Tasmania Circumnavigation Part 1 & 2
Have you ever dreamed of embarking on a cycling adventure that takes you around a beautiful island while keeping close to the coast? Our Tasmania Circumnavigation project is the result, and this incredible journey has been an experience of a lifetime that I want to share it with you here.
The project started in 2020 when my father Sam and I decided to cycle from Devonport to Hobart. However, this was just the first part of our journey. In 2022, we continued with part two, starting from Hobart and heading towards the southernmost point of the island. My partner Sophie joined us for this leg of the journey and provided support in the car.
Part 1: Devonport to Hobart
Embarking on an exhilarating bike-packing journey from Devonport to Hobart, we traced the breathtaking East coast of Tasmania, immersing ourselves in the raw beauty of the island. Setting off from the quaint port town of Devonport, our tires rolled along scenic coastal roads, granting us awe-inspiring vistas of pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. Each day's adventure brought a medley of experiences, from traversing dense eucalyptus forests to encountering charming coastal villages, where we indulged in local delicacies and warm hospitality. As we pedaled further south, the landscape unveiled its diverse wonders, encompassing picturesque national parks, hidden coves, and iconic landmarks like the Freycinet Peninsula and Wineglass Bay. Along the way, we faced the exhilarating challenge of hill climbs rewarded with exhilarating downhill rushes.
Strava links to follow the route: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9.
Part 2: Hobart to Maydena via the Southernmost Point
Day 1
The 94km ride from Hobart airport to Middleton took us through the small city of Hobart, as well as some beautiful countryside. We started off by riding through the bustling streets of Hobart, passing by historic buildings and lively markets. From there, we made our way out of the city and into the rolling hills dotted with small farms and the occasional village. The road took us through picturesque lakes and streams and we caught glimpses of the sea in the distance. This day was a good warm-up for what was to come, as it allowed us to get a taste of the island's natural beauty while also experiencing the city of Hobart.
Day 2
On the 92km ride up the Huon River, we encountered a mix of gravel and paved roads. The scenery was breathtaking, with lush green forests and hills surrounding us. We crossed over several bridges and passed by small communities along the way. The highlight of this day was the Huon River itself, which was sparkling blue and surrounded by tall trees. We were both exhilarated and exhausted by the end of this day, and more was to come.
Day 3
On the 93km round trip to Cockle Creek, we encountered some of the most rugged and remote scenery on the island. The road was narrow and winding, taking us through dense forests and along the rocky coastline. We passed by secluded beaches and coves and caught sight of dolphins and other sea life along the way. The highlight of this day was reaching the southernmost point of the island and taking in the stunning views from this remote location.
Day 4
The 80km ride to Tahune took us through old mossy logging tracks in the mountain mist, and it was a truly beautiful experience. The scenery was dominated by towering trees and thick undergrowth, with occasional glimpses of the Huon River below. The road was narrow and winding, and we encountered a few steep climbs and descents along the way. By the end of this day, we were both exhausted but exhilarated by the experience.
Day 5
The 93km ride to Maydena was a very wet day, but the stunning views along the way made it all worth it. The road took us through steep and loose gravel and seemed to go on forever through the plantation forests of Styx. Despite the challenging conditions, we were surrounded by stunning scenery, with tall trees and rolling hills all around us. By the end of this day, we were both exhausted but proud of what we had accomplished.
This smaller 5-day trip served as a bridge to the beginning of the remote West coast of the island that we will tackle next time.
