Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail
A former railway line offering a scenic cycling and walking path through rural Atherton Tablelands, best enjoyed downhill from Atherton to Mareeba.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures
Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail
Best Time
Cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A former railway line offering a scenic cycling and walking path through rural Atherton Tablelands, best enjoyed downhill from Atherton to Mareeba.
"It's far from a great trail but it's certainly an easy enough ride, especially Atherton to Mareeba."
Bike Choice is Key
Gravel bikes are recommended. Avoid road bikes due to potential punctures and rough surfaces. :mountain_biking:
Atherton to Mareeba is Downhill
For an easier ride, especially with kids, start in Atherton and head towards Mareeba. :arrow_down:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Atherton to Mareeba Descent
Atherton to Mareeba
Enjoy a predominantly downhill ride, perfect for families and a relaxed cycling experience.
Rocky Creek Section
Rocky Creek
A scenic part of the trail, though recent reports suggest it can be washed out and challenging.
Walkamin to Mareeba Stretch
Walkamin to Mareeba
Currently undergoing improvements, this section promises a smoother ride once completed.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions Vary
Plan Your Direction
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bike Choice is Key
Gravel bikes are recommended. Avoid road bikes due to potential punctures and rough surfaces. :mountain_biking:
Atherton to Mareeba is Downhill
For an easier ride, especially with kids, start in Atherton and head towards Mareeba. :arrow_down:
Check Trail Conditions
Surface can be rough and washed out in sections. Be prepared for varied terrain. :warning:
Family-Friendly Potential
With some maintenance, it's great for kids, even with trailers. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bike Choice is Key
Gravel bikes are recommended. Avoid road bikes due to potential punctures and rough surfaces. :mountain_biking:
Atherton to Mareeba is Downhill
For an easier ride, especially with kids, start in Atherton and head towards Mareeba. :arrow_down:
Check Trail Conditions
Surface can be rough and washed out in sections. Be prepared for varied terrain. :warning:
Family-Friendly Potential
With some maintenance, it's great for kids, even with trailers. :child:
Limited Amenities
Few info boards or seating. Pack essentials and plan breaks. :handbag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail offers a pleasant, predominantly downhill ride from Atherton to Mareeba, ideal for families. However, the trail's surface can be rough and inconsistent, with some sections requiring careful navigation and a suitable bike. Limited amenities mean visitors should come prepared.
"I’m not sure why others feel this is a great rail trail. It could be, but not right now.
This is the second time I’ve done it and there’s been no maintenance from then to now.
The actual rail trail ends at Walkamin, the surface of the trail is poor, with patches and deepish crushed granite that slows your travel heaps. It doesn’t help that the farmers drive tractors along it.
The Rocky Creek section is washed out and certainly not family friendly anymore.
The section from Walkamin to Mareeba now looks like work is being done with the track fully opened up by dozers and leveled but it’s tough riding with a loose surface. It’ll be great when this is finished.
There’s very few info boards, no seating for a break, no photo opportunities for socials which families love to do.
More needs to be done to make this a great rail trail."
Paul Tooze (No Journey Too Small)
"Did it on MTB with a tow along bike trailer for kids
Was fine. Recommend going Atherton to Mareeba if only riding one direction, it’s all downhill :)!
There are a couple of softer sections but we didn’t get off the bike other than one 50m uphill section due to the bike trailer loaded with two kids was a bit too steep. Some reviews suggest it’s unrideable. Unsure if they’ve done a heap of maintenance or not but it is certainly rideable.
Kids slept half of the way so it’s not that bumpy
It’s far from a great trail but it’s certainly an easy enough ride
Don’t do it on road bikes unless you want buckles and punctures
Gravel bike would be fine"
Eric Lambers
"A fantastic bike or walking track from Mareeba to Atherton. Loads of fun and great to do if you live in town or are visiting. The road is gravel most of the way and easy to navigate for the young and old alike. Take the time to explore this council initiative."
Suzie Cray
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail can be accessed from multiple points, including Atherton, Walkamin, and Mareeba. Parking is available in these towns. Many visitors start their journey from Atherton for the downhill advantage.
Public transport options directly to the trailheads are limited. It's generally recommended to drive to one of the access points or arrange a shuttle service if you don't have your own vehicle.
The trail is approximately 35 kilometers long. While rideable, be aware that sections can be rough and require a suitable bike.
Bike hire options may be available in nearby towns like Atherton or Mareeba. It's advisable to check with local tourism operators or bike shops in advance to confirm availability and book your bikes.
From Cairns, driving is the most convenient option. The drive to Atherton takes about an hour. You can then choose your starting point on the rail trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail is a public recreational facility and does not have an entry fee. It's free to access and use for walking and cycling.
The rail trail is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, it's best to use it during daylight hours for safety and visibility, especially given the varied trail conditions.
No booking is required to use the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail. It's an open access trail for public use.
No special permits are required for individuals or small groups to cycle or walk the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail.
For larger organized events or group rides, it's recommended to contact the local council to inquire about any necessary permissions or guidelines.
🎫 🚴 Onsite Experience
The trail surface varies significantly. Expect sections of loose gravel, crushed granite, and some rough patches. Road bikes are not recommended; gravel or mountain bikes are best.
It can be, especially the Atherton to Mareeba downhill section. However, some parts are rough and can be washed out, so parental supervision and appropriate bikes are essential.
Amenities are sparse. There are very few information boards and limited seating. It's advisable to carry all your own supplies, including water and snacks.
The trail winds through rural landscapes, farmland, and some bushland. While not always offering dramatic photo opportunities, it provides a pleasant rural cycling experience.
This depends on your fitness and the section you ride. A leisurely ride from Atherton to Mareeba might take 1.5-2 hours, while covering the full length could take longer, especially with stops.
📸 📸 Photography
While the trail offers pleasant rural scenery, it's not renowned for dramatic photo opportunities. Some sections might offer nice shots of farmland or bushland, but don't expect iconic landmarks.
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer softer, more appealing lighting for any landscape shots you wish to capture.
If you're comfortable stopping frequently, you can capture moments. However, given the varied trail conditions, it's safer to stop completely before taking photos.
There aren't many designated viewpoints. You might find interesting perspectives in the more open farmland sections or where the trail passes through small pockets of forest.
A versatile camera that can handle varied light conditions is ideal. Given the potential for rough terrain, a compact camera or a smartphone might be more practical than heavy DSLR gear.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴 Cyclists Seeking a Challenge
🚶♀️ Walkers and Casual Strollers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trail Surface
Recent reviews indicate that sections like Rocky Creek can be washed out, making them challenging, especially for families. Conversely, the stretch from Walkamin to Mareeba has seen recent improvements, with dozers leveling the track, suggesting it will become a much smoother ride once fully completed. It's always a good idea to check the latest local reports or ask at a local visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions before you set out.
Family and Accessibility Considerations
However, the trail's current condition presents some accessibility challenges. The rougher sections and potential washouts mean that very young children or those with mobility issues might find certain parts difficult or uncomfortable. While it's described as 'rideable' by some, the advice is to be prepared for a less-than-perfect surface. If planning a family trip, opting for the Atherton to Mareeba direction is highly recommended to maximize ease and enjoyment.
Planning Your Ride Direction
Conversely, riding from Mareeba to Atherton involves more uphill sections, which can be quite challenging, particularly with a loaded bike or if you're not an experienced cyclist. While some reviews suggest the trail is 'unrideable' in parts, others have found it perfectly manageable with the right bike and expectations. Planning your route with the downhill advantage in mind can greatly enhance your overall experience on the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit