The best road cycling routes in Tasmania

Tasmania offers a wide array of road cycling routes, with over 200 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from gentle coastal cruises to challenging mountainous ascents.

Tasmania's road cycling terrain is incredibly diverse. You'll find well-maintained, lightly-trafficked roads that traverse pristine beaches, majestic mountains, peaceful valleys, and quaint country roads. The east coast features milder weather and gently curving roads with coastal views, while the rugged west coast presents demanding, hilly landscapes with significant climbs.

Yes, Tasmania has options for less experienced riders. While many routes offer challenges, there are 24 easy road cycling tours available. For a gentler experience, consider exploring rail trails, which typically offer flatter, scenic rides through farmlands and forests. The east coast also provides less demanding, gently curving roads between towns.

For experienced riders seeking a rigorous workout, Tasmania offers 54 difficult road cycling routes. Areas around Mount Wellington (kunanyi) near Hobart provide significant climbs and panoramic views. Routes like the Mount Wellington loop from Tolmans Hill offer substantial elevation gain. The west coast also features demanding, hilly landscapes with climbs exceeding 900 meters.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Tasmania are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Beedhams Reserve loop from Sandy Bay, which leads through varied terrain. Loop routes are popular for exploring specific areas without needing to retrace your path.

Tasmania's routes often pass by stunning natural attractions. You can cycle past coastal beauty spots like the Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park, home to Wineglass Bay Lookout. Mountainous routes offer panoramic vistas, and some areas provide views of ancient forests. You might also encounter waterfalls like Russell Falls or Westmorland Waterfall.

Tasmania's temperate climate makes it appealing for cyclists, especially during the extended daylight hours of summer. This allows for longer days of exploration. However, the diverse landscapes mean conditions can vary, so it's always wise to check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Many cycling routes in Tasmania pass through charming country towns, particularly along the east coast, such as Richmond, Swansea, Bicheno, and St. Helens. These towns offer excellent opportunities for rest, relaxation, and finding cafes or local eateries to refuel during your ride.

The road cycling experience in Tasmania is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 30 reviews. Over 3,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the island's varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes, well-maintained roads, and the combination of coastal and mountainous challenges.

While specific public transport options for accessing trailheads can vary, major towns like Hobart offer urban greenways and bike paths that connect to various routes. For longer distances, transporting bikes via flights or the Spirit of Tasmania ferry makes it convenient to reach different regions of the island.

Tasmania is renowned for its coastal beauty, and many road cycling routes hug the coastline, providing breathtaking ocean vistas. The East Coast is a particularly popular destination for coastal cycling, with routes offering views of remote coastlines and sandy beaches. Bruny Island also provides scenic coastal rides.

Beyond natural beauty, Tasmania's cycling routes often lead through historic towns. You can explore places like Richmond, one of Australia's oldest towns, or Hobart, Australia's second oldest state capital, which offers routes to sites like the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). The Shot Tower Historic Site loop from Lower Sandy Bay is an example of a route passing a significant landmark.