4
Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 3 days walking
  • 3 days cycling
  • 1 day kayaking
Accommodation
  • 3 nights accommodation
  • 2 nights camping
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days$3595AUD

Trip Code: CYT

Trip highlights


  • Kayaking in Coles Bay beneath the Hazards
  • Superb walks in Freycinet National Park to view Wineglass Bay
  • Summit Mount Bishop & Clerk and enjoy other walks on Maria Island
  • Cycling through sleepy fishing villages and along stunning coastal stretches of the East Coast
  • Wildlife spotting and the chance to see Tasmanian Devils in the wild

Why Book With Us

  • Join one of National Geographic Traveler magazine’s ’50 Tours of a Lifetime’
  • 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 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.

Activities:

Itinerary

We will collect you from your accommodation in Launceston CBD between 7:15-7:30am. Please be patient while waiting for your Pick up as there can be unexpected delays. Our first stop in the morning will be for a briefing at a local bakery café in the picturesque town of Evandale, where there will be time for you to purchase a coffee and a fresh pastry while your guides present an overview of the trip and answer questions you have for the trip. We then drive an hour and half through stunning farm country and quiet old towns. We arrive at Falmouth, and the white sandy beaches of the East Coast, for a picnic lunch in this sleepy seaside village. After a safety briefing from our Guides, being sized up for a bike and distribution of hire gear, we have a good opportunity to get used to our bikes before we start cycling south along the coastline. With a possible stop at the superbly located Ironhouse Brewery, we cycle past stunning beaches, classic Tasmanian countryside, towards the iconic seaside fishing village of Bicheno. Cycling distance: 46km. 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.

Meals:  L,D

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: 38km (Bicheno to Freycinet) | Walking distance: 4-8km | Walking time: 2-4 hour

Meals:  B,L,D

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: 23km

Meals:  B,L,D

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 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

Meals:  B,L,D

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

Meals:  B,L,D

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 enjoy our final lunch together and, time permitting, explore one of the short walks available on the mountain. At approximately 2:00pm you will be dropped off at your accommodation in the waterfront city of Hobart, (or Victoria Dock for those staying outside the city centre), a beautiful place in which to end your amazing adventure. If you wish to be dropped at the airport before, (approx. 11:45am) or after, (approx. 3pm), Mount Wellington, our Guides will happily assist you. Walking time: 1-3 hours

Meals:  B,L


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • Professional cycling/ walking/ kayaking guides
  • 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, snacks and hot drinks
  • 1 night restaurant meal
  • 3 nights accommodation (cottage and B&B accommodation, some nights with shared bathroom facilities)
  • 2 nights camping on Maria Island (showers are not available)
  • 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

  • Travel to Launceston and from Hobart
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature: alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Accommodation


Bike information


Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

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!


Departure dates


Notes

HS
Holiday Season
H
High Season
O
Option
Note:
A high season supplement applies from 1 December to 15 February, and for any trip that overlaps a public holiday.
1
Electric bike hire available - maximum 8 per departure.

Priceper person from

$3595AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Tent Supplement (2 nights)AUD$50
  • Electric Bike HireAUD$380
  • Single Supplement (all 5 nights)AUD$440
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Cycle, Kayak and Walk Tasmania trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Frequently Asked Questions

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 – You will carry a small day-pack with your camera, some snacks and your drink bottle. The vehicle carries the rest of the luggage.

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.

WALKING – We hand cart all luggage onto Maria Island therefore we ask that you take ‘only what you need’ in a pack of around 8-10 kilograms. When walking on the island you will carry your day pack with just what is needed for the walk: raincoat, camera, water, snacks etc.

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 starts on day 1 with an early morning pick up from your hotel. You will need to arrive into Launceston the day before your trip starts.


Trip reviews


Videos

Cycle, Kayak & Walk Tasmania Adventure | Tasmanian Expeditions

Positive Impact Travel

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.