Bicycle Tasmania

Although having ridden a bicycle is an advantage, it is not essential. Fitness, however, is important, and cycle riding, walking and/or running on a regular basis prior to the trip will be very beneficial. The distance cycled each day varies, with some extra optional cycling.

Weather conditions normally remain stable over much of the summer, but it is important to note that weather can change rapidly in Tasmania, particularly in the highlands. You should be prepared for both summer heat and cold windy conditions.

The following itinerary should be seen as a rough guide only. Weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances may cause the content of any trip to be altered or delayed. However, your safety and enjoyment are at all times paramount.

DAY 1 We will meet the rest of the group at Paddy Pallin’s Launceston Store at 9.00am. Our guides will be will be looking out for you. After setting up the bicycles and checking the gear, we mount up and cycle through rolling farmland to the historic village of Evandale. We explore the village before cycling south to visit the National Trust Property Clarendon House. A short bus ride takes us to our bunkhouse cabins in the Fingal Valley. Cycling: 32km-78km

DAY 2 After a short bus ride, we cycle gently downhill through the forests of Rossarden in the Fingal Valley, with views of the grandiose Ben Lomond National Park. Our accommodation is at Skye Cottage Hostel on a sheep farm near St. Mary's. Cycling: 38km-67km

DAY 3 The day's destination is Bicheno, where we stay in bunkhouse cabins at the local caravan park. En route we leave the Fingal Valley via Elephant Pass where we can stop at the famous French Pancake House, before a spectacular downhill ride to the East Coast. Bicheno will then be reached cycling via the Chain of Lagoons and a series of sparkling white beaches. Cycling: 45km

DAY 4 An early morning ride will take us to the spectacular Freycinet National Park with its red granite peaks and sheltered sandy beaches. After lunch, the energetic can walk up Mt Amos for panoramic views of mountains and coast. We will be staying in cabins or a bunkhouse at the nearby fishing village of Coles Bay. Cycling: 38km

DAY 5 This morning we explore the natural beauty of the Freycinet National Park on a walk to the jewel-like beach at Wineglass Bay. A short bus ride takes us to Triabunna, where we take the ferry to Maria Island National Park An afternoon walk or cycle allows us to explore the island with its abundant birdlife, friendly emus, kangaroos, wombats and potaroos, as well as its spectacular scenery and convict ruins. We stay at the Penitentiary, built in 1830, which is now the National Park bunkhouse. Cycling: 0 - 22km

DAY 6 We have the morning to explore magnificent Maria Island by bike. From Triabunna, we bus south to the historic village of Richmond, with time to visit the craft shops, before heading to Hobart and the conclusion of our trip. Cycling: 22km - 40km.

PRICE: AU$1030
INCLUDES: Guides · 15-21 speed mountain bicycle · Cycle helmet · All group equipment, including maintenance and repair kit, lunch gear and first aid kit. · Accommodation for 5 nights with share facilities. (On this special cycling route our accommodation is comfortable, but simple, requiring the use of sleeping bags and your own towel). · All meals from Dinner on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 6. · Vehicle to carry all personal clothing and equipment and a fabulous time!

DATES: 2002 - April 6,13,20, Oct. 19,26, Nov. 2,9,16,23,30, Dec. 7,14,27
2003 - Jan. 2,5,8,11,14,18,25, then every Saturday till April 26

Tasmania is famous for its English colonial heritage. and what better way to explore and experience this heritage than at the relaxed pace of a bicycle. Each night we stop at National Trust listed accommodation, lovingly restored and maintained. It might be an olde world guest house, a Georgian mansion or the former quarters of colonial officials. Each has been especially selected for its comfort and character. Each has its own story to tell.

From Launceston we pass through Longford and Campbell Town enroute to the east coast town of Swansea and the nearby Freycinet National Park. Then it's on to the peaceful, yet melancholy ruins of the Port Arthur penal settlement before cycling through Rich mond to Hobart. And because cycling builds up an appetite, we eat in style - it might be a gourmet meal created by our guides, more often it is a repast prepared by one of Tasmania's famous regional restaurants.

We will be accompanied throughout by a minibus which will allow you to cycle as much or as little as you wish. and will transport us past the busier and less scenic roads.

Come back to the nineteenth century for a week .

Cost Inclusions: Experienced guides, bicycles and safety equipment, support vehicle. 5 nights twin share accommodation and all meals to lunch day 6.

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