Hobart to Bruny Island, Maria island & Devonport

After spending quality time in Hobart and Bruny Island, it was time for me to head towards Maria Island.

On my way to Maria Island, I camped at Triabunna to catch the next morning ferry towards the Island.

Collecting my bike and luggage after reaching Darlington Harbour, Maria Island.

All set to explore Maria Island.

First view of Maria Island

The officers at the Information Centre had warned me about the bad condition of the road between French's Farm to Haunted Bay. However, I chose to camp at French's Farm on the first day, and continue towards Haunted Bay the next morning.

Wombat

The way to French’s farm road was very slippery due to heavy raining. Of course, my bike slipped and fell down a couple of times.

After reaching the French’s Farm, I planned to explore more options for camping, and finally headed off to Encampment Cove.

Camping at Encampment Cove with beautiful view.

After camping at Encampment Cove, I explored the beautiful surrounding.

Wombat & Surly

The next day morning, I headed towards the Haunted Bay and considering the suggestion from officials, I took the beach way as an alternative option.

Left or right? Haunted Bay sounds exciting.

Even after taking the proper road, I couldn't ride through it due to too much sand on the road. Not a good condition to pedal with the touring bike.

As I was progressing in my journey, noticed that the road towards Haunted bay was getting more and more narrower.

Finally I reached my destination. Since there was no further road, I started walking towards the Haunted Bay.

Instead of taking the same route on my return ride, I took the 'French's Farm Inland route'. It was a totally different experience.

On my way back to the mainland after the memorable experience in Maria Island.

All set and heading towards Coles Bay.

Beautiful road towards Swansea.

Historical Spiky Bridge before Swansea.

Some locals suggested a short cut towards Coles Bay, where you could ride towards Bagot point via Dolphin sands road. However, for this, either the water level should have been minimal to cross the lagoon, or it could be crossed in a boat.

Unfortunately, the water level was high, and no boat was available for the day. Since I didn't find a safe spot to camp and a good amount of time was left, I rode towards Coles Bay through the normal, yet long route. Before sunset, I managed to reach half way, and found a suitable place under the bridge to camp.

Next day morning, fully packed up and energised to go towards Coles Bay.

Wineglass bay lookout at Freycinet National Park.

Camping at Freycinet National Park.

This can pass off as an oil painting.

On the way to Scamander.

Super market at Scamander.

After reaching St Helens, I rested there for having my lunch and thinking whether to move towards Bay of Fires or to camp at St Helens. In the end, I did some necessary shopping from a nearby market and rode towards Bay of Fires.

One of my favourite camping spots.

Watching sunrise with coffee.

After experiencing Bay of Fire, I came back to St. Helens for moving towards Derby, the place for finest mountain bike trails in Australia. I used the Weldborough route for my Derby journey.

Exploring rainforest with bike.

Love

What I witnessed on my way to Derby was a perfect mix of good lighting and landscape.

Camping at Derby.

From Derby, I headed towards Water conservation. However, rather than taking the conventional road, I took the country side road through Winnaleah. It turned out to be a good choice and I enjoyed the beauty throughout the ride.

There was a diversion to take from main road towards Waterhouse Conservation Area. Hence I took that off road which turned out to be a corrugated one and that took a big amount of time to reach the destination. It was time for camping when I reached the beachside and I settled there for the night.

Camping at Waterhouse Conservation Area.

My next day destination was Lilydale and in the morning I decided to ride via Bright port. Just after Bright port, I took off to Fenry Hill road and reached Lilydale.

Camping at Lilydale.

Batman Bridge, Tamar River.

I couldn't find a free camping sight at Exeter and even the Information Centre confirmed that only paid camping is available. I rested at a park, where camping was prohibited. However, few locals assured that it was alright to camp in the park after sunset. Hence, soon after the sun went down, I installed my tent there.

Locals informed me, this road is not good for cycling due to the frequently racing big trucks on it. Although I rode through it, I was extra cautious during the ride; always going off the road to a safe spot, whenever I would hear the noise of these giant trucks.

At last I have reached Devonport to take the ferry back to Melbourne.

After a wonderful trip along with a lot of amazing experiences in Tasmania, I am now standing again at Melbourne port from where my journey had started.

Marjorie & John hosted me for 6 days in Melbourne and that helped me to explore the Melbourne city in a detailed way, before I came back to India.