Terra Australis Bike Epic (TABE) is one of the world’s longest and most demanding self-supported bikepacking races. Covering approximately 6,250 kilometres, the route traverses the length of Australia’s eastern side, connecting Wilsons Promontory in Victoria with Cape York, the northernmost point of the Australian mainland.
The route is around 70% unpaved, combining remote outback tracks, forestry roads, mountain trails, and quiet country roads. Riders pass through the Victorian Alps, Kosciuszko National Park, the Blue Mountains, the New South Wales coast, inland Queensland, and the tropical landscapes of Far North Queensland, experiencing an extraordinary variety of terrain and climates.
Terra Australis follows a strict unsupported individual time trial (ITT) format. Riders are responsible for their own navigation, resupply, accommodation, and mechanical repairs, with no outside assistance permitted. The immense distances between services, unpredictable weather, and Australia’s remote wilderness make careful planning and self-sufficiency essential.
More than a race, Terra Australis is an expedition across an entire continent. From alpine forests and rugged mountain ranges to dusty outback roads and tropical rainforests, it offers one of the most diverse and challenging bikepacking experiences on the planet. Completing the route is an achievement few riders can claim, making Terra Australis a true test of endurance, resilience, and adventure.
Based on this event's terrain, difficulty and riding style.
Riders taking on Terra Australis (North-South) will cover 6250 km and climb roughly 65000 m over the course of the route.
For Terra Australis (North-South), we'd recommend a Gravel Bike — plan on 45-50mm Tubeless tires and a wide-range drivetrain, something like a 38-40T (1x) chainring paired with a 10-51T cassette, to handle the terrain comfortably.
Terra Australis (North-South) carries an overall difficulty rating of Extreme. The terrain itself is rough, technical terrain for a good stretch of the route, the climbing is relentlessly mountainous, climbing almost the entire way, and conditions tend to run mild and generally comfortable.
Mark your calendar for September 1, 2026 — Terra Australis (North-South)'s spring timing means when weather can still be unpredictable, so a flexible kit is worth packing.
Terra Australis (North-South) runs primarily on gravel, and we'd recommend 45-50mm Tubeless tires to handle it comfortably.