The best cycling routes in Mount Direction Conservation Area
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829
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Touring cycling in Mount Direction Conservation Area offers accessible routes primarily around the Risdon Brook Dam, which features a mostly flat circuit with gentle climbs. The area is characterized by bushland views and proximity to the Derwent River. While the Mount Direction peak itself is more suited for hiking, the surrounding region provides varied terrain for cyclists, including paved and some gravel sections.
Best touring cycling routes in Mount Direction Conservation Area
- The most popular touring cycling route is Tasman…
Last updated: May 13, 2026
4.0
(1)
40
riders
62.2km
03:38
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
69
riders
18.9km
01:07
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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15
riders
63.3km
04:08
800m
800m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
102km
06:17
930m
930m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Tasman Bridge is the city’s main link between the eastern and western shores. Opened in 1965, the bridge includes pedestrian walkways on both sides running directly beside traffic lanes. Walking across feels exposed and noisy, but the elevation gives wide views over the river, Hobart skyline, and surrounding hills. The bridge is also closely tied to Hobart’s history following the 1975 Tasman Bridge disaster, when a cargo ship collision caused part of the bridge to collapse and temporarily split the city in two.
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The Cascades Female Factory is the most significant site in Australia linked to female convicts, offering insight into a part of history that’s often overlooked. Set along the Hobart Rivulet Track, the preserved yards and ruins help explain how women and children lived here during the colonial period. It’s one of eleven locations included in the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage listing. Entry to the site requires a ticket, with interpretive displays and facilities available on site.
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Beautiful track, plus the resident platypus is to be seen
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Ryan was super helpful. Easy to book online. The gravel bike was an awesome bike. located a short walk from the dock. https://www.hobartbikehire.com.au/
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Hotel where famed arctic explorer Roald Amundsen stayed when he returned to Hobart. Also frequented by Errol Flynn.
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From this spot you can see 6 different outdoor stores, ranging from hardcore mountaineering suppliers to more casual clothing stores. Kathmandu, Macpac, Paddy Pallin and the local hero; Mountain Creek Outdoors are all within mere metres of this intersection, meaning that you can easily repair or replace any of your camping gear in this spot. A real boon for the bikepacker or bike tourer!
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The Cascades Female Factory opened in 1828 taking over the premises of a failed brewery in the foothills of Mount Wellington, and operated until 1856. Convicts were marched from the docks in Hobart to the prison in full view of free citizens -- who could taunt and ridicule the women as they passed -- as a form of humiliation. Once inside, women spent their days washing endless amounts of linen, sewing uniforms, and unravelling tarred lengths of rope to be resold to the shipyards -- among other exhaustive tasks -- until they were considered reformed enough to be hired out as maids or nannies to free citizens. Described as a dark, damp, bitterly cold place, where women suffered needlessly and infants (most of whom were conceived during work releases) died from malnutrition and neglect, the Cascades Female Factory now serves to educate the public about its tragic history and the horrific abuse that convicts endured.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Mount Direction Conservation Area?
There are over 35 touring cycling routes available in and around the Mount Direction Conservation Area, catering to various skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes over 800 times.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the routes here?
The routes in Mount Direction Conservation Area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 24 reviews. Cyclists often praise the blend of bushland views, reservoir circuits, and the accessibility of routes like the Risdon Brook Dam Circuit for a relaxing ride.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, the area offers several easy touring cycling routes. A prime example is the 4.3 km circuit around Risdon Brook Dam, which is mostly flat with gentle climbs, making it ideal for families and casual cyclists. Overall, 11 easy routes are available in the region.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the touring cycling routes?
You can expect a mix of terrain. While the Risdon Brook Dam Circuit features mostly paved surfaces with some gravel sections, other routes in the broader Mount Direction area can include sealed roads and more challenging sections with significant elevation changes, especially on longer loops extending beyond the immediate conservation area.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops. The Outdoor Supplies Intersection – Bury Me Standing (Closed) loop from Florence Heights is an easy 9.6 km option, while the Queen's Domain – Cascades Female Factory loop from Glenorchy offers a more challenging 63.3 km ride.
Can I spot wildlife while cycling in Mount Direction Conservation Area?
Yes, the conservation area is known for its native wildlife. While cycling, particularly on quieter sections or early in the morning, you might spot Bennett's Wallabies, especially along the Mount Direction Track area, offering a chance for nature observation.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints along the touring cycling routes?
While the Mount Direction Track itself offers spectacular panoramic views from its summit (more suited for hiking), many touring routes provide bush views around the perimeter of the Risdon Brook Dam. Longer routes extending towards Hobart may offer glimpses of the Derwent River and surrounding landscapes.
Is there parking available for touring cyclists?
Yes, there are facilities for parking. For instance, at Risdon Brook Dam, there is a dedicated car park with amenities, making it a convenient starting point for the circuit ride. Access to the Mount Direction Conservation Area is generally good via the East Derwent Highway.
How can I reach Mount Direction Conservation Area using public transport?
The Mount Direction Conservation Area is approximately 12 km from the center of Hobart, making it easily accessible by car. While direct public transport options to the immediate conservation area might be limited, you can check local bus services that operate in the broader Hobart area and plan your cycling route from a nearby stop.
When is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Mount Direction Conservation Area?
The Mount Direction Conservation Area can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant cycling conditions with mild temperatures and less extreme weather. Summer can be warm, and winter can be cooler, but the relatively sheltered nature of routes like the Risdon Brook Dam Circuit makes them enjoyable in most seasons.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the touring cycling routes?
While the immediate Mount Direction Conservation Area is primarily natural bushland, its proximity to Hobart means you're never far from amenities. You can find cafes, pubs, and accommodation options in nearby suburbs and in Hobart itself, making it easy to combine your ride with a meal or an overnight stay.
Are there any permits required for cycling in the Mount Direction Conservation Area?
Generally, no specific permits are required for touring cycling on the established trails within the Mount Direction Conservation Area, such as the Risdon Brook Dam Circuit. However, for specific information regarding any potential changes or restrictions, it's always advisable to check the Clarence City Council's official website, for example, for the Risdon Brook Park Circuit.
Most popular routes in Mount Direction Conservation Area
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