Tasmania - 16 days

Tasmania is the smallest and only island state in Australia. It is wonderful biking country with fabulous beaches and magnificent mountains. We visit four National Parks where we will enjoy a close encounter with unique Australian wildlife. You will experience early colonial history and stay at the very best lodges in the State.

Accommodation includes luxury wilderness lodges, historic cottages and hotels, a farmstay and lakeside lodges.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 HOBART.
Hobart is attractively located beneath Mt Wellington and straddles the Derwent River. There are many fine Georgian buildings in the city.

DAY 2 ORFORD
A boat trip out to Maria Island, where a wide variety of native animals and birds are to be found, is well worthwhile.

DAY 3+4 FREYCINET
A beautiful coastal ride with a ferry trip across to Freycinet Peninsula and two nights in magnificent Freycinet Lodge.

DAY 5 ST HELENS.
A very scenic coastal road with no major hills.

DAY 6 SCOTTSDALE.
Passing through impressive stands of eucalyptus and giant ferns, we stay at a comfortable B & B.

DAY 7+8 LAUNCESTON
A rest day brings an opportunity to visit some local vineyards in the Tamar Valley.

DAY 9 SHEFFIELD.
We cycle on quiet roads to our farm stay hosts.

DAY 10 CRADLE MOUNTAIN
Take a short walk around Dove Lake through magnificent mountain scenery.

DAY 11 TULLAH.
Through the rugged and isolated mountains of the West Coast to our lakeside lodge.

DAY 12 STRAHAN.
An attractive coastal village. The Gordon River cruise is well worthwhile.

DAY 13 LAKE ST CLAIR.
Our lodge is in Lake St Clair National Park, where you are most likely to see wallabies and much native bird life.

DAY 14 HAMILTON.
We descend past several lakes and mountain ranges to open farming country, and stay in quaint stone cottages in the village of Hamilton.

DAY 15+16 HOBART.
We take a quiet back road through several attractive villages to New Norfolk where there is the option of cycling or taking the van for the last few miles.

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The Tasmania 16 day tour is in two sections:

East Coast Explorer - 8 days

Wild West Coast - 9 days

Hotel Lenna, Hobart

Departure Dates

2008/2009 SEASON
 15 Nov. - 30 Nov. 08
10 Jan. -  25 Jan. 09
14 Feb. -  01 Mar. 09

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(Includes 15 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 14 dinners, and entry to National Parks)

Meet: 5 pm in Hobart.
Trip End: After breakfast in Hobart

Route Rating:
Moderate on the East Coast, challenging on the West

On some occasions in remote areas it may be necessary for two rooms to share a bathroom.

Tasmania East Coast Explorer

- 8 Days

Tasmania is the smallest and only island state in Australia. It is wonderful biking country with fabulous beaches and magnificent mountains. You will enjoy a close encounter with unique Australian wildlife, experience early colonial history and stay at the very best lodges in the State.

Accommodation includes historic hotel and cottages, and a luxury wilderness lodge.

Itinerary

DAY 1 HOBART.
Hobart is attractively located beneath Mt Wellington and straddles the Derwent River. There are many fine Georgian buildings in the city.

DAY 2 ORFORD
A boat trip out to Maria Island, where a wide variety of native animals and birds are to be found, is well worthwhile.

DAY 3+4 FREYCINET
A beautiful coastal ride with a ferry trip across to Freycinet Peninsula and two nights in magnificent Freycinet Lodge.

DAY 5 ST HELENS.
A very scenic coastal road with no major hills.

DAY 6 SCOTTSDALE.
Passing through impressive stands of eucalyptus and giant ferns, we stay at a comfortable B & B.

DAY 7+8 LAUNCESTON
A rest day brings an opportunity to visit some local vineyards in the Tamar Valley.

Departure Dates

2008

18 Feb. - 25 Feb.

15 Nov. - 22 Nov.

2009

10 Jan. - 17 Jan.

14 Feb. - 21 Feb.

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Includes 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 7 dinners

Meet: 5pm in Hobart
Trip end: After breakfast in Launceston

Route rating: moderate

On some occasions in remote areas it may be necessary for two rooms to share a bathroom.

Freycinet Coast

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Includes 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 8 dinners.

Departure Dates

2008/2009 SEASON
25 Feb. - 4th Mar.08

22 Nov. - 30 Nov. 08
17 Jan. -  25 Jan. 09
21 Feb. - 01 Mar. 09

Meet: 5.00pm. Launceston
Trip end: After breakfast in Hobart

Route rating: moderate

On some occasions in remote areas it may be necessary for two rooms to share a bathroom.

Dove Lake & Cradle Mountain

Departure Dates

This trip will be run on demand for a minimum of two cyclists. This is a self-guided trip, staying in B&Bs, with luggage transported for you.

Meet:9.00am in Hobart
Trip end: Late afternoon in Hobart

Route rating: moderate

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Victoria - 18 Days

This tour includes the scenic highlights of Victoria's high country, vineyards, old gold mining towns, the Grampians and the Great Ocean Road.

Accommodation includes vineyard lodge, character hotels and magnificent oceanside locations.

DAY 1 MELBOURNE
There is much to see and do in Melbourne; there is an excellent bike path to South Melbourne and from here along the coast to St Kilda.

Day 2 MARYSVILLE
Leave busy Melbourne on the 33.5km Yarra Bike trail following the river and through several parks to Westerfolds Park, then by back roads to the wine growing region of Yarra Glen for lunch. Finish the day with a challenging climb up over the Black Spur in the Yarra Ranges national park then up to peaceful Marysville village.

Day 3 MANSFIELD
A day winding through the open Victorian farmland.

Day 4 WANGARATTA
A lovely climb on a quiet road up the edge of the alpine range before a long gentle descent beside the King River to Wangaratta.

Day 5 + 6 BRIGHT
A unique day's riding entirely on a sealed rail trail though magnificent countryside.

On your rest day take an optional trip to Mt Buffalo. We will take you to the top of Mt Buffalo and leave you to enjoy the 30 km descent by bike.

Day 7 BEECHWORTH
The day starts with an 8 km climb to Tawonga Gap (895m) with rewarding views of Mt Beauty followed by a superb descent into the scenic Kiewa valley before more gentle climbing to the quaint old gold town of Yackandandah.

Day 8 BENDIGO
Downhill all the way to Chiltern for a quick coffee, then an easy flat ride to Rutherglen for wine tasting. Meet at the Rutherglen Information Centre for the approx. 270km van ride to Bendigo.

Day 9 MOONABEL
A long but relatively easy ride though ironbark gum lined rural roads with several old very attractive goldmining towns for refreshment on route.

Day 10 HALLS GAP
Pleasant rural countryside to Stawell then a wooded flat road with ever nearing views of the Grampians.

Day 11 DUNKELD
This morning we take a walk in the Grampians Wonderland and visit the Brambuck Aboriginal Centre.

We descend along the Wannon River valley giving spectacular views of the Serra and Mt William ranges and Mt Abrupt.

Day 12 + 13 PORT FAIRY
Ride over the open countryside on tiny back roads through sheep and cattle country to the historic seaside town of Port Fairy.

Day 14 PORT CAMPBELL
The day starts with a magnificent ride on a coastal bike path across the dunes, and finishes with a stunning cliff top ride into Port Campbell. Along the way we will take a quiet back road to the attractive Childers Cove Bay for a morning break.

Day 15 APOLLO BAY
We travel through a wide variety on scenery ranging from majestic coastal rock formations to the rain forest of the Otway National Parks ranges. A hilly but very rewarding day.

Day 16 SORRENTO
Drive from Anglesea to Queenscliff and take the 30 minute ferry ride to Sorrento.  The epitome of an ocean road. Any closer and you would be riding in the surf. Magnificent coastal riding and beaches.

Day 17 + 18  MELBOURNE
You may wish to swim with dolphins or seals before cycling part way, or driving in to Melbourne.  There are superb coastal and city views and a cycle lane for most of the way.

Departure Dates

2008 / 2009 SEASON
On demand

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The Victoria 18 day tour is in two sections,

Victorian Alps 8 days
Victorian Goldfields 11 days

Meet the Locals!

Views along the Great Ocean Road

Queenscliffe to Sorrento Ferry

Victorian Alps 8 Days

This tour includes the scenic highlights of Victoria’s high country, vineyards and old gold mining towns.

Accommodation is to a very comfortable standard including character hotels.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 MELBOURNE
There is much to see and do in Melbourne; there is an excellent bike path to South Melbourne and from here along the coast to St Kilda.

Day 2 MARYSVILLE
Leave busy Melbourne on the 33.5km Yarra Bike trail following the river and through several parks to Westerfolds Park, then by back roads to the wine growing region of Yarra Glen for lunch. Finish the day with a challenging climb up over the Black Spur in the Yarra Ranges national park then up to peaceful Marysville village.

Day 3 MANSFIELD
A day winding through the open Victorian farmland.

Day 4 WANGARATTA
A lovely climb on a quiet road up the edge of the alpine range before a long gentle descent beside the King River to Wangaratta.

Day 5 + 6 BRIGHT
A unique day’s riding entirely on a sealed rail trail though magnificent countryside.

On your rest day take an optional trip to Mt Buffalo. We will take you to the top of Mt Buffalo and leave you to enjoy the 30 km descent by bike.

Day 7 BEECHWORTH
The day starts with an 8 km climb to Tawonga Gap (895m) with rewarding views of Mt Beauty followed by a superb descent into the scenic Kiewa valley before more gentle climbing to the quaint old gold town of Yackandandah.

Day 8 MELBOURNE
Downhill all the way to Chiltern for a quick coffee, then an easy flat ride to Rutherglen for wine tasting. Meet at the Rutherglen Information Centre. Drive to Shepparton where we will leave you to catch the train back to Melbourne.

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Includes 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners

Meet: Noon in Melbourne
Trip End: Evening in Bendigo

Route rating: moderate

2008 / 2009 SEASON

On demand

Try some local wines enroute!

Colonial Arcitecture in the country

Victorian Goldfields

11 Day

This tour includes the scenic highlights of Victoria's old gold mining towns, the Grampians and the Great Ocean Road.

Accommodation includes vineyard lodge, character hotels and magnificent oceanside locations.

ITINERARY

Day 1 BENDIGO
Meet your guide at 4pm in Bendigo.

Day 2 MOONABEL
A long but relatively easy ride though ironbark gum lined rural roads with several old very attractive goldmining town for refreshment on route.

Day 3 HALLS GAP
Pleasant rural countryside to Stawell then a wooded flat road with ever nearing views of the Grampians.

Day 4 DUNKELD
This morning we take a walk in the Grampians Wonderland and visit the Brambuck Aboriginal Centre. The Grampians tourist road climbs the Diving Range then descends along the Wannon River valley giving spectacular views of the Serra and Mt William ranges and Mt Abrupt.

Day 5 + 6 PORT FAIRY
Ride over the open countryside on tiny back roads through sheep and cattle country to the historic seaside town of Port Fairy.

Day 7 PORT CAMPBELL
The day starts with a magnificent ride on a coastal bike path across the dunes, and finishes with a stunning cliff top ride into Port Campbell. Along the way we will take a quiet back road to the attractive Childers Cove Bay for a morning break.

Day 8 APOLLO BAY
We travel through a wide variety on scenery ranging from majestic coastal rock formations to the rain forest of the Otway National Parks ranges. A hilly but very rewarding day.

Day 9 SORRENTO
Drive from Anglesea to Queenscliff and take the 30 minute ferry ride to Sorrento.  The epitome of an ocean road. Any closer and you would be riding in the surf. Magnificent coastal riding and beaches.

Day 10 + 11  MELBOURNE
You may wish to swim with dolphins or seals before cycling part way, or driving in to Melbourne.  There are superb coastal and city views and a cycle lane for most of the way.

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Includes 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 8 dinners.

Meet: 4 pm in Bendigo
Trip End: After breakfast in Melbourne

Route rating: moderate

Departure Dates

2008 / 2009 SEASON

On demand

Port Campbell Coast

Tropical Queensland

11 Day

This is a multi activity trip including biking hiking and snorkeling.
Waterfalls, volcanic crater lakes, tropical rainforest, endless beaches and Great Barrier Reef. This is Northern Queensland, the only place in the world where three World Heritage Parks meet. See cuddly koalas, kangaroos, brilliantly coloured parrots and crocodiles. Explore the contrasting regions of Cairns, Atherton Tablelands, Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Parks.

Accommodation includes luxury rainforest retreat and beachfront resorts.

ITINERARY

Day 1. CAIRNS
We meet in Cairns, situated on the edge of the Coral Sea and surrounded by rainforest hills and take a short ride to explore the area.

Day 2. ATHERTON
Pedal up to the Atherton Tablelands with panoramic views of the coast and tropical islands, to Kuranda, the "village in the rainforest". Continue through gently rolling hills, transforming from open woodland dotted with termite mounds, to green fertile pastures to The Homestead, on the outskirts of Atherton.

Day 3. MILLAA MILLAA
Passing Mt Hypipamee National Park we head south to Ravenshoe and the wind farm at Millaa Millaa to stay two nights in a luxurious rainforest treehouse.

Day 4. MILLAA MILLAA
Be as busy or as lazy as you want to be: explore the forest on well marked tracks or enjoy 66 km of fabulous downhill to the coast and Flying Fish Point. Spend the day on the beach and return in our support vehicle.

Day 5. YUNGABURRA
An easy ride takes us to picturesque Yungaburra and a chance to see the strangling fig tree.

Day 6. YUNGABURRA
Two nights stay allows time for some platypus spotting or trekking and swimming in nearby Crater Lakes National Park or the more daring may like to take one of "Dan's Mountain Biking" trips.

Day 7 MOSSMAN
Look for wallabies as we ride north by cane fields, mango plantations and gum trees down to the coast and Mossman on the edge of Daintree National Park.

Day 8 CAPE TRIBULATION
Take a morning dip in a billabong before heading for Cape Tribulation. Cross the Daintree river by ferry and pedal through tropical rainforest to our resort by the beach.

Day 9 CAPE TRIBULATION
Here you can snorkel, dive, horse ride, trek, relax on the beach or cycle on the hardpacked sand to a pristine rainforest stream. There are day trips to Great Barrier Reef for some of the most exciting snorkelling and diving in the world. The reef is alive with a multicoloured extravaganza of luminescent, iridescent, polka dotted and zebra striped fish.

Day 10 PORT DOUGLAS
Heading back down the coast past many fabulous beaches, we reach Port Douglas with its excellent selection of fine restaurants.

Day 11. We return to Cairns, stopping at one of the many beaches for a swim before finishing with a visit to the fascinating Tjapuka Aboriginal Cultural Park to gain an insight into the true spirit of indigenous Australia.
 

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