This cycling adventure from Launceston to Hobart takes you through a wonderfully diverse range of landscapes, including rural villages and farms, the bluffs and peaks of the Ben Lomond plateau, the dramatic and serene coastal beauty and perfect climate of the east coast, and the wild rivers of southwestern Tasmania.
Your senses will be stimulated with the profusion of wild scents, the abundance of wildlife, the sights of heritage villages, and rugged coastlines, the poignancy of convict ruins, and an overall experience like no other. Tasmania is an untrammeled collection of natural beauty and unique heritage, perfectly suited as an active, warm-weather holiday in the middle of our Northern hemisphere winters.
We plan this adventure concurrently with the New Zealand South Island trip, to create a harmonious two week holiday down under. You are entitled to a 5% discount when you reserve both at the same time.
Highlights: Sunbathing on the warm soft sand near St. Helen’s. 2007 Groups: Jan 6-13; Jan 14-21; Feb 9-17; Feb 18-25. Route Notes: An exhilarating ride on paved roads with many hills. 64-118 km per day. Tour starts in Hobart, noon, day 1 and finish in Launceston, 11:00am, day 8. Contact us to find out about newly scheduled trips. Self-guided or custom groups any time.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrival in Hobart. A day for bike introductions, adjustment to the time change and recovery from your long flight. Your adventure starts at noon in the funky city of Hobart (pop. 195,000) Australia’s second oldest state capital, also the smallest and most southerly. A hilly town, it straddles the mouth of the Derwent River and is backed by Mount Wellington. Hobart successfully combines the benefits of a modern city with the rich heritage of its colonial past. Your hotel is in the heart of downtown, close to cafes, restaurants and the stylish boutiques of Salamanka Market. Dinner is included on guided trips. Lodging: Lenna of Hobart, Hobart.
Day 2:
Hobart to Orford (104 km). Your route follows the original stagecoach line towards Port Arthur. Leaving the city on a cycle path, you will cross Grass Tree Hill and descend to Richmond, one of the most historic and attractive towns in Tasmania. It has both the oldest bridge (built by convicts) and the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Australia as well as an excellent bakery for a mid-morning break.
The scenery this afternoon consists of pastoral farms with forest sections, then thick bush with mountains and river views. Your destination for the night, Orford, is the southern gateway to the East Coast and lies on the mouth of the Prosser River. The Thumbs (a mountain range to the south), and the majestic Maria Island dominate the topography. Maria Island is 20km offshore and is high enough to create its own weather, supporting many alpine and rainforest plants found otherwise only in the distant west and southwest. Breakfast is included. Picnic lunch and dinner are included on guided trips. Lodging: Sanda House Colonial Bed & Breakfast, Orford.
Day 3:
Orford to Freycinet 119km (87 km via ferry). You may like to visit the historic Maria Island in the morning, where kangaroos roam among the convict ruins. Your ride today is undulating with several small climbs, past farms with spectacular coastal views and forested hills. You will conclude the day by riding the length of Freycinet Peninsula. This massive granite outcrop, with its red and white peaks, rises to a height of 700m to form Great Oyster Bay. For the next two nights, you will rest at Tasmania’s premier environmental resort located within Freycinet National Park. Breakfast is included. Picnic lunch and dinner are included on guided trips only. Lodging: Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay.
Day 4:
A day in Freycinet National Park. Freycinet National Park teems with wildlife: mammals, birdlife, reptiles and aquatic animals. The area offers many activities including fishing, water skiing, sailing, bush-walking, swimming, and rock climbing. It also provides a haven for boats of all sizes. If you prefer to take it easy, you will find Coles Bay relaxing, and replete with cafes. If you prefer an active excursion, we will happily entertain you with an invigorating hiking option. Breakfast is included while all other meals are independent today. Lodging: Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay.
Day 5:
Freycinet to St. Helens (118 km). Today, you will ride a very scenic coastal road, with no major hills, up the East Coast to the fishing town of Bicheno, set among rolling hills and white beaches. North of Bicheno the undulating road winds around a chain of coastal lagoons. For those who want more of a challenge, the Elephant Pass is a steep, narrow but incredibly scenic alternative, followed by an exciting 8 km descent back to the coast. Either way, you will enjoy resting in the superb beach town of St. Helens. Breakfast is included. Light picnic lunch and dinner are included on guided trips. Lodging: B & B at Warrawee, St. Helens.
Day 6:
St. Helens to Scottsdale (101 km). Leave the coast, heading into the North-Eastern Highlands. This diverse region of Tasmania progresses from dry bush land to the lush dairy country of Goshen and Pyengarna, after which you will climb through the Weldborough Pass. There will be spectacular views - Mt Victoria to the left, Blue Tier and Goulds Country to the right. From Weldborough to Derby the road continues to twist its way up and down through impressive forests of towering eucalyptus, myrtle and giant ferns. The road continues through scenic hills, passing through Derby and Branxholm. The scenery makes dramatic changes, with more lush vegetation and hop fields near Scottsdale. Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are included on guided trips. Lodging: Anabel’s of Scottsdale, Scottsdale.
Day 7:
Scottsdale to Launceston (64 km). Expect spectacular views today, as you climb through bush country, ride through more eucalyptus forest, descend blissfully and coast across the plains – a fabulous final ride through Tasmania’s diversity. Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are included on guided trips only. Lodging: Prince Albert Inn, Launceston.
Day 8:
Farewells. Your adventure concludes here or at the airport by 11 am. We trust you have had a wonderful holiday, and wish you ‘bon voyage’, happy biking and hope to see you again. Breakfast is included.
Testimonials:
"…it was one of the best vacations we have all had in some time.
(Brent S. ON)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Guided Cost: C$ 3795 (US$ 3165) pp. dbl. (7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 6 light picnic lunches, 6 dinners, luggage handling, guide & van support, maps & route notes)
- Self-Guided Cost: C$ 2995 (US$ 2495) pp. dbl. (7 nights, 7 breakfasts, luggage handling, maps & route notes)
- Bike Rental: Lightweight hybrid bikes: C$ 175 (US$ 155)
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Australia
Bicycle Touring
Wildlife Viewing
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