The best traffic-free bike rides around Hobart

This guide features 8 carefully selected traffic-free routes around Hobart, ranging from easy to difficult. These routes are designed to help you explore the region's diverse landscapes without the disturbance of vehicle traffic.

Hobart's gravel trails offer a fantastic variety of terrain. You can expect everything from smooth, well-maintained gravel paths along the Derwent River to more rugged, unsealed forestry tracks and fire trails on the slopes of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Some routes might include sections of singletrack suitable for gravel bikes, traversing through lush forests and ancient dolerite scree slopes.

Yes, Hobart offers several options suitable for families. The Cedar River Trail, for example, provides a generally flat and accessible experience. For a more urban-connected option, the Hobart Rivulet Track is a convenient gravel and sealed path extending from South Hobart into the city, perfect for a relaxed family ride.

The best time for gravel biking in Hobart is generally during the warmer, drier months from **spring to autumn (September to May)**. This period offers more predictable weather, less mud on trails, and comfortable temperatures for riding. While winter riding is possible, some higher elevation trails on Kunanyi/Mount Wellington might be colder or wetter.

Absolutely! Many traffic-free gravel routes around Hobart offer stunning views. Trails on Kunanyi/Mount Wellington provide panoramic vistas of Hobart, the Derwent River, and the southern Tasmanian landscape. The Derwent River foreshore routes offer scenic river views, and areas like Queens Domain provide elevated bushland perspectives. You might also encounter natural features like the ancient forests on Mount Wellington or the unique geology of the Tasman Peninsula on more adventurous rides.

While riding traffic-free gravel trails, you can connect to several interesting spots. The Derwent River routes can lead you past the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens or the Glenorchy Art & Sculpture Park (GASP). The Hobart Rivulet Track passes the historic Cascade Brewery. For more natural attractions, consider routes that offer views towards the Tasman Peninsula with its dramatic sea cliffs, or explore areas near Mount Field National Park, home to Russell Falls and ancient forests.

The trails in this guide cater to a range of abilities. You'll find 3 easy routes perfect for beginners or a relaxed ride, 4 moderate routes offering a good challenge, and 1 difficult route for experienced gravel bikers seeking a more demanding adventure. This variety ensures there's something for everyone, from gentle riverside paths to more technical mountain trails.

Yes, several circular routes are available to ensure you end up where you started. For instance, the Cedar River – Cedar River Trail loop offers a moderate 32 km ride. Another option is the Cedar River – Cedar River Trail loop from Landsburg Reach Natural Area, providing a 20 km moderate loop. These loops allow you to enjoy the scenery without retracing your steps.

The komoot community highly rates the outdoor experiences around Hobart, with an average score of 4.3 stars from 23 ratings. Riders often praise the stunning natural beauty, the variety of terrain, and the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes away from traffic, especially the rewarding views from higher elevations.

For those seeking multi-day adventures, Hobart serves as a gateway to longer gravel routes. The Tasmanian Trail, a 500-kilometer multi-use route, offers extensive gravel sections connecting small villages via forestry roads. Other challenging options include the Derwent Valley & Styx Valley Loop or the Hartz Mountain Loop, which can be explored as demanding day trips or part of longer bikepacking adventures.

While some trails, particularly those closer to the city like the Hobart Rivulet Track or sections of the Intercity Cycleway along the Derwent River, might be accessible via public transport connections, many of the more remote gravel trails on Kunanyi/Mount Wellington or further afield may require personal transport to reach their trailheads. It's advisable to check local bus routes and schedules for specific starting points.