Police in north Queensland have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with a hit-and-run smash in Townsville that injured five cyclists.

Two of the cyclists are in a serious condition

Two of the cyclists are in a serious condition The car was dumped at a wrecking yard where a crime scene has been established

The car was dumped at a wrecking yard where a crime scene has been established Police say the car was not stolen or linked to recent property crimes

The early-morning crash happened at Mount Louisa and the car was found dumped at a nearby wreckers a short time later.

Townsville Hospital said four of the riders are in a stable condition and one woman has been discharged.

Police found a car involved in the incident earlier on Wednesday.

Emergency services were called to the incident at Dalrymple Road at Mount Louisa, about 5:40am.

Two of the cyclists were initially described as being in a serious condition — a woman in her 50s with a leg injury and a woman in her 40s with leg and pelvic injuries.

Two men, aged 50 and 30, are in a stable condition with back injuries.

A woman in her 50s was treated for minor injuries and later allowed to leave the hospital.

Police said a Mount Louisa man was charged with four counts of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, and one count each of dangerous driving adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, and failing to remain at the scene and render assistance.

Police examine the scene at Mount Louisa in Townsville's west. ( ABC News: Lily Nothling )

Dianne Graham and couple Kirsteen and John Masson were among those injured.

Townsville Cycle Club president Simon Ormes said the riders were "well-respected members of the cycling community".

"To see what happened to these five people this morning was just deplorable," he said.

"They're very well known in the cycling community, have been involved for a long time in some of the larger charity rides around the place.

"Just very, very nice people — nobody deserves to get hit by a car.

"It must have been a very, very large impact and I would say they're all extremely lucky to still be alive."

The car was dumped outside a wreckers at Mount Louisa, where a second crime scene has been set up.

Police said the vehicle was not stolen and had not been linked to recent property crimes in the area.

The car was found outside the wreckers at Mount Louisa. ( ABC News )

It is now being examined by forensic investigators.

The windscreen of the car was shattered and a side panel and mirror were torn off.

Earlier, Inspector Damien Crosby said police were taking the matter very seriously.

"The driver of that vehicle made no attempt to either stop at the scene or render assistance to those cyclists," he said.

The group of cyclists were hit just before dawn this morning. ( ABC News: Lily Nothling )

Police Minister Mark Ryan said he was shocked to hear about the hit-and-run.

"My thoughts are with the victims of this senseless, heartless, cowardly attack," Mr Ryan said.

"I have no doubt that this incident will hit Townsville's cycling community hard."