Tasmania's East Coast Highlights Self-Guided Cycle

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Launceston briefing, transfer to St Helens, then cycle to Bicheno

   Meet with the Tour Operator's representative in the morning then collect your gear at 7.30am at their Launceston office, you will set out today with the sun on your back and the wind in your hair. The cycling today is relatively easy as you follow the glorious coastline, stopping at your leisure at the numerous little bays and uncrowded, wide sandy beaches for which the area is renowned. Passing through the seaside town of Scamander you will likely see locals fishing for bream from the bridge and you can stop for a drink or just to take in the serenity.

   Past Scamander is Henderson’s lagoon, a treat for bird watchers and also has over seven kilometres of well marked trails. Further down the coast, you can visit the sensationally situated Iron House Brewery where you can enjoy a light lunch and tastings of different beers made with local spring water. Moving on you pass through the Chain of Lagoons before choosing whether to take the unsealed Rosedale Road to visit the magnificent waterhole at Douglas Apsley National Park, or continuing on along the coast road for the final 3km of the day's ride to arrive at Bicheno by the Bay, your accommodation for the evening.

   Cycle distance: 77km
   Estimated cycle times: 6 hours 30 minutes
   **Note: the road out of St Helens, at times, has no shoulder. You should wear bright clothing, follow the road rules at all times and ride single file.

   • 47.8 miles
   • Bicheno by the Bay

   • 

     Bicheno by the Bay

     Start off your adventure in cozy accommodations which overlook the Tasman Sea

   • 

     Bicheno by the Bay

     Start off your adventure in cozy accommodations which overlook the Tasman Sea

2. Day 2Cycle Bicheno to Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park

   Today provides a change of pace with a shorter ride along the coast before reaching Coles Bay - the gateway to the world famous Freycinet National Park, home of the incomparable Wineglass bay. Once in Coles Bay, you have the rest of the afternoon and the whole day tomorrow to explore this magical place. You may like to chose from an extensive array of beautiful walks the park has to offer, simply take it easy on the beach or book yourself in for a kayaking session on the crystal clear waters of the Oyster Bay with the multi award winning Freycinet Adventures kayak company.

   Tonight, you can relax in your accommodation at the Iluka Holiday Park or take a short stroll down to the Coles Bay pub for your evening meal. You could also visit Tombolo gourmet pizza restaurant, or even take some cheese and olives down to the beach for a peaceful and scenic waterfront dinner.

   Cycle Distance: 43km
   Estimated cycle times: 3 hrs
   Walking times: Varies depending on what you chose to do

   • 26.7 miles
   • Iluka Holiday Park, Coles Bay
3. Day 3Explore Freycinet National Park

   Today you have the luxury of enjoying what the Freycinet Peninsula has to offer. Climbing the challenging Mt Amos will give you extensive views over the Peninsula and the famous Wineglass Bay. For something less strenuous, you may chose to walk up to the Wineglass Bay lookout for the view. Keen to swim in the world renouned bay? You can walk right down to the beach itself and take a dip in the crystal clear water. If walking isn't your thing - you can opt for a kayaking tour with the award winning kayaking company Freycinet Adventures.
   

   There are many things to do while in Freycinet - it's best to do your research so you can make the most of your time and tick off the activities you are really keen to do!

   Cycle/Walking distance: varies depending on what you choose to do

   • Iluka Holiday Park
4. Day 4Cycle Coles Bay to Triabunna

   Early this morning, make your way to the Swanwick Boat Ramp, a 20 minute cycle from your accommodation. An 8am water taxi will see you being shuttled across the bay to Dolphin Sands to continue your cycling journey Once across the bay you will be rewarded with view after stunning view of our unspoiled coastline. You may like to stop in at one of the numerous sandy beaches and sheltered rocky coves that are dotted along the coast. Look out for the famous ‘Spiky Bridge’, one of many remnants of Tasmania’s convict past.

   Passing through quaint rural hamlets as you approach Swanport, the scenery changes again to picturesque country fields and gentle rolling hills. Looking south-east as you approach Triabunna you may catch glimpses of the silhouette of the renowned National Park of Maria Island. Triabunna is the only opportunity you will have to stock up on supplies for your stay in the National Park.

   Cycle Distance: 61.7kms
   Estimated Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
   

   • 38.3 miles
5. Day 5Explore Maria Island by foot or bike then return to Triabunna

   Triabunna is the only opportunity you will have to stock up on supplies for your day in the National Park so make sure you have what you need before departing. This morning, you will need to head to the jetty and wait to embark upon the Maria Island ferry at 8.30am. Crossing the Mercury Passage takes about half an hour and provides you with an appreciation of how far you have come as you gaze north along Tasmania’s coastline.

   Now that you're on Maria Island there are soo many things to do! If you are keen to do some more cycling you have the opportunity to ride the 22km of well defined trails plus some of the circuit routes across the Island. Or you can choose from one of the many walks the National Park has to offer including the astounding Painted Cliffs or the sublime peak of Bishop and Clerk. The history of Maria Island is fascinatingly diverse and hours can easily be spent simply wandering through the ruins and restored buildings of Darlington learning of their past. Once the sun starts to set you will marvel at the abundance of wildlife which populates the island. Wander and explore to your hearts content, just be back in time for your ferry off the island at 4.15pm.

   Cycle distance: Your choice
   Walking time: 1.5 hrs to 7 hrs

   • 13.7 miles
6. Day 6Transfer to Hobart or Launceston

   Enjoy a lay in on your final morning, or treat yourself to some coffee and cake at the local Café. Your vehicle transfer will meet you at your hotel at 10am to take you to Hobart. During your time in Hobart consider a visit to Mt Wellington for sensational views or a rainforest amble – the alpine wilderness is only half an hour from the bustle of Hobart's CBD.

   Alternatively, you can opt for a cultural infusion and visit the internationally renowned MONA (Museum of Old & New Art). You can take the MONA Ferry from Brooke Street Pier, which takes you to MONA up the Derwent River with spectacular views of beautiful Hobart backed by the grand dolerite spires of Mt Wellington – a great way to get your bearings of the city. The peaceful Botanical Gardens are just a short walk from Hobart city center... Or just relax by the waterfront at Salamanca Place with a well deserved drink, congratulate yourself on all you have achieved over the week, and watch the afternoon pass by!

   There is an option to transfer back to Launceston instead of Hobart at no extra charge.