If you’re a new visitor to Hobart, these two rides are a great introduction to the Tassie capital. Both routes take you gently around Hobart’s more well-known locations including Battery Point, Sandy Bay and the Cascade Brewery.
Sandy Bay Riverside Roll
20.9km return loop and 211.5m elevation. View map here.
Start in picturesque Sullivans Cove with a left turn along the shared pathway and past the historic bondstores of Salamanca Place. If it is Saturday morning, you can stop and visit the best arts and crafts market in Australia. On your left you'll see the cutting edge Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, and then the Australian Antarctic Division. Thread through a carpark to the A J White Park, featuring marine themed art installations. Turn up Finlay Street, and meander through well-preserved historic Battery Point, passing the old Muirs boatyard and the tiny Mariner's Cottage (currently not open for visitors).
Now you will descend Napoleon St (be careful - it's steep!) and arrive at relaxed Marieville Esplanade beach, where locals walk their dogs and kayakers set out for a paddle on the river.
After a short section of quiet on-road riding, veer right through the park onto the shared path along Sandy Bay Rd. Soon you will be passing Wrest Point Casino and discovering the old boathouses on Little Sandy Bay beach. Here you can shift onto the painted bike lane on the road - note that the speed limit along here is 50kph. It is legal to ride on the footpath here if you prefer, but remember pedestrians have priority.
A little further along, turn left for a scenic detour around Lower Sandy Bay park and playground, to bask in the beachside culture. This is a good spot for a swim or a short walk out to Blinking Billy Point at the other end of the beach. Charles Darwin visited here in 1836.
The next stretch of about 4.5km takes you past the Truganini Reserve, named after Truganini, who was famous as possibly the last full-blood Tasmanian Aborigines. You could stop here and enjoy a short walk in the bush. Before long you have arrived at the friendly Picnic Basket Cafe, ready to enjoy their excellent coffee and yummy menu!
On the way back we suggest a couple of variations from the route you came on. At Lower Sandy Bay, you can take the short route directly through the busy shopping precinct. When you reach Battery Point, take the gentle option up Bath Street. Highlights in this section are the quiet historic cottages along Hampden Rd (there are great cafes here too!) and a twirl around much-loved little Arthur Circus.
The ride returns to Salamanca Place and crosses over Castray Esplanade, back to the shared path on the river side, to return to your starting point.
Destination: Cascade Brewery
9.6km return loop and 128m elevation. View map here.
Your starting point is Brooke St Pier, in Hobart's charming Sullivan's Cove. There is a bike hire shop nearby if you did not bring your bike with you. Turn right on the shared path along Morrison Street, and soon after turn up into Elizabeth Street. This takes you past some of Hobart's beautiful Georgian sandstone buildings. You can ride through the Bus Mall, but we recommend that you dismount and walk through the Elizabeth Street shopping mall, especially during business hours when it can be busy. Of course, this is a nice shopping opportunity!
You will reach Collins Street via usually quiet city streets (no bikelanes yet, sorry!), and then carefully cross busy Molle Street. You will now reach the tranquil trail alongside Hobart Rivulet. This is a popular spot for quiet walks and a quick lunchtime break for city workers but at the same time, it’s so peaceful that it’s hard to believe you’re in a city park.
Arriving in Degraves Street in South Hobart, you will see the infamous Female Factory on the right hand side. Hundreds of convict women served long prison sentences here and were assigned on probation as servants to the early settlers (many continuing to suffer heavy deprivations). Take a tour through the site if you can.
Soon you will pass a weir and the lawns of Cascade Gardens. There is a short steep pinch as you exit the gardens and come face to face with the iconic facade of Cascade Brewery, the oldest brewery in Australia (established 1824).
Watching for traffic, cross Cascade Road, enter the carpark and lock up your bikes outside the reception area for the restaurant/bar and for brewery tours (also recommended!).
Thanks to Bicycle Network Tasmania
Ride With GPS Ambassador