🌲 2027 TRAIL RUN SERIES • EVENT 05 • FINAL EVENT
FINCH HATTON
WATERFALLS
🗓️ Sun, 29 August 2027
⏱️ Starts 7:00 AM AEST
Experience the raw beauty of the Pioneer Valley with the Finch Hatton Waterfalls Trail Run, an exclusive running adventure through the lush rainforest of Finch Hatton Gorge.
A core vision of the Off the Beaten Track series since its inception in 2023, this event brings runners onto the pristine trails and waterfalls of Finch Hatton Gorge for an unforgettable run that is truly Off the Beaten Track.
📍 Finch Hatton Gorge, QLD
About Finch Hatton Waterfalls
Immerse yourself in lush sub-tropical rainforest, cascading creeks, and granite boulder trails at Finch Hatton Gorge. Combining forest fire roads, technical single track, natural swimming holes, and the legendary stair climbs of the gorge, this is a quintessential tropical Queensland trail running adventure.
Runners will cross bubbling streams, climb deep into the valley, and have the chance to cool off in the pristine waters of Araluen Cascades and the Wheel of Fire.
About the Distances
6km Water Sprint
This will be a fast run through fire roads and small streams.
12km Araluen Cascades
The Intermediate - guaranteed to feel the burn!
Discover the freshness of Araluen Falls and dive into the water to unlock a secret code prior to turning back for the finish line!
18km All the Waterfalls
Strap your ankles and get ready for a little bit of everything - taking you through the Araluen Falls and up the stairs to the Wheel of Fire.
Prepare to immerse yourself in the fresh crisp water at both falls!
Competitor Information
Event Schedule
- Sign in and race bib collection starts from 6.00am at the FINISH/START Line located at the start of the dirt road into Finch Hatton. Race briefing will be held 5-10min prior to race start.
- Race Start: 7am - 18km distance, 7.15am - 12km distance, 7.20am - 6km distance.
- The race start is self-seeded and we advise the faster runners to position themselves at the front and slower runners at the back. This will help to prevent bottlenecks along the trail and faster runners becoming stuck behind slower runners.
Mandatory Gear
Mandatory gear requirements for all distances. Mandatory gear must be carried for the duration of the run, event officials reserve the right to refuse a participant to start the race if they do not comply with mandatory gear requirements.
We have marshals on the course and a safety vehicle with additional first aid.
- 1 x compression bandages
- A fully charged phone (there is limited service along the course) Please download the free EMERGENCY+ app on your phone prior to the event
- Nutrition and hydration
- Whistle
- Race Bib
Water & Nutrition
- Bring sufficient water and nutrition for the entire duration of your run.
- Each competitor is responsible for their own nutrition requirements.
- Only one water station will be available on course.
Facilities
Toilets are available at the trail head which is accessible during the run.
Finish Line Refreshments
Water and fruit will be available at the finish line.
We encourage you to support the local businesses in the area:
- The Finch Hatton Criterion Hotel
- The Gift Shed Cafe, Finch Hatton (10AM)
- One Hungry Mumma Cafe
Safety
The trails include sections of challenging and remote single track, be sure to exercise caution on these sections.
If you DO NOT FINISH the race you must see an event official. If you do not report to an event official and a search party is sent out, this will be at the competitor’s cost. It may be hot so please take precautions to stay safe in the heat.
Categories & Awards
Top 3 Male & Female for each distance will be presented as soon as the top 3 in that distance have finished.
Prize Money
Long course:
- 1st $60
- 2nd $50
- 3rd $40
Mid Course:
- 1st $50
- 2nd $40
- 3rd $30
Short Course:
- 1st $40
- 2nd $30
- 3rd $20
Presentations
Presentation will be held as soon as the Top 3 runners have finished.
Prizes will be given to the top 3 runners on the day.
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend the event, you have the following options:
- Registrations are non-transferable 14 days prior to the event;
- Transfers & Changes: Allowed up to 14 days prior to the event with a $20.00 administration fee;
- Refunds are not available for this event.
- All notifications should be sent in writing to info@tri-activ8.com.au.
- We reserve the right to modify the course without notice, as well as reschedule or cancel the event in consultation with emergency services, government agencies, and event stakeholders.
- If the event must be rescheduled, all entries will automatically carry over to the new date. In the rare event that the event is cancelled and cannot be rescheduled, registered participants will receive a credit for a future event, valid for 12 months. Please note that refunds will not be available in this situation.
Race Rules
Rules
In order for our events to run as smoothly as possible we ask all athletes to cooperate and stick to our rules and regulations:
- No rego, No run! – Please respect our event, we have permissions from landowners, local and state authorities and have insurances to cover our athletes. Please do not jeopardise our licences and insurances by running without a registration.
- Race bib – Please make sure you retain your race bib for the entire series. Race bib must be worn on the front of your body, this ensures correct detection of your timing chip by the electronic timing system. The timing chip cannot be worn on your wrist or carried in your backpack, this might cause the timing chip to not be picked up by the antenna at the finish line.
- No shortcuts – please stick to the marked track, for safety and fairness reasons. All courses are clearly marked and we have marshals out on the course.
- Fitness level – please choose the right distance according to your fitness level! This event is not designed to be walked, especially the 14km event (except a little bit of the uphill). Event officials reserve the right to pull competitors out of the race if they are concerned for their well-being.
- Obey traffic regulations unless otherwise instructed by an event official.
- Treat other competitors, officials, volunteers and spectators with respect and courtesy.
- Dress Code – please wear appropriate clothing and suitable running shoes.
Running Etiquette
- Be mindful that the trails are open for other users outside of the race.
- Do not leave any rubbish behind, this is a State Forest and Private Lease Area. What you bring in you must take out.
- Keep left and give way to runners passing from behind.
- Don’t approach any wildlife you may come across.
Disclaimer
*Registration fee prices are dependent on course length and are subject to price increases. Early bird ends 23:59PM AEST on 31 December 2026. Late fees start 7 days from the scheduled event date. Event photos are free to download for the first 30 days following the event date. After the 30 days, photos can be downloaded for a fee.
^Access to the course is prohibited outside of the event date. The trail run course is held on private property and National Park boundaries. We have exclusive access to deliver this trail running experience thanks to our local partners and authorities.
OFFICIAL 2027 CALENDAR
5 PIONEER VALLEY EVENTS
Run individual distances or take on all five rounds to compete for the series crown.
Hold It Flats Backyard Ultra
Get ready to chase 24 hours of non-stop action! Runners will tackle 6.7km every hour on the hour, navigating a gradient and terrain that promises to keep things interesting. Go solo or enter a team.
ZACH MACH River Run
Prepare to get off the beaten track, off-road and on uneven ground alongside the ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge racers. This course is guaranteed to get you panting as you cross rivers, run along cane paddocks and through rainforest canopy.
Finch Hatton Flowing Trails
Experience the berms, gentle rollers, and sweeping forest curves of Finch Hatton's famous flowing trail network under the mountain escarpment. This is the only day in 2027 when trail runners take over the MTB park.
Eungella Rainforest Run
Embrace the thrill of navigating through the secluded corners of Eungella National Park, leaving the familiar behind. For the intrepid souls opting for the 18km Remote Run, an unforgettable journey awaits as you delve into the remote backroads, immersing yourself in the unspoiled beauty of nature while conquering diverse terrains.
Finch Hatton Waterfalls
The grand series finale! Experience the raw beauty of Finch Hatton, an exclusive running adventure through the lush rainforest of Finch Hatton Gorge.