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Tasmania Cycling
TASSIE FOOD & WINE EXTRAVAGANZA
Australia’s best kept secret, still. And when it comes to cycling, scenery and after dark indulgence then this little gem of an island really shines.
For this Xmas / New Year special tour we base ourselves in the capital Hobart, a simply stunning city with more of a small country town feel but alive with a unique buzz and atmosphere at this time of the year. From our apartments in the quaint suburb of Sandy Bay, close to the historic old town of Battery Point. It’s just a short stroll to Salamanca Place and the waterfront, where our afternoons will be spent watching the super yachts finishing their annual events. We can take part in the food & wine festivities of the summer festival and relax after a solid but satisfying pedal around some varied and wonderful countryside. Take the plunge into Tassie, it won’t disappoint you. |
Day 1.
Arrive Hobart Sunday 28th December. Hobart airport has international connections to many destinations. Airport transport to hotel can be arranged.
Welcome dinner tonight in waterfront restaurant.
Day 2. Historic Richmond town
Our first day on the bike is a gentle to undulating circuit alongside the Derwent River, through some quaint old towns to our lunch destination, the historic town of Richmond. The site of Australia’s oldest bridge (circa 1823), and many old churches and sandstone Georgian buildings. We spend some time wandering the streets before heading back to Hobart via the scenic Eastern shoreline and across the Tasman Bridge, an adventure in itself with its elevation over the river. An 80k circuit to get us started. |
Day 3. Huon Valley
We head south today, our destination,the famous fruit growing region of the Huon Valley. The southern towns of Sandy Bay, Kinsgton & Taroona remain alongside the banks of the Derwent, before we pass alongside the beautiful D'Entrecasteux Channel with views of Bruny Island. Some picturesque towns, wineries and orchards dot the countryside before we make our way along the Huon river banks and into Huonville for lunch. We check out some local sights before heading north over some undulating climbs before the final descent back into Hobart. A truly scenic loop of around 130k.
Day 4. Opossum Bay beaches
A more relaxed route today heading South East, past some of Hobart’s Eastern suburbs and beaches, alongside the shores of Ralph’s Bay to the sleepy communities of South Arm and Opossum Bay. Views across the Western shores of the Derwent combined with the warm summer midday sun and a quick dip is likely. After morning tea we make our way back along the same tracks for an early afternoon back in the city. A chance to wander the streets, check out the yachts or relax under a tree somewhere before the excitement of New Years eve on the docks of Hobart. This sleepy city comes alive tonight and we take in a river cruise & dinner to access the best vantage points. Mostly flat to undulating 90k round trip today. |
Day 5. Rest Day.
A chance to recharge after some epic rides and a late night. Plenty of options in and around the city including a walk through the nearby Botanical gardens, check out the Salamanca Arts theatre or the Tasmania museum, indulge in some of the watersports on offer or even catch a movie in one of the old cinemas. In the evening we chance our arm at Australia’s first casino, the Wrest Point on the shores of beautiful Sandy Bay.
Day 6. Derwent Valley (and Chocolate !!)
A gentle start today through the Northern Suburbs of the city before linking once again with the river at Claremont, home to the Cadbury chocolate factory. Of course we won’t be resisting the temptation as we take a taste tour through our nation’s finest chocolate house. We hit the road again to burn off the calories, hugging the river continuously as we make our way into the Derwent Valley and some more historic towns. New Norfolk on the banks of the Derwent is our lunch spot and a hearty counter meal at a 100 year old pub will soothe the appetite. We journey back on the opposite side of the river and head slightly inland for some short but challenging climbs that offer great views along the way. A 90k round trip, undulating with 2 solid climbs. |
Day 7. Port Arthur
The infamous penal colony of Port Arthur on the breathtaking Tasman Peninsula is our destination today. Stopping at the isthmus of Eaglehawk Neck which boasts some striking natural features, before finishing our ride at Port Arthur, a powerful reminder of Australia’s convict heritage. Approximately 12,700 convicts passed through the gaol between 1830 and 1877 which gained a notorious reputation for hardship and cruelty. A chance to tour around the site’s old buildings and take in the chilling atmosphere of a truly remarkable place.
A return bus journey allowing us time to reflect on the day and all we have seen. Undulating 100k one way.
Day 8. Mt Wellington
Our final days ride is the biggest challenge and also the most spectacular. From our base it’s all up hill as we make our way to the top of Hobart’s iconic landmark of Mt Wellington. At 1270m this majestic mountain stands guard over the city and can display many faces and moods at any time of the year. Let’s hope the wind and weather is kind to us for the 20k climb so we can enjoy the views over the entire South East corner of Tasmania after reaching the summit. It’s all downhill from there, fast and furious if your game, we regroup at the base of Fern Tree before cruising into Australia’s oldest brewery at Cascade. We take a guided tour and sample some of Tassie’s finest before the short downhill home and the finale of our incredible tour.
Departure dinner tonight at another of Hobart’s finest restaurants.
Day 9. Departure day
Transfers to Hobart airport arranged. Assistance and advice on travel options if required. |
Inclusions:
* Accomodation in self contained apartments (shared).
* Transfers to & from Airport
* Support vehicle & return 2 days (Port Arthur, Huon Valley)
* Entrance Cadburys & Cascade brewery
* Fully guided cycle days
* New Year’s Eve boat cruise & dinner
Non – Inclusions:
* Meals & drinks
* Entertainment expenses.
· Accommodation is comfortable & convenient. It is not 5 star luxury and is shared. Single supplement or own room added costs apply. Evening entertainment is at own cost including public transport. Taxis etc. Most locations are walking distance (20-30mins), or short bike ride.
· Itinerary is weather dependant as even in middle of summer Hobart weather can be unpredictable and may force a change of schedule.
Total Cost: $1970 AUD |
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