Historic Bump Track

The Historic Bump Track, in Mowbray National Park just south of Port Douglas in Far North Queensland, is a steep, rugged heritage route that has become a classic adventure for mountain bikers. The historic section is around 6 km, climbing from the Mowbray Valley up the Macalister Range towards Black Mountain Road. Riders encounter a mix of rough doubletrack, rocks, creek crossings and steep gradients through both open eucalypt forest and lush Wet Tropics rainforest, with spectacular views back across the coastal plain towards the Coral Sea. The Bump Track dates to 1877, when Christie Palmerston and William C. Leyton were commissioned to establish a route between the coast and the Hodgkinson goldfields. Historical accounts indicate the route may have incorporated an existing Aboriginal pathway through the ranges. Its development was pivotal to the establishment of Port Douglas, providing a much-needed transport connection between the mining fields and the new coastal port. By 1878 the route had been upgraded from a pack track to accommodate drays and coaches, and it became an extraordinarily busy transport corridor. Bullock teams, horse teams, packers, mail services and eventually Cobb & Co coaches negotiated the brutal climb, hauling supplies and heavy mining equipment inland and carrying produce towards the coast. On the steep descents, teamsters sometimes dragged logs behind their wagons to help prevent them from sliding uncontrollably downhill. Today, remnants of that history are still visible along the ride. Slatey Pinch features a dramatic hand-cut rock face, while the Landing marks an important stopping point near the top of the original climb. At Running or Robbins Creek, remnants of the old timber bridge remain around the crossing. The track continued to play an important role well into the 20th century and was even prepared for demolition during World War II in case it needed to be denied to an invading force. For mountain bikers, the experience is very different depending on direction. Climbing from Mowbray is a serious physical challenge, with sustained steep gradients and rough surfaces. Riding from the top towards the coast turns it into a fast and demanding descent, with loose rocks, erosion, creek crossings and steep sections requiring good bike handling. The trail is multi-use, so riders must be prepared to encounter walkers and horse riders. RTS Tip: If you're chasing the fun option, organise a drop-off towards the Black Mountain Road end and ride the Bump Track down towards Mowbray Valley — but don't underestimate it. This is a historic transport route rather than a manicured MTB trail, so expect rocks, steep gradients, creek crossings and changing conditions. Control your speed around blind corners and always give way to walkers and horses. If you choose to ride it uphill instead, bring plenty of water and be ready for a proper tropical climbing