The best traffic-free bike rides in Mount Direction Conservation Area
4.8
(26)
870
riders
8
rides
Touring cycling in Mount Direction Conservation Area offers a variety of no traffic routes through diverse landscapes. The region is characterized by eucalypt forests, the tranquil waters of Risdon Brook Reservoir, and areas providing panoramic views of Hobart and kunanyi / Mount Wellington. While some areas feature steeper terrain, many routes are designed for accessible cycling, often following reservoir shores or bushland paths.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes in Mount Direction Conservation Area
- The most popular no traffic touring…
Last updated: July 8, 2026
4.8
(10)
40
riders
35.1km
02:14
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
15.7km
01:14
290m
290m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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16
riders
11.7km
00:45
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
15.8km
01:13
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
10.0km
00:49
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Bellerive Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand with long views across the Derwent. Backed by open lawns and close to Bellerive’s village centre, the beach is an easy place to linger and watch sailboats and ferries moving across the river.
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Wentworth Park is a spacious waterfront reserve with open green lawns and views across the River Derwent toward Hobart. There are picnic shelters, barbecues, toilets, and a playground, making it an ideal place to spend time by the water. Its foreshore setting, shaded areas, and easy access to the shoreline make it a popular spot for families and a relaxing break along the trail.
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This lookout is a great spot with a few picnic tables and beautiful sweeping views across South Hobart, Tollmans Hill, Sandy Bay, Hobart CBD, the Derwent River, and the Eastern Shore. Less than a kilometre further up from the Forest Road entrance, it's a great start and end point when exploring this area, with views that are some of the best in the reserve.
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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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Cascade Gardens is a spacious, green park at the base of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, set around the Hobart Rivulet. Wide lawns, mature trees, and the sound of running water make it a calm place to spend time. There are picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, and a playground, with flat, easy paths throughout. It’s one of the more relaxed spots in Hobart, with plenty of space to spread out.
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The Hobart Rivulet Track follows the water upstream from the city towards kunanyi / Mount Wellington, with a steady, mostly gentle incline. It’s a wide, shared path suitable for walking, cycling, and dogs on lead. Along the way, keep an eye on the water for platypus, which are known to live here.
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Beautiful track, plus the resident platypus is to be seen
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Mount Direction Conservation Area?
There are 11 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes available in and around the Mount Direction Conservation Area. These routes are carefully selected to offer a peaceful cycling experience away from vehicular traffic.
Are there easy, family-friendly touring cycling routes in the Mount Direction Conservation Area?
Yes, the area offers several easy routes perfect for families and beginners. Out of the 11 available routes, 7 are classified as easy. These often feature minimal elevation gain and follow accessible paths, such as those around the Risdon Brook Reservoir. A great example is the Bike loop from Lindisfarne, which is an easy 23 km ride.
What kind of landscapes and views can I expect on these no-traffic cycling routes?
The routes wind through diverse landscapes, including peaceful eucalypt forests and areas offering panoramic views. From higher points, you can enjoy spectacular vistas stretching north towards Mount Dromedary and west towards Hobart and kunanyi / Mount Wellington. The Risdon Brook Dam and Reservoir area also provides scenic waterside cycling.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the Mount Direction Conservation Area?
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Tranmere Coastal Reserve – Carella Bushland Reserve loop from Lindisfarne offers a moderate 35 km circular ride, while the Bike loop from Montagu Bay is an easy 6 km option.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Mount Direction Conservation Area?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 24 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the no-traffic routes, the scenic views, and the accessibility of paths, especially around the Risdon Brook Reservoir, making it ideal for a relaxing ride.
Can I spot any wildlife while cycling on these routes?
Yes, the eucalypt forests and natural bushland along the routes are home to native wildlife. Bennett's Wallabies are often spotted along the tracks, offering opportunities for nature observation during your ride.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Mount Direction Conservation Area?
While cycling is enjoyable year-round, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and less extreme weather. Summer can be warm, and winter can be cooler, but the area's accessible routes mean you can often find a good day for a ride regardless of the season.
Are there any cafes or facilities near the no-traffic cycling routes, especially around Risdon Brook Dam?
While the Mount Direction Conservation Area itself is primarily natural bushland, the Risdon Brook Dam carpark serves as a common starting point. For cafes and other facilities, you would typically find options in the nearby suburbs like Risdon Vale or Lindisfarne, which are easily accessible from many of the routes.
Where can I park my car to access the no-traffic cycling routes?
Many routes in the vicinity of Mount Direction Conservation Area, particularly those around Risdon Brook Dam, offer dedicated parking areas. The Risdon Brook Dam carpark is a common and convenient starting point for accessing trails suitable for cycling.
Are there any longer, more challenging no-traffic touring cycling routes available?
Yes, for those seeking a longer ride, there are moderate options available. For example, the Rosny Point Reserve – Tranmere Coastal Reserve loop from Lindwood is a moderate 40 km route with over 280 meters of elevation gain, offering a more extended cycling adventure away from traffic.
Is public transport available to reach the cycling routes in Mount Direction Conservation Area?
Public transport options, primarily bus services, connect Hobart and surrounding suburbs to areas near the Mount Direction Conservation Area, including Risdon Vale. You may need to cycle a short distance from the bus stop to reach specific trailheads, such as the Risdon Brook Dam carpark, but it is a viable option for accessing the routes.
Most popular routes in Mount Direction Conservation Area
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