General News
1 July, 2026
100 years of Gillies Range
FROM a “dirt track up a hill” to a vital link between coastal Cairns and the world of the Tablelands, the Gillies Range Road will mark 100 years of operation this year and big plans are afoot to celebrate this profound engineering feat that ushered in a new way of transportation in the north.
Planned for 10-12 July, the Gillies Centenary Celebration aims to bring together residents of the Atherton Tablelands, visitors and local organisations to showcase the charm and pioneering spirit of the region.
A major theme would be to “step back in time” and experience the sights and sounds of the era. Leading the charge would be a massive convoy of vintage vehicles, classic cars and motorcycles making the journey “up the Gillies” to launch a weekend of festivities.
And the ideas for those festivities are flowing. The Yungaburra CBD would become the hub for celebrations, with live music delivering songs of the era; costumed actors walking the streets to welcome visitors and provide a live history of the village, marquees, historic displays, food vans and kids activities and more formal moments with dignitaries.
Event coordinator David Clifton said the three key elements were “cars and the opening of the road, historical displays and family fun”.
The event has sparked the interest of RACQ and Shannons insurers and he has sent a detailed concept document to about 50 car clubs around the state.
The concept document, or prospectus, was developed by Mr Clifton and members of the Yungaburra Association Inc –which is heading up the Gillies Centenary Celebrations steering committee, formed last year.
The celebrations, to be staged between 10-12 July, will feature a vintage car convoy that will make its way along the winding, scenic road that has connected the Tablelands to the coast for a century. The vehicles will then make their way to Yungaburra, where historic displays, costumed actors, live music, food vendors and kids’ activities will continue over the weekend.
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