The Definitive Guide to Hobart's Best Road Cycling
Hobart offers some of the most spectacular road cycling in Australia. From the magnificent summit of kunanyi (Mount Wellington) to the stunning coastal roads of the Tasman Peninsula, our city combines challenging climbs with breathtaking scenery that makes every kilometre memorable. Tasmania's cycling routes offer a unique combination of mountain, coastal, and rural riding all within reach of the capital. At Caffeine and Cranks, we spend most of our mornings on these exact roads, testing our designs in the unique conditions that make Tasmanian cycling special.
Whether you are a local looking for a new loop or visiting from the mainland, here is our tactical guide to the top 5 road cycling routes in Hobart, including distances, difficulty, and highly rated coffee stops to reward your efforts.
1. Mount Wellington (kunanyi) Summit
This is the ultimate Australian climb. Rising 1,270 metres above Hobart, kunanyi offers a 21km continuous ascent from the waterfront to the summit, with spectacular views across southern Tasmania that make every pedal stroke worth it.
The Stats: Approx 40km-50km return | Difficulty: Extreme
Directions: Start at Sandy Bay or the Hobart waterfront. Follow Davey Street to the base, then ascend via Huon Road or the more direct Strickland Avenue route. Continue to the summit via Pinnacle Road. The descent is the same route.
Key Challenge: 21km of continuous climbing. The altitude gain is significant, and the temperature at the summit can be 10 degrees cooler than the city. It is a genuine mountaintop experience.
The Gear: Alpine conditions demand the best. We recommend our Core Gilet for the summit, providing essential wind protection for the cold descent and temperature variations between city and summit. Learn more about layering for variable mountain conditions.
The Coffee: Jackman & McRoss Battery Point (Google rating 4.4). Highly rated for its exceptional coffee and baked goods, this café is the perfect recovery spot after summiting kunanyi.
2. Channel Highway to Kingston Loop
The Channel Highway offers some of Hobart's most scenic riding. Following the Derwent River's western shore, this route combines water views, rolling terrain, and the charming seaside town of Kingston.
The Stats: Approx 35km-45km | Difficulty: Moderate
Directions: Start at the Hobart waterfront. Cross the Tasman Bridge, head south along the Channel Highway through Taroona, Kingston, and Blackmans Bay. Return via the same route or explore the inland roads through Margate.
Key Challenge: Rolling terrain. The road constantly pitches up and down along the coastline, making it impossible to settle into a rhythm and testing your power across varied gradients.
The Gear: For rolling coastal routes, our Core Jerseys offer the perfect balance of breathability and protection from coastal breezes. Explore our guide to choosing cycling jerseys.
The Coffee: Pigeon Whole Bakers Kingston (Google rating 4.6). Known for its excellent coffee and artisan baked goods, it is the perfect turnaround point before heading back to the city.
3. Huon Valley Loop
This route takes you south through the stunning Huon Valley, offering a mix of riverside riding, rolling hills, and some of Tasmania's most beautiful rural scenery.
The Stats: Approx 80km-100km | Difficulty: Hard
Directions: Start at Kingston or head straight to Huonville. Follow the Channel Highway south through the Huon Valley, looping through Cygnet, Franklin, or Geeveston before returning. The route offers continuous rolling terrain with some challenging climbs.
Key Challenge: Accumulated elevation gain. The Huon Valley is deceptively hilly, and the accumulated climbing over the course of the ride will test even the strongest riders.
The Gear: Extended rides demand elite comfort. We recommend our Pinnacle Bib Shorts for the Huon Valley, featuring premium compression for sustained efforts across the rolling southern roads. Understanding saddle comfort is crucial for longer rides.
The Coffee: Several cafes in Cygnet and surrounding towns offer refreshments for cyclists exploring the Huon Valley.
4. Tasman Peninsula Coastal Adventure
The Tasman Peninsula offers world-class coastal scenery. This extended route takes you to Eaglehawk Neck and beyond, with dramatic sea cliffs, historic sites, and some of Tasmania's most spectacular views.
The Stats: Approx 100km-120km | Difficulty: Hard to Extreme
Directions: Start at Sorell or head straight down the Arthur Highway to Eaglehawk Neck. Continue to Port Arthur if you have the legs, with the Tessellated Pavement and Blowhole at Eaglehawk Neck marking key points. The return leg includes some testing climbs.
Key Challenge: Distance and remote location. This is a long day in the saddle, and services are limited once you pass Eaglehawk Neck. The exposure to the weather elements adds to the challenge.
The Gear: Remote coastal conditions demand versatility. Our Core Gilet is essential for the Tasman Peninsula, providing wind protection on exposed coastal sections.
The Coffee: Doo-Lishus Eaglehawk Neck (TripAdvisor rating 4.4). Known for its cyclist-friendly atmosphere and quality coffee, it is the perfect mid-ride stop before tackling the peninsula.
5. Derwent Valley Explorer
For riders who want varied terrain without the full kunanyi commitment, the Derwent Valley offers excellent riding through hop fields, riverside paths, and historic villages north of Hobart.
The Stats: Approx 60km-80km | Difficulty: Moderate
Directions: Start at New Norfolk or head north from Hobart via the Lyell Highway. Explore the valley through the hop fields and riverside roads, looping through Boyer, Bushy Park, or Glenora before returning. The route offers gentle rolling terrain with stunning rural views.
Key Challenge: Variable weather. The valley can funnel winds and create microclimates, requiring adaptability to changing conditions.
The Gear: Variable valley conditions demand proper layering. Our Core Baselayers help manage temperature variations during the Derwent Valley exploration. Learn about baselayer essentials.
The Coffee: The Possum Shed New Norfolk (TripAdvisor rating 4.6). Highly rated for its excellent coffee and cyclist-friendly service, it is the traditional recovery spot for Derwent Valley cyclists.
Ride Hobart with Confidence
Hobart's roads are best enjoyed in gear that is built for the challenge. Whether you are summiting kunanyi or exploring the Tasman Peninsula, focus on kit that provides the technical support you need for Tasmania's variable conditions. Explore our complete guides on cycling apparel essentials and layering strategies.
Looking for more Australian cycling routes? Check out our guides for Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
We would love to see you out there - tag us in your ride photos on Instagram @caffeineandcranks.
Ready to upgrade your riding experience? Shop our full range of technical cycling apparel and build your perfect Hobart kit today.
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