Places that Rock: The Bump Track
Running from the tablelands to the coast, the Bump Track is an iconic trail in Tropical North Queensland. What might be seen as a tourist ride has a lot more to offer the experienced MTBer.
You’ve heard of it, you don’t know where you’ve heard of it but you have. That is the legend of the ‘The Bump Track”. Once a colonial trade supply route, The Bump Track in its orginal configuration stretches from Port Douglas to Mareeba and it’s an enourmous amount of fun
Over time most of the trail has been assimilated into the modern road network but one section still remains, to be enjoyed in its natural state. Too steep for a modern road, perfect for riding.
Heading into the Mowbray National Park, we dive in from the Bump Track trail sign. The leaf littered fireroad, waxes and wanes and decays to singletrack engulfed by rainforest on all sides.
About two kilometres in, runs Spring Creek. A steep chute on either side will have you on your toes and the deepness of the creek equally so. It’s well worth the time to check out the gently flowing falls and look for signs of the bridge that once stood there.
Keep an eye out for Wait-a while as you get going, the thorny plant is sure to snare you. The trail meanders on through thinning rainforest before one last glorious bumpy descent into farmland where the trail ends. The last section is a bit of a brake burner unless you’re a daredevil.
Getting There
The simplest way is to head out from Port Douglas go up the coast and towards Julatten. A little over half an hour drive From here turn up Euluma Creek Road and then right onto the dirt of Black Mountain Road where the Bump track starts. Your best bet is to get a lift to Julatten or near Weatherby Station for a lengthier experience. A comprehensive map is available on ridecarins.com
Technical Nature
Predominately fire road the Bump Track falls mainly in the green to intermediate catergory. Why would fire road be marked as intermediate trail? Well with the majority of the rainforested section slipping in and out of singletrack due to the ever encompassing rainforest. The odd fallen tree that wasn’t there last time, the eroding rock surfaces or the brake burner descents there is plenty to catch out even the experienced rider at high speed.
You’ll Need
The usual resources and spares. It’s best that you prep before you leave, but there is a chance to grab some extra water at Spring Creek, however you will need to run it through a filter first.
Distances
One way is 20 kilometres of undulating trail and lengthy descents, from Weatherby Station it is a little over 30 kilometres.
Local Knowledge
Going with a guide will definitely enable you to get the best out of the Bump Track and understand its history. This is crocodile territory so keep an eye out, there are plenty of sighting stories about town. If in need of a feed, head down to the beach for a meal at the surf club. If that’s not your flavour there are plenty of options down the main street. We were guided by Steve Rankin of Bike’n’Hike Tours
Best Time of Year
Anytime between April and November, avoid the wet season as best you can. Tropical North Queensland is not a place you want to be when the heavy rains set in from December to March. Winter is also optimal on the temperature scale, perfect for all day rides on dry trails.
While in the Area
Where do I start! Relax by the beach in Port Douglas or go further north and explore the Daintree rainforest. Take a trip back down the picturesque coast, stop off at Hartleys Croc Adventures before a night or two in Cairns. What else is there to do? How about the great barrier reef, Smithfield trails and much much more. Check out our feature on day tripping in the area.
Local Bike Shops
Port Douglas Bike Hire is open for the essentials. About an hour south in Cairns there are plenty more options.
Regular Events
The RRR (Rural, Rainforest and Reef) event, just passed in June, is a yearly event that starts at Mt Molloy, takes in the full bump track and finishes on the beach at Port Douglas.
Essential Sites
www.ridecairns.com/riding/where-to-ride/port-douglas-north
FACILITIES
Toilets: No
Drinking Water: No – bring your own
Trails Signposted: Yes – Trails signs only at the beginning and end, but punctuated by historical markers
Mobile Reception: Telstra – y, Optus – y
Shelter: Yes – if you consider heavy rainforest as cover
BBQ Facilities: No
Accommodation: Yes – none on site but more than plenty in Port Douglas
