Mon
03
Aug
2015

XPD - "As much an expedition as a race"

The Tropics of North Queensland (QLD) will host to the 8th edition of the international XPD Expedition Race from 3 - 14th August 2015.

200+ competitors from around the globe, supported by over 100 staff and volunteers, will undertake a 700km adventure race involving mountain biking, running and kayaking. Teams will experience a course designed to be "as much an expedition as a race".

The QLD Tropics abounds with iconic destinations teams will be hoping to explore over their two week journey.

The coral reefs, granite headlands and towering Hoop pines are famous features of Magnetic Island.

Mount Spec National Park contains the incredible multi-tiered Jourama Falls and the misty mountain township of Paluma, at over 1000m in altitude.

Further North is the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and famous national parks of Hinchinbrook and Girrigun.

To the South, rugged and remote mountains rise abruptly from the coastal wetlands to over 1200m in height in the Bowling Green National park.

Crossing the Great Dividing Range to the West is the dry and dusty Australian Outback, with vast open spaces, big skies, ancient lava flows, fossilised limestone and historic gold mining settlements.

The headquarters of the event will be in the city of Townsville, which boasts over 300 days of sunshine each year, and is gateway to the regions famous National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef.

The CBD's skyline is dominated by the distinctive Castle Hill and Magnetic Island lies just eight kilometers offshore. The Strand is a 2.2km world-class beachfront promenade custom-built for enjoyment. Along this palm tree studded stretch are bike and walkway paths, swimming beaches, restaurants and bars with spectacular water views.