Cycle, Kayak & Walk Tasmania

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cycling through sleepy fishing villages and along stunning coastal stretches of the East Coast
• Kayaking in Coles Bay beneath the Hazards
• A thrilling descent of St Marys pass
• Superb walks in Freycinet National Park to view Wineglass Bay
• Summit Mount Bishop & Clerk and enjoy other walks on Maria Island
• Wildlife spotting and the chance to see Tasmanian Devils in the wild
• Vehicle supported cycling so you can cycle as little or as much as you wish

Selected as one of National Geographic Traveler magazine’s ’50 Tours of a Lifetime’ this complete active adventure traverses all the must-see highlights of Tasmania’s spectacular East Coast. With a combination of vehicle supported cycling, kayaking and walking you will make the absolute most of this adventure playground.

Over six days you will cycle through picturesque rural landscapes, past vineyards and lush orchards, along the stunning coastline, and down deep forested valleys. You will kayak the sparkling aquamarine waters of Freycinet National Park and walk to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches – Wineglass Bay. You’ll catch a ferry to Maria Island and spend two days discovering the rich history, world-class scenery and extremely friendly wildlife. A drive to the summit of Kunanyi (Mt Wellington) is the fitting conclusion to this fun-filled trip. This tour caters to a wide range of fitness levels, with the constant support of guides and vehicle, so you can complete as many or as few kilometres as you please.

Each day we make the most of the great outdoors, and each evening is spent celebrating and relaxing over a delicious 3-course meal showcasing the finest of Tasmania’s famous produce.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Pick up Launceston, Cycle the East Coast to Bicheno

Today you will be picked up from your accommodation between 8 – 8.30 am (you will be called the day before to confirm the time) and transferred to a pre-departure briefing, where your guides will present an overview of the trip and distribute any pre-requested hire gear. After being sized up for a bike we start cycling out of the picturesque town of Evandale, this gives us a good opportunity to get used to our bikes on the quiet back roads leading out towards the east coast. We then drive half an hour from through stunning farm country and quiet old towns. We arrive in St Marys for a picnic lunch on the banks of the rivulet. The highlight for this afternoon is an exhilarating ride down St Mary’s Pass to the dazzling aqua blue waters and white sandy beaches of the East Coast. In the afternoon we cycle south along the coastline towards the seaside fishing village of Bicheno, with a possible stop at the superbly located Ironhouse Brewery. 

Cycling distance: 62km. 

Please note that all cycling distances listed in these notes are approximate and your guides may offer more or less cycling depending on timing and weather.

DAY 2: Cycle to Freycinet National Park, walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout

Today’s destination is the Freycinet National Park. We ride our bikes inland before turning south passing Friendly Beaches and the internationally renowned RAMSAR site of Moulting Lagoon. We arrive for a well-earned lunch in Coles Bay, an idyllic seaside town nestled between long, peaceful beaches. This afternoon we climb the well-graded track to Wineglass Bay Lookout. Depending on timing we can walk to the bay itself for an invigorating swim in the glorious clear-blue water… or simply relax and admire from the beach! We then return to our Coles Bay accommodation to share an evening meal. 

Cycling distance: 46km (Bicheno to Freycinet) | Walking distance: 4-8km | Walking time: 2-4 hours

DAY 3: Kayak in Freycinet National Park, cycle south to Triabunna

This morning we swap our bikes for kayaks and meet our professional instructors on the beach before enjoying what is possibly one of the most scenic paddling tours in the world. We paddle our way beneath the imposing Hazards Range and across Great Oyster Bay, keeping an eye out for White-bellied Sea Eagles and the occasional friendly seal! Your kayaking guides revel in sharing the National Park’s fascinating history with you. After a picnic lunch in Coles Bay, we head to the top of Cherry Tree Hill where we jump back on our bikes and enjoy cycling down the other side of the hill. We pick a quiet country road to cycle through that brings us close to the quaint seaside town of Swansea where we can settle into our accommodation, explore the town and enjoy a dinner out at one of the local restaurants famous for their Tasmanian seafood. 

Kayaking time: 2.5 hours | Cycling distance: 61km (3 hours +)

DAY 4: Ferry to Maria Island, walking on the island

We start our day with a 30-minute ferry trip across Mercury Passage, docking at Darlington on Maria Island. Maria Island is one of Tasmania’s least visited yet most wonderful locations – you will be completely captivated from the moment you step ashore. The island has a rich history from Aboriginal habitation, to convict penal station, farming, and the National Park it is today. Over the next two days, we will walk to the Famous Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs, and explore the ruins left from the island’s busy past. We pitch our tents at a sheltered, grassy campsite behind the sand dunes of Darlington Bay and enjoy our first night under the stars. 

Walking distance: 4-8km | Walking time: 2-4 hours

DAY 5: Walking on Maria Island National Park

After a delicious breakfast, we head off from camp to the summit of Bishop and Clerk (620m). Listen to the call of native birds as we climb steadily up through eucalypt forest, then out into scrub battered low by the elements. The view from this peak is incomparable as you gaze across the expanse of the island and out over the Tasman Sea. In the afternoon we can choose to walk back via the Reservoir Circuit Track. You may choose to spend the few hours before dinner soaking in the history of Darlington, or taking a quiet stroll along the beach as the sun sets and reflecting on all you have achieved over the last few days. Tonight we enjoy our last dinner together on tour. 

Walking distance: 12-15km | Walking time: 6-8 hours

DAY 6: Maria Island to Hobart, walk on Kunanyi (Mt Wellington)

This morning we farewell the magical Maria Island and board the ferry back to mainland-Tasmania. Rejoining our vehicle, we travel up Prosser River and through the Coal River Valley to Hobart. The backdrop to Hobart is the impressive dolerite organ pipes of Kunanyi or Mt Wellington. Depending on the weather we will drive to the 1270m summit for expansive views of the Derwent Valley and estuary. From here we will enjoy our final lunch together and, time permitting, explore one of the short walks available on the mountain. At approximately 4 pm you will be dropped off at your accommodation in the waterfront city of Hobart, a beautiful place in which to end your amazing adventure. 

Walking time: 1-3 hours

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Professional cycling/ walking/ kayaking guides
• Camp pillow
• 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, snacks and hot drinks
• 1-night restaurant meal
• 3 nights accommodation
• 2 nights camping on Maria Island (hot showers are available for a gold coin donation)
• Transport by private minibus
• Maria Island ferry transfers
• Half day Sea-kayaking activity
• National Park entry fees
• Bicycle hire and helmet
• Tents, sleeping bag, inner sheet & air mattress
• Group camping equipment including all cooking and eating equipment
• Emergency communications and group first-aid kit