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6 Days
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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
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Over six days 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.
On this trip you will cycle through picturesque rural landscapes, past vineyards and lush orchards, along stunning coastlines and through deep forested valleys. You will experience the vivid colours of larapuna/Bay of Fires by bike and kayak the sparkling aquamarine waters of Freycinet National Park beneath the dramatic Hazards Range. On foot, you'll explore the renowned Wineglass Bay and Hazards Loop, discovering some of Tasmania’s most spectacular coastal scenery. While in Freycinet, you'll sample local wines and fresh Tasmanian seafood, showcasing the region's outstanding produce.
Next, you'll catch a ferry to wukaluwikiwayna/Maria Island and cycle through the National Park, discovering its rich history, world-class scenery and remarkably friendly wildlife. You'll then journey to the tukana/Tasman Peninsula to hike Cape Hauy, one of Tasmania's most iconic coastal walks, with breathtaking views of towering dolerite sea stacks and the wild Tasman Sea. The adventure concludes with a visit to the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, where you'll uncover the stories and history that shaped Australia's convict past.
This tour caters to a wide range of fitness levels, with the constant support of experienced guides and vehicle assistance, allowing you to complete as many or as few kilometres as you please.
Each day we make the most of the great outdoors, and each evening provides an opportunity to relax and celebrate the day's adventures while enjoying a variety of carefully selected local restaurants, cafés and dining experiences showcasing the finest flavours of Tasmania.
41kg of CO2-e PP per day
(206kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Pick up in Launceston, transfer to Binalong Bay for a cycle along the Bay of Fires Coast
We pick you up early this morning in Launceston, from one of our two pick up locations. Our first pick up point is at 7:15am from the Hotel Grand Chancellor and our second pick up point is at 7:30am at the Leisure Inn Penny Royal. We then drive 2.5 hours through stunning farm country and quiet old towns. We arrive at Binalong Bay and the white sandy beaches of the East Coast. After lunch we’ll start cycling north along the coastline of larapuna/Bay of Fires. We cycle past stunning beaches, and classic Tasmanian countryside, heading towards The Gardens and back. We’ll stop in at Sloop Reef, Swimcart Beach and Honeymoon Beach. Cycling distance: 32km. 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. Drive time: approximately 2.5 hours Overnight: St Helens *You will need to arrive in Launceston the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 3:00pm pre-trip briefing.
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Transfer to Freycinet National Park, for wine tasting, afternoon kayak and Welcome to Country
This morning, we will transfer to Bicheno for a 45-minute Glass Bottom Boat tour. This tour is a great way to experience the area from the sea in a short amount of time. Afterwards we make our way towards our destination for the day, Freycinet National Park. On the way we’ll stop at Devil’s Corner Vineyard and Cellar Door for a wine tasting and lunch, showcasing some of Tasmania’s finest cool-climate wines and fresh caught seafood. This afternoon we swap our wheels for paddles and head out onto the sparkling waters of Great Oyster Bay. Accompanied by professional kayaking guides, we’ll paddle beneath the dramatic Hazards Range and take in the spectacular coastline from a unique perspective. Keep an eye out for white-bellied sea eagles, seals and other marine life that frequent these pristine waters. Our day of highlights will be completed with a Welcome to Country and cultural yarns with Trish, a proud palawa woman. Kayaking time: approximately 2 hours. Drive time: approximately 2 hours Overnight: Coles Bay.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Full Day Hike – Wineglass Bay & Hazards Loop
We’ll spend today exploring more of the tranquil Freycinet Peninsula. This morning we Today is dedicated to exploring the very best of Freycinet National Park on foot. After breakfast we set out on the renowned Wineglass Bay and Hazards Circuit, widely regarded as one of Tasmania’s premier day walks. The trail climbs to the iconic Wineglass Bay Lookout before descending to the white sands of Wineglass Bay itself. After time to relax, swim and enjoy lunch by the beach, we continue through coastal woodland and along secluded bays beneath the pink granite peaks of the Hazards Range. This rewarding circuit showcases the extraordinary diversity of Freycinet National Park, from sweeping coastal vistas and turquoise waters to native bushland and pristine beaches. Walking distance: approximately 11km. Walking time: approximately 5–6 hours with stops. Overnight: Coles Bay.
Day 4
Ferry to wukaluwikiwayna/Maria Island, cycling through the National Park
We start our day with a transfer to Triabunna (about 1 hour and 45 mins), then we’ll jump on the ferry to wukaluwikiwayna/Maria Island. This 30 minute ferry trip across Mercury Passage docks 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. We take our bike across to wukaluwikiwayna/Maria Island (an island, off an island, off an island). We will spend the day in the saddle exploring the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs, picnicking with the locals (wombats, pademelons and Cape Barren geese) and sharing stories of the island's Convict past. We take the return ferry back to Triabunna late this afternoon. Cycling distance: 15km | Cycling time: about 4 hours with stops. Overnight: Orford
Day 5
To the tukana/Tasman Peninsula to walk Cape Hauy, on the Three Capes Track
After a delicious breakfast we begin our drive to tukana/Tasman Peninsula (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes), home to the iconic Three Capes Track and the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. Today we hike to Cape Hauy, one of Tasmania’s most spectacular coastal walks. The trail follows dramatic cliff lines and offers outstanding ocean views, culminating in breathtaking views of the towering dolerite sea stacks that rise from the Tasman Sea. With plenty of opportunities to stop, take photographs and appreciate the rugged coastline, this walk is a fitting finale to a week of active exploration across Tasmania’s East Coast. After returning from the walk, there is time to relax and unwind before enjoying a celebratory final dinner together. Walking distance: 9.5km. Walking time: approximately 5 hours. Overnight: Port Arthur
Day 6
Port Arthur Historic Site Tour, transfer to Hobart, trip concludes
This morning we immerse ourselves in the fascinating history of the Port Arthur Historic Site, one of Australia's most significant heritage destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Convict Site. Set on the shores of Carnarvon Bay, Port Arthur offers a powerful insight into Australia's colonial past through its beautifully preserved buildings, ruins and stories. Your visit includes a guided introduction to the site, with time to explore the extensive grounds, historic buildings and exhibitions at your own pace. As you wander through the former penal settlement, you'll discover the stories of convicts, soldiers, settlers and administrators who shaped this remarkable chapter of Tasmanian history. Following our visit, we begin our journey to Hobart, stopping along the way for a final lunch together and a chance to reflect on the adventures of the past six days. You will be dropped at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart where the trip concludes at approximately 2–3pm. Accommodation is not included tonight; however, our team is happy to assist with post-tour accommodation arrangements. If you choose to fly out this evening, departures from 5pm onwards are generally feasible (providing no delays).
Meals: B,L
What's included
What's not included
We spend 5 nights in cabin accommodation on a twin share basis. The accommodation is booked many months in advance so it is not always possible for us to provide individual travellers with their own room. This tour is on a twin-share basis so if you are an individual traveller we will accommodate you with another traveller of the same sex and if we cannot match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share, a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room pending availability.
For the two nights in Iluka we can offer a discount for families or groups who are willing to share a 4-bed bunk room. This will only apply for groups of 3-4 people booking together, who elect to share the bunk room. Speak with our staff for more details.
The bicycles we provide are Merida ePRESSO Electric Bikes. The ePRESSO is built for comfort. With a soft seat, upright riding position and Shimano electronic assist, you’ll be riding further with ease. If you would like to bring your own bike, please speak with our staff to ensure that your bike will fit on our trailer. The maximum tyre width we can accommodate is 4.5cm.
If you would rather not use an e-bike, we also offer hybrid bikes as an alternative. The bicycles we provide are high quality Avanti 'Giro' hybrid touring bikes, with 16 speed Shimano Altus gears for on demand, quick gear across a wide gear range. You will be able to choose between the two bike styles upon booking.
This trip involves cycling, kayaking and walking and a reasonable level of fitness is required. Daily activity is between 5-6 hours, but be prepared for variable weather conditions which can impact the timing and comfort of the activities. The cycling is road cycling so you should feel confident and comfortable cycling on the road. That said, there is never any need to feel under pressure to ride or walk the full distances. It is important to remember that this is a journey to be enjoyed, and if at any point you do not wish to ride the vehicle is available to transport you and your bike. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three times a week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking). The best preparation for your trip is the activities you will be doing on your trip. Be sure to include some road cycling, bush walking and kayaking/use of a rowing machine in your training. It's also a good idea to walk and/or cycle in variable weather conditions. Come open minded and ready for a wonderful experience whatever the weather and whoever the group. We encourage you to contact our reservations office if you have any queries about your suitability for this trip – we love to hear from you and are happy to answer any and all questions!
Per Person, Twin Share
It is a condition of booking a tour with us, and your responsibility to ensure that you are adequately insured for the full duration of the tour in respect of illness, injury, pre-existing medical conditions, death, loss of baggage and personal items and cancellation and curtailment. You must provide evidence to TEX that you have obtained personal travel insurance. You must ensure that your personal travel insurance covers all of the activities you expect to participate in.
Most of the cycling is road cycling, and the elevation is undulating with a few hills and windy roads that follow the coastline.
For each section of the trip a briefing will be given by your guides detailing exactly what you will need to carry. This varies each day depending on weather and activities, but the following gives you a general idea:
CYCLING & WALKING – You will carry a small day-pack with your camera, some snacks, raincoat and your drink bottle. The vehicle carries the rest of the luggage, except for the day trip to Maria Island where you will only have access to your day pack during the day.
KAYAKING – The sea kayaks have store hatches and you will be given a dry-bag for your camera and drink bottle. Your kayak guides will provide snacks and hot drinks.
If at any point you don't want to ride, the vehicle is able to transport you and your bike.
The East Coast of Tasmania experiences a mild climate compared to the rest of the island. Summer East Coast daytime temperatures average 21 degrees with nights averaging 11 degrees, and annual rainfall of 680 millimetres. You should be prepared for possible rain and cold temperatures at any time of the year.
The trip includes a pre-trip briefing held at 3:00pm the day before the trip starts which will be held at the Tasmanian Expeditions office in Invermay, just outside of the CBD. You will need to arrive into Launceston in time to attend this afternoon briefing, allowing approximately 1-2 hours, and make your own way to/from our office. On Day 1, the trip commences with a pick-up at 7:15am from the Hotel Grand Chancellor or at 7:30am from the Leisure Inn Penny Royal - you will need to make your own way to one of these designated meeting points.
The trip price includes either an electric or a hybrid bike according to your preference noted on your booking, bearing in mind that we have a maximum of 8 x electric bikes available per departure so it is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no difference in price for the two bike types.
The trip concludes in Hobart with drop off to the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart at approximately 2-3pm. We recommend booking a night's accommodation in Hobart (not included) in case of delays, however, if you choose to fly out on the last day of the trip, flight departures from 5pm would be feasible (providing no delays).
Our preferred hotel in Launceston for pre tour accommodation is the Leisure Inn Penny Royal. Once your trip booking has been confirmed, your reservations consultant will send you a quote for the hotel and are happy to book the accommodation on your behalf (subject to availability). We will also provide suggestions for post tour accommodation in Hobart.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.
Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.
Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
5Days
Introductory to Moderate
4Days