trip
NEW Trip 2023Manaslu Circuit & Base Camp TrekView Trip Details

6 Days$1590USD

Activities
  • 3 Days Cycling
  • 1 day exploring Freycinet National Park
  • 1 day exploring Maria Island National Park
Accommodation
  • 5 nights accommodation
Meals
4
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Trip highlights


  • Enjoy the independence of self guided cycling with all of the logistics taken care of for you
  • Cycle along stretches of beautiful coastline past Bicheno and other small fishing villages
  • Enjoy a full day to explore Freycinet National Park - with options to join a kayaking tour or embark on many of the walks the Peninsular has to offer
  • Cycle to isolated beaches on Maria Island or explore the walks by foot
  • Stop in at vineyards and berry farms to taste some gourmet local food

Tasmania's East Coast offers access to some of the best experiences on offer on the island state and for experienced cyclists there are few better ways to take in all the highlights than by travelling by bike at your own pace on this well crafted self guided itinerary. After a thorough briefing from our guides in Launceston, you will be transported to the seaside fishing village of St Helens to begin your adventure down the east coast. Cycling south you can take in the spectacular coastal scenery en route to picturesque Bicheno and Coles Bay, the gateway to the Freycinet National Park. In Freycinet there is time to explore this special part of the East Coast by taking in some walks or kayaking on the azure waters. The highlights keep rolling on as you continue with time on Maria Island, where you can discover remnants of Tasmania's convict past and the island's extraordinary beauty on foot or a 22km circuit ride. Got more time? Ask about our 8 day itinerary that also includes the historical towns of Derby & Weldborough before hitting St Helens on the east coast.

Trip Code: SSC

After meeting with our team this morning to collect your gear at 7.30am at our Launceston office, you will set out today with the sun on your back and the wind in your hair. The cycling today is relatively easy as you follow the glorious coastline, stopping at your leisure at the numerous little bays and uncrowded, wide sandy beaches for which the area is renowned. Passing through the seaside town of Scamander you will likely see locals fishing for bream from the bridge and you can stop for a drink or just to take in the serenity. Past Scamander is Henderson’s lagoon, a treat for bird watchers and with over seven kilometres of well marked trails. Further down the coast you can visit the sensationally situated Iron House Brewery where you can enjoy a light lunch and tastings of different beers made with local spring water. Moving on you pass through the Chain of Lagoons before choosing whether to take the unsealed Rosedale Road to visit the magnificent waterhole at Douglas Apsley National Park, or continuing on along the coast road for the final 3km of the day's ride to arrive at Bicheno by the Bay, your accommodation for the evening. Cycle distance: 77km Estimated cycle times: 6 hours 30 minutes **Note: the road out of St Helens, at times, has no shoulder. You should wear bright clothing, follow the road rules at all times and ride single file.

Meals:  Nil

Today provides a change of pace with a shorter ride along the coast before reaching Coles Bay - the gateway to the world famous Freycinet National Park home of the incomparable Wineglass bay. Once in Coles Bay you have the rest of the afternoon and the whole day tomorrow to explore this magical place. You may like to chose from an extensive array of beautiful walks the park has to offer, simply take it easy on the beach or book yourself in for a kayaking session on the crystal clear waters of the Oyster Bay with the multi award winning Freycinet Adventures kayak company. Tonight you can relax in your accommodation at the Iluka Holiday Park or take a short stroll down to the Coles Bay pub for your evening meal. You could also visit Tombolo gourmet pizza restaurant, or even take some cheese and olives down to the beach for a peaceful and scenic waterfront dinner. Cycle Distance: 43km Estimated cycle times: 3 hrs Walking times: Varies depending on what you chose to do

Meals:  Nil

Today you have the luxury of enjoying what the Freycinet Peninsula has to offer. Climbing the challenging Mt Amos will give you extensive views over the Peninsula and the famous Wineglass Bay. For something less strenuous you may chose to walk up to the Wineglass Bay lookout for the view. Keen to swim in the world renouned bay? You can walk right down to the beach itself and take a dip in the crystal clear water. If walking isn't your thing - you can opt for a kayaking tour with the award winning kayaking company Freycinet Adventures. There are many things to do while in Freycinet - we suggest you do some research so you can make the most of your time and tick off the activities you are really keen to do! Cycle/Walking distance: varies depending on what you chose to do

Meals:  Nil

Early this morning make your way to the Swanwick Boat Ramp, a 20 minute cycle from your accommodation. An 8am water taxi will see you being shuttled across the bay to Dolphin Sands to continue your cycling journey Once across the bay you will be rewarded with view after stunning view of our unspoilt coastline. You may like to stop in at one of the numerous sandy beaches and sheltered rocky coves that are dotted along the coast. Look out for the famous ‘Spiky Bridge’, one of many remnants of Tasmania’s convict past. Passing through quaint rural hamlets as you approach Swanport the scenery changes again to picturesque country fields and gentle rolling hills. Looking south-east as you approach Triabunna you may catch glimpses of the silhouette of the renowned National Park of Maria Island. Triabunna is the only opportunity you will have to stock up on supplies for your stay in the National Park. Cycle Distance: 61.7kms Estimated Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Meals:  Nil

Triabunna is the only opportunity you will have to stock up on supplies for your day in the National Park so make sure you have what you need before departing. This morning you will need to head to the jetty and wait to embark upon the Maria Island ferry at 8.30am. Crossing the Mercury Passage takes about half an hour and provides you with an appreciation of how far you have come as you gaze north along Tasmania’s coastline. Now that you're on Maria Island there are soo many things to do! If you are keen to do some more cycling you have the opportunity to ride the 22km of well defined trails plus some of the circuit routes across the Island. Or you can choose from one of the many walks the National Park has to offer including the astounding Painted Cliffs or the sublime peak of Bishop and Clerk. The history of Maria Island is fascinatingly diverse and hours can easily be spent simply wandering through the ruins and restored buildings of Darlington learning of their past. Once the sun starts to set you will marvel at the abundance of wildlife which populates the island. Wander and explore to your hearts content, just be back in time for your ferry off the island at 4.15pm. Cycle distance: Your choice Walking time: 1.5 hrs to 7 hrs

Meals:  Nil

Enjoy a lay in on your final morning, or treat yourself to some coffee and cake at the local Café. Your vehicle transfer will meet you at your hotel at 10am to take you to Hobart. During your time in Hobart consider a visit to Mt Wellington for sensational views or a rainforest amble – alpine wilderness only half an hour from the bustle of Hobart's CBD. Alternatively you can opt for a cultural infusion and visit the internationally renowned MONA (Museum of Old & New Art). You can take the MONA Ferry from Brooke Street Pier, which takes you to MONA up the Derwent River with spectacular views of beautiful Hobart backed by the grand dolerite spires of Mt Wellington – a great way to get your bearings of the city. The peaceful Botanical Gardens are just a short walk from Hobart city centre... Or just relax by the waterfront at Salamanca Place with a well deserved drink, congratulate yourself on all you have achieved over the week, and watch the afternoon pass by! Option to transfer back to Launceston instead of Hobart at no extra charge.

Meals:  Nil


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 5 nights in twin share cabin style accommodation
  • Cycle 27-speed Avanti Explorer with helmet, lights (front and back), water bottle holder, rear panniers (pair), toolkit, pump and lock
  • Water Taxi shuttle from Coles Bay to Dolphin Sounds
  • Transfer from Triabunna to Hobart on last day of tour
  • Expert pre-departure and equipment briefing
  • National Park passes for Freycinet NP and Maria Island

  • Flight travel to Launceston and from Hobart
  • Pre & post trip accommodation
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, car parking, towels etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Bike information


Departure dates

Daily departures (except Friday and Sunday) from October to April

Notes

H
High Season
HS
Holiday Season
S
Surcharge
DN1
A minimum of 2 people travelling together is requirerd to book this trip.
DN2
A high season supplement will apply from 1 December to 15 February and for any trip that overlaps a public holiday. December and January dates are enquiry only due to limited availability.
DN3
Please contact us if you would like to travel between 19 December to 18 February. Accommodation can be limited during the high season but we are happy to put together an itinerary for you.

Dates or itinerary don't fit?

Create a custom made itinerary for the perfect adventure. Choose when you travel, what you see and where you go.

Priceper person from

$1590USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Room SupplementUSD$300
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Tasmania's East Coast Highlights Self Guided Cycle trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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