The best road cycling routes in Dial Range Regional Reserve

Road cycling in Dial Range Regional Reserve primarily involves undulating terrain on sealed access roads and coastal paths. You'll encounter gradual climbs that lead to rewarding vistas, with elevation changes ranging from moderate to more challenging ascents. The routes offer a mix of coastal views and passages through diverse forest types, including wet eucalypt and stringybark forests.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Goat Island access point – Penguin Beach loop from Penguin Miniature Railway Station offer a significant test. This route spans nearly 80 km with over 900 meters of elevation gain, providing a demanding ride through coastal and inland sections.

While direct road access to the highest peaks might be limited, road cyclists on the access roads can enjoy panoramic views across the southern Dial Range, the countryside from Penguin to Devonport, and out to Mount Roland. The distinctive silhouette of Mount Gnomon is a notable landmark. You can also approach areas like Ferndene State Reserve, known for its scenic fern glade and historical mining tunnels like Thorsbys Tunnel, via paved roads.

The best time for road cycling in Dial Range Regional Reserve is generally during the warmer, drier months, typically spring through autumn. This period offers more stable weather conditions and allows for better enjoyment of the scenic landscapes. Spring also brings the heathlands into bloom, adding vibrant color to the scenery.

While the Dial Range itself features undulating terrain, some of the shorter, moderate coastal loops originating from Penguin can be suitable for families with older children or those comfortable with moderate distances and elevation. For example, the Midway Beach – Preservation Bay Beach loop from Penguin is a moderate 22.6 km path that offers a shorter ride along the coastline.

Parking is generally available at key access points and trailheads around the Dial Range Regional Reserve. For instance, the Mount Gnomon carpark area, accessible via Ironcliffe Road, has seen upgrades including sealing, making it a suitable starting point for exploring the area. Many routes also start from coastal towns like Penguin, where public parking is available.

As you cycle through the Dial Range, you'll observe a rich variety of natural features. The geology includes diverse rock types like volcanic, dolerite, conglomerate, and sandstone. The vegetation transitions from wet eucalypt forests with tall swamp gums and blackwood trees in damper areas, to stringybark and black peppermint forests on drier slopes. In spring, you might also see colorful heathlands.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in the Dial Range Regional Reserve are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the moderate Goat Island access point – Midway Beach loop from Penguin, which covers nearly 50 km, and the shorter Preservation Bay Beach – Midway Beach loop from Penguin Miniature Railway Station, a 30 km option.

Road cycling routes in Dial Range Regional Reserve vary in length and duration. You can find shorter, moderate rides around 20-30 km, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, such as the Midway Beach – Preservation Bay Beach loop from Penguin. Longer, more challenging routes can extend up to 80 km, requiring 3-4 hours or more to complete, like the Goat Island access point – Penguin Beach loop from Penguin Miniature Railway Station.

While road cycling, you'll be passing through natural environments where wildlife is present. Keep an eye out for various bird species in the forests and coastal areas. Depending on the time of day and your route, you might also spot wallabies, pademelons, or other native animals, especially in quieter sections away from developed areas.

While many routes are on sealed access roads, it's advisable to check specific route details. Some sections, particularly further into the reserve on roads like Ironcliffe Road, may transition to unsealed surfaces. Being prepared for varied road conditions, even on routes labeled for road cycling, is recommended.

For comprehensive information about the Dial Range Regional Reserve, including details on its management and infrastructure projects, you can visit the official Parks Tasmania website. Specifically, you can find general information at parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/dial-range-reserves.