Jason Dundas found himself in Kuranda, half an hour from Cairns on a 485-hectare property called Blazing Saddles. Just the name was enough for him to know he was in for an adventure.
The property is home to deep creek beds, masses of trees and steep gullies and this is where your adrenaline pumps as you zig-zag your way across it all on a four-wheel drive motorbike — also known as a quad bike or ATV (all-terrain vehicle). They have one guide to every four or five riders and they are happy to take pictures with your camera. Groups are generally kept to a maximum of five.
With guide Ralph Hannan, Jason learnt ATV tricks on a Honda TRX250 after going through a warm-up around a paddock before being grouped with people of similar riding ability. You're fitted with helmet and the ride starts through 20km of bushland. The track takes you through creeks which are old cattle routes, down steep gullies, swerving around trees and slipping and sliding up and down muddy hills.
The final challenge is at Stockman's Crossing. It's 45 degrees down, through a sandpit and then 45 degrees up. Be prepared to get down and dirty.
Challenges are spaced out across the property which is the Trout family's working farm. It runs cattle, stock horses, goats, duck and fowls.
As you ride your handling and steering skills will improve and hopefully you will be sufficiently confident to admire the rainforest, views across the tablelands and native animals and birdlife.
At the end of the ride everyone returns to Blazing Saddles' complex for a very welcome barbecue lunch.
As well as the large fleet of 250cc bikes there is a selection of 90cc bikes for children over 12 years of age or those preferring to join in on something a little smaller.
There is the option of horseriding for those who are looking for less action. The trails are quite separate from the bike trails.
