Experiencing Tasmania
Every tour we undertake is special in its own right.
As such we like to reflect upon the tour that was. This particular trip was instigated by a local Hobartian who simply wanted to celebrate turning the special age of 50 by riding around Tasmania… we thought this was an absolutely brilliant idea, so obviously we wanted to get involved!
We don’t want to bore you with too many words, so we’re going to let the photos do most of the talking. We have however included a link to the strava route each day in case you wish to recreate a similar experience for yourself… because we don’t like to hide our fun from you.
Day 1
We started off our trip at a reasonable hour, prioritising sleep and coffee for any riding… something that will continue to be prioritised in all trips. The day started off a wee bit cold, however our body temperatures quickly increased as we hit our first and biggest climb of the day. Riding through the Derwent Valley is special and distinct no matter the time of year you travel through here… if its’s not already on the list, add it.
We finished off our day at Ratho Farms, surrounded by animals (hello Highland Cows!), a history lesson and some next to none service from the manager Michael. This is a location we had eyed off as an accommodation option for a long time and we can assure you, we will be rushing back in the near future.
Strava Route
Day 2
This is a day we will likely remember. The Central Highlands is pretty well known as being windy. It can be very desolate in places and provides little shelter, meaning if there is any wind, you are likely to feel it when you’re up here.
At one stage we were pedalling down a hill at 16km/h… it's fair to say, we were feeling it. Nevertheless, everyone’s spirits remained high and only increased as we hit the Steppes at the 35km mark as we ran into three conservationists, volunteering in the area…
The three volunteers were there in recognition of Jack Thwaites.
Born in 1902, Jack Thwaites fought tirelessly for the preservation of Tasmania’s wilderness regions. He founded the Hobart Walking Club in 1929, was party to the first official crossing of the Overland Track in 1931 and was awarded an Order of Australia medal in 1977 for recognition toward his conservation work.
Thousand Lakes Lodge
Oh boy was this a magnificent stop! We took a turn off from the sealed section of Liawenee on the Central Plateau onto a dirt road leading toward nothing else other than a lake (Lake Augusta to be precise) and a lodge… although calling it a ‘lodge’ probably doesn’t do justice just how spectacular this place is.
Strava Route
Day 3
A day like this one really can’t be summed up into words… or photos for that matter. I for one had never been on the Central Highlands at a time that was not freezing cold nor provided questionably scary winds, yet every time I go there it becomes increasingly magical… this particular day provided the most serene of weather forecasts we could have ever asked for. Suited up in full summer kit, with the calmest of day’s for any district, this day could not have been more perfect. I’ll leave a few pictures here, but in all honesty, this is a route that pictures nor words can do justice, you will just have to go ride it yourself.
Day 4
The last of our big back to back days. The day started off with some magnificent views through White Hills, providing rolling hills and stunning views overlooking Launceston. We then got to enjoy to stunning climb through the Myrtle Forest known as the Sidling, Richie Port'e’s favourite climb.
Strava Route
Day 5
A rest day… of sorts. Today was marked as a rest day, however cyclists never really rest. It was on the MTBs and into the trees for a few tracks around the local stomping ground.
Day 6
The third day was arguably our favourite route of this trip, however this day was likely our favourite experience. It was relatively short ride into St Helen’s from Derby where both towns were buzzing with the launch of the new MTB park in St Helen’s. It was a quick discussion after coffee that we decided to continue our day by taking a detour into Binalong Bay to go for a swim before ending the evening at The Social. A place we highly recommend visiting for post ride bevvies and van style food. Again, the atmosphere at this place was buzzing!
Strava Route
Day 7
Our final ride day of the trip, we were actually all feeling quite sad. When marking the itinerary for this trip I wrote ‘discuss stopping for coffee’ at the 17km mark as we get into Scamander, as there is my favourite little coffee shop on the East Coast. We all knew that discussion would be short and the stop would be compulsory.
Strava Route 
Day 8
We weren’t too keen to ride down the East Coast (too many tourists, too narrower a shoulder) so we enjoyed a nice relaxing morning by going for a hike at Freycinet National Park and of course a compulsory stop at Devils Corner before heading home.
