GIROTASMANIA!A cycle tour around the Apple Isle
GIROTASMANIA!Helen Beggs and Brad Phillips
Last updated: 15 February, 1999
Contact:Helen.Beggs@marine.csiro.au
Australia's island state ofTasmania is ideal for cycle touring. It has a temperate climate andloads of contrasts, from white, deserted beaches, to rugged mountainsand rainforests, wild rivers, and historic villages. More than 20% ofthe state is National Park and much of that is listed as WorldHeritage.
If you have at least three weeks tospend in Tassie then have a look at our detailed guide to theGiroTasmania which is anindependent cycling tour right around the state, taking in many ofTasmania's highlights. This tour is nearly entirely on sealed roadsand we list both the camping and cheapest non-camping accomodationoptions. An alternative to the Giro Tasmania is the newly opened
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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 takeyou right around Tasmania on nearly all sealed roads, taking in mostof the favourite tourist sites as well as some less well-known beautyspots. If you have a little more time (up to 7 days), then have alook at the recommended side trips off theGiro route (marked on the map in yellow). These side trips aredescribed in detail at the end of the main Giro text.
(Webmaster's note:- If you are usingNetscape 2.0 or higher, or Explorer 2.0 or higher, the map below willwork as a "client-side" image map. Simply click on the red or yellowroad lines to go to information about that section of theGiro)
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 fromLaunceston in the north of the state orDevonport, 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.
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 toHelen.Beggs@marine.csiro.au.
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 then it will appear down the shute onto the luggage carousel, but if you flew Ansett 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 New Town 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 (seeBike 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) 6227 9516 or (03) 6239 1080, and ask for Graham Mitchell. Brakeout Cycling Tours can supply bikes from the basic 18sp 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 a 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 aroundthe historic homes of Battery Point then head up Davey Street to thepanoramic view from the top of Mt Wellington (1270 m high). SalamancaMarket down on the docks each Saturday (8 am - 3 pm) is a must-seefor every visitor and a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts.Just opened, in Salamanca Place, Battery Point, is the "AntarcticAdventure", a cross between a science museum and the ChristchurchAntarctic Centre - very "hands on". There are tours of Australia'soldest brewery (Cascade Brewery) and the Cadbury's chocolate factory(a must for chocoholics!). For a good meal either head to the docksfor fresh fish and seafood, the trendy cafes in Salamanca Place orhead up Elizabeth Street to North Hobart and the "restaurantdistrict".
This is the shake-down day when you get used to the idea ofcycling with all that gear! A pleasant cycle through farms and forestto the historic tourist village of Richmond. Keep an eye out for theostrich farm a few kilometres 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, leftat Bellevue Pde, right towards the train line and onto the cycle pathwhich runs along the train line. From the bike path turn right downElwick Rd (after showgrounds - not sign-posted) and head towards theElwick Race Course along Goodwood Rd. There is a bike path across theBowen Bridge. After the bridge, head towards Risdonvale along the B32road. Take the attractive and quiet C324 to Richmond. You'llexperience a continuous, easily-graded climb through forest and farmsto the top of Grasstree Hill (200 m) followed by a nice descentthrough bush to the Coal River Valley. Turn left into the B31 toRichmond. Just before the town there is awell-marked turn-off to a camping ground (picnic shelters, swimmingpool, trees, shop). There are public toilets in the town centre,small supermarket (7am - 7pm, EFTPOS), post office, pub, and a bakeryand range of tearooms and restaurants.
Camp at Richmond Cabin & Tourist Park, Middle Tea TreeRd, (1 km W of PO), Ph: (03) 6260 2192 (covered cooking areas, picnicshelters, trees, indoor swimming pool, tennis court).
This is a scenic ride along smooth sealed roads, but unfortunatelyyou'll be sharing the A3 with logtrucks. Take special care between Buckland and Orford where thereis no shoulder in parts and the road is very narrow. One way to avoidthis section is to take the very scenic side trip toPort Arthur which will add an extra 2 days ontoyour trip. Alternatively, cycle the Buckland - Orford section on aSunday, when there are the least number of log trucks, if any.
From Richmond take the B31 north 5 km then turn right onto theC350 until you reach the A3. The hills along this section to Bucklandare Black Charlie's Opening (296 m), Bust-Me-Gall Hill (336 m) andBreak-Me-Neck Hill. Buckland (at 40 km) is the first chance to buyfood/drink since Richmond, so you may wish to carry a cut lunch andplenty of water. Buckland has an Inn, grocery store, takeaway foodshop and public toilets next to the hall. Continue along the A3 toOrford, watching out for the log trucks. Orford is a pretty town withplenty of food shops, take-aways, a pub, post office and publictoilets. The nicest place to camp is at Raspins Beach (1.5 km alongthe A3 north of the Orford bridge), which has a stunning view acrossto Maria Island. Contact Raspins Beach Camping Park, EastCoast Highway, Orford Ph: (03) 6257 1771. Alternatively, stay at theTriabunna YHA (8km north of Orford).
Side Trip to Port Arthur: Adetour to Port Arthur (extra 118 km) to explore the beautiful TasmanPeninsular and the historic convict prison will take you an extra twodays. Click here for moreinformation.
From Orford, continue along the A3 to Triabunna (8 km).Triabunna is a larger town than Orford and has a large supermarket(9:30am - 6:30pm, EFTPOS), post office and a Westpac Bank branch at17 Vicary St. It also has a quaint YHA in an old timber farmhouse. Toget to the youth hostel, follow the black and white painted signs onthe power poles from the main drag. Continue along the A3 throughundulating farmland to Little Swanport (29 km) (no shops or drinkingwater), where you can stop for lunch at the Little Swanport RiverBridge (pit toilet). The road then hugs the coast with spectacularviews most of the way to Swansea.Swansea is a charming, historic seaside town andhas accomodation, supermarket, restaurants and a post office.
Camp at Swansea Caravan Park, Shaw St (northern side ofSwansea), Ph: (03) 6257 8177, or stay at Swansea YHA Hostel, 5Franklin St, Swansea 7190, Ph: (03) 6257 8367. You can also camp atMayfield Beach (42 km from Orford), off the A3, but there is nodrinking water.
Side Trip to Maria Island:Catch the ferry from Louisville (NE of Orford) to beautifulMaria Island, where you can camp at the campingground or stay in convict cells! Clickhere for more information.
Cycle north along the A3 to Cranbrook (16 km) (no shops) throughundulating 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 toBicheno, sun capital of Tasmania and home to afairy penguin rookery and a beautiful beach and foreshore. There arekeycard facilities at the post office, and a variety of shops andrestaurants.
Camp at Bicheno Cabin and Tourist Park, Champ St, Ph: (03)6375 1117, or stay at Bicheno YHA, Tasman Hwy (3 km north ofBicheno), Ph: (03) 6375 1293.
Side Trip to Coles Bay: Highlyreccomended is the detour to Coles Bay (extra 20 km) to explore thestunning Freycinet National Park, and will take you at leastone extra day. Click here for moreinformation.
This has to be one of themost breathtaking rides in Australia! The route along the A3 hugssparkling white and turquoise blue deserted beaches all the way to StHelens. Start early in the morning and carry a cut lunch and plentyof 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 (7km)which has Tasmanian Devils. The nondescript seaside town of Scamander(58 km) has public toilets, drinking water, supermarket with EFTPOS,accomodation and caravan park.St Helens is a popular resort/fishing town withmagnificent coastal scenery and unspoilt beaches. There is a cashcardmachine, Westpac Bank branch and Trust Bank branch at 18 CeciliaStreet, shops, restaurants and accomodation.
Camp at St Helens Caravan Park, Penelope St, (1.5 km S ofPO), Ph: (03) 6376 1290, or stay at St Helens YHAHostel, 5 Cameron St, St Helens 7216, Ph: (03) 6376 1661.
A hilly ride along the A3 through spectacular stands of rainforestand over Weldborough Pass (600 m). Watch out for log trucks. TheWeldborough Pass Rainforest Walk (10 minute circuit) is well worth alook. Weldborough (47 km) is a rather quaint near-ghost town, once abustling centre for tin-mining. Lunch and dinner may be obtained atthe Weldborough Hotel, which calls itself (tongue-in-cheek)the 'Worst Little Pub in Tassie', and also provides reasonably pricedaccomodation, Ph: (03) 6354 2223, or very cheap tentsites in theadjoining Weldborough Camping Ground. If you can manageanother 200 m climb and don't wish to camp, then continue another 21km along the A3 down a long, thrilling descent through morerainforest, followed by a climb to the very pretty, historic tinmining town of Derby (museum, meals, general store, post office,public toilets).
Stay at the Dorset Hotel, Main St, Derby, Ph: (03) 63542360. Unfortunately, there are no provisions for camping in Derby,but one can wild camp in the forest after Weldborough (carry water).
A surprisingly hilly ride today along the A3 and B81, so a goodidea to start the day early. Branxholm (7 km) has a camping ground(enquire at Post Office), but you can't drink the tap water withoutboiling it first. The A3 continues through undulating farmland toScottsdale (31 km) (accomodation and meals at Lords Hotel, publictoilets, shops, restaurants, post office). Scottsdale has a pleasant,small camping ground adjacent to a birdlife reserve. If you stayed atWeldborough the previous night then this would be a good place tocamp. From Scottsdale take the B81 to Lilydale Falls and stop off atClover Hill winery along the way to sample their excellent champagne(wine tastings daily 10am to 5pm).
Camp at the picnic area/tents-only camping ground at LilydaleFalls Reserve (2 km north of Lilydale), or stay at Falls Farm(BB), 231 Golconda Rd, Lilydale (100m south of Lilydale FallsReserve), Ph: (03) 6395 1598. If you are planning to camp at LilydaleFalls then stock up with food at Scottsdale. There are toilets,picnic shelters, tables and drinking water in the reserve. This is aparticularly lovely, peaceful place to camp and highlyreccomended.
Cycle 2km along the B81 to Lilydale (supermarket open 7am - 7pmdaily) and continue through attractive, hilly forest to Rocherlea (21km). From Rocherlea follow the A8 into the centre of Launceston (30km).
Camp at the Treasure Island Caravan Park, 94 Glen Dhu St,South Launceston (2 km S of PO), Ph: (03) 6344 2600, or stay atLaunceston 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 toGlen Dhu St (and also Thistle St) from the A7 take Margaret St southto Frankland St and turn right. Turn left into Connaught Crescent andcontinue to Glen Dhu St. Thistle street runs off Glen Dhu Street.
Alternatively, continue right through Launceston to Deloraine (along day but relatively flat cycling after Launceston).
FromLaunceston, take Hwy 1 south-west and take the turn-off to Hadspen(14 km) (Caravan Park) along the old Bass Highway, B54. Continuethrough Carrick (20 km) (meals, accomodation) then rejoin Hwy 1before Hadley (30 km) (meals, toilets, shops). Hwy 1 is narrow andbusy through Westbury (35 km) (bakery, toilets, shops, accomodation)but about 5 km west of the town you can rejoin the B54 and escape thetraffic by taking the turn-off to Exton. The rest of the cycle isvery pleasant, passing through attractive farmland along the B54 toDeloraine (bank, supermarket, shops, meals, accomodation).
Camp at the Deloraine Apex Club Caravan and Camping Park (followsigns from the bridge) or stay at the Deloraine Backpackers Hostel,24 Bass Hwy, Ph: (03) 6362 3408.
Head out of Deloraine along the B12 to Mole Creek (27 km). At theTrowunna Wildlife Park (600m off the B12 about 4 km before MoleCreek) you can see koalas, Tasmanian Devils, wombats and wallabies.Keep an eye out for their giant wooden Tassie Devil by the side ofthe 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, orstay at the Mole Creek Hotel, Main Road, Mole Creek 7304, Ph: (03)6363 1102.
Meals are available at the Mole Creek Hotel. From Mole Creekcontinue along the B12 for 4 km to Sassafras Creek (Mole CreekCamping Ground) and take the C137 turn-off north over the Gog range(a steep little hill) to the aptly named village of Paradise. Aremarkably beautiful cycle over the Gog Range and around Mt Roland.Turn South along the C136 to the old Hydro-electric village of GowriePark, set amidst towering mountains and forests. Even if you choosenot to stay in Gowrie Park, don't miss the chance to have a meal orafternoon tea at Weindorfer's Restaurant, a family run restaurant ina traditional Tasmanian shingle homestead serving inexpensive gourmetTasmanian food. The food and scenery is so good you may be tempted tostay in their backpackers hostel or cabins. The accomodation is alsomuch cheaper (and quieter) than Cradle Mountain.
Camp at Gowrie Park Camping Ground, on the C136, (largepicnic shelter, toilets, drinking water, trees, no showers) or stayat the Weindorfer's Backpackers Hostel, Claude Road, GowriePark (follow signs from the C136), Ph: (03) 6491 1385.
A steep but very scenic and rewarding ride up through rainforestand alpine scrub into the "high country". Give yourself plenty oftime, as you'll be gaining a lot of height.
From Gowrie Park you will have a thrilling hair-pin descent downthe C136 to the Cethana Dam, but then a gruelling climb up the otherside of the valley to Moina (14 km) (accomodation, cafe, limitedgroceries). From Moina, head south along the C132, through adesolate, alpine wasteland, and follow the signs toCradle Mountain National Park. Groceries may beobtained from the general store at the Pencil Pine township at thegates to the park.
Camp at the Parks and Wildlife Campground Ph: (03) 6492 1133 or atCradle Mountain Campgrounds, Cradle Valley, Ph: (03) 64921303. Bookings recommended over summer and Easter period.Accomodation is available in bunkhouses and cabins at the CradleMountain Campgrounds.
Side Trip to Dove Lake: Aftercycling 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 dayexploring this rugged World Heritage Area on foot. Clickhere for more information.
Aspectacular ride today through alpine moors then alpine forest ofcelery top pine and myrtle, with only one small hill from which thereis a breathtaking view of Cradle Mountain and Mt Pelion. The rest ofthe cycle is gently undulating or downhill. There are no shops orsources of drinking water for the first 54 km so make sure you carryplenty of water and lunch.
From Cradle Mountain head west along the C132 and then south alongthe A10 to Tullah (54 km) (cafe, takeaway, some groceries, toilets,pub, accomodation, wild camping by river). After Tullah, the A10climbs for 4 km through beautiful rainforest to the top of Mt Black,followed by a thrilling descent to
Camp at Roseberry Caravan Park, Park Road, Ph: (03) 64731366, (great picnic shelter!)or you can stay in one of their cabinsor hostel. Alternatively, stay at Mt Black Lodge Hostel,Hospital Road, Ph: (03) 6473 1247.
The first 20 km are rather hilly but through pretty rainforest,followed by a long, flat or gently downhill run through button grassplains and coastal scrub.
From Roseberry continue south-west along the A10 and take the B27to Zeehan (30 km) (post office, takeaways,accomodation, caravan park, toilets, shops) - a good place to stopfor lunch and to have a look at their excellent mining museum. Thereis a bike shop in Zeehan (Zeehan Sportzplay, 135 Main St, Ph: (03)6471 5080.) Continue along the B27 the 42 km toStrahan (post office, toilets, supermarket, bakery,restaurants, pub, accomodation). Strahan is a cosy little fishingvillage on Macquarie Harbour, steeped in the convict and pininghistory of the rugged West Coast. "Piners" used to row wooden boatsup through the rapids of the Gordon, Franklin and other rivers ofTasmania's South West wilderness, in their quest for the endemic HuonPine.
Camp at West Strahan Caravan Park, Esplanade, (1.5 km W ofPO), 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 theworld-famous Gordon River (fed by the Franklin River) in theTasmanian Wilderness Heritage Area. After travelling all that way toStrahan you really can't miss it. Clickhere for more information.
Although you will climb a total of about 700 m, thecycling is surprisingly easy due to well-graded roads making theclimbs long but comfortable, with prevailing westerly winds at yourback. 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 175km. Queenstown has the dubious distinction of being the onlyplace in the world which treasures its lack of trees, caused by thenoxious fumes of an earlier copper smelter. The starkly bare hillshave for many years been a tourist drawcard, but to the locals'horror, the trees are now growing back! Either stay in Queenstown orcontinue along the A10 the 23 km to Lake Burbury. About 3 km afterthe Lake Burbury bridge there is a picnic area sign, pointing along aroad to your left. This "picnic area" is an enormous grassy expanse,with lots of windbreaks of trees, on the banks of a large man-madelake, and is a beautiful, clean and peaceful place to camp. The hugepicnic shelter with tables and benches provides welcome shelter fromrain.
Camp at the picnic area on the eastern shore of Lake Burbury(toilets, drinking water, large picnic shelter, gas BBQs, noshowers). You will need to have stocked up with a couple of days offood in Queenstown. A wide range of accomodation is available inQueenstown. The cheapest is the Queenstown Cabin and Tourist ParkHostel, 17 Granton St (1 km PO), Ph: (03) 6471 1332, or Mountain ViewHoliday Lodge Hostel, 1 Penghana Rd, Queenstown, Ph: (03) 6471 1163.
You will climb 900 m today, so start early (especially if you arestaying in Queenstown). The day involves a ride along the A10 throughthe Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area over spectacularmountains, through magical rainforest and over wild rivers. Trafficis fairly light. If time permits, the following short walks from theA10 are highly recommended: Donaghey's Hill (45 minutes return walkfrom highway), Franklin River crossing (10 mins nature walk),Franklin River flying fox (10 mins walk along Frenchmans Cap WalkingTrack).
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 theFranklin River trips at Collingwood Bridge (27 km) (camping, pittoilet, drinking water from river). There is easy cycling until theFranklin River picnic area (41 km) (picnic table, drinking water fromriver). After the Franklin River, the A10 climbs steeply throughrainforest for 10 km with spectacular views of Surprise Valley and MtKing William. At the top are button grass plains and eucalypts - aflat 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 kmto 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/LakeSt Clair National Park, and is surrounded by rainforest andmountains. There is a camping ground at the end of the road, by thelake (hot showers, laundry), or you can stay in a cabin, Ph: (03)6289 1172 (Bookings essential). Alternatively, if you wish toskip Lake St Clair, then you can stay at Derwent Bridge WildernessHotel, Lyell Highway, Derwent Bridge 7140, (500 m NW of PO), Ph: (03)6289 1144, Fax: (03) 6289 1173. Meals are available at Derwent BridgeWilderness Hotel.
Side trip: Walks around LakeSt Clair World Heritage area (At least one extra day). Clickhere for more information.
Thereare prevailing westerly winds and a significant altitude loss, sorather an easier day's pedal than Day 15. From Derwent Bridge followthe A10 for 20 km, then take a short cut right along the C601 for 20km to avoid the steep hills around Tarraleah. This road is unsealedand sometimes rough and narrow but 11 km shorter than the hilly mainroad. Watch out for the odd truck. Continue on the A10 another 11 kmand take the turn-off to the immaculate, nearly desertedHydro-electric town of Wayatinah (food shop (9:30 am - 11:30 amdaily), tavern (4 pm - late)). Follow the signs to the campingground.
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 afree camping area just over the C608 bridge approximately 2 km fromthe turn-off with the A10 (93 km from Lake St Clair) (toilets,drinking water from lake). Ouse (76 km from Derwent Bridge) hasaccomodation 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.
Cycle back to the A10 and head to Ouse (25 km) for lunch. Ouse hasa hospital, post office, takeaways, supermarket, meals at LachlanHotel and public toilets. Continue along the A10 for 7 km and turnright onto the C608, a lovely quiet country road (but hilly!) whichwill take you through attractive farming country to the prettyvillage of Ellendale (45 km from Wayatinah). Ellendale hasself-contained accomodation at Hopfield Cottages (bookings essential- Ph: (03) 6288 1223), a post office, shop (open 9am to 5pm), publictoilets and a very nice picnic shelter by the creek with possiblecamping sites. Keep an eye out for the interesting, wooden oasthouses, used for drying hops. Another 10 km along the C608 is theturn-off to Westerway along the B61. Westerway has food shops - thereis a limited kiosk at Mt Field. Continue 7 km along the B61 toMtField National Park , one of Tasmania's most popular NationalParks. Home to the spectacular Russel Falls, the park boasts scenicrainforest, some of the world's tallest trees, deep mountain lakesand abundant tree ferns. Meals are available at the pub and there isa 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.
Head back along the B61 and continue through pretty hop farmingcountry to Bushy Park (18 km), which has a takeaway shop. From BushyPark, take the B62 (Glenora Road) through some stunning rural sceneryalong the Derwent River past the Salmon Ponds (29 km) (museum andrestaurant) to New Norfolk (38 km). Camping sites are available atthe New Norfolk Caravan Park, Esplanade, Ph: (03) 6261 1268, andcheap accomodation at the historic Bush Inn, 49 Montagu St, Ph: (03)6261 2011. The town has a wide range of shops (including a bike shopin Richmond St, Ph: (03) 6261 2201) and a National Bank ATM at 40High St. At New Norfolk cross over the bridge over the Derwent Riverand turn right onto the relatively quiet B10 to Bridgewater. Thisavoids the narrow and very busy A10. At Bridgewater, cross back overthe Derwent River along Hwy 1 to Granton. About 200 m past thecauseway, take the Granton/Austins Ferry turn-off and follow thebicycle signs. Take the Berriedale turn-off then the turn-off toGlenorchy. Continue along Main Road and turn left into K.G.V. Avenue.Continue to the railway line and turn right onto the concrete cyclepath which follows the railway line to the Queens Domain, close tothe city centre. To get to the Newtown YHA turn right from the cyclepath into Oldham Avenue, left into Park St and right into StokeStreet.
Camp at Treasure Island Caravan Park, Main Road, Berriedale(on Giro route, 14 km from GPO), Ph: (03) 6249 2379, or stay at YHAhostel "Adelphi Court", 17 Stoke St, New Town, Tas 7008, ph:(03) 6228 4829 (bookings essential) or at Transit CentreBackpackers, 199 Collins St, Hobart (city), Ph: (03) 6231 2400.
Richmond - Port Arthur (82 km), Port Arthur - Dunalley (41 km),Dunalley - Orford (50 km - including 29 km unsealed) At least twoextra days.
Port Arthur is Australia's best known historic penal settlement,dating back to the years of convict transportation. For theadventurous, there are Port Arthur Ghost Tours during the eveningscomplete with real ghosts! There are great coastal walks andnatural features, such as the Tasman Arch, Candlestick and RemarkableCaves. If you have the time, an extra day would be well-rewarded by acycling/walking tour of the Tasman Peninsular.
From Richmond take the C351 to the A3 and head south to Sorell (amajor town with banks and large shops). From Sorell, take the A9(unfortunately rather busy) toPort Arthur .
Camp the first night at the Port Arthur Caravan and CabinPark, Garden Point (1 km N of PO), (water frontage), Ph: (03)6250 2340, or stay at Roseview YHA Hostel (built 1890), ChampStreet, Port Arthur Tas 7182, Ph: (03) 6250 2311. Tickets to enterthe Port Arthur Site and for the Ghost Tour are available at thehostel.
On departing Port Arthur you might like to take the scenicroundabout route (extra 18 km) along the B37. Continue along the A9to Dunalley. There are no camping facilities at Dunalley but you canstay at Potters Croft B&B, Arthur Hwy (A9), (3 km NE ofPO), (water frontage), Ph: (03) 62535469 (meals by arrangement or youcan eat at the pub in Dunalley).
Next day, cycle north along the A9 to the C335 turn-off 1km afterCopping. Continue along the C335 (mostly unsealed) for 5 km and turnright onto the Wielangta Road to the Wielangta State Forest. The roadis a well-maintained dirt road and although a bit slow (andcorrugated in patches) is scenic and avoids the most dangeroussection of the A3. The Wielangta Road passes through the SandspitForest Reserve, which is set in a rare patch of relict rainforest setamidst the dry tall forest. North of the Sandspit Forest Reserve,take the C320 (which is mostly sealed) to see some lovely coastalscenery all the way to Orford. Once at Orford you are back on theGiro Tasmania route.
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 andtake the turnoff to Louisville. Catch the ferry with your bike toMaria Island .Maria Island is steeped in convict history and teeming with emus,wallabies and Cape Barren Geese. It is a national park and has nocars, electricity or shops. Once on the Island you can cycle along adirt road to a rough camping area at the southern end of the islandor camp close to the ferry terminal at Darlington Campsite, wherethere are toilets, drinking water, but no showers or hot water. Youcan also stay in the old penitentiary Units (bunkhouses) - bookingsessential, Ph: (03) 6257 1420 (for all island accomodation).
Swansea - Coles Bay (20 km), Coles Bay - Bicheno (38 km) : (Atleast one extra day).
Head back north along the A3 about 4 km and turn right onto theNine Mile Beach Road. There is a small ferry (a dinghy!) which willcan take cyclists across the narrow Swan River. You must phone(03) 6257 0239 to book the ferry in advance and it is best to phonethe ferryman, Kirk, on the day to confirm that he's going to bethere. Tim, a cyclist from the UK, writes: "The ferry across the SwanRiver was an experience in itself - and well worth it at $10(inclusive of bicyle)". The day Brad and I cycled north from Swanseait was blowing a gale and discretion overcame my keen desire to tryout this interesting mode of cycle transport.
Cycle south along the C302 the few kilometres to Coles Bay, whichhas shops and restaurants. Another kilometre brings you to the gatesof FreycinetNational Park . Freycinet National Park has some of the moststunning coastal scenery in Tasmania, friendly wallabies and a great2 hours return 9 km walk to beautiful Wineglass Bay.
Camp at Freycinet National Park Camping Ground (waterfrontage), (1 km W of PO), Ph: (03) 6257 0107. Accomodation isavailable at Iluka Backpackers YHA Hostel, Esplanade, ColesBay, Tas 7215, Ph: (03) 6257 0115 or Fax: (03) 6257 0384.
Walking: (At least one extra day).
There are lots of great day walks to do around theCradleMountain/Dove Lake area. These can all be started from the DoveLake carpark. You'll need a good raincoat , warm clothes (be preparedfor snow/sleet!), sturdy walking boots and a day pack. Fromthe camping ground at Cradle Valley, cycle 11 km south along the C132to the Dove Lake car park, where you'll have to leave your bike.Along the way, visit the Visitor Centre, short nature walks and theWaldheim museum.
Day walks from Dove Lake car park:
One extra day.
All day cruise up the world-famousGordon River(fed by the Franklin River) in the Tasmanian Wilderness Heritage Area- bookings essentail. Phone World Heritage Cruises, Strahan,(03) 6471 7174.
Walking (One extra day).
From the camping ground at the southern end of Lake St Clair thereare numerous day walks, but you'll need a good raincoat, warmclothes, a day pack and walking shoes. Enquire at the Ranger Stationabout day walks. Alternatively, you could catch the shuttle boat fromthe jetty near the camping area to Narcissus Bay on the northernshore of the lake and walk back to the camping ground along a trackthrough the rainforest (3+ hours, easy).
For more information on cycle touring in Tasmania, I recommend theexcellent book "Bicycling Tasmania" by Ian Terry and RobBeedham, pub. Nugara Guides, GPO Box 887, Hobart Tasmania 7001 (1sted. 1991, 2nd ed. 1993).
A more detailed cycle touring book which contains both 1-9 daytouring bike trips and off the beaten track mountain bike routes is"Cycling the Bush - 100 Rides in Tasmania" by Sven Klinge,pub. Hill Of Content, Melbourne (1993).
A useful guide book forMTBers contemplating tackling theTasmanian Trail is Ken White's"Cycle the Tasmanian Trail", Blanche Publications, 85A YorkSt, Sandy Bay, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7005 (1997). Orderinginformation is available from his web site athttp://www.tassie.net.au/~kwhite.
In Australia, the "Tasmanian Trail" official guide book maybe bought from "The Wilderness Shop" in any capital city or mostoutdoor equipment shops and many bookshops.
In Tasmania, it may be obtained in most outdoor equipment shops.
A good general guidebook to Tasmania is the "Tasmania - aLonely Planet Australia Guide" by John Chapman and MonicaChapman, published by Lonely Planet Publications, Melbourne,Australia (1996).
For information on towns and tourist attractions in Tasmania havea look at the excellent web sitehttp://www.focusontas.edu.au/.
The free newspaper "Tasmanian Travelways", publishedbi-monthly, is available from Tasmanian Travel Centres in all statesof Australia. Tasmanian Travelways contains currentinformation on travelling to and from the state, internal publictransport, accomodation of all kinds, restaurants, guided tours,adventure pursuits and other visitor activities and attractions. TheTravelways internet site ishttp://www.travelways.com.au.
The best time of the year to cycle Tasmania is January to Marchwhen the days are long and the weather is warm and generally drierthan in the spring when it can be very changeable and windy. Peaktourist times are Christmas to the end of January and during Easter.It is important to book the ferry or flight early if you intendtravelling around these times. However, even during peak season thestate never feels crowded or the roads busy. After all, Tasmania onlyhas a population of half a million people in an area roughly the sizeof Ireland.
Sea: The Spirit of Tasmania ferry operates betweenMelbourne and Devonport. Schedules are published inTasmanianTravelways or can be obtained from any travel agent. Bicyclescan be wheeled onto the ship.
Air: It is easy to fly from mainland centres to Hobart orLaunceston, and the return fare may be often able to be absorbed intothe price of an international ticket (check with your travel agent).The cheapest return flight from Melbourne to Hobart is over $A200 soit is worth trying to get it as a free side trip with yourinternational ticket. Bicycles can normally accompany cyclists on thesame flight on which they are travelling, but it is always wise tocheck beforehand with the airline and also check if they require thebike to be boxed. The airlines require the rest of your baggage tobe contained in one single bag. This means taking some of your gearon as hand luggage and packing the rest of your panniers into onelarge bag such as a Chinese nylon stripey bag (generally costs about$5 from budget stores). A cardboard bicycle box may be obtained freefrom any bike shop along with packaging. Boxes are the safest way totransport bicycles by air but you will need to spend some timedismantling and packing your bike.
"Uncrated bikes should have pedals removed, saddle lowered,handlebars turned parallel to the frame and tyres semi-deflated.Panniers should be removed and may be strapped together to form asingle piece of luggage (or transported inside a cheap nylonbag). Most airlines take no responsibility for damage to uncratedbicycles. For those who wish to crate their bike most bicycle shopscan provide an empty carton." - Bicycling Tasmania.
There are no passenger trains in Tasmania, but there is a networkof bus services around the State, although weekend services to manyareas are limited. Full details can be found inTasmanian Travelways. If you are stuck on a main road around Tasmania and need analternative mode of transport to cycling then you can phone thefollowing bus companies:
Tasmania has a temperate maritime climate and experiencesunpredictable and rapid changes in weather, particularly in thewestern half. Snow often falls on the higher mountains, even inmidsummer. Generally the best of summer is between January and March,with the coldest and wettest weather between June and August. It canbe windy thoughout the year with early autumn usually enjoying thecalmest days.
"Summer days are longer than on mainland Australia allowing moretime for cycling, sightseeing and setting up camp. In midsummer(December 21) there is cyclable light between 5:30 am and 9:30 pm. Ofcourse, midwinter days are very short, with usable light between 7:45am and 4:30 pm." - Bicycling Tasmania.
You will need to obtain a road touring map such as the RACTTouring Map of Tasmania (which shows camping grounds and touristspots) and/or the 1:250000 maps of Tasmania published by Hobart LandInformation Bureau (which show contours and more of the minor roads).There is an excellent shop for maps in Hobart, Tasmanian Map Centre,96 Elizabeth St, or you could contact the Land Information Bureau,GPO Box 44A, Hobart Tas 7001, Ph: (03) 6233 3382, Fax: (03) 62332158.
You can also have a look atmaps ofTasmania .
I have listed camping grounds, caravan parks and youth hostels inthe text of the Giro Tasmania, along with the cheapest otheraccomodation options. However, if you are prepared to spend upwardsof $70/night for a double room then there are a wide range ofexcellent bed and breakfasts all over the state which are good valuefor money. You can pick up a free guide to accomodation in Tasmanian(TasmanianTravelways) from the Tasmanian Visitor Information Centre, 20Davey St, Hobart Tas 7000, Ph: (03) 6230 8233, and they can also makereservations. Youth Hostels may be booked by writing to YHA Tasmania,GPO Box 174, Hobart Tas 7001, or your local YHA office can make thebookings for you for a small fee.Clickhere for more accomodation and bookings or enquiries.
If youare willing to carry camping equipment on your cycle tour then youwill be much more flexible, save money, not have to book ahead, andbe able to camp in some really lovely places. There are a range ofcamping options, from staying at Caravan Parks or Camping Grounds,which have hot showers, generally a laundry, and sometimes a camperskitchen and cost about $8 - $16 per tent, to staying in free campinggrounds (maintained by the local Lions or Rotary Club) which havetoilets, drinking water and often a picnic shelter, to wild campingin state forest or National Parks, obtaining drinking water fromstreams. If you wild camp then please take care when going to thetoilet that you bury your faeces at least 100 m from any water. Atpresent it is generally safe to drink from creeks and rivers providedthat you drink up-stream from camping areas (where others may nothave been as careful as you in their sanitary habits). Tasmania isone 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!
Away from the major centres in Tasmania - Hobart, Launceston,Devonport and Burnie - you may have trouble finding an automaticteller machine (ATM) or a bank which is open. Nearly every smalltown, however, has a post office, and these are agents for theCommonwealth Bank and will cash traveller's cheques and provide cashadvances on credit cards. Banks will also provide this service. Mostsupermarkets in country centres have EFTPOS facilities and may allowyou to withdraw cash when making a purchase with your ATM card.
Along the Giro route I have listed the banks, ATMs, shops withEFTPOS and post offices. Many of the ATMs (e.g. Commonwealth Bank andWestpac) are connected to Cirrus, which means that if your ATM cardhas a Cirrus symbol on it then you can withdraw money direct fromyour bank account back home (anywhere in the world). Check with yourbank.
Cycling helmets are compulsory in Australia and bicycles are notallowed on footpaths. Traffic drives on the left hand side of theroad and a bicycle must be ridden in accordance with normal roadrules. Cyclists may now ride two abreast but this is not recommendedas country roads are narrow, winding, and Tasmanian motorists aregenerally not bicycle aware.
Cycle very defensively in Tasmania - and don't expect the driversto use their indicators! Tasmanian drivers are not as polite tocyclists as European drivers, and will try very hard to overtake youwithout having to cross lanes.
Large trucks carrying logs are the major concern of cycliststouring in Tasmania. Log trucks can be expected on nearly any road inthe state. "Use caution with log trucks, especially on narrow, highspeed roads or gravel roads, or if a truck is about to pass withanother vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. Always beready to pull over and wait if you feel it's unsafe." - BicyclingTasmania. Many of the roads in Tassie are so narrow and windingthat it is wise to get off the road completely if you see or hear alog truck approaching either from in front or behind.
"Some bridges in Tasmania are built with wooden planks runningparallel to the direction of travel. The gap between planks can trapa bicycle wheel resulting in nasty falls and extensive damage to thebike." - Bicycling Tasmania. Be prepared to stop and walk thebike across, if necessary.
Always lock your bike securely, even in country areas, and even ifyou are sleeping by it or have just popped into a shop to buysomething. Don't leave valuables on your bike.
Swimming: Although this isn't exactly a cycling hazard it isimportant to stress the dangers in swimming at deserted beachesaround Tasmania. The water, even in the middle of summer, is verycold and there are commonly dangerous currents which will carry youout into the Southern Ocean. Never swim out of your depth.
Rear panniers (you should only need front panniers if you are carrying camping gear),
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If possible, steer towards synthetic, light-weight and fast dryingfabrics such as chlorofibre and polarfleece, and away from cotton,which is heavy, has very little thermal insulation when wet, andtakes days to dry. Bear in mind that it can be wet, windy and evensnowing in the Tasmanian high country in summer. You can leave your"good" clothing behind in the youth hostel and just take yourpractical clothing on the Giro. Tasmania is a pretty informal place.
The following list is appropriate for a Tasmanian summer, withextra clothing for the rest of the year added in italics:
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Hobart:
Sorell:
Launceston:
Devonport:
Zeehan:
New Norfolk:
This477 km trail which traverses the state from Devonport to Dover linksforestry roads, fire trails, private roads and country roads and isfor the experienced MTB tourist. It winds its way through the alpineheartland of the state and is definitely off the tourist map. Youwill need a tent and all camping equipment to do this one! A word ofwarning: parts of the trail are on very rough, steep tracks or dirtroads that have been destroyed by 4-wheel-drivers - especially thesection south of Hobart. What this means is that if you are heavilyladen with panniers you will have to push your bike for much of thetrail from Hobart to Dover and cycling will be slow and difficult.Mountain bikers have been cycling the trail either as a series of daytrips or using a support vehicle. Ken White has recently published abook, "Cycle the TasmanianTrail", where he describes cycle touring the section of theTasmanian Trail from Devonport to Hobart. However, there are someinaccuracies in his route descriptions which take the rider ontoprivate property and off the official trail.
In Australia, the "Tasmanian Trail" official guide book maybe bought from "The Wilderness Shop" in any capital city or mostoutdoor equipment shops.
For more information on cycling the Tasmanian Trail check out KenWhite's web site athttp://www.tassie.net.au/~kwhite.
Other tools in small pouch underneath bike seat: