Why you’ll love it
Tasmania’s east coast is a classic cycle-friendly destination. The region’s mild climate, gently curving roads and incredible views create a superb environment for bike touring. Travelling by bike also means you can take full advantage of the fantastic experiences of the Great Eastern Drive, at your own pace.
Explore the Great Eastern Drive on two wheels from north or south, cycle part of the way or take time for an extended bike tour along the entire length of the route.
Where you’ll find it
On the Great Eastern Drive
Experience one of Australia’s best road trips on two wheels by cycle-touring along the Great Eastern Drive. Follow our road trip itinerary and explore the road between Orford and St Helens. Stay in your choice of east coast accommodation along the way and take your time to wander and enjoy everything the east coast has to offer—from fabulous food and wine, farm gates and festivals, to unforgettable outdoor adventures.
On Maria Island
Mountain biking is a great way to explore Maria Island National Park. Bring your own bike and spend a day (or several) to see Maria’s diverse landscapes, wildlife and history. There are no cars permitted here, (apart from Parks and Wildlife vehicles) and so riding is safe and uncrowded. This is also a great location for families and children to bring their bikes.
Check the Maria Island by Bike guide for more information on the island’s trails and tips for planning your trip. Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service also offer quality bikes and helmets for hire on the island.
Quad biking at Freycinet National Park
For a slightly different kind of riding, All4Adventure offers two hour or half day quad bike experiences in Freycinet National Park, travelling along bush tracks, climbing hills and riding through eucalypt forest to reach the coast. Options include single quad bikes or family-friendly three seat vehicles.
Swansea Cycle Tours and Bike Hire
Swansea Cycle Tours are a unique cycling experience, the bespoke tours on private land are only available to Swansea Cycle Tour patrons. Cycling is such a great way to see the country, stay fit and keep your mind and body happy. You have the opportunity to meet the most wonderful people farming this land, growing grapes, farming oysters, and loving life on the east coast of Tasmania.
Tasmanian Expeditions
Offer some great experiences and 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.
Green Island Tours
Green Island Tours offer escorted group tour experiences or you can take in all the highlights travelling at your own pace with their self-guided itineraries.
How long will you need?
If you’re planning to cycle the Great Eastern Drive and begin and end your journey in Hobart or Launceston, allow at least a week for your tour (averaging 60km per day), or for a more leisurely approach (and a rest day here or there) stretch your itinerary to two weeks if you have time. You can explore the area around Darlington on Maria Island in a day trip (including travel to and from the island) or take two or more days for longer bike touring in the national park.
You can find suggested cycling itineraries and bike touring information in the Self-Guided Cycling Tour Guide Tasmania brochure, and Bicycle Tasmania has more information about cycling and bike touring in Tasmania.
To help plan your visit, check our travel times and driving distances.
