Southeast Queensland 'Whale Trail'

Beaches - Sun - Sand - Cycling - and those Awesome Whales 

We all dream and, if you are a cyclist, it might be about a brilliant cycling holiday - quiet, meandering backroads; easy, relaxed pace; perfect scenery...As we dream a little deeper, there are possibly vineyards, lazy old canals...Yes, this is European cycle touring and something we all dream about but, for those of us who live in the southern hemisphere, the sleep becomes a little disturbed as we battle long distance transfers, queuing at busy airports, lots of people and driving and language challenges.  Those of us lucky enough to live in countries "down under", fondly remember lazy family holidays by the water - big beaches, rolling surf, golden sand, fishing, surfing, beach cricket, perfect weather, long days exploring, meeting and making friends, and probably early romances - yes, ours is a beach and coast culture!

And why wouldn't it be?  In Australia we have arguably the best beaches in the world.  Swimming, surfing and fishing are not only some of our favourite recreational pursuits - they define us.  Australia's climate is magic - on the east coast it is mild at worst, and sub tropical in Southeast Queensland and easily summed up in one word - brilliant!  And winter is the pick of seasons in the 'southeast' - low rainfall, perfect days and nice cycling temperatures.  It really doesn't get much better.

For the last couple of years Bushranger Bikes has been running cycling trips up and down the beautiful Tweed, Gold & Sunshine Coasts - checking out various sections of the meandering coastline trails and getting feedback from our friends and fellow cyclists.  The aim was to develop a world class adventure cycling trail that very much connected with and show cased our culture, and right here in our backyard - Southeast Queensland.  
And now I have - it reads like a 'wheres where' of iconic beach locations - Pottsville, Hastings Point, Cabarita, Kingscliff, Fingal, Point Danger, Currumbin, Burleigh Heads, Miami Beach, Mermaid Beach, Surfers Paradise, Manly Harbour, Shorncliffe, Sandgate, Scarborough, Caloundra, Mooloolabah, Maroochydore, Coolum Beach, Peregian Beach, and ......of course - Noosa Heads. Plus along the way - many smaller but just as beautiful beaches and seaside communities.

And if that's not enough to get the dreaming re-aligned, we have the hinterland - small, intermit, maybe boutique - settlements that sit on the high ranges overlooking the coast where the communities are funky, arty, relaxed and cool - yes the temperatures up there are noticeably a little lower than at sea level, and the pace even more relaxed.  The vegetation is tropical, the cafes, food and shopping fantastic and the views.........

To the cycling - the bike paths and back roads are safe and level, the coastal scenery is breath-taking, and we have that laid back costal vibe.  Being adjacent to the coast there's great food and accommodation and all services are readily available. And then we have those awesome whales - the Humpback Whale to be specific!
So what's this trail called?  I call it the Humpback Whale Cycling Trail TM or the 'Whale Trail' TM for short.  

Refresh your dreams and start dreaming Southeast Queensland.  Come and join Bushranger Bikes cycling the Humpback in Winter & Spring each year - and if you are from New Zealand or Australia - reconnect with 'your culture' and perhaps relive a little of the fun from your childhood.

If you are from the Northern Hemisphere then I have something very special in store for you - come and connect with a little bit of 'down under' culture - I promise you it's very different and you will love it! 

And at the finish of your holiday you will have some amazing memories to put with those dreams...........