This is a post about how I did a backpacking Tasmania adventure (loop route). I provide details that include maps, costs and links to additional details, photos and videos. This is a self-guided adventure on a budget.
This is an unplanned adventure that started with the purchase of a used bicycle, followed by some gear and very little knowledge about Tasmania. 
It started in Hobart, took place over 22 days, involved a loop up the east coast, north until St Helens, then northwest to Scottsdale, southwest to Launceston and then south back to Hobart via the central highlands and lakes district.
All-in-all over 700km of hills (with over 13,700 m of elevation) and resulted in my clear understanding of why the locals called my bicycle a ‘push-bike’. It was because I pushed that bicycle up a lot of hills every single day. There were no days without hills!
This is not a relaxing cycling trip for the those who want to relax and enjoy the ride. Everyday was a workout.
Total Cost Range of this Activity is: $$$
I spent around $1,000 Aus for the entire adventure (excluding airfare). This include the purchase of the bike and gear.
See Maps & Facts for the Daily Travel Outline, gear suggestions & more.
Let’s begin with the bike acquisition. On my first day in Hobart I searched and found 5 bicycles that fit my criteria (manual-not electric, hybrid and less than $250). I started with the cheapest at $80 and the most desirable from a gear and setup standpoint. The owner volunteered to drive to a meeting point and take me to his house to see the bike. I purchased it on the spot and rode it back to my Backpackers.
The following day I visited a few Op-Shops (charity stores) and stores to buy camping gear, food, saddle bags, bike rear rack, etc. I then downloaded some route options from AllTrails.com and packed.
On the third day I set out with way too much stuff and weight (around 15kg) but it was all stuff that I ultimately needed and used.
Video Parts 1-7
My original goal was to ride the Tasman Trail but the elevation profiles were quite daunting. Basically going South-to-North involved continuously riding uphill until the Mt Blackwood pass, 3 days from Devenport. The alternative of riding south looked much more promising.
Either way involved hills every day, but the south-route seemed less daunting with one giant climb up B51 (or the old abandoned T1 single-track – not recommended) and then hills in a downward flow across Tasmania to Dover.
East Coast Bikepacking Tasmania Photos
But to do the southward route I would need to get to the northern end of Tasmania; hence I chose to ride up the east coast. Plus, I felt it would give me a chance to get in shape before reaching significantly hillier terrain.
As my Daily Ride Details shows, that assumption was false; always hills. But the choice of North-to-South did prove to be generally correct. Once up in the lake district the riding did include a gradual daily elevation decline, but always interspersed with some painful hills.
Northern Section Bikepacking Tasmania Photos
In general the terrain was remarkable, and the various sections of the island were remarkably diverse. Plus, the bicycle gave me the option to free or wild camp much more often than car and caravan travelers.
Note that every community provided numerous parks, toilets, BBQ’s and free camping options. Tasmania is clearly an outdoor destination for camping/camper travelers.
About the Tasman Trail
Other than the obvious decision of riding south-to-north or north-to-south, one needs to consider a few other issues.
The trail has sections that are obsolete and UNRIDEABLE! Yet these old trails are still marked with the little yellow triangles or with online routes/tracks. This is a major issue since a bikepacker is riding with gear and not setup to do off-road single-track MTB.
Also, some sections have closed booms/gates that need to be crossed (over or around) and the private property signs ignored. And still other warnings need to be adhered too.
And then, finally, some routes make no sense. They can be cut to avoid uphill sections or obvious long loops that add little value. Some sections seem added just to give day hikers or short hikers some extra km.
Central South Section Bikepacking Tasmania Photos
So with these issues in mind, I have created a modified/truncated Tasman Trail route (with N-to-S and S-to-N versions). See links below.
Conclusion Bikepacking Tasmania
Tasmania is covered in hills and the Northwest is both hilly and extremely remote. All options involve hills and sometime extremely steep hills. Plus expect to be off the grid for a few days when you are up in the lake district (no cell coverage for 2 days).
I explored a few places off the main routes but a bikepacker bicycle is a bit too heavy for major single-track exploring and the options are simply too plentiful. A car is needed to explore the island properly.
Do your homework. Don’t be like me!
image profile goes here…
See Maps & Facts for the Daily Travel Outline, gear suggestions & more.
Download the tasmania-cycle-east GPS Tracks
Download the tasmania-cycle-north GPS Tracks.
Download the tasmania-cycle-center South GPS Tracks.
Download my modified Tasman Trail GPS Track going North.
Download my modified Tasman Trail GPS Track going South.
Download Taz_my_waypoints for your GPS software.
See all my Tracks
Watch more 3 minute videos.
Worldwide Waypoints LLC , the parent site.