First up we popped into the nearby bike keep – Ride Whitsundays – to get an update on the trail prerequisites and the first-class way to handle the ride.

From there it used to be on to the Big4 Airlie Cove Resort and Caravan Park; it’s exceptionally central, mountain bike friendly and allowed us to get an exact sleep earlier than hitting the path first aspect in the morning.

CONWAY CIRCUIT

The Conway Circuit is an incredible journey for hikers and mountain bikers alike. It’s an epic 28 km point-to-point route situated inside Conway National Park; a peaceable coastal park that overlooks the Whitsunday Passage. Overall it’s quite a challenging trail that’s higher appropriate to experienced riders.

Littered with sweet singletrack and rugged fireplace trail, it’s listed as a black path or grade-four under IMBA standards.

The experience ​bike​ takes around four to five hours to complete, even though much will depend on the time spent absorbing the gorgeous landscape. You’ll journey thru instead of a far-off country, so be prepared. You want a suitable snack or two, and three litres of water—we packed a full lunch to make the most of our stops in the forest. You’ll also want a spare tube, bike equipment and a first-aid kit. Make sure you let someone comprehend the place you are

going too. Water is accessible at campsites alongside the way but it has to be treated. Mobile access is limited so don’t be counted on it!

We tackled the journey from the Kara Crescent trailhead at the Airlie Beach ceases of the ride; doing it this way gets the large climb out of the way early on when your legs are fresh. Head proper to the top of the Kara Crescent—any map or smartphone will get you there. At the cease you’ll see a set of steps; that is the begin of the Conway Circuit. The first phase of the climb is the main slog and there are alternative routes up the hill—drop in and see Chris at Ride Whitsundays for the lowdown.

There’s a lot of climbing early on, so knock it into the granny tools and keep your legs spinning. Don’t be dissatisfied if you’re compelled to push— solely an elite handful can clean this climb. Your efforts will be rewarded with some breathtaking views and superb singletrack that flows thru the pristine forest.

Ulysses Butterflies flutter around and the dense treetop canopy brings welcome colouration from the North Queensland sun. Keep an eye out for bush turkeys and Proserpine rock wallabies. It’s without a doubt worth taking an aspect day out to Honeyeater lookout too. This music snakes over tree roots and leaf count number ending with remarkable views over Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands.

There’s some extra mountaineering once you re-join the important path after the lookout detour. Of course, what goes up have to come down and it won’t be long earlier than you hit the extremely lucrative descent. From there the path undulates with a few creek crossings and large exposed rocks to keep things interesting. The creeks can be amazing for a mid-ride cooldown, although be aware that flash flooding can show up with tropical downpours.

Stick to the mesh areas alongside the song and only go the creeks if it’s safe to do so. At the 20km-mark the path eases off with a mild inexperienced path climb. I have to admit I found this one of the hardest bits and my legs have been screaming—perhaps I was once paying the fee for my efforts on the large opening climb. You’ll ultimately emerge near Brandy Creek and the loop is done with a 10km pedal along the bitumen returned into town. We finished with some fabulous meals and a few beers at Mr Bones Restaurant close to Airlie Lagoon.

The path can be accomplished in the opposite course too; via all accounts, the trip is equally super, however, don’t burn all your candles too early, as the big climb (around four hundred vertical metres) is in the latter half of when you reverse the loop. If you’re not up to tackling the full circuit, you can constantly experience in and lower back out from both ends.

CONWAY PICNIC TRACKS

After tackling the Conway Circuit, the Picnic Tracks are a first-class way to spin the legs out, have a barbeque and simply chill. Head south along Shute Harbour Road and simply past the airport on the right-hand side you’ll find the Conway Picnic Area. This is the beginning point for the Conway Coastal Fringe Circuit and the Hayward Gully Tracks.

The newest addition to the Airlie seashore path network, these routes are distinctly flat and cater to youngsters and newbie ​riding rules​. You’ll find drop toilets, electric barbeques and picnic tables at the trailhead, so it’s an exquisite region for a family day out. The Coastal Fringe Circuit is 1.2km. Linking it to the Hayward Gully Track will stretch it out to a 3km ride. There are a few little obstacles alongside the routes that beginners might also desire to stroll their

bikes over however universal it’s first-rate and tame. Take your own water and insect repellent and be aware of other riders as it’s a multi-directional trail.

SOUTH MOLLE ISLAND

After checking out of our accommodation it was time to spend a few nights on lovely South Molle Island. It’s 10km off the coast and on hand only by boat. The island has an array of tracks that are open for both walkers and mountain bikers.

Our backpacks were brimming with tenting gear as we rolled our bikes onto the Scamper Ferry. The Sandy Bay campsite used to be set to be our home for the next few days and the ferry drops you proper there. It’s a nicely set out campsite with drop loos and picnic tables but there’s no ingesting water. The Scamper Water Taxi gives each person with 5L of water per day but makes certain you take adequate to continue to be hydrated.

South Molle is an amazing spot with white sandy beaches, pockets of rainforest and crystal blue waters. It’s additionally a flora and fauna refuge and a scenic shy away for nature lovers. There’s approximately 14km of the path on the island which consists of both hearth path and singletrack.

All of the trails are rated as green underneath the IMBA guidelines, so the user is particularly cosy with no horrifying obstacles. The trails lead to lookouts at Spion Kop, Lamond Hill and Balancing Rock. You can even pedal up to Mt Jeffreys; the absolute best factor on the island—it stands at 200 metres above sea degree however the climb is fairly gradual and well worth it for the views.

While the trails are tremendously non-technical, the undulating terrain presents a first-class go with the flow that makes for exciting riding.

Aside from the riding, South Molle is a remarkable area for swimming and snorkelling with a multitude of reefs fringing the island. There’s additionally rainforest to explore and kayaks on hand to employ (www.saltydog.com.au ).

With its effortlessly handy MTB trails, fantastic surroundings and a vast variety of activities on offer, South Molle is a brilliant region for a nature-based household camping getaway. Wrap it up with the difficult

Conway Circuit on the mainland and there’s something to maintain absolutely everyone entertained!

GENERAL INFORMATION GETTING THERE

There are direct flights to Airlie Beach from most capital cities. It’s a small place, so you can experience all the trailheads except being an elite rider (with the exception of South Molle Island of course).

Alternately, you can fly to Townsville or Mackay and clutch a appoint car. Airlie Beach is 275 km (approximately 3.5 hours) south of Townsville or a two-hour pressure (150 km) north of Mackay. Hire automobiles can be organized to pick up at any of the airports so you can keep your legs for the trails.

The sea taxi day trip from Airlie Beach to South Molle Island fees $65 return and this includes 5L of drinking water for each day that you’re on the island.

While you need a tenting permit if you’re planning an in a single day stay, the trails are free for each person to use.

The campsites on South Molle are run with the aid of the National Parks and Wildlife Services. Each night time charges $5.75 per man or woman or $23 for a family group. Book with the aid of the Queensland National Parks website and as soon as you have secured your campsite, contact the Scamper water taxi to prepare your travel and and learn more about biking the ​best bike us​ and best times.

You can also employ kayaks and camping equipment with Scamper, so if you are flying and need to journey light they have you covered. Secure parking is reachable if you have a car. This is located at Shute Harbour—prices range depending on the size of your stay.

WHEN TO VISIT

From March till the give up of October is the exceptional time to visit the tropics. It’s heat all 12 months round and iciness is a magic time to visit.

Summer is fantastically avoided; monsoonal rain can swell the rivers making many of the tracks impassable and dangerous.

ACCOMMODATION

There are tonnes of lodging picks to select from in Airlie to swimsuit a large vary of budgets. The Big4 Airlie Cove Resort and Caravan Park is mountain bike friendly, so you don’t have to smuggle your money pit in below the cover of darkness. They are presently upgrading their services to cater to mountain bikers along with a b ​ ike​ wash bay. It’s located on Shute Harbour Road in Jubilee Pocket. It’s simply outdoor of town however central to all trailheads.

FOOD

Stop at Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation contrary the Airlie Beach/Shute Harbour Road on the Bruce Highway, simply one minute north of Proserpine.

This gem will permit you to inventory up on locally grown espresso to hold you going after a challenging day in the saddle.

Dine at Mr Bones Pizza and Tapas Bar, located by means of the lagoon (263 Shute Harbour Road) in Airlie Beach. It’s a preferred with the locals providing super ingredients and boutique beers. It’s first-class to e-book a desk in the evenings with the aid of calling 0416 11 615.

TRAIL INFO & BIKE SUPPLIES

On arrival in Arlie, the first aspect you should do – aside from checking into your accommodation – is visit Chris Labels at Ride Whitsundays. Located in the Whitsunday shopping centre (226 Shute Harbour Road), Ride Whitsundays it’s the only bike keep in Airlie—the subsequent closest shop is in Mackay.

An absolute mountain biking guru, Chris is aware of all the pinnacle trails.

She’s now not solely an elite mountain biker but also a triathlete, MTB club president and suggests for constructing extra m ​ ountain bike​ tracks at some point of Airlie. The shop has masses of spares, vitamin and different bike bits in case you forget about something. Check out their internet site at www.ridewhitsundays.com.au two two two two two

EVENTS

In late September every year, the Whitsunday Mountain Bike Club runs a two-day tournament known as ‘The Dirty Molle Island Escape’. It is a society in a single day tenting day out with rides each on the mainland as nicely as on South Molle Island.