Tour overview
Tasmania is an island roughly the size of West Virginia or Switzerland, located 240 km off the south-east corner of mainland Australia. Next stop south is Antarctica, 2000 km away.

Encircled by the Southern Ocean, Tasman Sea and Bass Strait, Tasmanians breathe the world's cleanest air and rejoice in pure water and fertile soils - our wine and food are acclaimed around the world. Tasmania is a land of dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, tall forests and sparkling highland lakes. Over a third of the state is reserved in a network of National Parks and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a refuge and habitat for rare plants and animals, including survivors of the ancient southern super continent, Gondwana.

Cycling on Tasmania's east coast is one of Australia's truly spectacular coastal journeys. On this extraordinary cycle tour, you'll coast along peninsulas with pristine white beaches, pass quaint colonial villages and challenge your perspective. See pristine, sandy beaches, breathtaking ocean views, relict rainforest, fossil-filled cliffs, azure waters, pink granite peaks and famous national parks. Savour superb food and delicious wines along the way to tempt any gourmet.

Completely different from the rugged mountainous west coast, the east is blessed with a calmer, mild climate with ever-changing terrain and scenery. This East Coast cycling tour takes you through a temperate natural paradise nearly 300km from north to south.

Daily itinerary in brief

Day 1: Arrive Launceston, optional ride to Tamar Valley (20-50km). Meet the group at welcome drinks this evening.
Day 2: Launceston to St Helens (60-90km)
Day 3: St Helens to Bicheno (76km)
Day 4: Bicheno to Coles Bay (40km, hike to Wineglass Bay)
Day 5: Swansea to Hobart (60km cycling, and time at Port Arthur Historic Site)
Day 6: Hobart and surrounds including Mt Wellington Descent (70km)
Day 7: Depart Hobart

Average daily cycling distance: 75km

Read the full itinerary at bottom of page.

Price includes: 6 nights accommodation in comfortable accommodation (twin or double share with private bathroom); 5 lunches, 6 breakfasts; airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off; National Parks fees; maps and comprehensive trip notes; support van and guide.

Prices: $2325 per person twin/double share (two people traveling together); $420 single supplement.
Above prices are in Australian dollars and are valid until 30 June 2009. Convert to your preferred currency.

Departures: This tour departs on the following dates on a Saturday in 2009: 17 January, 14 February, 14 March, 11 April

Tours depart from: Launceston and finish in Hobart.

Bike Hire: We recommend you bring your own bike, although mountain or touring bikes including: 21 gear, front suspension, front handlebar bag, flat pedals (toe clips available, or bring your own pedals and shoes) and helmet and available for hire. Price: $180 per bike (for 7 days)

Availability: Enquire about availability of this tour.

Itinerary in detail

Day One: Arrive Launceston
At your own arrangements or airport transfers are available between 2pm and 5pm should you require a pick-up and assistance checking in at the hotel. Meet in the lobby for a tour briefing, introductions and bike preparation at 6.00pm for approximately 1 hour.

Spend the day in Launceston today, like most Tasmanian towns it is easy to explore and nature is right nearby; Launceston Gorge, with its Victorian parklands, complete with peacocks, has steep, rugged cliffs and wild areas that attract climbers. It is within easy walking distance of the city centre. The city is compact and its pretty, colourful Victorian and Edwardian homes line the hillsides along the river banks. With a population of around 68,000 the city has a strong sense of identity, and has one of the best regional galleries in Australia - the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk, along with art and craft galleries and quality restaurants.
Overnight: Launceston (hotel)

Day Two: Launceston to St Helens
Depart your hotel this morning ready to cycle, and travel out of the city as a group. Cycle 15km through to Relbia through farming land and a newly developed wine region, then head to Evandale for a morning coffee and break. A classified historic town, many of Evandale's buildings remain largely in original condition. It is famous for a popular Sunday market, and as host to the annual World Penny Farthing bicycle Championships.

From Evandale continue south along a quiet backroad to Nile and through to Conara. Take a van transfer the remainder of the trail to St Helens and your accommodation for the evening. Later this afternoon, take a transfer to explore the Bay of Fires Conservation Area and enjoy a stretch of the legs on the beach.
Cycling distance: 60km
Overnight: St Helens (resort)

Day Three: St Helens to Bicheno
Either start today's ride from St Helens and travel along the coast to Bicheno. Or take a transfer to St Mary's and begin the day by enjoying a spectacular downhill ride along the Elephant Pass to the coast.

Hug the coast south to the fishing village of Bicheno. This is the flattest riding of the entire trip, so enjoy the leisurely day, with views most of the day over the Tasman Sea as you pedal along the stunning coastline dotted with pristine white sandy beaches. End the day at Bicheno, a small seaside town, primarily a fishing port and a beach resort.
Cycling distance: approximately 75km
Overnight: Bicheno (self-contained apartments)

Day Four: Bicheno to Swansea via Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park
An easy cycling day today with a gently undulating 40km ride to Coles Bay from Bicheno along the Freycinet Peninsula road. Regroup in Coles Bay and enjoy stretching your legs on a group walk to famed Wineglass Bay, voted by several travel authorities as one of the world's ten best beaches.

Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania's oldest national parks, founded in 1916, and it features stunning red and pink granite formations and a series of jagged granite peaks in a line, called "The Hazards." Spend the afternoon enjoying the park, then transfer to your accommodation in Swansea this evening.
Cycling distance: approximately 40km
Overnight: Swansea (heritage accommodation)

Day Five: Swansea to Port Arthur then Hobart
The town of Swansea is located in the centre of Tasmania's east coast, on the northwest shore of Great Oyster Bay and overlooking Freycinet National Park. From here you will cycle 60km south along the coastline to another coastal town of Triabunna. Regroup here and transfer to Port Arthur Historic Site for some time exploring the historic site this afternoon. After some time on foot at Port Arthur, transfer at the end of the day to Hobart.

Cycling distance: approximately 60km
Overnight: Hobart (city hotel)

Day Six: Hobart and surrounds, back to Hobart
Cycle alongside the River Derwent today towards Kingston. From here head to the summit of Mt Wellington - a rather challenging ascent for those that are keen. The rest of the group will take the van transfer to the summit, and meet you there! Hobart's icon Mt Wellington stands at 1270m and overlooks the entire southern area of Tasmania. Ride the bikes back down to sea level on the easiest 21km of cycling you'll ever do!

Cycling distance: approximately 30km (plus an additional optional 21km down Mt Wellington). We will offer a farewell dinner tonight in one of Hobart's fine restaurants to sample some local produce, and debrief after a fantastic cycle tour of Tasmania's East Coast.
Overnight: Hobart (city hotel)

Day Seven: Departure Day
Check out of your hotel today for your onwards travels. Those staying on or with a late flight, enjoy the chance to explore Hobart on foot. Hobart is Tasmania's cosmopolitan capital city with a population of just over 200,000 people. Airport transfers available until 12.00pm (noon).

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