This route is rideable all year long.
“Easy, smeasy” says Gravel Girl. We rarely document a ride that is this easy, but it is so shockingly beautiful it deserved to be added. Besides, if you happen to be visiting Tasmania, this is a great first ride . . . just to test out your bike and shake out your legs.
The ride starts in the town of Fern Tree (Hobart) across from the Fern Tree Tavern. Ride on Huon Rd (B64) uphill a smidge and then find the start for bikes (the trail without stairs!) The signs will point you to Pipeline Track.
Now get ready for fern trees … they have quite a collection. Ride through a mossy, vibrant, green forest on a gravel road / double track trail that gradually climbs to the Wellington Falls trail head. On your way you will have beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.
We recommend going past the Wellington Falls trail head until you hit the gate (just to add more views of Cathedral Rock and Montague Thumbs). Turn around, ride back to the trail head, and lock your bikes at the bike rack and do the hike.
The sign says 40 min hiking each way. We managed this in mountain biking shoes and they were spot on for the timing. The hike was relatively easy in bike shoes, with the exception of the last 5 min. You will encounter some stone steps which require a bit more prudence.
This is an out and back hike, so once at the falls turn around and return down the way you came.
On the way back in on the bike, be careful with the speeds, as it is a gradual descent of 1 to 2% and there are lots of runners and walkers who use this road as well.
When done, make sure to visit the Fern Tree Tavern. They have a cheeky sense of humor. “When I seek enlightenment, I listen to Buddha, when I seek interesting frothies and a game of pool I visit Leanne and Dave’s Fern Tree Tav” His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.
We happened upon this route from the Tassie Trails website. We recommend that you take a look at their write up also.
A small car park on the right (west) side of Huon Rd / B64 just past the turn off to Mt Wellington.
Lat / Long: -42.921230, 147.259592
We recommend a red blinky light with rear looking radar detector (i.e. Garmin Varia)
Have you ridden this route? Got a question? Join the discussion!