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Region:

Nth Tasmania 

Length:

176 km 

Duration:

2.5 hrs 

Submitted By:

MC Rider 

Ride Summary

One of the reasons many people enjoy riding is the choice to either mix and mingle on road trips, or go it solo. If you are in the mood for some ‘me time’, here’s the ride for you.

Ride Description

It’s approximately 176 km, starting in Exeter and ending in Bridport. The biggest attraction is the relative seclusion along big chunks of the route. In addition, when you feel hungry, there are numerous out of the way eateries where one can enjoy seafood caught daily by one of the many fishing vessels in Northern Tasmanian waters.

Much of the roads and areas along the coast are still relatively undeveloped and the unspoiled terrain reminds one that these places are becoming extinct much too quickly. Just to roam among the sparsely used trails and roadways, drinking in the silence is a balm for the soul. This route covers one of those rare areas where you can feel the solitude we all crave from time to time. There is very little traffic, few people to distract you, and the weather is usually good.

Directions

From the Devonport ferry, turn left then left again toward Port Sorrell. Follow Frankford Road down to Harford, then on to Exeter where this ride really begins. There is a side trip you can take up to Low Head (where you can watch the tide come in) which is worth the effort. Retrace the route back to Frankford Road, and just past the Bell Bay turnoff, turn east onto the Bridport road.

You can follow the many (mostly) gravel trails leading off the road and back again all the way out to Anson’s Bay or even as far as the Eddystone Point Lighthouse. Then back to Gladstone for tarred roads again to head south, or more gravel down past the Bay of Fires to St Helens. If you prefer to stay off the gravel, take the right turn to Scottsdale and take the Tasman Highway where you’ll find the Weldeborough Pub. Continue south to Bridport.


View TAS – Devonport to Bridport in a larger map
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Best Thing About This Ride

This ride combines the opportunity to explore some still pristine coastline before it goes the way of the dinosaur. One has relative solitude plus the opportunity to explore the out of the way shops, eateries, and scenery. The availability of fresh seafood, and accommodations (near the Tamar and even up on the coast) are a big plus.

What Else To Look Out For

You won’t find much in the way of fuel and supplies along this route but these are all available in Bridport). Note of warning: If you take the side trip to Low Head, don’t get lost in reverie and get caught in the incoming tide.