Giro Tasmania A cycle tour around the Apple Isle WELCOME TO GIRO TASMANIA!
A cycle tour around the Apple Isle By Helen Beggs and Brad Phillips.
All our thanks to Helen and Brad. "Giro Tasmania" is a guide in helping cyclists plan their trip and should be helpful start. If you have any inquires about cycle touring in Tasmania. Please email Daniel at dmurphy@netspace.net.au
Last updated: 07 Oct, 2004 © "GIRO TASMANIA"
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Australia's island state of Tasmania is ideal for cycle touring. It has a temperate climate and loads of contrasts, from white, deserted beaches, to rugged mountains and rain forests, wild rivers, and historic villages. More than 20% of the state is National Park and much of that is listed as World Heritage.
If you have at least three weeks to spend in Tassie then have a look at our detailed guide to the Giro Tasmania which is an independent cycling tour right around the state, taking in many of Tasmania's highlights. This tour is nearly entirely on sealed roads and we list both the camping and cheapest non-camping accommodation options. An alternative to the Giro Tasmania is the newly opened Tasmanian Trail, which is a mountain bike, walking and horse riding trail stretching from Devonport on the north coast to Dover in the south. Note:The Tasmanian Trail is for serious mountain bikes and is unsuitable for road bikes.
Read cyclist's own stories about their "Giro Trip"
GIRO TASMANIA (18 - 25 days)
Here's a suggested 1070 km tour of Tasmania for the moderately fit independent cyclist which will take you a minimum of 18 days. The Giro Tasmania route is marked in red on the map below and will take you right around Tasmania on nearly all sealed roads, taking in most of the favourite tourist sites as well as some less well-known beauty spots. If you have a little more time (up to 7 days), then have a look at the recommended side trips off the Giro route (marked on the map in yellow). These side trips are described in detail at the end of the main Giro text.
The Giro Tasmania tour as listed below assumes a start and finish in Hobart, Australia's second oldest state capital, but it could just as well start from Launceston in the north of the state or Devonport, which is served by overnight ferry from Melbourne. Starting from Hobart, it is recommended that you cycle anti-clockwise around the state, beginning with the easier cycle up the east coast and finishing with the prevailing westerlies at your back as you cycle over the central highlands from the West Coast back to Hobart. If you start in Devonport or Launceston then it is recommended that you cycle the Giro Tasmania route clockwise, so that you will be fitter by the time you have to climb up to the central highlands. Although most cycle tourists take the "easier" option of only cycling the East Coast, imagining the West Coast to be more hilly and windy and therefore more difficult, we actually found the West coast roads better graded, more shaded by trees and protected from winds, and the scenery more attractive than the predominantly rural east coast.
The flight to Hobart from Melbourne takes approximately one hour, and 1.5 hours from Sydney, and can sometimes be "absorbed" into the price of an overseas ticket to Australia, therefore costing no extra. Check with your travel agent.
- Notes: All telephone numbers are listed with their "STD" (within Australia) area code, which is 03 for all of Tasmania. Callers from overseas should use area code 613 in place of 03.
All distances listed in the cycling notes were obtained from my bicycle odometer, and may not exactly correspond to distances on automobile touring maps.
I would welcome any comments on the Giro Tasmania. Comments or questions can be sent to: dmurphy@netspace.net.au
Day 0: Arrive in Hobart So, you've just stepped off the plane at Hobart airport and are wondering what's happened to your expensive mountain bike. If you flew Qantas or Jetstarßß (ph:13 13 13) then it will appear down the shute onto the luggage carousel, but if you flew Virgin (ph: 13 67 89) then you will have to lift it off the luggage cart yourself - probably safer. The Redline "Airporter" bus meets all flights and will drop you off at any hotel or hostel in or around the city centre - just ask the driver.
I suggest you stay at the YHA hostel "Adelphi Court", 17 Stoke St, New Town, Tas 7008, ph: (03) 6228 4829 (Bookings essential). The closest bike shop (owned by a keen cycle tourist) is Tassie Cycles, 100 Newtown Road, New Town. They also have an excellent cycle mechanic. You may be able to buy a bicycle in Hobart and sell it back to the same shop when you finish the Giro (see Bike Shops). Good panniers are harder to find in Tasmania, so it's a good idea to bring them with you. Hobart is well-served with outdoor equipment shops (most of them are in Elizabeth St just up from the mall), so you'll have no trouble buying a tent, sleeping bag, camp stove, outdoor clothing, etc.
If you want to hire a bike then phone Brakeout Cycling Tours in Hobart, ph: (03) 6239 1080, and ask for Graham Mitchell. Brakeout Cycling Tours can supply bikes from the basic 18 sp mountain bikes through to 21 sp bikes with touring rack, panniers and tool kits. Groups of up to 35 people can be catered for (including 32 bike trailer). Graham can also arrange whitewater rafting and sea kayaking side trips.
Hobart is Australia's second oldest city and has a wealth of scenery to explore by bicycle. You could cycle around the historic homes of Battery Point then head up Davey Street to the panoramic view from the top of Mt Wellington (1270 m high). Salamanca Market down on the docks each Saturday (8 am - 3 pm) is a must-see for every visitor and a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts. In Salamanca Place, Battery Point, is the "Antarctic Adventure", a cross between a science museum and the Christchurch Antarctic Centre - very "hands on". There are tours of Australia's oldest brewery (Cascade Brewery) and the Cadbury's chocolate factory (a must for chocoholics!). For a good meal either head to the docks for fresh fish and seafood, the trendy cafes in Salamanca Place or head up Elizabeth Street to North Hobart and the "restaurant district".
Day 1: Hobart - Richmond (29 km) This is the shake-down day when you get used to the idea of cycling with all that gear! A pleasant cycle through farms and forest to the historic tourist village of Richmond. Keep an eye out for the ostrich farm a few kilometers before Richmond.
If you start from the New Town YHA then the best route is:
from Stoke St turn left into Park St, right into Bishop St, left at Bellevue Pde, right towards the train line and onto the cycle path which runs along the train line and head North. From the bike path turn right down Elwick Rd (after show grounds - not sign-posted) and head towards the Elwick Race Course along Goodwood Rd. Cross the Derwent River on the Bowen Bridge. After the bridge, head towards Risdonvale along the B32 road. Take the attractive and quiet C324 to Richmond. You'll experience a continuous, easily-graded climb through forest and farms to the top of Grasstree Hill (200 m) followed by a nice descent through bush to the Coal River Valley. Turn left into the B31 to Richmond. Just before the town there is a well-marked turn-off to a camping ground (picnic shelters, swimming pool, trees, shop). There are public toilets in the town centre, small supermarket (7 am - 7 pm, EFTPOS), post office, pub, and a bakery and range of tearooms and restaurants.
Camp at Richmond Cabin & Tourist Park, Middle Tea Tree Rd, (1 km W of PO), Ph: (03) 6260 2192 (covered cooking areas, picnic shelters, trees, indoor swimming pool, tennis court).
An a wide range of B&B acommodation:
Ashmore Cottage, 32 Bridge St.**** ph:6260 2570
Holyhock Cottage, 3 Percy St. **** ph: 6260 1079
Prospect House, 1384 Richomd Rd ****ph: 6260 2207
Day 2: Richmond - Triabunna (68 km) This is a scenic ride along smooth sealed roads, but unfortunately you'll be sharing the A3 with log trucks. Take special care between Buckland and Orford where there is no shoulder in parts and the road is very narrow. One way to avoid this section is to take the very scenic side trip to Port Arthur which will add an extra 2 days onto your trip. Alternatively, cycle the Buckland - Orford section on a Sunday, when there are the least number of log trucks, if any.
From Richmond take the B31 north 5 km then turn right onto the C350 until you reach the A3. The hills along this section to Buckland are Black Charlie's Opening (296 m), Bust-Me-Gall Hill (336 m) and Break-Me-Neck Hill. Buckland (at 40 km) is the first chance to buy food/drink since Richmond, so you may wish to carry a cut lunch and plenty of water. Buckland has an Inn, grocery store, takeaway food shop and public toilets next to the hall. Continue along the A3 to Orford, watching out for the log trucks. Orford is a pretty town with plenty of food shops, take-aways, a pub, post office and public toilets. A place to camp is at Raspins Beach (1.5 km along the A3 north of the Orford bridge), which has a stunning view across to Maria Island. Contact Raspins Beach Camping Park, East Coast Highway, Orford Ph: (03) 6257 1771. ## Please note this caravan park can be quite noisy, if the log trucks are in operation as the caravan park in right near the road. Triabunna (8 km north of Orford) has more choice and less traffic being off the Highway. Triabunna is a larger town than Orford and has a large supermarket (9:30am - 6:30pm, EFTPOS), post office and a Westpac Bank branch at 17 Vicary St. It also has a quaint YHA in an old timber farmhouse. To get to the youth hostel, follow the black and white painted signs on the power poles from the main drag.
Camp at Triabunna Caravan Park, 4 Vicary St, Ph: (03) 6257 3575. Or The Udda Backpackers, 12 Spencer St, (03) 6257 3575
Eastcoaster Resort, Louisville Point Rd***ph:6257 1172
Isalnd View Motel, Tasman Highway *** ph:6257 1114
Miranda Cottage, Tasman Highway**** ph: 6257 1248
Side Trip to Port Arthur: A detour to Port Arthur (extra 118 km) to explore the beautiful Tasman Peninsular and the historic convict prison will take you an extra two days. Click here for more information.
Day 3: Tribunna - Swansea (50 km)
Continue along the A3 through undulating farmland to Little Swanport (29 km) (no shops or drinking water), where you can stop for lunch at the Little Swanport River Bridge (pit toilet). The road then hugs the coast with spectacular views most of the way to Swansea. Swansea is a charming, historic seaside town and has accommodation, supermarket, restaurants and a post office.
Camp at Swansea Caravan Park, Shaw St (northern side of Swansea), Ph: (03) 6257 8177, or stay at Swansea YHA Hostel, 5 Franklin St, Swansea 7190, Ph: (03) 6257 8367. You can also camp at Mayfield Beach (42 km from Orford), off the A3, but there is no drinking water.
Side Trip to Maria Island: Catch the ferry from Louisville (NE of Orford) to beautiful Maria Island, where you can camp at the camping ground or stay in convict cells! Click here for more information.
Day 4: Swansea - Bicheno (44 km) Cycle north along the A3 to Cranbrook (16 km) (no shops) through undulating farmland. There is free wine tasting at Freycinet Vineyard (27 km), which also sells wine by the glass, smoked salmon and pate, and is a lovely place to stop for lunch. Continue along the A3 to Bicheno, sun capital of Tasmania and home to a fairy penguin rookery and a beautiful beach and foreshore. There are keycard facilities at the post office, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
Camp at Bicheno Cabin and Tourist Park, Champ St, Ph: (03) 6375 1117, or stay at Bicheno YHA, Tasman Hwy (3 km north of Bicheno), Ph: (03) 6375 1293.
Side Trip to Coles Bay: Highly recommended is the detour to Coles Bay (extra 20 km) to explore the stunning Freycinet National Park, and will take you at least one extra day. Click here for more information.
Day 5: Bicheno - St Helens (77 km)
This has to be one of the most breathtaking rides in Australia! The route along the A3 hugs sparkling white and turquoise blue deserted beaches all the way to St Helens. Start early in the morning and carry a cut lunch and plenty of water so you can stop at some of the lovely beaches along the way. You may like to stop at the East Coast Birdlife and Animal Park (7 km) which has Tasmanian Devils. The nondescript seaside town of Scamander (58 km) has public toilets, drinking water, supermarket with EFTPOS, accommodation and caravan park. St Helens is a popular resort/fishing town with magnificent coastal scenery and unspoilt beaches. There is a cashcard machine, Westpac Bank branch and Trust Bank branch at 18 Cecilia Street, shops, restaurants and accommodation.
Camp at St Helens Caravan Park, Penelope St, (1.5 km S of PO), Ph: (03) 6376 1290, or stay at St Helens YHA Hostel, 5 Cameron St, St Helens 7216, Ph: (03) 6376 1661.
Day 6: St Helens - Derby (68 km) A hilly ride along the A3 through spectacular stands of rainforest and over Weldborough Pass (600 m). Watch out for log trucks. The Weldborough Pass Rainforest Walk (10 minute circuit) is well worth a look. Weldborough (47 km) is a rather quaint near-ghost town, once a bustling centre for tin-mining. Lunch and dinner may be obtained at the Weldborough Hotel, which calls itself (tongue-in-cheek) the 'Worst Little Pub in Tassie', and also provides reasonably priced accommodation, Ph: (03) 6354 2223, or very cheap tentsites in the adjoining Weldborough Camping Ground. If you can manage another 200 m climb and don't wish to camp, then continue another 21 km along the A3 down a long, thrilling descent through more rainforest, followed by a climb to the very pretty, historic tin mining town of Derby (museum, meals, general store, post office, public toilets).
Stay at the Dorset Hotel, Main St, Derby, Ph: (03) 6354 2360. Unfortunately, there are no provisions for camping in Derby, but one can wild camp in the forest after Weldborough (carry water).
Day 7: Derby - Lilydale Falls (72 km) A surprisingly hilly ride today along the A3 and B81, so a good idea to start the day early. Branxholm (7 km) has a camping ground (enquire at Post Office), but you can't drink the tap water without boiling it first. The A3 continues through undulating farmland to Scottsdale (31 km) (accommodation and meals at Lords Hotel, public toilets, shops, restaurants, post office). Scottsdale has a pleasant, small camping ground adjacent to a birdlife reserve. If you stayed at Weldborough the previous night then this would be a good place to camp. From Scottsdale take the B81 to Lilydale Falls and stop off at Clover Hill winery along the way to sample their excellent champagne (wine tastings daily 10 am to 5pm).
Camp at the picnic area/tents-only camping ground at Lilydale Falls Reserve (2 km north of Lilydale), or stay at Falls Farm (BB), 231 Golconda Rd, Lilydale (100m south of Lilydale Falls Reserve), Ph: (03) 6395 1598. If you are planning to camp at Lilydale Falls then stock up with food at Scottsdale. There are toilets, picnic shelters, tables and drinking water in the reserve. This is a particularly lovely, peaceful place to camp and highly recommended.
Day 8: Lilydale Falls - Launceston (30 km) Cycle 2 km along the B81 to Lilydale (supermarket open 7 am - 7 pm daily) and continue through attractive, hilly forest to Rocherlea (21 km). From Rocherlea follow the A8 into the centre of Launceston (30 km).
Camp at the Treasure Island Caravan Park, 94 Glen Dhu St, South Launceston (2 km S of PO), Ph: (03) 6344 2600, or stay at Launceston City Backpackers, 139 and 173 George St, Ph: (03) 6334 2327, or Launceston City Youth Hostel, 36 Thistle St, South Launceston (2 km S of GPO), Ph: (03) 6344 9779. Douglas Snare, who runs the Youth Hostel, also operates "Rent-A-Cycle". To get to Glen Dhu St (and also Thistle St) from the A7 take Margaret St south to Frankland St and turn right. Turn left into Connaught Crescent and continue to Glen Dhu St. Thistle street runs off Glen Dhu Street.
Alternatively, continue right through Launceston to Deloraine (a long day but relatively flat cycling after Launceston).
Day 9: Launceston - Deloraine (51 km)
From Launceston, take Hwy 1 south-west and take the turn-off to Hadspen (14 km) (Caravan Park) along the old Bass Highway, B54. Continue through Carrick (20 km) (meals, accommodation) then rejoin Hwy 1 before Hadley (30 km) (meals, toilets, shops). Hwy 1 is narrow and busy through Westbury (35 km) (bakery, toilets, shops, accommodation) but about 5 km west of the town you can rejoin the B54 and escape the traffic by taking the turn-off to Exton. The rest of the cycle is very pleasant, passing through attractive farmland along the B54 to Deloraine (bank, supermarket, shops, meals, accommodation).
Camp at the Deloraine Apex Club Caravan and Camping Park (follow signs from the bridge) or stay at the Deloraine Backpackers Hostel, 24 Bass Hwy, Ph: (03) 6362 3408.
Day 10: Deloraine - Gowrie Park (61 km) Head out of Deloraine along the B12 to Mole Creek (27 km). At the Trowunna Wildlife Park (600m off the B12 about 4 km before Mole Creek) you can see koalas, Tasmanian Devils, wombats and wallabies. Keep an eye out for their giant wooden Tassie Devil by the side of the B12. You may like to camp at Mole Creek Camping Ground, Sassafras Creek, (4 km W of PO on the B12), Ph: (03) 6363 1150, or stay at the Mole Creek Hotel, Main Road, Mole Creek 7304, Ph: (03) 6363 1102.
Meals are available at the Mole Creek Hotel. From Mole Creek continue along the B12 for 4 km to Sassafras Creek (Mole Creek Camping Ground) and take the C137 turn-off north over the Gog range (a steep little hill) to the aptly named village of Paradise. A remarkably beautiful cycle over the Gog Range and around Mt Roland. Turn South along the C136 to the old Hydro-electric village of Gowrie Park, set amidst towering mountains and forests. Even if you choose not to stay in Gowrie Park, don't miss the chance to have a meal or afternoon tea at Weindorfer's Restaurant, a family run restaurant in a traditional Tasmanian shingle homestead serving inexpensive gourmet Tasmanian food. The food and scenery is so good you may be tempted to stay in their backpackers hostel or cabins. The accommodation is also much cheaper (and quieter) than Cradle Mountain.
Camp at Gowrie Park Camping Ground, on the C136, (large picnic shelter, toilets, drinking water, trees, no showers) or stay at the Weindorfer's Backpackers Hostel, Claude Road, Gowrie Park (follow signs from the C136), Ph: (03) 6491 1385.
Day 11: Gowrie Park - Cradle Mountain (42 km) A steep but very scenic and rewarding ride up through rainforest and alpine scrub into the "high country". Give yourself plenty of time, as you'll be gaining a lot of height.
From Gowrie Park you will have a thrilling hair-pin descent down the C136 to the Cethana Dam, but then a gruelling climb up the other side of the valley to Moina (14 km) (accomodation, cafe, limited groceries). From Moina, head south along the C132, through a desolate, alpine wasteland, and follow the signs to Cradle Mountain National Park. Groceries may be obtained from the general store at the Pencil Pine township at the gates to the park.
Camp at the Parks and Wildlife Campground Ph: (03) 6492 1133 or at Cradle Mountain Campgrounds, Cradle Valley, Ph: (03) 6492 1303. Bookings recommended over summer and Easter period. Accomodation is available in bunkhouses and cabins at the Cradle Mountain Campgrounds.
Side Trip to Dove Lake: After cycling so far, it would be a shame not to cycle to famous Dove Lake (11 km from Cradle Valley camping ground) and spend at least a day exploring this rugged World Heritage Area on foot. Click here for more information.
Day 12: Cradle Mountain - Roseberry (70 km)
A spectacular ride today through alpine moors then alpine forest of celery top pine and myrtle, with only one small hill from which there is a breathtaking view of Cradle Mountain and Mt Pelion. The rest of the cycle is gently undulating or downhill. There are no shops or sources of drinking water for the first 54 km so make sure you carry plenty of water and lunch.
From Cradle Mountain head west along the C132 and then south along the A10 to Tullah (54 km) (cafe, takeaway, some groceries, toilets, pub, accomodation, wild camping by river). After Tullah, the A10 climbs for 4 km through beautiful rainforest to the top of Mt Black, followed by a thrilling descent to Roseberry (pub, supermarket, takeaways, accomodation, post office). Roseberry is an old west coast goldmining town and going there is like stepping back about forty years to the old-style Australian country town. Everyone seems to have time for a chat.
Side Trip to Montezuma Falls: If you have an MTB and an extra half day then highly recommended is a short detour to Tasmania's highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls, just south of Roseberry. If you do go to the Falls then you will probably want to camp or stay in Zeehan, rather than pushing on to Strahan. See the side trip section for more information.
Camp at Roseberry Caravan Park, Park Road, Ph: (03) 6473 1366, (great picnic shelter!)or you can stay in one of their cabins or hostel. Alternatively, stay at Mt Black Lodge Hostel, Hospital Road, Ph: (03) 6473 1247.
Day 13: Roseberry - Strahan (72 km) The first 20 km are rather hilly but through pretty rainforest, followed by a long, flat or gently downhill run through button grass plains and coastal scrub.
From Roseberry continue south-west along the A10 and take the B27 to Zeehan (30 km) (post office, takeaways, accomodation, caravan park, toilets, shops) - a good place to stop for lunch and to have a look at their excellent mining museum. Continue along the B27 the 42 km to Strahan (post office, toilets, supermarket, bakery, restaurants, pub, accomodation). Strahan is a cosy little fishing village on Macquarie Harbour, steeped in the convict and pining history of the rugged West Coast. "Piners" used to row wooden boats up through the rapids of the Gordon, Franklin and other rivers of Tasmania's South West wilderness, in their quest for the endemic Huon Pine.
Camp at West Strahan Caravan Park, Esplanade, (1.5 km W of PO), Ph: (03) 6471 7239, or stay at the Strahan YHA Hostel, Harvey St, Strahan 7468, Ph: (03) 6471 7255, email: tlyons@ozemail.com.au.
Side Trip up the Gordon River: Just about every visitor to Strahan takes an all day cruise up the world-famous Gordon River (fed by the Franklin River) in the Tasmanian Wilderness Heritage Area. After travelling all that way to Strahan you really can't miss it. Click here for more information.
Day 14: Strahan - Lake Burbury (65 km)
Although you will climb a total of about 700 m, the cycling is surprisingly easy due to well-graded roads making the climbs long but comfortable, with prevailing westerly winds at your back. Carry lunch and plenty of water.
From Strahan take the B24 up the long hill to Queenstown (42 km) (post office, pubs, Trust Bank, supermarket, toilets, takeaways, meals). Queenstown is your last chance to buy groceries for 175 km. Queenstown has the dubious distinction of being the only place in the world which treasures its lack of trees, caused by the noxious fumes of an earlier copper smelter. The starkly bare hills have for many years been a tourist drawcard, but to the locals' horror, the trees are now growing back! Either stay in Queenstown or continue along the A10 the 23 km to Lake Burbury. Queenstown has a new atraction- ABT Wilderness Railway(Ph: 6471 1700) Tours depart daily at 10am and 2pm. Costs $32 per adult, $12 per child or $75 for the family. About 3 km after the Lake Burbury bridge there is a picnic area sign, pointing along a road to your left. This "picnic area" is an enormous grassy expanse, with lots of windbreaks of trees, on the banks of a large man-made lake, and is a beautiful, clean and peaceful place to camp. The huge picnic shelter with tables and benches provides welcome shelter from rain.
Camp at the picnic area on the eastern shore of Lake Burbury (toilets, drinking water, large picnic shelter, gas BBQs, no showers). You will need to have stocked up with a couple of days of food in Queenstown. A wide range of accomodation is available in Queenstown. The cheapest is the Queenstown Cabin and Tourist Park Hostel, 17 Granton St (1 km PO), Ph: (03) 6471 1332, or Mountain View Holiday Lodge Hostel, 1 Penghana Rd, Queenstown, Ph: (03) 6471 1163.
Day 15: Lake Burbury - Lake St Clair (73 km) You will climb 900 m today, so start early (especially if you are staying in Queenstown). The day involves a ride along the A10 through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area over spectacular mountains, through magical rainforest and over wild rivers. Traffic is fairly light. If time permits, the following short walks from the A10 are highly recommended: Donaghey's Hill (45 minutes return walk from highway), Franklin River crossing (10 mins nature walk), Franklin River flying fox (10 mins walk along Frenchmans Cap Walking Track).
From Lake Burbury the A10 climbs gently for 11 km to Victoria Pass (530 m) then continues through rainforest to the put-in point of the Franklin River trips at Collingwood Bridge (27 km) (camping, pit toilet, drinking water from river). There is easy cycling until the Franklin River picnic area (41 km) (picnic table, drinking water from river). After the Franklin River, the A10 climbs steeply through rainforest for 10 km with spectacular views of Surprise Valley and Mt King William. At the top are button grass plains and eucalypts - a flat cycle for the 16 km to Derwent Bridge (67 km) (accomodation, meals). Take the turn-off to Lake St Clair and climb gently for 5 km to the Lake St Clair National Park (camping area, bunkhouses, restaurant and limited groceries).
Lake St Clair is at the southern end of the Cradle Mountain/Lake St Clair National Park, and is surrounded by rainforest and mountains. There is a camping ground at the end of the road, by the lake (hot showers, laundry), or you can stay in a cabin, Ph: (03) 6289 1172 (Bookings essential). Alternatively, if you wish to skip Lake St Clair, then you can stay at Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel, Lyell Highway, Derwent Bridge 7140, (500 m NW of PO), Ph: (03) 6289 1144, Fax: (03) 6289 1173. Meals are available at Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel.
Side trip: Walks around Lake St Clair World Heritage area (At least one extra day). Click here for more information.
Day 16: Lake St Clair - Wayatinah (59 km) There are prevailing westerly winds and a significant altitude loss, so rather an easier day's pedal than Day 15. From Derwent Bridge follow the A10 for 20 km, then take a short cut right along the C601 for 20 km to avoid the steep hills around Tarraleah. CAUTION: This road is unsealed and sometimes rough and narrow but 11 km shorter than the hilly main road. Watch out for the odd truck. Recently, the trucks have reportedly chewed up this road pretty badly. Continue on the A10 another 11 km and take the turn-off to the immaculate, nearly deserted Hydro-electric town of Wayatinah (food shop (9:30 am - 11:30 am daily), tavern (4 pm - late)). Follow the signs to the camping ground.
Camp at Wayatinah Camping Ground, by Wayatinah Lagoon, Ph: (03) 6289 3317 or (03) 6244 4271 (heated outdoor swimming pool, BBQ, tennis court, showers, laundry) - highly reccomended. There is also a free camping area just over the C608 bridge approximately 2 km from the turn-off with the A10 (93 km from Lake St Clair) (toilets, drinking water from lake). Ouse (76 km from Derwent Bridge) has accomodation at Sassa-del-Gallo holiday units, Main Road, Ph: (03) 6287 1289 or 6287 1263, and at the Lachlan Hotel, Lyell Highway, Ph: (03) 6287 1215.
Day 17: Wayatinah - Mt Field National Park (64 km) Cycle back to the A10 and head to Ouse (25 km) for lunch. Ouse has a hospital, post office, takeaways, supermarket, meals at Lachlan Hotel and public toilets. Continue along the A10 for 7 km and turn right onto the C608, a lovely quiet country road (but hilly!) which will take you through attractive farming country to the pretty village of Ellendale (45 km from Wayatinah). Ellendale has self-contained accomodation at Hopfield Cottages (bookings essential - Ph: (03) 6288 1223), a post office, shop (open 9am to 5pm), public toilets and a very nice picnic shelter by the creek with possible camping sites. Keep an eye out for the interesting, wooden oast houses, used for drying hops. Another 10 km along the C608 is the turn-off to Westerway along the B61. Westerway has food shops - there is a limited kiosk at Mt Field. Continue 7 km along the B61 to Mt Field National Park , one of Tasmania's most popular National Parks. Home to the spectacular Russell Falls, the park boasts scenic rainforest, some of the world's tallest trees, deep mountain lakes and abundant tree ferns. Meals are available at the pub and there is a small kiosk in the park.
Camp in the camping ground just inside the park gates, ph: (03) 6288 1149 or stay at the Mount Field National Park YHA Hostel, Ph: (03) 6288 1369.
Day 18: Mt Field National Park - Hobart (75 km) Head back along the B61 and continue through pretty hop farming country to Bushy Park (18 km), which has a takeaway shop. From Bushy Park, take the B62 (Glenora Road) through some stunning rural scenery along the Derwent River past the Salmon Ponds (29 km) (museum and restaurant) to New Norfolk (38 km). Camping sites are available at the New Norfolk Caravan Park, Esplanade, Ph: (03) 6261 1268, and cheap accomodation at the historic Bush Inn, 49 Montagu St, Ph: (03) 6261 2011. The town has a wide range of shops (including a bike shop in Richmond St, Ph: (03) 6261 2201) and a National Bank ATM at 40 High St. At New Norfolk cross over the bridge over the Derwent River and turn right onto the relatively quiet B10 to Bridgewater. This avoids the narrow and very busy A10. At Bridgewater, cross back over the Derwent River along Hwy 1 to Granton. About 200 m past the causeway, take the Granton/Austins Ferry turn-off and follow the bicycle signs. Take the Berriedale turn-off then the turn-off to Glenorchy. Continue along Main Road and turn left into K.G.V. Avenue. Continue to the railway line and turn right onto the concrete cycle path which follows the railway line to the Queens Domain, close to the city centre. To get to the Newtown YHA turn right from the cycle path into Oldham Avenue, left into Park St and right into Stoke Street.
Camp at Treasure Island Caravan Park, Main Road, Berriedale (on Giro route, 14 km from GPO), Ph: (03) 6249 2379, or stay at YHA hostel "Adelphi Court", 17 Stoke St, New Town, Tas 7008, ph: (03) 6228 4829 (bookings essential) or at Transit Centre Backpackers, 199 Collins St, Hobart (city), Ph: (03) 6231 2400.
Side Trip Temptations
Port Arthur: Richmond - Port Arthur (82 km), Port Arthur - Dunalley (41 km), Dunalley - Orford (50 km - including 29 km unsealed) At least two extra days.
Port Arthur is Australia's best known historic penal settlement, dating back to the years of convict transportation. For the adventurous, there are Port Arthur Ghost Tours during the evenings complete with real ghosts! There are great coastal walks and natural features, such as the Tasman Arch, Candlestick and Remarkable Caves. If you have the time, an extra day would be well-rewarded by a cycling/walking tour of the Tasman Peninsular.
From Richmond take the C351 to the A3 and head south to Sorell (a major town with banks and large shops). From Sorell, take the A9 (unfortunately rather busy) to Port Arthur .
Camp the first night at the Port Arthur Caravan and Cabin Park, Garden Point (1 km N of PO), (water frontage), Ph: (03) 6250 2340, or stay at Roseview YHA Hostel (built 1890), Champ Street, Port Arthur Tas 7182, Ph: (03) 6250 2311. Tickets to enter the Port Arthur Site and for the Ghost Tour are available at the hostel.
On departing Port Arthur you might like to take the scenic roundabout route (extra 18 km) along the B37. Continue along the A9 to Dunalley. There are no camping facilities at Dunalley but you can stay at Potters Croft B&B, Arthur Hwy (A9), (3 km NE of PO), (water frontage), Ph: (03) 62535469 (meals by arrangement or you can eat at the pub in Dunalley).
Next day, cycle north along the A9 to the C335 turn-off 1km after Copping. Continue along the C335 (mostly unsealed) for 5 km and turn right onto the Wielangta Road to the Wielangta State Forest. The road is a well-maintained dirt road and although a bit slow (and corrugated in patches) is scenic and avoids the most dangerous section of the A3. The Wielangta Road passes through the Sandspit Forest Reserve, which is set in a rare patch of relict rainforest set amidst the dry tall forest. North of the Sandspit Forest Reserve, take the C320 (which is mostly sealed) to see some lovely coastal scenery all the way to Orford. Once at Orford you are back on the Giro Tasmania route.
Maria Island: Orford - Louisville (6 km), Ferry to Maria Island, Louisville - Swansea (54 km): At least one extra day.
Buy your groceries in Orford then cycle north along the A3 and take the turnoff to Louisville. Catch the ferry with your bike to Maria Island . Maria Island is steeped in convict history and teeming with emus, wallabies and Cape Barren Geese. It is a national park and has no cars, electricity or shops. Once on the Island you can cycle along a dirt road to a rough camping area at the southern end of the island or camp close to the ferry terminal at Darlington Campsite, where there are toilets, drinking water, but no showers or hot water. You can also stay in the old penitentiary Units (bunkhouses) - bookings essential, Ph: (03) 6257 1420 (for all island accomodation).
Coles Bay: Swansea - Coles Bay (20 km), Coles Bay - Bicheno (38 km) : (At least one extra day).
Head back north along the A3 about 4 km and turn right onto the Nine Mile Beach Road. There is a small ferry (a dinghy!) which will can take cyclists across the narrow Swan River. You must phone (03) 6257 0239 to book the ferry in advance and it is best to phone the ferryman, Kurth, on the day to confirm that he's going to be there. Tim, a cyclist from the UK, writes: "The ferry across the Swan River was an experience in itself - and well worth it at $12 (inclusive of bicyle)". The day Brad and I cycled north from Swansea it was blowing a gale and discretion overcame my keen desire to try out this interesting mode of cycle transport.
Cycle south along the C302 the few kilometres to Coles Bay, which has shops and restaurants. Another kilometre brings you to the gates of Freycinet National Park . Freycinet National Park has some of the most stunning coastal scenery in Tasmania, friendly wallabies and a great 2 hours return 9 km walk to beautiful Wineglass Bay.
Camp at Freycinet National Park Camping Ground (water frontage), (1 km W of PO), Ph: (03) 6257 0107. Accomodation is available at Iluka Backpackers YHA Hostel, Esplanade, Coles Bay, Tas 7215, Ph: (03) 6257 0115 or Fax: (03) 6257 0384.
Dove Lake: Walking: (At least one extra day).
There are lots of great day walks to do around the Cradle Mountain/Dove Lake area. These can all be started from the Dove Lake carpark. You'll need a good raincoat , warm clothes (be prepared for snow/sleet!), sturdy walking boots and a day pack. From the camping ground at Cradle Valley, cycle 11 km south along the C132 to the Dove Lake car park, where you'll have to leave your bike. Along the way, visit the Visitor Centre, short nature walks and the Waldheim museum.
Day walks from Dove Lake car park:
- Twisted Lakes (5 km, 2 hours return)
- Marions Lookout (5 km, 3 hours return)
- Lake Dove Circuit (7 km, 3 hours return)
- Lake Rodway (10 km, 4.5 hours return)
- Hansons Peak, Lake Hanson and Twisted Lakes (6 hours return) - difficult.
- Cradle Mountain summit (12 km, 4.5 hours return) - Highly recommended.
If
you are willing to carry camping equipment on your cycle tour
then you will be much more flexible, save money, not have to
book ahead, and be able to camp in some really lovely places.
There are a range of camping options, from staying at Caravan
Parks or Camping Grounds, which have hot showers, generally a
laundry, and sometimes a campers kitchen and cost about $8 -
$16 per tent, to staying in free camping grounds (maintained by
the local Lions or Rotary Club) which have toilets, drinking
water and often a picnic shelter, to wild camping in state
forest or National Parks, obtaining drinking water from
streams. If you wild camp then please take care when going to
the toilet that you bury your faeces at least 100 m from any
water. At present it is generally safe to drink from creeks and
rivers provided that you drink up-stream from camping areas
(where others may not have been as careful as you in their
sanitary habits). Tasmania is one of the few places left in the
world which does not have giardia ("Bali Belly") and where you
can still drink from rivers and creeks. Let's keep it that
way!
Rear
panniers (you should only need front panniers if you are
carrying camping gear), 
Other
tools in small pouch underneath bike seat:
This
477 km trail which traverses the state from Devonport to Dover
links forestry roads, fire trails, private roads and country
roads and is for the experienced MTB tourist. It winds its way
through the alpine heartland of the state and is definitely off
the tourist map. You will need a tent and all camping equipment
to do this one! A word of warning: parts of the trail are on
very rough, steep tracks or dirt roads that have been destroyed
by 4-wheel-drivers - especially the section south of Hobart.
What this means is that if you are heavily laden with panniers
you will have to push your bike for much of the trail from
Hobart to Dover and cycling will be slow and difficult.
Mountain bikers have been cycling the trail either as a series
of day trips or using a support vehicle. Ken White has recently
published a book, "Cycle
the Tasmanian Trail", where
he describes cycle touring the section of the Tasmanian Trail
from Devonport to Hobart. However, there are some inaccuracies
in his route descriptions which take the rider onto private
property and off the official trail.