NW TASMANIA CIRCUIT 14 days 750km
Cycling Tasmania is spectacular, challenging and unforgettable. The NWTAS circuit encompasses the North and West coasts, harbours, mountains, highland lakes, farmlands, towns, villages and plenty of history. The Tarkine and Central Highlands are two key wilderness areas.
Overlaying the physical landscapes are the cultural landscapes of First Nations peoples who lived in NW Tasmania for tens of thousands of years prior to occupation by Europeans from early in the 19th century. As we know well today, this was not kind to them or their way of life. Links:
NW TAS - OUTBIKE LITE FORMAT
INTRODUCING OUTBIKE LITE - 'semi-independent' cycle touring.
Simpler than our Outback events, we're introducing Outbike LITE to complement independent cycle touring in SE Australia, making it a tad easier and drawing a number of riders together which usually means things are a bit more sociable and cheerful.
Outbike is also considering to offer the LITE format over 2 weeks along back routes between (1) Adelaide and Melbourne; (2) Melbourne and Sydney; and (3) Sydney and Brisbane. Stay tuned.
Cost and what we charge for: Essentially we're offering a service to transfer your luggage and camping gear from point to point - at an affordable cost of $110 per rider per day on the NWTAS (x 14 days = $1540). Anything else we assist with is no-charge. Meals and accommodation are additional but we'll run a kitty for camping fees, camp breakfasts and packed lunches.
Unlike typical guided bicycle tours' you're in control of your daily schedule, you can consider alternative routes and you can choose your pace.
With places for 6 to 12 participants, it means there's fellow cyclists sharing the journey.
A kitty is collected if you are camping and to cover supplies for breakfasts and packed-lunches (and one dinner). We bring along catering equipment.
If you need a tent, mats and sleeping bag, we can provide - no extra charge.
Our vehicle tows a trailer and travels the described primary route, it may start an hour or more after the last rider starts. Our crew person can assist if needed. We'll be able to transport up to 3 people and bikes if for any GOOD reason participants can not ride.
Bring wet weather gear and be ready to ride in adverse weather.
On days where riders decide on alternative cycling routes, we recommend they have navigation devices and borrow our Zoleo satellite units (limited numbers) for emergency contact.
Ride With GPS heat maps are a good resource for considering routes that other riders have done before.
Except for one night, accommodations are possible on NWTAS. We'll book the camping. But for accommodations, riders need to make their own bookings. We can assist to match up riders in groups of 2-4 ahead of the event for this purpose.
Except for one night (Donaldson River), it's possible to dine out. For any nights where riders choose to self-cater in cabins (or campsite BBQs), we will have some space for their supplies, including in our eskies and portable fridge.
E-bikes are welcome and charging will be possible each night (we have big batteries if we're somewhere without mains power).
35-38mm tyre widths suggested.
Bikes (MTBs) may be available for hire.
When. We've picked Oct-Nov and Feb for this. Temps in Oct-Nov are midway between winter and summer, with rain significantly less than Jul-Aug but higher than summer months. Feb is warm and easily the driest month. Feb visitor numbers are similar to Oct-Nov, around 2/3 of the Jan peak.
26 Oct to 8 Nov 2025 (finishes one week before Targa Tasmania starts)
8 to 21 Feb 2026
25 to 7 Nov 2026 (finishes one week before Targa Tasmania starts)
Expressions of Interest: We've started a list (Dec 2024) and have 30+ names on it. Please nominate preferences.
Entries: From February 2025 we'll be ready to take bookings for the 2025 and 2026 dates.
NWTAS PROGRAMME
STAGE 1. NW COASTAL PATH
When complete, the path will be a 'world class' trail running 110km from LaTrobe to Stanley. Presently it looks about 80% built as far as Wynyard.
Day 1. Devonport to Wynyard 72km
Disembark the Spirit of Tasmania and browse around the city of Devonport (pop 26000).
Meet at 10am Devonport Regional Gallery in Rooke St (opposite parklands). Luggage can be picked up earlier at agreed times from accommodations, from 8am onwards.
The Don River Railway and Museum is open daily. https://donriverrailway.com.au/tickets/
It’s fitting to turn first into Best St, then across the rail line to the harbourside Cycle and Walking Track. Aikenhead Point at 2km has the Spirit of the Sea statue and a Vietnam vets memorial. One km further is Mersey Bluff’s 1889 lighthouse, lookout and Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum. Take Bluff Access Road and Coles Beach Road, rejoining the cycle track to cross the Don River Bridge. Turn left into Don River Road and at 7km veer across the road into the NW Coast Pathway. At 8km it slips under the Bass Highway and crosses the Forth River at 15km.
Tiagarra: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069442686025
Continue on the NW Coastal Path via Turners Beach 17km, Ulverstone 23km, Penguin 35km and Burnie 52km. Much of the Path is rail trail. Latest section opened Oct 2024.
Don’t miss the Big Penguin - in Penguin.
The City of Burnie (pop 20000) has a regional museum and art gallery. The Little Penguin Observation Centre opens at 8pm.
Overnight is Wynyard, a decent sized town of 6000 plus residents and a centre for the surrounding farmlands.
Camping: Beach Retreat Tourist Park https://www.beachretreattouristpark.com.au/
Motels & pubs: eg Wharf Hotel https://www.wharfhotelwynyard.com.au/
Farmstay: historic Table Cape House can be rented with 3 doubles and a twin room https://tablecapefarmhouse.com.au/
BnB: Alexandria is one example https://book-directonline.com/properties/AlexandriaBedandBreakfastDirect/about
Day 2. Wynyard to Stanley 63km (options 75km or 88km via Mawbanna Rd)
Follow the C234 coastal route for 10km, passing close to Table Cape. Rejoin the Bass Hwy.
A detour may be possible via Boat Harbour and Sisters Beach, leaving the Bass Hwy at 14km and rejoining at 24km just before the Big Yellow Motorcycle. We’ll try and check that.
Just after the BYM at 24km, inland detours are possible via Montumana Rd:
adding 3km and rejoining the Bass at 30km or at Rocky Cape 33km or
adding 26km, turning left after 2km onto Newhaven Rd for 15km (unsealed), right onto Mawbanna Rd C225 (sealed), follow it 18km to Black River Ford and another 12km to South Forest. Then Mengha Rd C219 (sealed) running straight north 3km to the village of Forest, 5km to the Bass Hwy / B21 Stanley junction.
If staying on the Bass Hwy, at 35km is the intriguing locality of Detention with a christian centre and servo. At 36km there’s a 15km option to go inland (adding 4km unsealed/sealed) via Loosemores Rd, forests and the C225, coming back on to the Bass at Black River 47km.
At 55km turn right off the Bass Hwy at the B21 junction for the final 7km to Stanley.
Stanley is famous for The Nut, a remnant volcanic plateau surrounded by the sea on three sides, the town on the other. Hike up or take the Chair Lift. There’s also many early 19th century houses and buildings.
A couple of kms north of Stanley is the historic Highfields site, open to visitors 9:30 to 4:30 daily.
From Highfields, WW1 veteran Lt. Arthur Long made the first flight across Bass Strait on 17th Dec 1919 in his modest Boulton Paul biplane (18’ length, 24’ wingspan).
Daring Arthur married RJ’s 2nd cousin Beatrice in 1926 however the Long marriage proved to be upsettingly short. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/274799903 / https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/141412751
https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/highfield-historic-site/visiting-highfield-house
https://torquayhistoricalsociety.com.au/arthur-leonard-long/
Camping & cabins: Big 4 in a central location https://www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/tas/devonport-cradle-mountain-great-western-tiers/stanley-holiday-park
Pubs, cottages etc: Many choices eg Seaview Inn https://stanleyseaviewinn.com.au/
Day 3. Stanley to Arthur River 85km (and several options)
Rejoin the Bass Hwy and the major town of Smithton (pop 4000) is at 20km.
Montagu Rd C215 is sealed and runs NW to the locality of Montagu at 39km. C215 then becomes W. Montagu Rd to the junction at 45km of Woolnorth and Harcus River roads. C215 takes the latter, now unsealed to Marrawah (pop 400) General Store at 68km. On seal again, Comeback Rd links to Arthur River Rd. Only 250m of ups and same for downs. 5 mostly short, sharp climbs.
Arthur River has only 30-40 permanent residents. There are a lot of shacks used during the summer.
Other options are:
87km stay on the Bass Hwy
93km taking Montagu Rd to 34km, then Barcoo Rd (unsealed), rejoin Bass Hwy at 58km.
90km could be tricky to follow but RWGPS shows this to be popular. From Smithton ride south to Edith Creek General Store 34km on B22 (sealed), ahead on Trowutta Rd C218 (turns to unsealed), at 39km turn right onto Roger River Road, right into Leesons Rd at 50km, into forest and becomes Lerunna Rd at 58km, left into Salmon River Rd at 63km, right into Warra Rd at 70km, ahead at 74km, several more junctions and rejoining the Bass Hwy at 87km. 480m up, 480m down.
Camping & cabins: Arthur River Cabin Park https://arthurrivercabinpark.com/
STAGE 2. THE TARKINE
Days 4-5. Arthur River to Corinna 108km – with overnight enroute
Follow Temma Rd for 14km, then turn left onto Rebecca Rd. It’s sealed to the junction at 30km. Turn right onto Norfolk Road C249 which is gravel. At 39km an option to visit Balfour ruins, this adds 5kms.
At 83kms is Donaldson River Freedom Camping. It can be seen on Google Streetview and looks very sheltered from the wind. The next day to Corinna crosses Savage River at 102km and joins Corinna Rd at 104km. Day 5 would be just 25km of gravel, arriving in time for a possible cruise on the historic Arcadia II (built 1939) to Pieman heads and back. Sails at 10am, returns 2:30pm. https://www.corinna.com.au/river-cruises
The two days are 1200m up, 1200m down. Corinna's permanent population is less than 10!
Camping: https://directory.fullrangecamping.com.au/item/corinna-wilderness-campground-cg/
Cottages: Corinna Wilderness Village www.corinna.com.au/accommodation
STAGE 3. WEST COAST HERITAGE
Day 6. Corinna to Zeehan 48km
The climb out of Corinna is unsealed and gains 200m in the first 4km. At 12.5km turn R onto Heemskirk Rd, sealed. Granville Harbour Wind Farm is at 18-20km. 650 in ups, 500m of downs.
Zeehan is a gem of a mining town, flourishing in the 1880s on silver discoveries (pop then 10000, now 700).
Glamping and cabins: Bush Camp https://zeehanbushcamp.com.au/ (no regular camping)
Motel: Heemskirk Motor Hotel https://www.heemskirkmotorhotel.com.au/
Day 7. Zeehan to Strahan 44km
Easy riding following an old rail line much of the way. At 9km it bridges the Little Henty River. At 23km is the Ocean Beach and Henty Dunes Lookout. Up 180m, down 350m.
The port of Strahan (pop 700) on magnificent Macquarie Harbour is another heritage town,
Camping & cabins: Strahan Beach Tourist Park www.strahantouristpark.com.au, Strahan Bungalows https://www.strahanbungalows.com.au/
BnBs: Ormiston House https://www.ormistonhouse.com.au/ , Franklin Manor https://www.franklinmanor.com.au/ and others
Day 8. Strahan Rest Day
Cruise the Gordon River, ride out to Macquarie Heads, learn the history
Day 9. Strahan to Queenstown 42km
It’s 23km of varying grades to Rindeena Lookout at 360m altitude. Remainder looks easy. 500m up, 400m down.
Queenstown is the iconic Tasmania West Coast mining town (pop 1800), still in action. It was famous for its bare hillsides of Mediterranean hues, the result of pollution, but with improved practices, the vegetation is now returning.
Camping & cabins: www.queenstowncabinandtouristpark.com.au
Pubs and motels: Empire Hotel https://www.empirehotel.net.au/ also the Railway Hotel, Hunters Hotel, and at least 6 motels
STAGE 4. THE MOUNTAINS & HIGHLAND LAKES
Day 10. Queenstown to Derwent Bridge 86km
A big day on the Lyell Hwy with 3 significant rises, traffic will be moderate. Climb out of town, pass the remains of Gormanston and Linda, skirt Lake Burbury, ascend again stopping to see Nelson Falls at 27km. At 51km there’s a trail to Donaghy’s Hill Lookout (40 min rtn walk). At 57km another short walk to see Frenchman’s Cap suspended bridge over the famous Franklin River. The challenging uphill is from 62 to 70km, ascending 400m in 8km followed by a flat 15km. About 1200m of ups and 600m downs.
Derwent Bridge is the exit point for hikers tackling the famed Overland Track from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair.
Hotel & camping: DW Wilderness Hotel www.derwentbridgewildernesshotel.com.au
Day 11. Derwent Bridge to Miena 60km
Taking the Lyell and Marlborough highways. Halfway is Bronte Park with a general store. No alternatives but traffic will be light. About 700m of downhill vs 400m up.
The village of Miena is where we meet the Great Lake, popular with those who prefer a rod over a ride..
Camping & hotels: Great Lake Hotel https://greatlakehotel.com.au/accommodation/ Central Highlands Lodge https://centralhighlandslodge.com.au/
Day 12. Miena to Deloraine 70km (options of up to 85km)
For 30km the road follows the western shore of the Great Lake. Then it’s a nice downhill grade. Stay on Highland Lakes Road or turn east using unsealed forest roads to join the C513 to visit Liffey Falls, Honor Falls and take Bogan Road C502 / Quamby Brook Rd C503 into Deloraine. Call in at Tasmanian Whiskey Selector’s Bogan Road Distillery!
Deloraine is home to 3000 people and has a hint of English character.
Camping: Apex Park https://deloraineapexcaravanpark.com.au/home-apex-caravan-park/
Cabins: Drumreagh https://www.greatwesterntiers.net.au/drumreagh-deloraine (we’ve stayed there Dec 24, very nice), Tiers Cottages
Pubs: Deloraine Hotel https://www.delorainehotel.com.au/, Empire Hotel https://www.empirehoteldeloraine.com.au/
Manors: Blakes Manor http://www.blakesmanor.com.au/, Arcoona Manor (Nat Trust) https://arcoonamanor.com.au/, Tahara https://www.taharacottage.com.au/
Motels: Mountain View Country Inn https://www.mountainviewcountryinn.com.au/
STAGE 5. NORTHERN COUNTRY
Day 13. Deloraine to Sheffield 40km (options up to 55km)
The more direct route via Kimberley will have moderate traffic. Riding the longer way via Dunorlan, Beulah and Paradise looks nice.
Sheffield (pop 1600) is known for the backdrop of Mt Roland - and dozens of murals.
Cabins: https://sheffieldcabins.com.au/
Motels: Sheffield Motor Inn https://www.sheffieldmotorinn.com.au/ , Kentish Hills Retreat https://www.kentishhills.com.au/
BnBs: Tanglewood, Station House
Day 14. Sheffield to Devonport 36km (options from 26km)
Ride almost the whole way on bike trails: 12km of rail trail to Railton (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27555311) then 15km on the Wild Mersey MTB ‘Railton Express’ trail – and 10km alongside River Road, part of the NW Coastal Path.
Should be finished back in Devo for lunch!
_____________________________________________________________
WHAT ABOUT CRADLE MOUNTAIN, EAST COAST, DERBY & MAYDENA MTB TRAILS, SCOTTSDALE RAIL TRAIL, HOBART’S MONA, PORT ARTHUR ETC ETC
There’s much more to see in Tasmania. Perhaps stay on and tour independently – or hire an EV (Thrifty was under $400 for 7 days in a Polestar in early Dec 2024).