Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FR
Self-Guided
Cycle Touring
in Tasmania.
KING
ISLAND
Currie
Stanley
Wynyard
Marrawah
Burnie
Arthur River
George Town
Beauty Point
Ulverstone
Devonport
Tarkine
Wilderness
Latrobe
Sheffield
Tullah
Kimberley
H
T
I
Lilydale
G LA
Deloraine
Longford
Mole Creek
Cradle Mountain
Rosebery
Zeehan
D O
Strahan
Campbell
Queenstown
Lake St Clair
Derwent
Bridge
Tarraleah
L B
Franklin-Gordon
Wild Rivers
National Park
Mt Field
National
Park
Lake Gordon
Bothwell
Ouse
Hamilton
Westerway
Bushy Park
Strathgordon
New Norfolk
Lake Pedder
HOBART
Huonville
Key
A
A
national Parks
Eastern coast daily reference
Western coast daily reference
East coast daily route reference
West coast daily route reference
Optional East coast route
Optional West coast route
Geeveston
Cygnet
DEntrecas
Channel
Trip Planning
Whitemark
FLINDERS
ISLAND
Bridport
Ansons Bay
Bay of
Fires
Derby
Scottsdale
Pyengana
AUNCESTON
St Helens
St Marys
Evandale
Rossarden
Fingal
Avoca
C
L
Bicheno
l Town
Cranbrook
Lake Leake
Swansea
M
Freycinet
National
Park
O Coles Bay
E
Triabunna
F
T
Orford
Buckland
Richmond
Sorell
Maria Island
G
H
Bruny
Island
Adventure Bay
steaux
Dunalley
Eaglehawk
Neck
Port Arthur
Elevation Charts
Use these elevation charts at your own risk! The information
gathered and displayed was prepared using Google maps
technology and may not always match up with your Polar or
GPs device. Please dont rely solely on the numbers provided
being exact representations of the elevation or distance.
Welcome!
Tasmania, australias cycle touring gem.
australias smallest state both in area and population, Tasmania has
stunning scenery and good-quality, mostly lightly trafficked roads.
These plus relatively short distances between towns and services,
make Tassie an ideal region for cycle touring.
a temperate southerly latitude and long summer days means
comfortable cycling conditions and ample time for side trips.
always beautiful, often demanding, Tasmanias terrain is renowned
among cyclists for its hills, but effort is rewarded. Cyclists seeking
easier terrain should start on the east coast, as the west coast has
further distances between towns and more chance of inclement
weather. The routes outlined on this map are by no means the only
options, however they are recommended as the most popular and
include many must-sees.
discovertasmania.com
Contents
Contents
Map of Tasmania
Useful Information
Getting to Tasmania
airport Transfers
Weather
Cycle Tour Operators
mobile Phone Reception
What to Bring
Bike Hire
Bike shops
accommodation
Wildlife
national Parks information
Free Camping areas
Public Transport
internet Cafs
Riding at night
Ferries
Emergencies and medical attention
Road Rules
safety on Roads
acknowledgements
Inside Cover
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15-17
Back Cover
UsefulInformation
Information
Useful
Getting to Tasmania
Airport Transfers
Weather
Mobile
Phone Reception
Useful Information
What to Bring
Bike Hire
Bike Shops
Some small towns do not have
bike-specific shops and typically
cannot be relied on for obscure or
top-end parts or services. Good
bike shops are found in the major
centres of Hobart, Launceston
and along the north west coast.
An up to date list of bike
shops can be found at
www.biketas.org.au
Accommodation
There is a wide range of
accommodation properties
throughout Tasmania. The most
up to date directory is found at
www.discovertasmania.com or
pick up from one of the many
visitor information centres
around Tasmania a free copy of
Travelways newspaper, which
publishes a comprehensive list of
accommodation places by town.
Be sure to thoroughly research
your trip to avoid turning up
in a town to find either no
accommodation or what there is
fully booked. Gone are the days
of travelling by-the seat-of-yourpants particularly during
summer months.
Note, the itineraries suggested
in this guide suggest staying
overnight in towns which have
some level of accommodation.
Wildlife
National Parks
Information
Public Transport
Useful Information
Internet cafes
Riding at Night
Rider visibility is vital at all times,
not just at night. Both early
morning and dusk have low levels
of light that demand cyclists stay
alert and be properly equipped to
be seen. During the early and late
hours, the temperature plummets
in Tasmania, so its best to plan
to not ride in the dark in the first
place. On country roads motorists
are simply not expecting to see
cyclists. Even with good lights,
its best to avoid it altogether.
Ferries
Emergencies and
Medical Attention
Nearly all towns have a medical
centre of some type. Ensure you
have a first aid kit with you to
cope with small problems or until
you reach the nearest medical
centre. If the situation is urgent,
call 000 from a public phone or
landline or call 112 from a mobile
phone (GSM network only).
Road Rules
Safety on Roads
The main thing to remember is to
stay LEFT, wear your helmet and
be aware of traffic passing you.
Many of Tasmanias roads are
used by log trucks and tourists
driving large campervans or
towing caravans.
Whilst you are allowed to ride two
abreast (but not three or more) in
Tasmania, sometimes on narrow
roads it is safest to ride single file
or even pull over to allow backed
up traffic to pass. A friendly wave
to courteous motorists goes a long
way to fostering positive relations
between cyclists and motorists.
East Coast
The east coast is truly one of Australias greatest journeys,
and the best way to take it all in is by bike. The east
coast is usually the route that many cycle tourists tackle
first, especially if they are new to cycle touring. Its less
hilly than the west coast, has a warmer climate with mild
conditions, and there are shorter distances between
facilities and towns. The road itself winds its way right
alongside the coast in many places ringed with white
pristine sandy beaches.
(Continues P.8).
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This 1 week itinerary follows the most direct route around the east coast
starting in Launceston and finishing in Hobart. The average distance is just over
60km per day over seven days. Note, due to the distance between towns with
accommodation, some days are longer than others. Extend your trip or combine
2 days into 1 to include a rest day at one or more of the popular attractions on
Tasmanias east coast such as St Helens, Bicheno or Port Arthur.
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This 2 week itinerary is designed for those with more time and who prefer
a leisurely approach to cycle touring with lower daily distances than the 1
week options. as per the 1 week itinerary, it follows the east coast starting in
Launceston and finishing in Hobart, and allows for a rest day in Coles Bay to break
up the trip. Combine certain days to undertake the route over fewer days; linger
at favourite places or include a side trip to maria or Flinders islands. Tigerline and
Calows coaches offer limited public transport services on the east coast.
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Alternate route options: B31 through Cambridge, a3 right and over Tasman Bridge
to Hobart. alternatively, B32 right at Risdon through Geilston Bay and over
Tasman Bridge to Hobart.
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Alternate route options: B31 through Cambridge, A3 right and over Tasman Bridge
to Hobart. Alternatively, B32 right at Risdon through Geilston Bay and over
Tasman Bridge to Hobart.
11
West Coast
The west coast is as different to the east coast as
you can possibly imagine. Swap calm, mild beaches
for rugged, mountainous and completely wild, with
a temperamental climate and unpredictable weather
patterns. The road to and from the furthest town on the
west coast, Strahan, is winding, hilly and beautiful but
deserving of the challenge.
(Continues P.14)
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This itinerary is designed for advanced riders, averaging nearly 100km per day
over challenging hilly terrain. Less experienced riders may prefer the suggested
2 week itinerary, or consider the east coast. If you like remote, rugged and mind
blowing scenery, then this nature lovers trail is for you.
12
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The west coast of Tasmania is not to be taken lightly, so if you have the time to
linger, try this 2 week itinerary. Compared to the east coast, there are fewer towns
between end points, so be sure to carry everything you need for each day just
in case. and if youre planning to stay in accommodation, book ahead to avoid
disappointment, as some of the towns are quite small. This 2 week trip starts in
Hobart and heading south west via Bruny island first, takes you up and around
the west coast, then to Cradle mt before finishing in Launceston.
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Alternate route options: A10 from New Norfolk straight to Hamilton; out and back
west on B61 from Bushy Park to Mt Field National Park; C184 from New Norfolk
to Rosegarland via Black Hills.
Suggested route:
A10 to Derwent Bridge.
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Alternate route options: Take C140 and C141 or continue along C136 to sheffield;
then C156 sheffield to Kimberley, B13 right to moltema and join a1 just south of
Elizabeth Town to Deloraine; right onto C163 to avoid a1 via Red Hills.
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Alternate route options: B68 straight to Cradoc and Huonville. (A6 from Huonville
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discovertasmania.com
Acknowledgements
Photographic acknowledgements: