Tasmania: Cycling Activity Holiday

The wide varieties of terrain in Tasmania make the island state a great location for cycling. You will find ever-changing scenery as you cycle at your own pace across a sparsely populated island. Many Tasmanian roads generally have low levels of traffic, so they are ideal for a cycling adventure. What is more, Tasmania's compact geography means that most cycle routes include varied landscapes. However, remember that Tasmania's undulating terrain will challenge your pedal power, but should improve physical fitness. You can cycle through quaint historic villages at leisurely a leisurely pace. There is no shortage of cycle tours available in Tasmania, from exhilarating mountain descents to relaxing wine, food and heritage experiences where all you need to do is roll up to the gate. You can take one of many coastal routes and cycle past some of the island’s most popular beaches, and be sure to keep an eye out for its unique wildlife! In fact, Tasmania offers everything you may want as a cyclist, from one-hour scenic routes along the waterfront to three-week cycling holidays around the island. Get on your bike in Hobart and discover the historic homes of Battery Point, or test yourself with a 3,900 foot (1270 metre) climb up Mount Wellington, the city’s impressive backdrop. If you have several days, make your way up Tasmania’s east coast, passing the coastal towns of Swansea, Bicheno and St Helens. You can stop off and sample cool-climate wine at one of the east coast wineries, walk along sparkling beaches and if time allows, take a ferry trip from Triabunna across to Maria Island. If you have three weeks or more to spare in Tasmania, why not continue up the east coast towards the north east? You could then cycle across to the north west of the island, where you will find Mole Creek. Here you can see Tasmanian devils at Trowunna Wildlife Park before continuing through to spectacular Cradle Mountain. Then, to complete a full tour of Tasmania, head towards the west coast town of Strahan and back to Hobart through the central highlands. In Tasmania's major towns there are plenty of places where you can hire bikes, helmets and other equipment at reasonable prices. You can usually book cycling tours there too. The typical costs for hiring a cycle or mountain bike in Tasmania are from about £5 for half a day, and £7.50 for a full day. At the other end of the price scale, you can take a fully -guided tour, which is pre-booked. For example, a thirteen day tour round-trip across the island to and from Launceston would cost you between £1,219 and £2,259, with an additional £177 for the hire of the cycle. The price includes: 12 nights' accommodation in 3.5 star motels and hotels, breakfasts and lunches, 2 Airport transfers, a driving guide, use of a 2 seater van with luggage trailer and Maps and trip notes. You would have to pay extra for: flights, travel Insurance, evening meals and additional events. Whatever your budget, Tasmania is a wonderful island for a cycling holiday.