Cairns Dedicates a Whole Month to Mountain Biking Every Year

Cairns hosts two epic events back to back in May, the Crankworx MTB Festival and the UCI MTB Masters World Championships (which you can enter and ride if you’re over 35).

Ahh Tropical North Queensland. You’re probably envisioning it now – rainforest that runs right down to the beach, the gleaming sand, the glistening water. All three competing for postcard-perfect colour…

Want to hear the high-pitched buzz of mountain bikes flying past at full speed? Feel the dust on your cheeks and smell the hot brake rotors? If you’re into mountain biking, it’s safe to say that Cairns is calling.

Read more: Mountain Biking Slang 101

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In May 2025, Cairns will be the home of the UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships from the 14th to 18th of May, followed by one of the world’s great mountain bike festivals, Crankworx Cairns, from the 21st to 25th.

Both events will be held at the world-class Smithfield Mountain Bike Park – the oldest in the country – which features 60km of rainforest trails replete with views of the Great Barrier Reef and a storied history of international events.

So what are they? And what else can you do in Cairns if you visit for Mountain Bike Month? We’ve got you.

Read more: Learn to Mountain Bike Without Breaking Yourself

Crankworx Cairns

When: 21st to 25th of May 2025

The Crankworx World Tour is a six-part mountain bike festival and competition that takes place in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. None of the other stops look anything like the Cairns event though, which is proudly known as the Party in Paradise thanks to its lush location – the Daintree Rainforest is just down the road – and wild crowd.

2025 is going to be big, with a raft of new updates and the return of some fan favourites.

First up, Slopestyle is back! Expect the crowd-favourite to deliver huge air and the most complex tricks that push the limits of what you thought was possible on a bike.

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Next, a new event, the Quadzilla Enduro. Honestly, can you think of a name that was more workshopped by mountain bikers than ‘Quadzilla’? The event is enduro-style, meaning riders pedal up to the top on their own before time-trialling it down the mountain. This means the bikes are more similar to what you’re probably riding unless you’re a complete downhill mountain biking tragic.

The four stages of Quadzilla are chosen to present unique challenges, from techy rock gardens to drops, tight switchbacks to manicured berms, and a fourth mystery stage that’s still under wraps.

Speaking of mysteries, there’s a new pro-level event that, according to organisers, will be ‘next-level’. It’s all hush hush at the moment but I’ve got it on good authority that the format is a world-first with head-to-head, elbows out competition, run in a knockout style. Phwoar, expect drama!

Don’t miss Kidsworx if you’ve got the little ones coming along. With races, skill sessions, and jams, it’s the perfect way for the whole family to enjoy mountain biking, Cairns style.

Get Your Tickets Now

Convinced yet? Tickets are available now, so (bunny) hop to it.

UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships

When: 14th to 18th of May 2025

Put me in coach! Ever wanted to ride alongside the world’s best? This qualification-free event is open to avid riders, both male and female, over the age of 35.

The UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships features both cross-country (XC) and downhill events and attracts some of the world’s best riders, both male and female.

Reckon you’ve got what it takes? Whether you want to drop that you competed in the world championship or feel fast enough to chase down the famous rainbow jersey yourself and ‘Master the Tropics’, this is the event.

Stay & Play Around Cairns

When: Before or after Crankworx and the Masters

Just because you came up for Mountain Bike May doesn’t mean that’s all you have to do. You’ve come to Cairns for adventure, time to make the most of it!

My recommendation? Race the Masters if you’re old enough, go hoarse cheering on the champions at Crankworx, then make a dash for the rainforest or Great Barrier Reef, whatever takes your fancy! You could even squeeze some swimming holes and hikes in between the two!

Tropical North Queensland’s best swimming holes are a year-round affair and a great escape from the cold southern winter. You could explore Wunyami/Green Island in Sea Country, just a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns, or loosen the legs with one of these top eight hikes around (you guessed it) Cairns.

Read more: 8 of the Best Bike Trails Around Cairns

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My tip is to head to Kuranda. This cute little village is hidden in the rainforest, about 25km northwest of Cairns, and has bulk hippy vibes thanks to its beginnings in the Vietnam War era.

While you can drive, the pro tip is to take the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns itself, as it passes through some of the most beautiful Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest in the country. You can then take the Skyrail back to Cairns – a gondola that passes over the mountain.

If you’ve brought your bikes and car and aren’t completely biked out, check out some of the best mountain bike trails on offer (that aren’t at Smithfield, of course!). Or you just cruise up the Great Barrier Reef Drive, we’ve got your itinerary covered.

Go Mountain Biking in Cairns This May

Leaving the cold, wet trails of the south behind for tropical sun and world-class mountain biking? Yeah, it’s as good as it sounds. Grab your tickets ASAP, they won’t last.

Feature image supplied by @auscyclingaus