Event Overview
The Hartley’s to Port MTB Race is part of the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival and takes place on Saturday, 12 September 2026 in Far North Queensland. The event starts at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures in Wangetti and finishes at Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas. Two ride options are listed: a 40km timed race (9:30am start) and a 35km recreational ride (approx. 10:00am start) that begins after a shuttle transfer.
Event details are based on the 2025 edition and may be subject to change for 2026
What the Course Demands
The 40km race opens with a sustained climb for the first 5km up Quaid Road, averaging over 8.5%, which can quickly split groups. After turning onto Black Mountain Road, the course transitions into faster sections before a major descent down the Bump Track from around the 23.1km mark, with steep gradients reported over 20% in places. The route then continues into Port Douglas for the finish at Four Mile Beach.
Who This Event Suits Best
This event suits riders who are comfortable handling early climbing, followed by high-speed changes in pace and a technical descent. The 40km race will appeal to competitive athletes targeting clear time gaps from the opening ascent and the Bump Track. The 35km recreational ride is better suited to riders who want the destination-style route and finish but prefer to avoid the initial climb via the provided shuttle start.
