Cycle Tasmania takes you from Launceston to Hobart and features a great mix of highlights along the way. We spend two days cycling through rural villages and farms, before hitting the dazzling east coast. Arriving at the stunning Freycinet National Park we take a break from our bikes and hike into the National Park allowing time to realx and enjoy the spectabular seeting of Wineglass Bay. Next stop is Maria Island, a unique offshore National Park, with an intriguiing history, peaceful bays and rugged mountains. On our final day we finish the trip in Hobart with an exhilarating ride down Mt. Wellington.
Although having ridden a bicycle is an advantage, it is not essential. Fitness, however, is important, and cycle riding, walking and/or running on a regular basis prior to the trip will be very beneficial. The distance cycled each day varies, with some extra optional cycling.
Weather conditions normally remain stable over much of the summer, but it is important to note that weather can change rapidly in Tasmania, particularly in the highlands. You should be prepared for both summer heat and cold windy conditions.
The following itinerary should be seen as a rough guide only. Weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances may cause the content of any trip to be altered or delayed. However, your safety and enjoyment are at all times paramount.
DAY 1 We will meet the rest of the group at Paddy Pallin’s Launceston Store at 9.00am. Our guides will be will be looking out for you. After setting up the bicycles and checking the gear, we mount up and cycle through rolling farmland to the historic village of Evandale. We explore the village before cycling south to visit the National Trust Property Clarendon House. A short bus ride takes us to our bunkhouse cabins in the Fingal Valley. Cycling: 32km-78km
DAY 2 After a short bus ride, we cycle gently downhill through the forests of Rossarden in the Fingal Valley, with views of the grandiose Ben Lomond National Park. Our accommodation is at Skye Cottage Hostel on a sheep farm near St. Mary’s. Cycling: 38km-67km
DAY 3 The day’s destination is Bicheno, where we stay in bunkhouse cabins at the local caravan park. En route we leave the Fingal Valley via Elephant Pass where we can stop at the famous French Pancake House, before a spectacular downhill ride to the East Coast. Bicheno will then be reached cycling via the Chain of Lagoons and a series of sparkling white beaches. Cycling: 45km
DAY 4 An early morning ride will take us to the spectacular Freycinet National Park with its red granite peaks and sheltered sandy beaches. After lunch, the energetic can walk up Mt Amos for panoramic views of mountains and coast. We will be staying in cabins or a bunkhouse at the nearby fishing village of Coles Bay. Cycling: 38km
DAY 5 This morning we explore the natural beauty of the Freycinet National Park on a walk to the jewel-like beach at Wineglass Bay. A short bus ride takes us to Triabunna, where we take the ferry to Maria Island National Park An afternoon walk or cycle allows us to explore the island with its abundant birdlife, friendly emus, kangaroos, wombats and potaroos, as well as its spectacular scenery and convict ruins. We stay at the Penitentiary, built in 1830, which is now the National Park bunkhouse. Cycling: 0 – 22km
DAY 6 We have the morning to explore magnificent Maria Island by bike. From Triabunna, we bus south to the historic village of Richmond, with time to visit the craft shops, before heading to Hobar. Cycling: 22km – 40km.
Day 7 – On our final day we finish the trip in Hobart with an exhilarating ride down Mt. Wellington.
INCLUDES: Guides · 15-21 speed mountain bicycle · Cycle helmet · All group equipment, including maintenance and repair kit, lunch gear and first aid kit. · Accommodation for 5 nights with share facilities. (On this special cycling route our accommodation is comfortable, but simple, requiring the use of sleeping bags and your own towel). · All meals from Dinner on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 7. · Vehicle to carry all personal clothing and equipment and a fabulous time!
