Cairns Ironman 2024

Jessica Munro

Updated Fri 07 Jun 2024

The tropical city of Cairns in Far North Queensland is set to host the annual Ironman race on Sunday 16th June 2024. The event draws sporting enthusiasts from across the world, serving up a challenging course that includes swimming, cycling and running in one of the most picturesque places in the world. Athletes battle themselves and each other to complete the race in the fastest time possible. 

Here’s a guide to the Cairns Ironman triathlon in 2024 including road closures and event schedule for the big day.

Cairns Ironman Race Schedule

Known for its gruelling physical demands, the Cairns Ironman is part of the Ironman World Series. Competitors will swim in the warm waters off Palm Cove, cycle along the scenic Captain Cook Highway to Port Douglas, and run the length of the Cairns Esplanade four times, cheered on by supportive spectators. Below is an overview of the Cairns event schedule and what's to come for athletes registered to compete. 

Swim 

Starting bright and early on the beautiful beach of Palm Cove, athletes begin with the 3.8km swim course consisting of 2 laps around coloured buoys. Athletes are required to seed themselves into zones 1-4 based on how long they estimate the swim leg will take them. 

Zone 1: Under 1 hour and 5 minutes
Zone 2: Between 1 hour and 5 minutes - 1 hour 16 minutes
Zone 3: Between 1 hour 16 minutes - 1 hour 25 minutes
Zone 4: Over 1 hour 25 minutes 

Cycle

Swimmers will exit the water at the north end of Williams Esplanade where the 1st transition station awaits them to gear up for the challenging 180km bike ride from Palm Cove to Port Douglas via the Captain Cook Highway scenic drive. Riders make a U-turn at Craiglie, before heading back down the Highway to Palm Cove for the second lap. At the end of the second lap athletes with continue on past Palm Cove, through Yorkeys Knob and into Cairns CBD where athletes are greeted by a bike catcher at the 2nd transition station at Fogarty Park. 

Run

As athletes transition from riding to running, a 42.2km, 4-lap course greets them on the picturesque Cairns Esplanade near the Lagoon swimming pool. The course runs the entire length of the Esplanade, travelling in a clockwise direction. It's here the athletes are met with enthusiastic supporters cheering and motivating from the sideline, all the way up until the very end and that glorious black and red carpet signifying the finish line. Runners have up until midnight to complete the final leg before the official end of the race. 

Ironman Cairns Road Closures

To ensure the safety of athletes and spectators during the Cairns Ironman series, several roads will be closed from early morning until around midnight on the 16th June 2024. Local residents, spectators and support crew are advised to plan ahead and use alternate routes on the day of the event. Traffic controllers and signs will be in effect to manage traffic, assist with detours and access private residences. Keep reading for a list of all the major roads affected by the race course.

Palm Cove and The Northern Beaches

Port Douglas

Cairns City

Make the most of your Ironman trip and visit some of the beautiful natural sights around Cairns.

Chat with one of our friendly Cairns travel experts available 24/7 and book your trip before or after the event!