Your guide to the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival

When: 12 – 14 September 2025

Event essentials | What to do in Port Douglas | Eat & Drink | Where to stay

Add a slice of paradise to your next cycling adventure and head north for the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival. Ride where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef in this three-day festival at the intersection of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Linking the tropical town of Port Douglas with the coconut-tree lined Palm Cove, the Gran Fondo traces the Coral Sea-hugging Great Barrier Reef Drive, one of the world’s most stunning—and photogenic—coastal roads.

With glittering views of turquoise waters, glimpses of secluded beaches and excursions through the cane fields, the only question is how fast to ride—do you shoot for a PB or slow it down and take in the scenery?

Whichever way you decide (or even if you’re a spectator), we’ve pulled together everything you need to know. Read on for Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival guide, covering all the event essentials, as well as where to stay, what to eat and drink and what to do in Port Douglas.

Helmets on—it’s time to get peddling! 

Event essentials

From the Mediterranean to the Coral Sea—a Gran Fondo (loosely translating to ‘Big Ride’) is a type of long-distance cycling event that began in Italy in the 1970s.

The Port Douglas Gran Fondo brings over 1,000 cyclists to the tropics in a three-day cycling festival for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re on training wheels, a para-cyclist, or a pro riding the latest bit of kit, there’s an event for you.

The 136-kilometre Gran Fondo is the longest event. Starting at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, it winds along trendy Macrossan Street and the famous Four Mile Beach before heading out onto the Great Barrier Reef Drive—fully closed to traffic so you can really enjoy it. From there there’s a scenic detour through the cane-fields on the way to Palm Cove and back again.

This quad-busting ride includes 800 metres of climbing and requires a minimum average speed of 22 km/h to conquer. The reward? Heavenly scenery, including three passes by the iconic Rex Lookout with its 180-degree coastal views.

The most popular event is expected to be the 100-kilometre Gran Fondo from Port Douglas to Palm Cove and back. With 500 metres of climbing, you’ll need a minimum average speed of 15 km/h to ride this one. Like all the Gran Fondos, it’s timed, but it isn’t a race—it’s up to you whether you want to beat the clock or simply roll along enjoying the scenery.

Looking for something a little shorter? Try the 60-kilometre Semi Fondo or the 48-kilometre Medio Fondo—both offering spectacular scenery at a more palatable distance.

Other events include the Hartley's to Port MTB Race and Four Mile Beach MTB Sprint for mountain biking enthusiasts. There’s also the Lexus of Cairns Criterium, taking place on a racy 2.2-kilometre flat course, the head-to-head Wharf Street Sprints, and the Choo Choos FREE Family Ride—a closed-course ride for families all ages to enjoy.

What to do in Port Douglas

Snorkel kaleidoscopic reefs teeming with fish, rejuvenate the soul in prehistoric rainforest or unwind wandering the boutiques and galleries of Macrossan Street—Port Douglas is the place to see it all.

Start your morning with a stroll along the coconut-palm fringed Four Mile Beach or a hike to the top of Flagstaff Hill Lookout. Then, enjoy brunch at one of Port Douglas’s many cafes (see next section) before wandering Macrossan Street.

Fly, dive or snorkel the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. Head over to the nearby Low Isles, explore the outer reef with Quicksilver Cruises or Calypso Cruises (both depart from the marina) or soar above it with Nautilus Aviation—there’s a way to explore the magic of reef to suit any itinerary.

Back on dry land, explore the region’s lungs—the Daintree Rainforest—the world’s oldest rainforest, dating back 180 million years. Take a guided tour to Cape Tribulation, learn about the local Indigenous Kuku Yalanji people’s history and culture (and sample some delicious bush tucker), or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of nearby Mossman Gorge.

Haven’t had enough cycling yet? There are 700-kilometres of mountain bike trails in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, from the cycad and bloodwoods of Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park to the world-renowned Smithfield Mountain Bike Trail Park, right in the heart of the jungle.

What to eat and drink in Port Douglas

You’ve just finished the Gran Fondo. Now the important question—where to get coffee? Refuel with a flat white or an oat latte at Origin Espresso, a small batch roaster that might just make the best coffees in town.

For brekky, head to St Crispins for a signature breakfast burger, or try the banoffee pancakes and chilli poached eggs at Choo Choos at the Marina, or the ever-popular Little Larder and their selection of acai bowls.

From the Tablelands to the tabletop, and from the ocean to your plate, Port Douglas is a food lover’s delight. Experience fine dining amongst the palm trees at Nautilus—try the five-course degustation infused local flavours including sugarcane cured salmon or duck breast with sweet yam.

Dine where the locals do at Salsa’s Bar & Grill, a Port Douglas institution offering delicious meals like linguini pepperoncino with tiger prawns and sous vide lamb rump. There’s also an extensive cocktail list. Our tip? The chilli passion with passionfruit and chilli blended with citron and Cointreau.

Looking to carb load before the big event? Twirl fettucine around your fork at La Cucina Port Douglas, where Italian flavours come with a Coral Sea twist with dishes like linguine crayfish or spaghetti mud crab.

For something more casual—think burgers, wings and locally-brewed beer—make your way to Hemingway’s Brewery at the Marina. If cocktails are more your thing, hit up Jimmy Rum’s Mixing Lounge or BARBODOS, for Caribbean cocktails with a dash of Tropical North Queensland.

Where to stay in Port Douglas

To perform at your peak, you’re going to want a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, Port Douglas has you spoiled for choice when it comes to top notch accommodation options.

Stay in a luxuriously appointed room at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort where you’ll find 14 sparkling salt-water lagoon-style pools amongst 147 hectares of lush tropical garden.

Experience the ultimate in rejuvenation at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa, where you’ll enjoy a five-star Day Spa and lagoon pools set back just metres from Four Mile Beach.

For something more secluded, embrace the tranquillity of Thala Beach Nature Reserve and stay in an eco-luxury bungalow with coastal views amongst beachfront rainforest.

Other accommodation options include Mantra on the Inlet, located right near Macrossan Street in the heart of town, the oh-so-blissful Niramaya Villas and Spa, or Coconut Grove Apartments Port Douglas.

Ready to head north Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival? Discover more things to do while you're here.