Gravel Cycling Tours Launceston to Hobart

The Cross Tassie Gravel Adventure is a 7-day, 6-night gravel cycling adventure from Launceston to Hobart, offering 405km of rugged gravel riding with a total elevation of 7360m. Led by ride captain and professional photographer Beardy McBeard, the tour includes iconic climbs like Jacobs Ladder and travels through Tasmania's scenic Central Highlands. Riders will enjoy luxury accommodation, daily breakfasts, top-level dinners, wine tasting and a long lunch at a premier vineyard. Fully supported rides ensure a hassle-free experience, while the Après Vélo lifestyle emphasizes relaxation and camaraderie. Highlights include exploring Tasmania's diverse landscapes, historic towns, and indulging in local culinary delights.

TOUR SNAPSHOT

A true gravel adventure from Launceston to Hobart, off the beaten track, led by ride captain and professional photographer, Beardy McBeard.

Ride the rugged Central Highlands through the heart of Tasmania.

Climb the spectacular switchbacks of Jacobs Ladder, Australia’s most iconic gravel climb.

Luxury and unique accommodation on route; Daily breakfasts; 5 x Top level dinners; Wine tasting & long lunch at one of Tasmania’s finest vineyards.

Fully supported rides.

Daily transfers of all bike bags and luggage.

Embrace the Après Vélo lifestyle in unique homesteads once the wheels stop spinning.

This is a trip for adventure seekers that will create fond memories which will last forever.

Start: Launceston
Finish: Hobart
Duration: 7 days; 6 nights
Theme: Gravel cycling adventure
Total Distance: 405km
Total Elevation: 7360m
Difficulty: 3.5/5

REASONS TO JOIN US

Discover why Tasmania is an incredible and rewarding experience both on and off the bike.
Immerse yourself in the glorious scenery of the Central Highlands as tour guide and professional cycling photographer, Beardy McBeard leads you across the high Alpine Landscapes from Launceston through to Hobart.
Seriously good gravel riding, award winning wine & produce, stunning scenery and varied terrain.
Climb the Iconic Jacobs Ladders with its spectacular series of gravel switchbacks.
Fully supported rides with guides, mechanic, tools and support vehicle.
Amazing and unique accommodation throughout the trip.
Eating and drinking will be amongst the many sensory highlights we will experience as we cycle through Tasmania.
Receive a gallery of lifelong memories from images taken on tour by Beardy McBeard.
Come with your mates or meet some new riders.

SPECTACULAR GRAVEL TOUR!

"Until you see the spectacular countryside and riding that Tasmania has to offer you cannot appreciate the Après Vélo Gravel Bike Tour and all that it entails. So many highlights, so many memories and so many challenges! The riding, the food, the companionship and comradery is what it is all about. With a team like this you cannot go wrong. Take the time to investigate your own experience with Après Vélo, you will not be disappointed. See you on the next one!!!" - Previous Tour Guest

BOOK NOW

THE APRÈS VÉLO CROSS TASSIE GRAVEL ADVENTURE IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE BIKE. IT'S ABOUT THE APRÈS VÉLO LIFESTYLE AND CREATING FOND MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.

🚲 RIDE

You will experience why Tasmania is amongst the greatest cycling destinations in Australia.

🍴 EAT

Eating and drinking will be amongst the many sensory highlights we will experience, including wine tasting and lunch at a renowned vineyard.

🛏 REST

We understand the importance of down time, comfort and peace. It is for this reason that we have selected appropriate and unique accommodation throughout the trip.

↻ REPEAT

Our daily rides will ensure you get to experience all of the beautiful landscapes this Australian cycling mecca has to offer.

JOIN US FOR THE CROSS TASSIE GRAVEL ADVENTURE

ITINERARY

Sunday - LAUNCESTON CATARACT GORGE

Distance: 14km
Elevation: 400m1:00pm roll out to accommodate morning arrivals into Launceston. READ MORE >>

A warm up cruisy ride to get the legs moving and ensure your bike set up is good to go.
We explore the Cataract Gorge and South Esk River via a network of fire trails.

Accommodation: Launceston Grand Chancellor.

Welcome dinner: provided by Après Vélo.

Monday - JACOBS LADDER RIDE

Distance: 102km
Elevation: 1950m

We transfer towards the base of Jacobs Ladder, Australia’s most iconic gravel climb. READ MORE >>

The spectacular gravel switchbacks with the backdrop of sheer dolerite cliffs and panoramic views of the valley below, are a bucket list ride for any cycling enthusiast.

We will ride through the historic Georgian village of Evandale home to the Penny Farthing National Championships.

Embrace the rolling countryside with the Highland Plateau awaiting in the distance.

Accommodation: The luxurious Quamby Estate on 150 acres situated in the stunning Meander Valley

Dinner: Provided by Après Vélo at Quamby Estate.

Tuesday - THE HIGH COUNTRY RIDE

Distance: 89km
Elevation: 1666m

Its time to head into the central highlands taking roads less travelled through the Liffey Conservation Area. READ MORE >>

Also known as The Land of Three Thousand Lakes, the region is home to Lake St Clair and The Great Lake, Australia’s largest freshwater lakes.

We make our way towards the incredible Thousand Lakes Lodge, which was once used for training Antarctic expeditions, so remote and wild is the surrounding ‘moonscape’.

Accommodation: Thousand Lakes Wilderness Lodge – a place like no other.

Dinner: Provided by Après Vélo Thousands Lakes Wilderness Lodge.

Wednesday - THE HYDRO TIME-CAPSULE RIDE

Distance: 88km
Elevation: 974m

Straight onto the gravel towards the Little Pine Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for native birds. READ MORE >>

We traverse Tasmania’s hydro electric past whilst enjoying spectacular scenery along the way.

We ride towards Tarraleah, a beautiful historic village built for the Hydro in the 1930’s and is like a time-capsule in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands.

Accommodation: Tarraleah Lodge, an exclusive luxury lodge nestled in Tasmania’s Central Highlands.

Dinner: Provided by Après Vélo at Tarraleah Lodge.

Thursday - THE VINEYARD RIDE

Distance: 73km
Elevation: 1525m

Riding out of the highlands provides a long descent before arriving in the quaint Town of Ouse on the Derwent River. READ MORE >>

The last 8km of this ride pays homage to Strada Bianchi with sweeping gravel roads through Tuscan like meadows and wine farms which hug the Derwent River. Truly memorable!

Our ride will finish at one of Hobarts finest vineyards for wine tasting, hosted by the owner, who will chat to us about viticulture and the wine business. Thereafter, a long lunch at the vineyard, shouted by Après Vélo.

Body & Bike transfer to Hobart thereafter.

Vineyard Wine Tasting & Lunch: Shouted by Après Vélo.

Accommodation: Lenna of Hobart Hotel - Hobart.

Dinner: Free to do as you please.

Friday - THE HISTORIC PIPELINE TRACK RIDE
Distance: 38km
Elevation: 830m

We will cycle around the edge of Mt Wellington, through the historic pipeline track, meandering beneath the canopy of ancient trees and ferns. READ MORE >>

Explore single tracks weaving through the lush cold climate rainforest.
Waterfalls, Convict sandstone waterways and ferns make this ride truly unforgettable.

Accommodation: Lenna of Hobart Hotel - Hobart.

Dinner: Free to do as you please.

Saturday
Adios to Tasmania. READ MORE >>

Unfortunately your riding adventure through Tasmania's finest has come to an end. What a great opportunity to spend the weekend in Hobart.

The Après Vélo itinerary may be subject to slight route changes, and other modifications subject to circumstances.

PRICES & DATES

Please note that we have limited accommodation space at each hotel. BOOK NOW whilst you can, to reserve your spot.

INCLUSIONS

ACCOMMODATION

Launceston Grand Chancellor – 1 night

Quamby Estate – 1 night

Thousand Lakes Wilderness Lodge – 1 night

Tarraleah Luxury Lodge – 1 night

Lenna of Hobart Hotel – 2 nights

MEALS

Daily breakfasts x 6
Top level Dinners x 4
Wine tasting followed by a long lunch at one of Hobarts finest vineyards.

SUPPORT

Ride support with safety focus paramount. Our resident ride guides will ensure that your rides are truly local and take in many of the roads less traveled. We recognise that no rider is the same and we ensure that no-one is left behind whilst Living the Ride with us in Tassie.
Support van providing mechanical assistance if required.
On road nutrition & hydration support.

TRANSFERS

Daily en route transfers of all bike bags and luggage.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Receive a gallery of lifelong memories with incredible images taken by Beardy McBeard on tour.

GEAR

Complimentary Après Vélo souvenir t-shirt.

NOT INCLUDED

Airfare.
Airport transfers. This can be arranged at an additional cost.
Travel insurance.
Alcohol with dinner.
1 x dinner (Thursday 20th April)
Bike hire (if required). We can arrange for you at an additional cost.
Refreshments at Café stops.
In-room hotel charges.

PRE/POST TOUR ACTIVITIES

Launceston and Hobart offer a contrasting blend of heritage, scenery and culture, with world class activities and attractions nearby. We highly recommend a few extra days on either side of the Tour to discover these charming cities. We can arrange additional accommodation and activities for you if required.

LAUNCESTON

Launceston mixes city and country charms, with heritage streetscapes, a slice of urban wilderness and all the ingredients for a gourmet experience.

Tasmania's second city is one of only two in Australia to be named as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and its Saturday farmers' market is among the best in the nation.

One of the country’s oldest settlements, Launceston is dotted with beautiful city parks along the banks of the North Esk River and River Tamar.

The city’s cultural offerings are wide and diverse including Australia’s largest regional gallery, The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG)

HOBART

Nestled amongst the foothills of Kunanyi / Mt Wellington, Hobart combines heritage charm with a modern lifestyle in a setting of exceptional beauty.

It's no wonder Lonely Planet has called Hobart one of the top ten spots to visit in the world right now.

With its captivating history, picturesque waterways, rugged mountains and gourmet experiences, the city has something for everyone. Things to see and do are plentiful. Here are but a few recommendations once the wheels stop spinning.