Cycle And Walk Tasmania

What a great week!!!

Tasmania's east coast offers ideal conditions for some of life's finer things and what better way to enjoy this than by bicycle. Our seven day trip from Launceston to Hobart offers a truly diverse range of landscapes including rural villages and farms, the bluffs and peaks of Ben Lomond plateau and the dramatic & serene coastal beauty of the east coast. The benefits of previous riding experience goes without saying however, if you maintain a moderate level of fitness this itinerary will suit you. Riding distances range from 30 kms to 80 kms with the support vehicle providing refreshments and the option of completing as many or as few kilometres as you please. Fill your lungs with fresh air and join us for an adventure that charges your senses.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1. Distance up to maximum 63km Time approx 8hrs cycling
Overnight: Ben Lomond

Today you will be picked up from your accommodation between 8.30am and 9am and transferred to a pre-departure briefing at The Arthouse Hostel in Launceston beginning at 9am. Your guides will present a general overview of the trip, conduct a gear check and provide the opportunity to hire/borrow any equipment/clothing that you may need. After loading the bus and setting up our bikes
we cycle from Launceston through the rolling countryside to the historic town of Evandale. After a delicious picnic lunch beneath the shade of the grand old Oaks, we continue south following the Macquarie River and passing the beautiful estate & gardens of Clarendon House. We continue riding through the grazing country of the Fingal Valley where we will enjoy views of Ben Lomond National Park and Tasmania's second highest peak.

Day 2. Distance up to maximum 77km Time approx 8hrs cycling
Overnight: Bicheno
Wonderful cycling opportunities continue as we journey further up the Fingal Valley & through the Eucalypt forests of the North East. Today's highlight is an exhilarating ride over the spectacular and steep St Mary's Pass down to the east coast with its dazzling aqua blue water and pure white sandy beaches. We spend the afternoon cycling south along the coastline to the seaside fishing town of
Bicheno.

Day 3. Distance up to maximum 55km (plus Wineglass Bay walk)
Overnight: Bicheno Time approx 8hrs activity

Today's destination is the Freycinet Peninsular National Park. We will cycle from Bicheno into the busy tourist hub of Coles Bay, a fast growing seaside town in a spectacular setting. We will head straight into the National Park and explore the natural beauty of the area. We will walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout where we have spectacular view of the beach below and the pink granite rocks of The Hazards Mountain Range. Continuing on down to the beach is optional for the group & perhaps a great opportunity for a refreshing swim! At the end of our day in the National Park we will return by vehicle to Bicheno.

Day 4. Distance up to maximum 70km Time 8hrs
Overnight: Orford/Triabunna

This morning we continue our ride south enjoying the spectacular scenery of Tasmania's coastline and our first glimpse of Maria Island National Park. We finish today's ride at Triabunna a small port town and also our gateway to tomorrow's destination & Maria Island.

Day 5 & 6. Maria Island NP
Overnight: Maria Island - Camping

Today we catch the ferry to the secluded Maria Island National Park. Over the next two days we spend our time exploring Maria Island, taking in its vast history and the natural wonders scattered all over the island on foot and by bike. We will see the unusual sandstone formations of the painted cliffs and visit Aboriginal middens. In the south of the island we will see the beautiful pristine beaches of Chinaman's Bay and the isthmus. You will also have the option of climbing either Bishop and Clerk Mountain or the amazing Mount Maria, the extremely rare in coastal regions. The fascinating history of the island is as diverse and substantial as its wildlife. This industrial history includes everything from vineyards to cement works but the most interesting is the convict history. There are many ruins from penal days including cell blocks, commandant's cottages and windmill sites.

Day 7. Distance-30-50km max Time-approx 8hrs
Today we leave Maria Island on the morning ferry. We rejoin our vehicle and head to Hobart. On arrival, we will drive to the 1270 metre summit of Mt Wellington where you will be provided with fantastic views of the lower Derwent River system, Hobart and its surrounds. Distant ports such as the Tasman Peninsula, far away Precipitous Bluff and many peaks of the wonderful South West are also visible in clear weather. After lunch we enjoy an exhilarating ride all the way down the mountain and into Hobart where your trip will conclude. Your guides will drop you off at your accommodation (arranged by you) in Hobart at approx 5pm.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

The first 4 nights of the tour will be accommodated in self contained share cabins, units and/or rooms. Some are bunk style and some have shared bathroom facilities. Linen and pillows are provided during most of the trip but we will supply you with sleeping bags for our 2 nights camping on Maria Island.

Our accommodation bookings will have been made many months in advance and, depending upon group size, it is not always possible to provide you with your own room although your privacy and comfort is accommodated for as much as possible. Most groups are made up of a mixture of single participants and couples. If you are travelling alone you will share with someone of the same sex. This usually sorts itself out naturally.