Tasmania Cycling

With its diverse landscapes, temperate climate and terrain to suit all experience levels, Tasmania is a cycling paradise. It features lightly trafficked roads and welcoming country towns to discover along the way, with everything from gentle cruising to demanding hills that will challenge even the most elite cyclers.

 In recent years, the state has also garnered a reputation as a mountain biking hub, with purpose-designed trails that wind through spectacular scenery. No matter how you prefer to explore on two wheels, Tasmania delivers!

Tasmania Cycling Routes

In all corners of Tasmania you will find scenic stretches of road that attract cyclists from near and far. In the south, you can cycle through the Coal River Valley to the historic town of Richmond, discover the rugged coastal scenery of Bruny Island or explore the backroads that lead through the apple orchards of the Huon Valley. Closer to Hobart, you can roll down kunanyi/Mount Wellington into the city streets or follow the Derwent River northwest to New Norfolk. 

 With short distances between its towns and villages, rolling vineyards and beautiful beaches where you can take a dip, the East Coast offers plenty of scenic cycles. Head south from Bicheno to explore the picture-perfect landscapes of Freycinet National Park or pedal from the charming town of Swansea to riverside Orford. 

 The West Coast offers steeper climbs and thrilling descents, with long stretches of wilderness between its towns and villages. Cycle along the legendary shores of Lake Pedder and explore the moonscape-like surroundings of Queenstown before bunking down in harbour-side Strahan. 

 The scenic Bass Highway that connects Launceston with Burnie might not be ideal for road cycling but there are several lesser-trafficked routes to discover in the state’s north. Ride from Wynyard to Table Cape to see the tulips in bloom or cycle from Devonport to Launceston through the historic towns of Latrobe, Deloraine and Hadspen. 

Tasmania Mountain Biking Trails

 Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails
Nestled within a temperate rainforest in the state’s northeast is this purpose-built bike park, which boasts 125 kilometres of world-class trails to suit all skill levels. It lies on the edge of Derby, a former tin-mining town that has pivoted its restaurants, accommodation and businesses to cater specifically to mountain bikers. Bikes can be hired or serviced at one of the town’s specialist mountain biking stores while bike storage comes standard at most guesthouses. On the trails, you can expect plenty of berms, jumps and booters as you wind your way between massive granite slabs.

Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails
This impressive network of trails opened to riders in late 2018 and connects the towns of Latrobe, Railton and Sheffield, with rugged peaks and the meandering Mersey River as your backdrop. Aside from several easy, green-rated trails, there are also some extreme, black diamond jump lines that will appeal to experienced mountain bikers. All of the towns boast shops where you’ll find rentals, spare parts and servicing while artisan food producers, craft breweries and gourmet eateries are never far away on the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. 

Maydena Bike Park
Constructed by Dirt Art and opening to riders in early 2018, this is the largest gravity park in the Southern Hemisphere. It lies in the picturesque Derwent Valley (just over an hour from Hobart) and features more than 70 trails across an 820-metre vertical elevation. There’s something for both beginner and elite riders here, as well as family-friendly trails through the rainforest. Located in the township of Maydena is the bike park’s headquarters where you’ll find bike hire, coaching and shuttles to the trailheads. 

St. Helens Mountain Bike Trails

 Comprising two different trails - the Bay of Fires Trail and the St. Helens Stacked Loop - this impressive network is located on Tassie’s East Coast. The Bay of Fires Trail descends across 42 kilometres from the mountains to the sea, taking you from the Blue Tier trailhead to the white sands of Swimcart Beach. The Stacked Loop network features eight loops ranging from beginner to intermediate, as well as a dual directional trail that connects from St. Helens to the Flagstaff trailhead. 

Top image credit Tourism Tasmania and Heath Holden