Cycle & Walk, Tasmania

For SINGLE TRAVELLERS 35 years and over
30 January - 5 February 2010 (7 days)

Itinerary

What You Carry

For all day walks at Freycinet Peninsular and Maria Island you will be required to carry a day pack containing water, wet weather clothing, camera and a snack. We recommend its capacity to be between 25 and 40 Litres and it should weigh no more than 5- 7 kg once packed.

During your days of cycling all you will need with you should fit into the handle bar bag we provide on the bike and your water bottle attaches to the bike also.

Group Size

This is small group touring and there are only 10 places on this trip. It's peak season, please book early to ensure a place.

Download Detailed Trip Notes

Day 1. Distance up to maximum 63km            

Time approx 8hrs cycling

Overnight: Ben Lomond

If you are staying at the group hotel, today you will be picked up from your accommodation between 8.00am and 8:30am and transferred to a pre-departure briefing at The Arthouse Hostel in Launceston beginning at 9am. Your guides will present a general overview of the trip, conduct a gear check and provide the opportunity to hire/borrow any equipment/clothing that you may need. After loading the bus and setting up our bikes we cycle from Launceston through the rolling countryside to the historic town of Evandale.

After a delicious picnic lunch beneath the shade of the grand old Oaks, we continue south following the Macquarie River and passing the beautiful estate & gardens of Clarendon House. We continue riding through the grazing country of the Fingal Valley where we will enjoy views of Ben Lomond National Park and Tasmania’s second highest peak.

Day 2. Distance up to maximum 77km         
Time approx 8hrs cycling

Overnight:  Bicheno

Wonderful cycling opportunities continue as we journey further up the Fingal Valley & through the Eucalypt forests of the North East. Today’s highlight is an exhilarating ride over the spectacular and steep St Mary’s Pass down to the east coast with its dazzling aqua blue water and pure white sandy beaches.   We spend the afternoon cycling south along the coastline to the seaside fishing town of Bicheno.

Day 3. Distance up to maximum 55km (plus Wineglass Bay walk)  

Time approx 8hrs activity

Overnight:  Bicheno                                        

Today’s destination is the Freycinet Peninsular National Park.  We will cycle from Bicheno into the busy tourist hub of Coles Bay, a fast growing seaside town in a spectacular setting.  We will head straight into the National Park and explore the natural beauty of the area.  We will walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout where we have spectacular view of the beach below and the pink granite rocks of The Hazards Mountain Range.  Continuing on down to the beach is optional for the group – perhaps a great opportunity for a refreshing swim!   At the end of our day in the National Park we will return by vehicle to Bicheno.

Day 4. Distance up to maximum 70km  
Time 8hrs

Overnight:  Orford/Triabunna

This morning we continue our ride south enjoying the spectacular scenery of Tasmania’s coastline and our first glimpse of Maria Island National Park.  We finish today’s ride at Triabunna a small port town and also our gateway to tomorrow’s destination – Maria Island. 

Day 5 & 6. Maria Island NP

Overnight:  Maria Island - Camping

Today we catch the ferry to the secluded Maria Island National Park. Over the next two days we spend our time exploring Maria Island, taking in its vast history and the natural wonders scattered all over the island on foot and by bike. We will see the unusual sandstone formations of the painted cliffs and visit Aboriginal middens. In the south of the island we will see the beautiful pristine beaches of Chinaman’s Bay and the isthmus. You will also have the option of climbing either Bishop and Clerk Mountain or the amazing Mount Maria, the tallest mountain on the island which has a mini alpine area of vegetation right at its summit; this is extremely rare in coastal regions.  

The fascinating history of the island is as diverse and substantial as its wildlife. This industrial history includes everything from vineyards to cement works but the most interesting is the convict history. There are many ruins from penal days including cell blocks, commandant’s cottages and windmill sites.

Day 7. Distance-30-50km max                  

Time-approx 8hrs

Today we leave Maria Island on the morning ferry.  We rejoin our vehicle and head to Hobart.  On arrival, we will drive to the 1270 metre summit of Mt Wellington where you will be provided with fantastic views of the lower Derwent River system, Hobart and its surrounds. Distant ports such as the Tasman Peninsula, far away Precipitous Bluff and many peaks of the wonderful South West are also visible in clear weather.

After lunch we enjoy an exhilarating ride all the way down the mountain and into Hobart where your trip will conclude. Your guides will drop you off at your accommodation (arranged by you) in Hobart at approx 5pm.