General News
13 January, 2026
Gillies a century of connection
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 travel 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 while it was early days in organising “the minutiae”, three key elements were “cars and the opening of the road, historical displays and family fun”.
Already, 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.
“Things will be picking up pace now as the new year settles in and we’ve been getting good feedback,” he said.
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.
It provides detail of a colourful, imaginative weekend promoting the beauty of the region and using all local businesses in the area, from restaurants, food vans and accommodation to tourism and community groups.
An application has also been sent to the Tablelands Regional Council for a permit for road closures in the centre of Yungaburra, as well as detailing parking and other elements of safety.
Funding applications and sponsorship support was also underway.
“We’re hoping to get funding from the Community Benefit Gaming Fund, and will be asking for support from TRC, which operationally, is really good with these sort of events,” Mr Clifton said.
An initial public meeting was held in mid-December, and while numbers were a bit low given the festive season, feedback from attendees was very positive.
And what’s not to celebrate?
As outlined in the concept document, the roadworks began on March 1925 with 150 people employed to carve out the single-lane dirt road.
It was officially opened on Saturday, 10 July 1926, and was ultimately named after Atherton Tablelands resident, William Gillies, who served as the Premier of Queensland from February to October 1925.
The Gillies was the very first of four road range crossings (the Kuranda Range came in 1940) which opened up the Cairns hinterland.
It took just 2½ hours to travel between Cairns and the Tablelands – not counting the time taken waiting at either the “Top Gate” or “Bottom Gate” to get the all clear to proceed up or down the single-lane road.
The new road awoke the adventurous spirit. People could now take day trips to Yungaburra, Malanda, Atherton, Herberton, Millaa Millaa, Tolga and Ravenshoe, and see the sights such as Lake Barrine, Lake Eacham, the Curtain Fig Tree and Tinaroo.
The freight and economic benefits were region-changing.
And while the single-lane dirt passage, with 613 curves and massive rock sides, has changed over the years, its purpose and continued impact remain.
If you want to know more about the weekend’s events, volunteer or join a meeting, visit the new Gillies Centenary Celebrations Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Gilliescentenary or email info@yungaburra.com
