The much anticipated new eastern sections of the Coastal Pathway are the latest additions to our self-guided Ambassador routes.
The new pathway sections have been getting locals out riding since they were completed, but for people unfamiliar with the area the Ambassador routes provide easy-to-follow directions and suggestions for stops along the way.
The two rides that have been added can be ridden as one long 100km return route or separated into two rides for a more easy-going weekend out: Turners Beach to Latrobe and Turners Beach to Sulphur Creek.
Turners Beach to Latrobe
The 51km return ride from Turners Beach to Latrobe takes in the best of all worlds with coastal, farmland and riverside views.
It’s mostly on the new Coastal Pathway but includes a few small sections of quiet streets – if you have children you can always ride on the footpath in these sections or dismount when you get to Latrobe and walk along the footpath to your lunch destination.
Both Turners Beach and Latrobe have great lunch options so the ride can be ridden in reverse from Latrobe.
The pathway has a mostly flat gradient but there are a few short steeper sections. It’s all sealed path and 2.5 metres wide, so suitable for all bikes.
A feature along this route is the revamped Forth River railway bridge which has been converted to a shared path bridge. It retains the old rotating mechanism in the middle of the bridge which was used to allow tall vessels to pass, which narrows the path so be careful if you are on a wider bike.
The Don River has a new bridge which has been built as part of the Coastal Pathway and there is the alternative on the return leg of investigating a different path in the Liminilinaturi Reserve and crossing over the little Sawdust Bridge (note you have to ride on a quiet road with no footpath to get back to the Coastal Pathway).
Turners Beach to Sulphur Creek
The 49km Turners Beach to Sulphur Creek route is made up of Coastal Pathway sections with a stretch riding on the Penguin coastal road in the middle.
This is more of a coastal experience, with the path and road running alongside beaches or through coastal reserves for most of the journey.
The path from Turners Beach to Ulverstone is not new but is a great ride through vineyards, farmland and reserves. From Ulverstone there is new path which runs through parks then alongside the road to Penguin out to West Ulverstone.
At Rockliffs Road the path stops and you have to ride on the coast road. Traffic is generally tourists and locals who are used to encountering riders, so it’s fine for teenagers and adults but not for young children.
At Penguin there is a new path between the beach and main road, which conveniently runs right past the Penguin Beer Company for a break/lunch on the return leg.
From Penguin there is a new section of path to Sulphur Creek; an interesting mix of off-road and on-road separated lanes which provides a demonstration of what can be done in space-restricted areas.
This finishes at the old narrow path through to Heybridge so you can turn around here and go back along the same route.
Ambassador routes
Our Ambassador rides are compiled by our volunteer social ride leader Di Elliffe to help people visiting different parts of Tasmania find the more comfortable routes to ride.
You can download the maps and cue sheet that Di has compiled and if you are a Bicycle Network member you can join the Rides Club to download the audio cues.
If you have feedback on any of the Ambassador routes or want to join the Rides Club please email ridestas@bicyclenetwork.com.au