Tasmania's cycling specialist

East Coast Tour

Home>Our cycling tours> Group Tours>Price, Terms & Itinerary - East Coast Tour

This is our GROUP-TOUR through the fascinating diversity of the north-east, with its temperate rainforest, and along the breathtaking east coast of Tasmania.

The first section goes inland and displays astonishing contrasts of rolling, green hills with rainforest. It offers many places well worth visiting. The east coast is a 'classic' tourist route; more or less flat country with endless empty white beaches to be experienced in a mild, dry and sunny climate. You will spend time to on these world-class beaches. Fitness levels are not an issue because you can use the support vehicle whenever you like.

For more information click on the "back to description" - button on the left.

Prices, Terms & Itinerary

Start- / Endpoint Launceston / Hobart Duration 11 days, 10 nights (without flight) Depature dates Mon 17.11.08 - Thu 27.11.08 Mon 12.01.09 - Thu 22.01.09 Mon 09.02.09 - Thu 19.02.09 Mon 16.11.09 - Thu 26.11.09 rentalbike included $ 130 reduction, when you bring your own support vehicle, tour guide included Accommodation category Price per person booking code Comfort category $2,750 twin share 1 a Executive category $3,250 twin share 1 b Economy category $2,250 twin share 1 c Hostel category $1,690 sharing 1 d supplement for one person in a room $950 / 750 / 550 / 250* (depending on category) *=single rooms not available everywhere ALL PRICES are displayed in AUSTRALIAN dollars (AUD)

Currency Calculator

What we include

Extensive preparatory material (a fully comprehensive, pre-travel guide including road book), 10 nights in double/twin bed rooms comfort depending on category booked, single rooms are available for an additional fee), all transfers, all food and drinks until arrival, as mentioned in the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = picnic-style lunch, D = Dinner, some breakfasts are to be prepared by the group), serviced rental bike with helmet (panniers on request for a small charge), all transfers and admissions according to the itinerary, national park entry fees, guide/driver, minibus (with air-conditioning) and custom-built trailer, luggage and bicycle transport, minimum 4, maximum 11 guests.

What we do NOT include

Flight, evening meals and drinks, additional excursions and trips not mentioned in the itinerary and personal spending.

Tour itinerary

Day 1, Arrival

Short transfer from Launceston airport to your accommodation in the historic village of Evandale; briefing; adjustment and a quick test-drive of rental bikes.

Day 2, Evandale - Scottsdale (B/L)

You cycle through the outskirts of Launceston to meet up with the lonely and beautiful Tasman Highway, which winds it´s way up through picturesque, hilly countryside. Just before the long final descent into Scottsdale you get beautiful views down into the valley. Cycling: 56 km (35 m), + Bus 26 km (16 m)

Day 3, Scottsdale - Pyengana (B/L)

Around noon we visit the tin-mine museum in Derby (the only town in Australia where ALL the houses are made out of timber). After an unforgettable cycle, on a narrow and winding road through dense forest, we have our picnic at the "worst pub" and then take a short stroll through magic myrtle rainforest. The highlight of the day is a spectacular 10 km downhill ride!! A beer-drinking pig await´s us at the 'basic' accommodation; the “Pub in the Paddock” in a spectacular location. Cycling: 54 km (33 m), + Bus 19 km (12 m).

Day 4, Pyengana - St. Helens (B/L)

Short bus excursions to famous St Columba Falls (Tasmanias second highest) and to remains of some half-overgrown mine-machinery amidst beautiful rainforest. Later it´s more-or-less downhill to St Helens, the “capital of the east coast”. Cycling: 32 km (20 m), + Bus 18 km (11 m)

Day 5, day off (B, D)

You can shop in this tiny (but busy) town of 6000 inhabitants. Banks and public internet connection are available and/or you can explore the beautiful surroundings (like the Bay of Fires or Peron sand dunes). In the evening you are invited to a private BBQ with free drinks.

Day 6, St. Helens - Bicheno (B/L):

Today we cycle the beautiful and mostly flat east coast, passing spectacular beaches along the way. One option is to go via St Marys and the Elephant Pass in order to visit the famous Pancake Barn. Just before our destination Bicheno we visit the award-winning “Nature World Animal Park”. Cycling: 60 km + Bus 17 / 33 km)

Day 7, Bicheno - Swansea (B/L)

We walk to the famous Wineglass Bay Lookout in the reknowned Freycinet National Park (the beach is rated as one of the 10 most beautiful in the world). After lunch we cross Moulting Lagoon on a tiny boat (weather permitting), followed by a bike ride directly on 9 Mile Beach! Cycling: 51km (32 m), + Bus 37 km (23 m)

Day 8, Swansea - Eaglehawk Neck (B/L)

The ride on this coast road is an absolute pleasure. After about 30 km the road turns away from the coast and, because it’s a long way, we load you into the tour-bus. From Orford we take a shortcut on gravel through dense rainforest and do a short but very spectacular walk. If we make good time then there is the opportunity for a long downhill cycle on gravel (the road is usually in good condition). We travel the last 20 km into the Tasman Peninsula by bus. Cycling: 39 km (24 m), + Bus 120 km (74 m)

Day 9, day off (B/L)

We offer a round trip by busIn the morning you have the choice of either a visit to the historic penal settlement of Port Arthur or to do a cruise on a boat along one of Australias most beautiful coastlines (both extras). Than time to see the impressive natural wonders like Waterfall Bay Lookout, the Blowhole, Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, Remarkable Cave and have a stroll an White Beach. We may even visit the remains of the Saltwater River Coalmine, an outpost from Port Arthur. We picnic at Palmer’s Lookout; a high point with sensational views to one of Australias most spectacular coastlines. Bus 93 km (56 m).

Day 10, Eaglehawk Neck - Hobart (B/L)

A quiet gravel road (usually in good condition, but hilly in sections) follows the bay with some good views. Before we drive you to Sorell for a shopping break there is time for a last beach stroll. At near day's end there is a bus transfer via the famous tasman bridge into Hobart. Cycling: 35 km (22 m), + Bus 51 km (22 m).

Day 11, departure or day off

If you leave us here we arrange your transfer to the airport.
If you continue on our West Coast Tour you get a day off to enjoy Hobart. You can visit the oldest brewery in Australia, do the mini-cruise to Peppermint Bay, or just enjoy the open-to-the-world atmosphere of Tasmania's capital and it´s people. A trip to Mount Wellington and/or the spectacular Tahune Airwalk (6 hours) or a plane excursion into the remote wilderness of the south-west can be arranged at extra cost (weather permitting).


Distance: about 450 km per bike / 600km per bus (depending on your fitness level)

Notes:
All distances are approximate and may vary. The cycling distances depend on your personal level of fitness, weather conditions, chosen options on that day, and other variables.
We strongly recommend not to undertake this trip without our advice and help. Some distances are unexpectedly hilly, exhausting, you could run out of supplies while off the main roads or just not make it to the next accommodation. In addition in some areas accommodation can be booked up months in advance and the next available could be up to 50 km (30 m) away. It can be difficult to select really important highlights without prior experience. Better let us organize your trip!