For trips between Sydney and Cairns, overseas bike tourists usually follow the route described in Leigh Hemming's book Bicycle Touring in Australia or The Pacific Bicycle Route published by Bicycle Australia. Leigh Hemming's book is out of print, but can be found in libraries. The Pacific Bicycle Route is available from World Wide Maps and Guides They do not have an on-line shop, but can be emailed at wwmaps@powerup.com.au These describe routes between Sydney and Brisbane. After this, cyclists tend to use the main coastal highway to Cairns. This highway carries heavy traffic and is dull from a scenic viewpoint.
In May 1998, I rode the Burnett Highway from Brisbane to Biloela, and then onto Rockhampton. This is a much more enjoyable bicycle touring route north. The maximum distance between towns is less than 70 km and usually I was not more than 10 km from a farm house. The traffic is light for most of the route. The towns enroute, are smaller than the coastal towns but are more friendly and have most facilities, required by bike tourists, except bike shops.
In May 1999, I rode from Biloela to Mackay, via Emerald and Clermont. Biloela to Clermont is easy riding. Clermont to Mackay is more difficult and involves at least one night camping behind a roadhouse. This can be avoided by detouring 20 km off the route into Mouranbah.
This trip report is divided into three sections,
In June/July 2003 David and Adele Arthurs rode most of the Brisbane to Rockhampton route. Adele's ride description contains some updated information and a few alternative routes for some sections of the ride.