One Weekend. Two Iconic Challenges.
From rugged mountains and world-class singletrack to the pristine waters of Teemburra Dam and the bed of Cattle Creek. Choose your challenge, conquer the valley, and create memories that will stay with you forever.
Finch Hatton RSL
Event HQ & Camping
88km+
Of Valley Terrain
$2,000+
Total Prize Pool
Ages 6+ to Adults
All Fitness Levels
Choose Your Adventure
A multi-sport festival engineered for both hardened endurance athletes and the next generation of adventurous kids.
ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge
Conquer the elements across four demanding stages. Tackle all four legs individually, team up with a partner, field a relay squad, or choose your favourite discipline.
- ✓ 37.5km Mountain Bike: Cane fields & Finch Hatton trails
- ✓ 10km Kayak: High-speed sprint on Teemburra Dam
- ✓ 12km or 5km Trail Run: Cattle Creek rainforest & private land
- ✓ 30km Road Cycle: Smooth tarmac through historic cane country
- ✓ Categories: Solo (18+), Pairs (16+), Relays (14+), Stage-Only
MINI & MEGA MACH
Fast-paced, safe, and wildly fun! Introducing juniors (ages 6+) and families to the exhilaration of off-road multi-sport racing in a welcoming community setting.
- ✓ Cattle Creek Crossings: Wet, muddy, and exhilarating
- ✓ Obstacle Navigation: Adventure stations powered by local schools
- ✓ Parent & Carer FREE: When paired with children aged 6–10
- ✓ MEGA MACH Option: Extended course for confident racers 10+
- ✓ Corry Cycles Bike Draw: Win a brand-new mountain bike!
ZACH MACH: The 4 Stages
Craft your adventure story across 88 kilometres of Mackay’s most spectacular terrain.
37.5km Mountain Bike
Ascend past cane paddocks to Teemburra Dam before returning to shred the world-class Finch Hatton MTB playground. Expect dirt, mud, and flow.
10km Kayak
Paddle Teemburra Dam with ducks on the water and barramundi beneath. A pure flat-water sprint cheered on by the Mackay Canoe Club.
12km (or 5km) Trail Run
Starting and finishing at HQ. Weave through lush rainforest tracks, sand, cane paddocks, and river crossings along Cattle Creek.
30km Road Cycle
A fast, rolling sealed road circuit past historic cane fields and scenic mountain horizons. Find your rhythm and surge home to the finish.
Race Formats & Entry Requirements
| Category | Age Requirement | Format Details |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | 18+ years | Complete all 4 stages individually. Eligible for major podium prizes. |
| Pairs | 16+ years | Both team members race all 4 stages together, remaining within 20m of each other. |
| Relay Teams | 14+ years | 2 to 4 competitors dividing the legs relay-style. (Two may kayak together in Stage 2). |
| Stage Only | 14+ years (8+ for 5km Run) | Pick your favourite single discipline and race for individual stage prize money! |
MINI MACH & MEGA MACH
Inspiring confidence, fitness, and family connection in the great outdoors.
MINI MACH (Ages 6+)
A thrilling multi-sport introduction featuring a fun mountain bike ride, safe Cattle Creek water crossings, and foot trails through local farmland.
- Pairs (Ages 6–8): Must pair with an adult or person 16+ (within 10m).
- Pairs (Ages 8+): Pair with a mate, sibling, or parent.
- Solo (Ages 8+): Independent junior adventurers.
- Super Parent Perk: Parents/Carers race FREE when paired with a 6–10 year old!
MEGA MACH (Ages 10+)
Designed for older kids and teens seeking extra distance and speed across technical creek beds and trail running sections.
- Solo Category: Male & Female divisions.
- Bigger Distances: Added trail running loop and singletrack.
- Podium Cash: Dedicated cash prizes for top three finishers!
- Compulsory Gear: Bike (MTB or BMX), helmet, running shoes, hydration.
Podium Cash & Awards
Rewarding grit and dedication with cash prizes across our entire race roster.
| Division | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Male & Female (Saturday) | $200 + 2028 Free Entry | $150 | $100 |
| Pairs Overall (Saturday) | $300 | $200 | $100 |
| Relay Team Overall (Saturday) | $120 | — | — |
| Single Stages M / F (Saturday) | $70 | $50 | $30 |
| MEGA MACH Junior M / F (Sunday) | $50 | $35 | $20 |
| MINI MACH Junior M / F (Sunday) | $30 | $15 | $10 |
| Pairs Overall (Sunday) | $50 | $20 | $10 |
*eBikes are welcome on course on Saturday in our Stage 1 division, but are ineligible for podium prize money.
Weekend Timetable
Keep your support crews organised and transitions seamless.
Saturday 8 May: ZACH MACH
Sunday 9 May: MINI & MEGA MACH
In Honour of an Adventurer
The ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge celebrates the life of Zach Roberts—an exceptional young man, passionate adventure racer, and former Mackay Christian College student who tragically passed away at age 18.
Founded 14 years ago by Peter Lister, Alun Tunnah, and Jacquie Greentree, this event continues to honour his legacy by bringing communities together, celebrating our natural environment, and empowering the next generation to embrace life with grit and purpose.
"Live life full throttle, support your mates, and never stop exploring."Event HQ & Amenities
Everything you need for an unforgettable weekend in Finch Hatton.
Finch Hatton RSL HQ
Located on Anzac Parade, directly across from the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike trail network. Less than 50 minutes from Mackay CBD and Airport.
On-Site Camping
Camp under the stars on the Finch Hatton RSL grounds! Clean toilets and hot shower facilities are available all weekend. Book via your entry or email us.
Food & Hospitality
Enjoy hot BBQ breakfast and coffee cooked up by the RSL. For dinner, visit our local partners at The Gift Shed and the historic Finch Hatton Criterion Hotel.
Ready to Flip the Switch?
Registrations for the 2027 ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge and MINI MACH open soon. Register your interest now to get early-bird access and event updates.
Register Your Interest Now
