🛣️QLD Riding Routes

Best Motorcycle Rides in Queensland

Queensland's riding season runs almost year-round in the south-east and extends broadly across the rest of the state during the dry season. The Atherton Tablelands above Cairns delivers some of Australia's finest mountain riding, while the Sunshine Coast hinterland is perfect for a day trip from Brisbane.

Top 5 Routes in Queensland

1

Gillies Highway

Mountain Pass

Intermediate

Climbing from the coastal flats at Gordonvale to the Atherton Tablelands at Yungaburra, the Gillies delivers 35 km of near-constant corners through dense rainforest. It is short but intensely engaging and can be linked with other Tablelands roads for a full day ride.

Distance
35 km
Riding Time
1 hour
Start / End
Gordonvale to Yungaburra
2

Palmerston Highway

Mountain Pass

Intermediate

An alternative route between Innisfail and the Tablelands, the Palmerston winds through the Wooroonooran National Park. Less trafficked than the Gillies and more varied in character, with longer flowing sections between the tight corners.

Distance
75 km
Riding Time
1.5 hours
Start / End
Innisfail to Millaa Millaa
3

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Loop

Mountain Pass

All Levels

A classic Brisbane day ride looping through Maleny, Montville and Mapleton with ocean views back down to the Sunshine Coast. Mostly gentle and suitable for all skill levels with good cafes at Montville.

Distance
130 km
Riding Time
2.5 hours
Start / End
Landsborough loop
4

Carnarvon Gorge Road

Outback Touring

All Levels

The sealed road into Carnarvon Gorge National Park from Rolleston passes through open mulga country with wide red plains and sandstone bluffs. The gorge itself is one of Queensland's natural wonders.

Distance
120 km
Riding Time
2 hours
Start / End
Rolleston to Carnarvon Gorge
5

Gold Coast Hinterland

Mountain Pass

Intermediate

Springbrook, Tamborine Mountain and Canungra are the key waypoints on this tight mountain loop behind the Gold Coast. The Springbrook roads in particular offer outstanding technical riding with canopy rainforest overhanging the road.

Distance
95 km
Riding Time
2 hours
Start / End
Nerang loop via Springbrook