Biking Tasmania

Wow, what a place! Tasmania's cool climate, breathtaking views and diversity of mountain biking trails makes it an ideal destination for riders and non riders. From a riding perspective there is a plethora of trails to keep both beginners and experts wanting more. For the non riders, there are so many diverse activities that suit young and old.

Back to the riding. The best thing about riding a bike in the wilderness is you get many amazing experiences... All for free. You experience nature at its finest. Wombats, echidnas, rabbits... Snakes! Absolutely not the highlight, but it makes you respect what is around you. The changing landscape is also amazing - ranging from riding through think temperate rainforest with ferns through to dry eucalypt plantations, pine forests all the way to being above the tree line. One of the days we rode the famous "North South track" which connects Glenorchy (a suburb near the Cadbury factory! - yes, went there too!) to "The Springs" which is half way up Mt Wellingon. When we got to the top, we decided to keep riding to the top. The views of the greater Hobart area was amazing. I would certainly highly recommend this experience - but ask a local when is good to make this journey. It can get very cold and windy up there, tarnishing the experience.

One main difference between South Australia and Tasmania is that when there is a total fire ban, people are actually encouraged to enter national parks. We found this a little bizarre due to the high fuel loads but their rationale kind of made some sense.

In launceston, there are three main parks to visit. Hollybanks (in th hollybank state forest) Which is designed around flow trails. They have three main trails. A green (beginner) called NO SWEAT. A cleverly designed trail in which the climbs and the descents are so mellow that you literally do not raise a sweat. A blue trail called TALL TIMBERS which is super fun with a couple of creek crossings and the final trail - JUGGERNAUT. This is classified as a blue trail. It should be more like very dark blue! A 10km descent that takes between 30-40 minutes. This is not to be missed. The other two parks are Kate Reed which has a lovely mix of flow trails with a couple of rock features and the much loved Trevallyn which is what the locals tend to ride. It's a little rocky but super fun. Trevallyn backs on Cataract Gorge. Another tourist location.

Hobart's trails are similar to Adelaide. Hard pack with some lose rocks. Glenorchy and Clarence are the two purpose built parks with many local tracks noodling down from Mt Wellington to Cascade Brewery (perfect really!) other places in Tassie to investigate are Weldborough/blue tier areas and of course Derby which will be opened mid February. Put this on your visit list if you like bikes.

Enough for now!