What’s happening?
The Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride will return from Thursday, 23 July, to Saturday, 25 July 2026.
Now in its 26th year, the event will bring together riders, volunteers and support crews across North Queensland.
The course begins in Townsville before travelling through Ingham and Innisfail, with riders finishing in Cairns.
The annual event supports Children’s Cancer Institute and continues a community fundraising tradition that began in 1999.
Why it matters?
The ride began after Sel Hardwick’s family experienced cancer. During a road trip, he considered how he could help other families.
That idea was later developed in a bike shop before Hardwick completed the first ride with his son.
Since then, the event has grown into a long-running fundraiser supported by thousands of riders, volunteers and community members.
The ride raised more than $350,000 in 2025, helping Children’s Cancer Institute continue its childhood cancer research.
Each training ride, flat tyre and difficult kilometre contributes to the same purpose, helping children live longer, healthier lives.
Organisers said the event would not continue without riders, volunteers and support crews giving their time each year.
Local Impact
The event connects Townsville, Ingham, Innisfail and Cairns through three days of cycling, fundraising and community support.
Along the route, riders pass Bluewater, Rollingstone, Cardwell, Tully, Mirriwinni, Deeral and Gordonvale.
The Mercure Inn on Woolcock Street will host the initial gathering before riders leave Townsville in their assigned groups.
Frosty Mango will provide the first lunch stop, while community halls will accommodate riders during the event.
Residents along the Bruce Highway often gather to encourage cyclists as they pass through towns and rural communities.
Local volunteers and support crews will manage meals, equipment, safety and roadside assistance throughout the course.
By the Numbers
- The 2026 campaign has raised $225,802, placing it more than three-quarters towards its $300,000 goal.
- Riders will cover 374 kilometres between Townsville and Cairns across the three-day event.
- Current event information says the ride has raised more than $9 million since 1999 for childhood cancer research.
Zoom In
The 374-kilometre course will take riders through some of North Queensland’s most demanding roads and regional communities. Each day offers a different challenge, from long highway stretches to steep climbs and the final ride into Cairns.
- Day 1, Townsville to Ingham, 112 kilometres: Riders will gather at the Mercure Inn before leaving Townsville in groups. After final bike adjustments, they will join the Bruce Highway and pass Bluewater and Rollingstone. Lunch will be held at Frosty Mango before the final 40-kilometre section through cane fields. Riders will spend the night at Ingham Showgrounds Hall.
- Day 2, Ingham to Innisfail, 169 kilometres: The longest stage begins through the quieter streets of Ingham before reaching the Cardwell Range. The climb starts about 13 kilometres from town and will test months of rider preparation. Groups will take photographs at the top before continuing to Tully for lunch. The afternoon section will finish at Innisfail PCYC Hall.
- Day 3, Innisfail to Cairns, 93 kilometres: Riders will leave Innisfail and travel through rolling hills towards Mirriwinni. The route continues past Mount Bellenden Ker, Deeral and Gordonvale before reaching Cairns Showgrounds. Locals traditionally cheer riders during the final approach. A formal welcome and annual dinner will later recognise individual and group achievements.
Non-meal stops will be limited to 15 minutes, while meal stops will have a maximum duration of 30 minutes.
Zoom Out
More than 1,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer in Australia each year.
Childhood cancer also claims three young Australian lives every week.
Children’s Cancer Institute is Australia’s only independent medical research institute devoted entirely to childhood cancer.
Its researchers work to help more children survive cancer and continue living long, healthy lives.
The campaign states, “A life should be long.”
It says every child should have the chance to grow older, plan a future and fulfil their potential.
The institute relies on community donations, partnerships and sponsorships to continue funding its research.
Earlier event material said the ride had raised more than $8 million. Current sponsorship information places the total above $9 million.
Organisers remain guided by the belief, “It’s not if, it’s when.”
What To Look For Next?
Riders will leave Townsville on Thursday, 23 July, before reaching Cairns on Saturday, 25 July.
Donations may help the campaign move closer to its $300,000 goal during the three-day ride.
North Queensland communities will again support cyclists as they travel through towns along the Bruce Highway.
The Cairns welcome and ride dinner will close the event’s 26th year of fundraising for children with cancer.
