Rubber hits road for family fun in Port paradise
Gran Fondo to draw families to Port Douglas
A bumper weekend of activities and events to bring the family together in Port Douglas with the upcoming Gran Fondo Festival.
It is the perfect excuse to visit and explore one of the most beautiful parts of Australia and the world.
Whether you are a participant or a spectator, you are in for a wonderful action-packed weekend with the three-day festival held on the 9-11th of September.
Distances for Everybody
Along the Great Barrier Reef Drive with stunning views north to Cape Tribulation and south to False Cape three cycling course distances are offered for all levels of experience, the 136km, 100km Gran Fondo courses and the 48km Medio Fondo.
The Port Douglas Gran Fondo courses will take riders along Great Barrier Reef Drive between Port Douglas and Palm Cove, while taking in breath-taking views through the palm trees alongside the Coral Sea.
Other events across the Festival weekend include the Cairns Post Criterium, Hemingway’s Brewery Sprint, Choo Choos FREE Family Ride, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina Festival Expo, local live music and after party!
Getting community involved and enjoying event
Managing Director of Connect Sport Australia and Gran Fondo spokesperson Bade Stapelton spoke to Newsport about three additional initiatives that have been included to make this the best event it can be.
“We are offering a local’s discount, to anybody living in a 200km radius of Port Douglas, a $20 discount off the price. The discount is offered under pricing on the website with promo code LOCALS.
“We also are having a schools promotion offering all schools a $30 discount if students, teachers and parents enter the shorter 48km that runs from Palm Cove and finishes in Port Douglas.
“We want kids to get their schools involved so every student that participates will get a $20 return to the school and the school with the most students in the event will receive a $1000 donation.
“These initiatives are our way to try and give back to the community, get the community involved and make this the best event it can be.”
Free ice-creams to make kids Choo Choo
On Saturday afternoon there will be a free event with the Choo Choos Free Family Fun Ride.
“We are opening up the Criterium course to families and Choo Choos will be offering a free ice cream to any child who participates in this ride.”
Families will have an hour to ride as many laps as possible within the time limit cheered on by the crowd gathering for the Cairns Post Criterium and the upcoming Hemingway’s Brewery Sprint.
“The Choo Choos free Family Ride is the perfect way for the family to have some fun together and be active.”
As the sun goes down on Saturday night the Hemingway’s Brewery Sprint will spring into action held under lights. With local bands playing and MC Mark Beretta keeping the crowd excited, we will be searching for our fastest man and woman on a bike.
Get onboard for ride to remember
Port Douglas is excited to welcome visitors and families for a holiday with endless experiences to appeal to everyone including Quicksilver Cruises, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, seeing crocodiles up close at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, cuddling a koala at Wildlife Habitat, exploring the Daintree Rainforest on a guided walk through Mossman Gorge or enjoying drinks on sunset at the great Hemingway’s Brewery, and so much more!
Entries are essential to take part in this weekend that will create memories for the whole family in tropical north Queensland. Head to the website and be part of the ride.