Mt Wellington, TASMANIA
Airing Date: Dec 27th, 2004
Mt Wellington, located just near Hobart in Tasmania, is a top spot for a bike ride. Once you've reached the top of the mountain, the only way is down! Island Cycle Tours run trips which include getting you to the top to start with.
At 1270 metres above sea level, the temperature is a lot cooler on top of the mountain, but the view is amazing. You can see almost the whole of Southern Tasmania, the Derwent River and all the way up Derwent Valley over to the East Coast. On a clear day you can even look out as far as Freycinet, Port Arthur and the whole of the South West as well.
Before you take off on your ride, you'll be given a safety briefing and the bikes will be properly inspected. Island Cycle tours will allocate the most appropriate bike for you and kit you out with helmet, gloves and jackets in preparation for your journey.
Throughout your ride your guide will inform you of points of interest, such as the changing forests. A bushfire in 1967 swept across the mountains and the trees, which have regrown since then, changing the forest to alpine terrain.
You'll also see the site where the hotel burnt down, now a popular picnic area for bush walkers. Further down the winding roads, you'll have the opportunity to take your bike off-road at the Bracken Lane turn off, or continue on the smoother road route.
The Island Cycle Tours operates daily on demand with departures at 9.30 am and 1.30 pm. The ride takes approximately three hours and the distance travelled is around 20 kilometres. You can be picked up from a selected number of hotels in Hobart, and drop offs can be arranged if required. The tour cost includes the 24 speed mountain bike, helmet, polar fleece jacket, rain jacket, gloves and snack food.
After all that cycling the tour finishes at Salamanca Place, where you can treat yourself to a cold beer and enjoy the views of the Mt Wellington in the distance.
The facts
A three hour ride costs around $55 dollars for adults and $45 for children. This includes snacks and gear.
Island Cycle Tours
Tel: 1300 880 334
Stay at the Leisure Inns Hobart Macquarie. Rooms start from $95 a night. Includes use of pool and sauna facilities. Free parking available.
Leisure Inns Hobart Macquarie
Tel: 1800 060 954
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 27/12/04
