East Coast Biking Tour

Discover Tasmania's nature by bike

Tasmania is a land of dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, tall forests and sparkling highland lakes. Over a third of the state is reserved in a network of National Parks and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a refuge and habitat for rare plants and animals.

On this extraordinary cycle tour, you will coast along peninsulas with pristine white beaches, pass quaint colonial villages and challenge your perspective. See sandy beaches, breathtaking ocean views, relict rainforest, fossil-filled cliffs, azure waters, pink granite peaks and famous national parks. Encircled by the Southern Ocean, the Tasman Sea and Bass Strait, Tasmanians breathe the world's cleanest air and rejoice in pure water and fertile soils. Savour superb food and delicious wines along the way to tempt any gourmet. Cycling on Tasmania's east coast is one of Australia's truly spectacular coastal journeys. Completely different from the rugged mountainous west coast, the east is blessed with a calmer, mild climate with ever-changing terrain and scenery. This cycling tour takes you through a temperate natural paradise nearly 300 km along the island's East coast from north to south.

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Day 1: Launceston

Arrive in Launceston at your own arrangements. Airport transfers are available between 9:00 and 14:00, should you require a pick-up and assistance for checking in at the hotel. Meet in the lobby at 15:00 for a tour briefing, introductions and bike preparation (this will take approximately 1 hour).
Explore Launceston and its surroundings today. Launceston Gorge, within easy walking distance of the city centre, has steep, rugged cliffs and wild areas that attract climbers. The city is compact and its pretty, colourful Victorian and Edwardian homes line the hillsides along the river banks. Launceston has one of the best regional galleries in Australia – the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk, along with art and craft galleries and quality restaurants.
Overnight: Launceston (motel)

Day 2: Launceston - Ben Lomond

Leave the city as a group. Cycle 15 km to Perth, then head across the highway to Evandale for a morning coffee and break. A classified historic town, famous for a popular Sunday market, many of Evandale's buildings remain largely in original condition. It is host to the annual World Penny Farthing bicycle championships. From Evandale, cycle east along a back road to Ben Lomond. This winter ski resort in summer is home to a number of great hiking trails with stunning views. "Legges Tor" is Tasmania's second tallest peak, at 1,570 m (5,151 feet). The van will take you along a dirt road from Blessington to the top of the mountain and your accommodation for the evening.
Cycling distance: 60km
Overnight: Ben Lomond (cabins)

Day 3: Ben Lomond - Bicheno

After breakfast, you will be transferred back down, and continue the biking section from nearby Matthina. Cycle to the quiet rural town of Fingal, before heading to the coast via the town of St. Mary's. Enjoy a spectacular downhill ride along the Elephant Pass. Follow the coast south to Bicheno, a small, beautiful fishing village. This is the flattest section of the entire trip, so enjoy the leisurely day. Enjoy the views over the Tasman Sea as you pedal along the stunning coastline dotted with pristine white sandy beaches on your way to Bicheno.
Cycling distance: approximately 75km
Overnight: Bicheno (motel)

Day 4: Bicheno - Swansea via Coles Bay and Freycinet NP

Today's riding will be a gently undulating 40 km tour along the Freycinet Peninsula road from Bicheno to Coles Bay. Regroup in Coles Bay, to stretch your legs on a group walk to the famous Wineglass Bay, voted by several travel authorities as one of the world's ten best beaches. Spend the afternoon enjoying Freycinet National Park, one of Tasmania's oldest national parks, founded in 1916. It features red and pink granite formations and a series of jagged granite peaks in a line, "The Hazards." In the evening, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Swansea.
Cycling distance: approximately 40km
Overnight: Swansea (motel)

Day 5: Swansea - Richmond

Overlooking Freycinet National Park, on the northwest shore of Great Oyster Bay, the town of Swansea is located in the centre of Tasmania's east coast. From here, cycle 60 km south along the coastline to the coastal town of Triabunna. Regroup here, and get a transfer to Richmond where your accommodation will be this evening. Richmond is a particularly well-preserved vibrant tourist town, with many of the sandstone structures still standing. The Richmond Bridge, built in 1823, is Australia's oldest bridge still in use.
Cycling distance: approximately 60 km
Overnight: Richmond (motel)

Day 6: Richmond - Hobart

Enter Hobart over Grass Tree Hill to Risdon Cove – the original first settlement of the city of Hobart. Then, cross the Bowen Bridge, and follow the inner city cycleway to the centre of Hobart. Regroup at the Cenotaph, and celebrate your achievement with a drink at Salamanca Place. If you have any energy left, join the optional transfer up to Mt. Wellington (1,270 m), overlooking the entire southern area of Tasmania. Ride the bikes back down to sea level on the easiest 21 km of cycling you can imagine!
Cycling distance: approximately 30 km (plus an additional optional 21 km down Mt. Wellington)
Overnight: Hobart (motel)

Day 7: Hobart

Today is at your disposal to explore Hobart, Tasmania's cosmopolitan capital city with a population of just over 200,000 people. Airport transfers are available until 12:00. For those continuing on the journey, enjoy your trip, for those leaving, get home safely and: Congratulations!