We all know and love Tasmania for its fresh produce and there are plenty of places to experience Tassie’s finest foods by bike. Here are just two of many rides you can do if you’re based out of Launceston or Deloraine – enjoy!
Whitehill Wineries Loop
35.4km return and 375m elevation. See map here.
Popular with locals, this 35.4km loop will take you on a journey around beautiful farmland and wineries. Tip: book ahead for lunch at Josef Chromy’s. You won’t be sorry.
This nice little ride starts at Brickfields Park, but you can start anywhere from the centre of Launceston. You will pass several bike shops and cafes at the start of the ride, so if you need to grab a coffee or any parts for your bike before you leave, this is a good opportunity. After just 10km of riding, you will find yourself in the country and surrounded by green farmland.
It is a gentle, peaceful roll with just a slight but steady ascent up the White Hills. The views from the top are picturesque, and the steep descent is exhilarating. When you turn right onto Relbia Road you'll soon be at the famous Josef Chromy vineyard.
The Josef Chromy cellar door and restaurant are located in the estate’s original homestead, and surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens. Take in the views over the vineyard, winery and lake, while you taste fine cool climate wines and sample fresh Tasmanian cheeses. Wines include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer. A vintage sparkling and Botrytis Riesling round out the range, and everything is estate-grown. From 11.45am, you can enjoy a gourmet meal in the restaurant, or order a platter and eat on the terrace (there are heaters if it is cold and a wood fire inside).
With a full tummy, keep following Relbia Road until you find yourself back in Launceston.
Deloraine Under the Western Tiers
33.7km return and 283m elevation. See map here.
Take this scenic loop out of the popular heritage and crafts destination of Deloraine, to enjoy local gourmet farm products and gorgeous countryside, with Quamby Bluff and the Western Tiers looming in the background. (Side note; there is so much to see in this area so if you have time, check out some of the walks to truly experience the Western Tiers.)
Start your ride at the Deloraine Train Park on the bike path that passes along the banks of the Meander River. After threading your way through the caravan park and up a suburban street, turn left onto Emu Bay Rd.
Turn left at the roundabout onto Mole Creek Road, and you are suddenly in the welcoming Tasmanian countryside. After turning left onto Montana Road, you will pass a few farms which are switching away from the region's traditional sheep and dairy industries to new food products for new markets. Here, you can enjoy wine tasting at Three Willows Vineyard, and pick up some freeze dried snacks and instant meals (great if you’re bikepacking or camping) at Forager Foods factory outlet.
Next stop is 41 Degrees South Salmon Tasmania, where you can taste fresh Tasmanian salmon and ginseng products. You can have coffee and even a meal in the restaurant or buy supplies for later. Self-guided tours of the hatchery are available, as well as guided tours (best to book ahead for these).
At this point you have a couple of different route options. You can choose to turn left onto Longridge Road (C166) for a short cut (note this is on unsealed, but sound, roads) and there is a nice spot for lunch on the riverbanks along this route. Where we turn left onto Cheshunt Road you can instead choose to turn right and then left onto Sandy Lane to visit the little village of Meander.
Our chosen route turns left at Cheshunt Road and heads back towards Deloraine. After the Showground, move left into the riverside park and take the little footbridge over the river to return to your starting point along the peaceful bike path.
Thanks to Bicycle Network Tasmania
Ride With GPS Ambassador