Cairns Cycling Club

SMITH PARK CYCLEDROME –

HOME OF THE CAIRNS CYCLING CLUB

Smith Park Cycledrome is the home of the Cairns Cycling Club, and is situated on Keeble Street in the Cairns suburb of Manunda.

A view of Smith Park and surrounding area

HISTORY

Organised racing in the Cairns region began some time in the late 1890s, and (as in many centres around the country), was a flourishing spectator sport. Early track racing began at Munro Martin Park (now in the centre of Cairns city), and later at Freshwater. These early tracks were dirt or cinder, and a long way from anything that would be expected today.

The use of Smith Park began in the late 1950s when the late Mr Smith willed a former dairy farm to the council on the proviso that it be used to further the interests of cycle racing in the region. The early track was clay, and was sealed with bitumen in the early 1960s.

It became the track racing centre for various clubs (often operating concurrently), with the formation of a single club happening at the end of the split between amateur and professional cycling.

OUR TRACK

The track at Smith Park is along the lines of many country tracks of its era, rather than that of a newer style banked velodrome.

A view of Smith Park

It is circular, with a length of 400 meters, and with only slight banking. The hard bitumen surface and geometry make it surprisingly fast, and those used to the steep banking on boards or cement can find it difficult to handle at first.

A view of the track

The area is lit adequately for night time racing and other riding activities.

FINDING SMITH PARK

Smith Park is situated in the Cairns suburb of Manunda.

Where Smith Park sits in Cairns

Access is via Keeble Street, which is a one way street, and is accessed from Moody Street.

Getting into Smith Park

USAGE OF SMITH PARK

Track racing is conducted there each week (weather permitting), and the facilities are also used for training, Junior Development, skills development and other club activities.

A view across Smith Park to a small group motor pacing

Facilities are available for members to use at times outside of organised activities.

Motor pacing at Smith Park – a nice way to spend an afternoon

We are planning to continue development of the facilities at Smith Park, and are aiming for a long and productive future there.