Share your memories of this remarkable Queensland drive
When the Gillies Range Road officially opened on 10 July 1926, it didn’t just connect Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands – it changed life in Far North Queensland forever.
For the first time, locals could reach the cool, green Tablelands in just two and a half hours, a journey that once took days of hard travel. Built by 150 workers carving through rugged terrain, it became the first motor vehicle route into the Far North Queensland hinterland.
The Gillies Range Road rises 800m from Gordonvale, south of Cairns, to Yungaburra, at the top of the range, and on to Atherton. The road is about 55 km long, with the highlight being the 19 km range section, well known for its 263 bends and 800m ascent.
Now, as the Tablelands community prepares for the Gillies Range Road centenary celebrations on 10–12 July 2026, we want to hear from you.
Do you have a memory of travelling the Gillies Range Road? A story, a photo, a moment that stayed with you?
We would also love to hear about your favourite spots to visit on the Atherton Tablelands and why they are so special to you.
Share your story with us at roadahead@racq.com.au.
Your memories could feature in the 2026 autumn edition of The Road Ahead magazine when we will look at the history of the Gillies Range Road in a feature story.
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Things to note
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RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.