Wynyard - Burnie and back

Wynyard, Tasmania, AU

Route Overview

Bicycle Network Tasmania

Discover Tasmania on two wheels

27 mi.
803 ft.

An easy roll along the newly built smooth and safe NorthWest Coastal Pathway, this time from Wynyard to Burnie and back again. Suitable for all ages and abilities.

Route Details

This is another recently built leg on the excellent NorthWest Coastal Pathway- this latest section connects Burnie through to Wynyard. This current route plan chooses Wynyard as a starting point, and takes you eastwards to Burnie for a lunch stop, then back to Wynyard again. Almost all of it is on smooth offroad shared paths, and the short onroad sections are quiet with low traffic. The route is mostly flat but has the odd incline, and is suitable for all bikes and all abilities.

From your starting point in the quiet fishing and holiday-oriented village of Wynyard, make your way to the quiet boardwalk on the bank of the Inglis River, and from there onto the fabulous NorthWest Coastal Pathway. At the Yacht Club you might like to check out the latest exibition at the Watershed Gallery. From here the path runs closely along the shore of Bass Strait. Just as you are about to leave the seaside cottages of Wynyard behind, you'll spot Bruce's Cafe on the right - this is a good place to stop for a late breakfast, brunch or coffee.

The path rolls smoothly along, with holiday houses on one side and nature reserves and the beautiful (and sometimes wild) Bass Strait on the other. An interesting place to stop is Mackenzies Beach, at Doctors Rocks marine Conservation Area.

You'll pass the beaches of Somerset. If in need of bike assistance, Bicycle Centre Burnie is located nearby. Enjoy the brand new biking and walking bridge over the Cam River. You'll pass through Cooee, and around the new northwestern campus of the University of Tasmania.

Soon you're on the boardwalk along the esplanade at Burnie. A good spot for lunch is The Foreshore, right on the beach, for great fish and chips. From here you can check out the shopping in Burnie, or continue your pleasant ride along the Coastal Pathway to investigate to the end of the current pathway, just at the southern entrance to the town. If you need bike assistance, West Beach Cycles is just along here.

When you're ready, just turn around and retrace your ride back to Wynyard.

Links:

Cautions:

This Coastal Pathway generally follows the line of the railway, which is still operational. Riders should keep an eye out for approaching trains, and there are several railway crossings along the path which use awkward chicanes to force riders to slow down and take care.

In the on-road sections of this ride, the traffic is usually quiet. However, even in country towns, be careful as you check to see what the traffic behind you is doing, indicate, and “take the lane” as necessary (this means, move into the centre of the lane to discourage a driver from trying to squeeze past you).

On country roads in Tasmania, the speed limit is 100 km/hr, and there is often no shoulder to "hide" on. Experienced riders ride on the painted lane marking and watch for vehicles coming from behind. Cyclists are permitted to travel two abreast, not more than 1.5 metres apart, but be prepared to go single file when vehicles approach from behind, as a courtesy.

Tasmania has a "minimum passing law". When passing a cyclist, a driver must maintain a safe passing distance of:

  • At least 1.5 metres in speed zones higher than 60 km/h;
  • At least 1 metre in 60 km/h or lower speed zones.

This law applies to all roads, even where there are bicycle lanes. Vehicles are permitted to cross unbroken centre lines to overtake bicycles, if it is safe to do so.

Bright clothing and flashing lights – white on the front, red on the back – are useful to improve your visibility on country roads.

The weather in Tasmania is notoriously changeable, so take another layer with you. Don't forget sunscreen, Tasmania has high UV levels all year round.

How to use:

The route is supported by a printable map and a basic cue sheet. However, we recommend following the map, and your position on it, via GPS, and also using GPS-assisted navigation cues, if you don't want to miss a turn.

The RideWithGPS app is a great tool for this. Download the app, and then search for Bicycle Network Tasmania (using Keywords). Select your desired route.

Feedback?

Please contact ridestas@bicyclenetwork.com.au. Please note that while we have made every effort to ensure accuracy of the maps, the information provided is advisory only. Map users are responsible to watch out for changed conditions and risks from other road users.

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