Touring Tassie

While You're Visiting Spoke - Why Not Have A Look Around

Tasmania is one of those rare places where every road feels like it was made for riding. Twisting mountain passes, open coastal runs, rolling farmland, and little towns where the pub meal tastes better because you earned it. It’s a place where you can ride for hours and still be surprised by the view around the next bend. And that’s why the Spoke Motorcycle Festival isn’t just an event — it’s the perfect excuse to make Tasmania part of your next touring adventure.

Image above: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett

Types of Touring in Tassie

If you’ve never ridden here before, you’re in for a treat. Tasmania offers a mix of touring experiences that cater to every kind of rider. Whether you like the steady rhythm of open highways, the technical challenge of tight twisties, or the raw beauty of gravel backroads, the island has it all.

1. Coastal Cruising

Tasmania’s coastline is nothing short of spectacular. From the East Coast’s sunlit beaches and turquoise water to the wild, dramatic cliffs of the West, you’ll find stretches of road that hug the sea so close you can smell the salt spray. The East Coast is a favourite for many — smooth roads, light traffic, and plenty of spots to pull over and take it all in.

2. Wilderness and Adventure Touring

If your bike’s happy on gravel, Tasmania’s backcountry will reward you with some of the most remote, pristine riding you’ll ever experience. Forestry tracks, hydro roads, and winding routes through untouched wilderness are a reminder that adventure is still out there — if you’re willing to go looking for it.

Image: Pete Harmsen

3. Mountain and Highland Riding

Head inland and you’ll find alpine lakes, crisp air, and winding passes that snake through temperate rainforest and rugged hills. The Central Highlands and Western Tiers offer roads that feel like you’ve stepped back in time — no billboards, no crowds, just you and the ride.

4. Pub-to-Pub Social Rides

Some rides aren’t about the distance — they’re about the stops along the way. Tasmania’s country pubs are full of history, character, and locals happy to share a yarn. A pub-to-pub tour is the perfect way to mix a love of riding with the best of Tasmanian hospitality. Or visit our great wineries positioned all over the state or on the East Coast Wine Trail, like Mayfield Estate, the property where the festival is held.

Obviously, drinking and riding responsibly!

Image: Jason Charles Hill

Planning Your Trip

Whether you're going solo or would like some guidance around the island, there are plenty of options.

Start by visiting the Discover Tasmania website to find a list of all Tasmania's great attractions. A whole list of things to do, places to go, where to stay, and ideas for planning your trip. You can even break it down by region as you make your way around this great island.

If you'd like to get off the track a bit and test out your adventure bike, you can check out Ride the Byroads, where Darrel and his team can provide you with GPX files, trip tips, and camping spots along some of Tassie's great off-road rides.

If a guided tour is more your thing, then chat with Ben and Lisa at Tasmanian Motorcycle Tours. You can join one of their tours either on your bike or you can hire a bike from them while you're here. Ben will show you some of Tassie's best-kept secrets and hidden gems. TMT also hires bikes, so you can get some tips from Ben, hire a bike, and follow Ride the Byroads for the best of both worlds.

What To Bring

Tasmania’s beauty comes with one catch — the weather changes fast. You can start the day in sunshine, ride through mist by lunch, and be in sideways rain by afternoon. That’s part of the adventure, but it means your gear needs to be ready for anything.

Riding Gear Essentials:

  • Full-face or adventure style for wind and weather protection.
  • Waterproof, breathable, and layered. Textile is great for touring.
  • Bring a light pair and a waterproof thermal pair.
  • Waterproof touring or adventure boots with ankle protection.

Touring Essentials:

  • Merino or synthetic underlayer for warmth without bulk in the winter months.
  • Even if your jacket is “waterproof,” a packable rain suit is a lifesaver in downpours.
  • Basic tools for chain adjustments, puncture repairs, and roadside fixes. Compact but well-stocked.
  • GPS, phone with offline maps, or old-school paper maps — some remote areas have no reception.

Extras for Tasmania:

  • Summer riding in certain areas can mean march flies and mozzies.
  • The Tassie sun has bite, even on cool days. Make sure you have plenty to drink and sunscreen for off the bike adventures.

Must-Visit Locations

Tasmania might be small on a map, but it’s massive when it comes to riding variety. You can cover a lot of ground in a few days, but it’s worth slowing down to soak it in. Here are some of the standout spots to add to your touring plan:

1. The East Coast

From St Helens to Orford, this stretch is pure riding bliss. Think endless ocean views, white sand beaches, and curves that flow like a good road should. Stop at Bicheno for fresh seafood, take a detour to Freycinet National Park, and if you’re riding in summer, pack your swimmers — the water’s too good to pass up.

2. The West Coast

Wild, remote, and rugged — this is the Tasmania that tests both rider and machine. The roads are more demanding, the weather can turn quick, and the scenery is like nothing else. Strahan, Queenstown, and Zeehan are full of history from the mining days, and the ride between them will stick in your memory for years.

Image: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett

3. Cradle Mountain and the Highlands

It’s one of Tasmania’s most famous landmarks, but Cradle Mountain is more than a photo stop. The approach roads are winding, scenic, and full of wildlife. The Highlands offer lakeside lodges, trout fishing towns, and that alpine feeling that makes a hot coffee taste even better.

4. The Midlands and Heritage Towns

If you love history, the Midlands are a goldmine. Towns like Ross, Oatlands, and Campbell Town are full of sandstone buildings, bakeries, and little antique shops. The riding here is gentler, with open roads and long views over sheep-grazing farmland.

5. The Huon Valley and Far South

From Hobart, head south into apple country. The Huon River winds through rolling hills, small farming towns, and lush orchards. If you keep going, you’ll hit the southernmost roads in Australia — the end of the line before Antarctica.

Image: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service