7 reasons why IRONMAN Cairns is the most beautiful triathlon on the planet

Wake up to watch the sun peek over the mountainous hillside. One of Cairns' most inspirational features – where the rolling land meets the sea. The perfect way for athletes and cheer squads alike to arrive feeling energised and uplifted. Today is your day.

The Cairns Ironman kicks off from the palm tree-lined shores of Palm Cove, one of the most beautiful and renowned beaches on the Queensland coastline. The first leg sees triathletes dive headfirst into the balmy 23-degree waters for a 3.8km swim, before continuing your path through paradise. The triathlon works to the land’s strengths – swim through pristine waters, cycle through hillside (while you have bike gears on your side) and then a run through the flats of iconic Cairns.

Spectators, this is your opportunity to stop nearby for coffee at a local. Head to 27 Degrees along French Street for locally brewed coffee and a nourish bowl or try one of their renowned dairy-free smoothies. The locals will tell you to order a ‘Queenslander’ while you’re here – a creamy mix of pineapple, mango, banana and coconut milk.

2. You’ll pedal some of Australia’s most stunning stretches of road

Trailing the Coral Sea from Cairns to Port Douglas, the 180km bike course will have you cycling past secluded beaches and coastal headlands along the heartbreakingly scenic Great Tropical Drive. It’s a journey that even two-time Ironman world champion Chris “Macca” McCormack calls the most spectacular bike course in the world.

Hugging the coastline along the Captain Cook Highway, the road is a must-see attraction in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, with panoramic views over the reef and rainforest. The Cairns Ironman boasts over 1000 participants each year, and yet, through the nearly 8-hour journey everything feels refreshingly intimate. It’s just you and the road.

3. You’re racing through the collision of two World Heritage-listed wonders

And it’s the only spot in the whole world where you can do that. What an incredible sense of both wonderment and achievement to say you straddled two world-heritage icons – the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest.

Over 79 percent of land in Cairns and Great Barrier Reef is protected including areas in the Daintree and Cape Tribulation rainforests to the north, the tropical Atherton Tablelands to the west, and Mission Beach to the south. There are many ways to experience the rainforest. This is just the most bucket-list worthy by far.

4. They’ve turned athletes into adventurers

Cardio never looked so good. When you’re hitting the pavement along palm-fringed beachfront boardwalks and scenic esplanades, it can make even the keenest of strollers want to pick up the tempo.

The first of three laps start in the vibrant hub of the Cairns Esplanade and Marina, where you’ll run past the lagoon – a magnet for many a sunbather – and along the esplanade with views out to Mount Yarrabah across the water.

While the laid-back sunny atmosphere is enough to tempt you for a cold one mid-race, you’ll have to settle for some H20 at one of the aid stations before passing the finish line and treating yourself to a weekend of exploration – at a more casual pace.

5. The triathlon is for spectators too – and some of the friendliest at that

There are plenty of vantage points throughout the triathlon – there’s not a step of the way you won’t feel supported. Since the race finishes in the heart of the city, you can bet there’ll be a community cheering for you, filling the streets to celebrate the end of your Ironman journey.

But this weekend is about spectators too. If you’re travelling with an athlete for the weekend, it’s the perfect opportunity to book a few celebrations along the way. There’s plenty of luxury ways to celebrate in your surrounds. Double back on the sites and relive some of the Ironman’s most transformative moments. Slow down the pace and explore everything Cairns has on offer.

6. It’s inclusive of ages and abilities

Little ones can also join in on the tri fun with the McDonalds IRONKIDS Cairns Triathlon, but the highlight will hands-down be the Cairns Post Bright Night Run, where groups are invited to party your way to the finish line in a blaze of neon and glowing lights to raise funds for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.

Or, check out the Quicksilver Reef Swim gives competitors a chance to swim in the sparkling waters off Green Island.

7. You can recover in absolute paradise 

As if the Ironman doesn’t cover enough ground, there’s plenty of paradise to enjoy before, during, and after this event. Athletes, take note of your most influential moments so you can revisit them at your leisure. Regardless of your Ironman outcome, there’s plenty of ways to round off a weekend of awe-inspiring landscape and soul-shifting accomplishment.

Cairns has so much on offer for first timers. Make sure to enjoy some seafood while you’re in the area – the city is renowned for fresh, local produce. Stop into Prawn Star on the harbour-facing side of the city. It’s perfect for those who like to keep it casual, on board a rustic eat-in trawler that’s famous for its share platters decked in prawns from the local waters.

Take this opportunity to explore the breadth of the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest – two World Heritage wonders that only revealed the tip of their offerings during Ironman. There’s plenty of natural phenomena to keep you busy for a longer trip.

If the beach is more your calling than the forest, head north to Port Douglas where you can swim with turtles, explore Mossman Gorge, or eat your way around town. It’s all about the wind up and then the wind down. Enjoy it.