I was down there for 4 weeks with the family in January. I put a bike on the roof of the car and, in the end, rode it only one day. But that one day riding was fun and probably worth it - it was good at least to have the option available. It was otherwise no issue to haul around on the roof, except when the guys on the Spirit of Tasmania negligently tried to direct my down onto a lower level of the boat with not enough clearance (despite my booking a high clearance spot).
I’d recommend heading west to check out the Tarkine. Went there for the first time this last trip and it is so great. If you have a proper 4WD go to Granville Harbour and head north up the coast - think camping on wild sea-spray coast surrounded by rainforest and endless sand dunes, with nobody around. If only 2WD you could still drive up about 1km before it gets too sandy and there is a fantastic spot to camp right next to a huge natural protected rock lagoon. So great. And for something a bit more cushy go to Corinna, stay in one of the old converted huts, do some nice short rainforest walks and hire a kayak and paddle up the Pieman River - think big wild Tassie river surrounded by rainforest and Huon pine. Then drive north out of Corinna up the Norkfolk road through the Arthur-Pieman Conversation Area - one of the most incredible drives I have ever done, such a huge feeling of wilderness and vast views - doable in a 2WD.
Mt Murchison is a great day walk if you’re heading west, also the Tyndall range. Frenchman’s Cap is also a fantastic overnight (or maybe 3 day) walk you can easily get to after finishing the Overland. It’s been boardwalked in the last couple of years and is very accessible - used to be very boggy.
For the Overland, give yourself some extra time to head up the Pine Valley for a day or two and check out the Labyrinth and Du Cane range - the area around Lake Elysia is magic and a must see - also helps you escape some of the crowds.
Make sure you drink Boag’s XXX ale, or Boag’s Red, or strawberry kisses as it’s known to locals. It’s only available in Tasmania and it’s bland as Weet-Bix with water. And it’s called an ale but it’s actually a lager…wow!
You would get a little way along past Granville Harbour in an outback - far enough along for some sweet wild coastal camping. But to get all the way along to the big dunes you’d need more clearance - some pretty rugged rocks and deep sand. We’ve got a Pajero Sport, with regular fitout.
Get on the facebook group about it mate, they have pretty good chatter when the magnvoltron is starting to go crazy… its the sort of thing you might just check each early PM, then make your way to a spot if its all happening. The facebook group also details a lot of spots. Pretty much, you wanna be looking south, rather than BE further south, as the aurora is usually towards the horizon rather than above like it is up north (much closer to the pole). There are good spots with low light pollution around Hobart that face south from a decent elevation. Just before the springs on the way up Wellington is a parking turn out hting on the road, its a beaut.
I never saw it. The one massive event that happened while i was there, I checked the book, knew it was happening, but was sick as a dog and couldnt convince myself that I could safely drive. Turns out it was so big that I probably couldve seen it from the road infront of the house.
I’m heading here with the family for 7-10 days in late July.
Any 1-2 day off-road riding tips? I’m thinking big trees and quiet gravel roads. What’s best?
I dunno how much MTBing you do Adz, but the Blue Tier out of Derby is one of the best things I’ve ever done. I had a great hire bike and got the standard shuttle up, with lunch at the Weldborough pub. It was amazing. I haven’t been to Maydena but it seems a fair bit more gnarly. Still can’t wait to check it out though.
Hey are you taking the fam to Maria Island? I’d recommend it. Book one of the penitentiary rooms there. The kids will love all of the animals, and the hike up Bishop and Clerk is a banger
Yeah, I’ve done the Weld Flyer and it’s awesome, but way South. I also really like the central lake area, with Miena as a possible stop or overnighter. You can get there from the north, Hobart or the east, like in the vicinity it of Oatlands. Can say hi/get a good cup of coffee from Fobblzz if you get there!
